Matt Mouraud

Bill, I see your point. 400 minutes of P2 would cost me over $8000 in cards alone where 400 minutes of HDV would cost about... $100 using the PDVm40 tapes. How in the world could I justify to ANY production company such a difference ?? Is the picture quality difference worth that much ? I seriously doubt it... We field reporters also have to keep the costs controlled, as our security, hotel and meal expenses run sometimes pretty high and don't leave much room for anything else... Like I said, I will use the HVX200 in my next shoot since I will have the capablity of downloading the cards straight onto my laptop...

I'm currently shooting in very harsh and violent environment (in the colombian jungle among other places) and I could not imagine having to deal with cards, redrock and so on. I was very tempted to use an HVX 200 for this job, but the lack of power to download the cards made it impossible. I'm due to shoot another documentary in that same area but in slightly more comfortable conditions, then I'll use the HVX. Right now I'm using the Z1, and although it is packed with tons of annoying bugs, it still does the job great.

Hi guys, a quick update on the shooting. The camera has been performing very well, and I adjusted to it very easily. There are still a few annoying little things, but no big deal. In a totally saturated environment (jungle, 100% humidity), it has been performing flawlessly. A quick check on the tape back at base camp shows a nice picture. Being a reporter and not a pixel (or line) peeper, I will leave the technical aspects to those who feel like it. The second part of the shooting takes us to the barrios of Cali, with intense heat, occasionnal t-storms and street shootings. For the sound, I'm a using a Senn 416 and two Audio Limited with Sanken capsules. It just bothers me that I cannot mix the 416 with the built-in mic.... Any idea ? Oh and when I wrote 720p is a requirement, I meant at leadt 720p...

I would really love to shoot P2 but this time around it will not be. I have an extensive experience of "dry" harsh environments such as Afghanistan, where dust is a nightmare, but I have always used full-sized camcorders such as Digi-Beta, BetaSX or PDW's that are more reliable in those environments. This will be my first time in the jungle. But this time no full size, and it's maybe time to move on to something smaller.

Xavier, Thanks for your input, great advice there. We have chosen to take the Sony route, and I don't really like it either because I had prepared myself for using the HVX 200. I'm sorry I cannot be more specific about the shooting but we'll be spending about 7 days away from power, so tapes it will be and besides I cannot afford to bring a laptop and an external HD as we have to be extremely mobile. I've had a chance to test both cams, and was a little put off by the HVX ergonomics and bulk for that use. It produces a great picture, handles nicely contrasts but it seems the Z1 will be more adapted to this particular shoot. I will however purchase an HVX when I get back. Thanks a lot once again ! :)

Hey Nadav, thanks for your input. Shooting in the Columbian jungle is harsh both on the man and the machine. I normally shoot full size camcorders, but it would be way to much of a hassle to bring a Sony 790 in there. I will sure miss the lens but not the size ! It seems like the Z1 is a sturdy camera and I think I might go for it for this report. Will keep you guys updated on that if you're interested...

Hi ! I'm about to leave for Columbia for an in-depth report in the jungle. Full size camera is not an option, and I'm still hesitating between the HVX200 and the Z1. Picture quality not that much an issue here, just looking for the camera that will not let me down because of a very unfriendly environment. I know the DVX100 has done wonders in Irak, but Mini-DV is not an option here, where 720p is a requirement. We have the possibility of having an almost unlimited supply of 16gb cards so this is not a problem. Looking forward to hear from those of you who have been in harsh environment with the Z1 and their feedback. Pixel-peepers and couch reporters not allowed ! wink.gif I'm posting the same message on the HVX section.

Hi ! I'm about to leave for Columbia for an in-depth report in the jungle. Full size camera is not an option, and I'm still hesitating between the HVX200 and the Z1. Picture quality not that much an issue here, just looking for the camera that will not let me down because of a very unfriendly environment. I know the DVX100 has done wonders in Irak, but Mini-DV is not an option here, where 720p is a requirement. We have the possibility of having an almost unlimited supply of 16gb cards so this is not a problem. Looking forward to hear from those of you who have been in harsh environment with the Z1 and their feedback. Pixel-peepers and couch reporters not allowed ! ;) I'm posting the same message on the HVX section.

Hi Sasha, I am currently checking Zacuto's website. Looks great, just the whole thing is so frikkin' long... I wonder also about the rigidity when running, like the rods flexing... But this seems to be the only alternative for shoulder use.

Hi everyone, great board, very informative. I'm a steadicam op based in Morocco, and we have decided to buy an HVX200 for 2 TV shows that will not involve much steadicam, if at all. However, I would like to use the 200 very much like a 16mm cam : shoulder pad, handlebars and remote focus (Chrosziel for on-cam, and I already have a BarTech). I remember seeing a Z1 equipped like that. What are the options available that you know do work, how about framing with an EVF that's not ideally placed for that kind of shooting ? Aren't you too close from the screen in case of he screen becoming the VF ? I very much appreciate the kind of control given by the shoulder/handlebar, and that will be pretty much a go/no go on the cam depending on what's available. Thanks !