Stefan Nell

We have recently had the same re-occuring error on several of our HDC 27 E varicams. The camera gives a Tape Slack error. This problem occurs intermitantly. The guys at Panasonic tell me its because the cameras need a service, but we have experienced this problem even after regular service intervals. I am hoping that there are some of you out there that have had the same problems as I am desperately trying to get to the root source of the problem

I have not experienced any recording errors when using the SRW1 deck, well not yet anyway. I have also used this deck on the Sony HDC 950 with no problems. There are numerous factors that could cause this problem as is the case with any digital tape format. Anything from dirt to tape manufacture defects to a knock on the deck during capture or even a dirty connector pin could cause the problem you encountered. Speculation is fruitless, I would trust the explanation you got from the guys at PV. I will look into the problem you experienced and let you know what I find. Hope that your experience did not affect your decision to use the Genesis in the future.

I have recently shot tests on the Varicam for a movie that is currently in production in South Africa. The Movie is destined for cinema release and will be blown up to 35mm. I was surprisingly impressed with the blow up tests and expected there to be a lot more noise, especially in the blue channel, than what I saw on Big screen. I still regard the Panavision HDW F900/3, HDW F900R and HDC 950 as better options for 35mm projection. I have found that the Latitude on the Varicam is not at all comparable to the Sony 900 series cameras, but it does have a different look to the 900's, whether it is better is a matter of opinion. I have found that the best camera to use for blowing to 35mm is obviously the Genesis and following that I have had great success with the Panavision HDW F900/3 using Digital Primos and zooms. Especially the versions with the Hyper Gamma extention Boards as can now be found in the 900R. All that said whichever camera you decide to use, I would recommend shooting extensive tests to predetermine your parameters and post workflow. Good luck with your movie

The Canon HJ11 and HJ21 KLL (cine zoom) Lenses are really fantastic. I have had many DP,s who have commented on how pleasantly surprised they were by the quality and asthetic of these lenses. A good purchase in my opinion.

Hi there Scottie Just to confirm some of the replies to your post. We @ Panavision do supply B4 mounted Digital Primos and Primo Zooms. We have not had any problems regarding these lenses being soft when shooting wide open but I will not dispute anyone else's opinion or experiences on the Digital Primos. Obviosly I am biased but In my opinion the Digital Primo range is superior to other glass available on the rentals market. Shouls you want more info on these lenses please feel free to mail me . stefan@panacamafrica.co.za Stefan Nell Digital Imaging Panacam Africa Panavision South Africa

The HDW900 has so much more latitude than the varicam...this alone should make this a no brainer.

If you are fascinated by war photography and looking for Inspiration....read material on Ken Osterbroek and the other members of the "bang bang club"

In my opinion you should only use HD lenses, why SD?? The best HD lenses are the HJ series canon lenses(well that one can purchase) good combination is HJ11 and HJ21

Thank You so much for the info. I have also found a similar product made by Optex.

Can anyone tell me where to get hold of a Infra Red Lens In B4 Mount. Aplication , shooting Wildlife @ night.

The following is a formula for working out shutter angles (Hz) for HD Cams FPS X 360 = SUBTOTAL / Film Shutter Angle = Hertz Explanation: Take the frame speed you are shooting at and multiply by 360(360 degrees). Then take the Subtotal and divide it by the Film shutter angle you want .The total will give you the (Hz) frequency.