Cameras

I was wondering what cameras everyone is using. I have quite a few and I use them for specific types of jobs. I also just picked up a Panasonic Ac-160 and plan to test the 1080p60 shooting mode today to do slowmo.

I have a
Panasonic HVX200 (my workhorse camera)
Canon XH-A1 (a second camera for weddings)
Canon 7D (interviews, wedding reception low light)
Panasonic AC-160 (plan to use for weddings and corporate work)

I will say even though it's my oldest camera I do love my HVX and the fact that it's CCD means I don't have to deal with any rolling shutter type issues with.

What is everyone else using?

I used an HVX-200 for a long time and loved it. We replaced it with the HPX-170 and love it very much. With a pair of 16GB P2 cards we can record forever.

I also have a 7D and don't find it as videography friendly. But for those special short shots we need, I'll use it.

I'd also like to know what audio equipment everyone is using.

@Ben with your HPX-170 do you typically shoot in 1080p or 720pn.

I have 2 32GB cards and have found that for the most part they work great with weddings or other event shoots where I can't offload the cards, but I have to shoot in 720pn mode otherwise I run out of space. I also have a Firestore FS-100 for my hvx as a back up on storage but, I never use it unless the camera is going to be on a tripod.

As for my Audio gear, I use a Rode NTG-2 for my shotgun
and I have 2 Sennheiser wireless Lavs

I typically record right into camera and monitor as I shoot.

I use the HVX200A. On occasion a second original HVX200 and HPX170. Most of the time I shoot 720/24PN. Seldom 1080. Use Audio-Technica AT-875R shotguns on K-Tek poles and Electro-voice dynamic mics in webbed shock mounts for offscreen narrators.
I have actually used a Sony Bloggie 8GB for B-roll a few times...shoots 720p30 and 60 as well as 1080i/30. Pretty amazing especially since it was free from my Bank.

I use an XLH1 as my primary documentary / run-n-gun / ENG camera. I bought a Nanoflash a few years back to extend the life of the XLH1. That camera was built back in 2007 (!) and has never failed or even had a hiccup, not once. The Nanoflash upgraded it to a tapeless workflow, recording XDCAM 50mbs 4:2:2 (or higher if needed) mxf or mov files. The 50mbs mov files work brilliantly with FCPX.

I recently got a GoPro Hero HD with a full range of mounting kits to use for those shots that only a GoPro can get.

I have just bought a Canon T3i to use as a 'B' camera for documentary interviews and cutaways, but the idea is to get to grips with the DSLR workflow so that I can make the transition when its time to retire the XLH1.

I also just bought a Roland R-26, 6 channel field recorder to capture audio when I am using the T3i exclusively (in truth this was essentially funded with the prize I got after winning a documentary competition). The R-26 has more powerful preamps than most other handheld recorders (the R-26 is at about 65% to get the same levels as a Tascam DR-100 at 90%).

Audio is recorded with a Rode NTG2 (usually in a blimp on a boom), or occasionally using a Shure Lav mic.

I had several rigs to mount my FS-100 Firestore to my HVX-200 for hand held shooting. It was great. You just have to watch the cheap, flimsy FW port Panny put on the HVX-200.

BTW, I also produced the video users guide for the FS-100 that Focus Enhancements used (not owned by another company). I'm sure I have a copy around somewhere if you're interested in the advanced features.

For a DSLR, consider a JuiceBox adapter for audio, too.

I was one of the first owners of the original FS-100 from Focus (I did way to many quality control surveys), I am pretty sure they gave me a copy of your video guide when I upgraded to the 3.0 software for my fs-100. I love the FS-100 but the battery is too short, and I decided to buy a PowerBag Jr. for it, but once I purchased a P2 card I will never go back if I don't have to, now I only use the firestore as a backup now for longer shoots.

I will look into Juicebox adapter.

Lets see what I have laying around:
Canon XL1s
Canon XL H1s with AJA KiPro and KiPro mini support.
Canon XF305
Canon XH A1s
Canon T2i
A bunch of GoPro's

double post

Hey Scrubelicious:

Have you any presets for the XLH1 that gets it close to the image of the T21 (or the GoPro) to match them closely in post?

Duel GH2's
FD Primes 24,35,50,85,100,135,200

Hacked up of course!