Welcome to our community

Be a part of something great, join today!

Log in
  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Help me choose a 2nd cam.

Help me choose a 2nd cam.

  • HMC150

    Votes: 1 33.3%

  • HMC40

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • GH-1

    Votes: 2 66.7%
  • Total voters
    3
R

Rick Presas

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 23, 2009
Messages
166
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Ok, so I'm shooting a feature-length film in summer '10

*ideally* Scarlet will be out by then, and if so, thats the cam I'd be going with to shoot it with, but if NOT, then i decided that I would shoot it with the Panny HPX170 that i already own.

I was further thinking that having a 2nd camera on set might cut down our shooting days, but another HPX would not be an option for me at this time.

So I've narrowed it down to three cameras, all Panny's

HMC-150
HMC-40
Gh-1 DSLR

Once transcoded, how well would these match up (aesthetically) with my HPX as a B-cam? Mind you, these cams would mostly be used for fixed shots with little to no camera movement. Which would you reccomend?
 
And what about selling your HPX, and buying 2 Canon 7D ?
Click to expand...
lots of action that the canon might give me jelly on.

and i really love my HPX lol. Though it would have a shallower depth of field, the canon wouldnt be as field friendly or have the effortless post workflow that the HPX gives me. And there's just something about the movement of the 24p that the canon has that just doesnt agree with me.

mind you, i'm aware i'd be giving up all that with my b-cam options as well, but it would just be a b-cam.

Hopefully Scarlet will be released before long and this will all be a non-issue.
 
Last edited:
Why do you have to buy a camera to make a film? How about renting a RED One?

If you are directing, that way you could use your money on a DP with kit.

If you are a DP, you will get nicer footage for your reel.

If you are producing, you get a more sellable product.
 
I am directing, DP'ing AND Producing, in fact lol (don't wish to get in debate over whether a Director should also DP)

Renting is not what i'm looking at doing. but thanks for the feedback.
 
Last edited:
Summer 2010 is a long way off, and I'm sure there will be changes to the camera frontier before then. Why sweat it now. Besides if you are trying to cut down your shooting time by incorporating a second camera, then don't you have bigger fish to fry at this point than worrying about which B camera to use?
 
I'd agree with what David & Martin suggested. Naturally we don't know particulars, whether renting is a easy or viable option -- or what "level" you're operating on, nature of script, polish of production, continuous shooting schedule or "weekends" shoot -- so probably more specific details would get you better advice.
 
all helpful input. thanks guys :)

Summer 2010 is a long way off, and I'm sure there will be changes to the camera frontier before then.
Click to expand...

yeah thats true. I should just wait and see. lol thats not always easy to do with money burning a hole in your pocket haha.
 
Depends what you mean by B-Camera. If you mean something that shoots footage very similar in look to the 170 for use as an alternate angle for the same takes- definitely the 150. If you mean something for b-roll or beauty shots, I'd definitely look into the Canon 7D.

Noah
 
Renting doesn't make sense if your goal is to make 10 movies, not just one. I understand completely where you're coming from Rick.

If I started renting Reds instead of buying 14 months ago, I would have already paid it off through rental. In other words, I now have a free Red and can make 10 movies if I like! :cheers2:
 
Depends what you mean by B-Camera. If you mean something that shoots footage very similar in look to the 170 for use as an alternate angle for the same takes- definitely the 150. If you mean something for b-roll or beauty shots, I'd definitely look into the Canon 7D.
Click to expand...

yes thats exactly what i wanted it for; alternate angles.

The 150 was what came to mind as well, but being the most expensive one, i thought i'd ask for some input on the cheaper options.

But the fact is, i should wait until at least after Nov. 30 when we know a little bit more about seeing some scarlet in our future.

Renting doesn't make sense if your goal is to make 10 movies, not just one. I understand completely where you're coming from Rick.

If I started renting Reds instead of buying 14 months ago, I would have already paid it off through rental. In other words, I now have a free Red and can make 10 movies if I like! :cheers2:
Click to expand...

this is my exact train of thought. owning a camera is more valuable to me than the money i'd save from renting it.
 
The 40 is a bargain but you give up a bit in the deal- the sensor drops from 1/3 to 1/4 inch. That means deeper depth of field, less color fidelity, etc. In other words a wider gap in quality to the 170 next to the 150. But still a good deal. Also greatly depends on what you plan to do with your feature. If it's downloads and direct to DVD- you'll be ok. (Of course good luck selling a low budge indie in this economy unless Bruce Willis stops by for an extended cameo...)

Noah
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top