Hi everyone!
I'm a director, about to start shooting on my next film, and was hoping the wise minds here might, if not resolve our questions, at least point them in a direction.
I've been using the Panasonic AG-DVX100, a camera I loved for it's film-like look. You can see a sample of how I was using it at http://vimeo.com/6794642
But for my next production, I think I'm going to have to leave it behind. First, shooting HD is no longer optional. Second, I've gotten frustrated with the DVX100's low-light performance, particularly how quickly contrast gets out of control when shooting outdoors. I used it for a documentary recently, and discovered that in direct sunlight, I could either blow out everything in the light, or blacken everything in shadow, but not much in between.
So I'm currently comparing the Panasonic AG-HVX200A, the Sony EX 1, or the Canon XL H1. I've seen a number of comparisons here, but most of them seemed aimed at news programming, where film look wasn't a consideration.
So I wanted to see what people's thoughts were. My goals are:
-I'd like to shoot in 720p, rather than 1080i, as I think progressive-scan looks much better for narrative film (interlacing is too hyper-real)
-I'd like the smoothest Final Cut integration possible. I hope to have an editor on set editing dailies as we shoot, so not having to do codec conversion would be a real plus
-I know one should make video its own medium, but... the closer it is to looking like well-shot 35mm, the happier I am
So does anyone have any thoughts on the cameras I'm considering, or cameras I should consider? I'm in NYC, so going to B&H and trying them out is my next move. But any advice would be very welcome.
Thanks!
Daniel
