http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Forums Tag: canon en Sun, 12 Oct 2008 20:30:21 +0000 http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/canon-zr900-question#post-40529 Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:31:57 +0000 MrMorbid 40529@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hey whats going on my name is Josh I'm a new member... I just bought a Canon ZR900 off the walmart site because they had a deal going for a camera with a camera case, and MiniDV cassette tape for 189.00 with shipping it was 214.00... The reason I bought it is because I'm going to Chicago next weekend... Now my question is knowing that its starting to get colder here in South East, Michigan what are some precautions to take once I take my camcorder out of the box this is in regards to to condensation...</p> <p>I had a ZR800 I was very happy with it but it got wet when I was out of town at a biker rally when some jerk driving a water truck decided to spray the party barge I was on with water... So with that said I'd like to know extra maintenance precautions to take... I loved the ZR800 so much that I wanted to buy the 900 was gonna but the 950 but I'm on a tight budget and I needed a camera at the lowest price I could find before I left for Chicago to do some videos in local cemeteries...</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-camera-shooting-sd-or-down-convert-during-import#post-40353 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 07:18:35 +0000 robinvid 40353@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi other Robs, </p> <p> Although it is on the expensive side, geared towards the professional market, Edirol has just come out with the F-1 Video hard drive recorder.  I am going to try one out, hopefully with a Sony EX1 and a couple of older DVCAMS that we have.  It takes firewire in and records directly to a hard drive and gives two additional XLR inputs for recording two channels of uncompressed audio that are synced to your video.  These audio channels are in addition to whatever audio gets recorded through the firewire (which is compressed audio).  It records in HDV or SD.  Don't know much more than that about it at this point, but it is just under 3 grand. It certainly eliminates tape capture and gives a better quality audio recording.  By the way;  Robs Rule</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/canon-xh-a1-or-sony-pd170#post-40218 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:37:45 +0000 JoeLouw 40218@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>HiI'm also fairly new to this industry but I did an intensive research before I bought my camera over 4 months of research.<br /> I feel my 2cents worth would be: go for the Canon, if you think about it technology is not going backwards in time. I think if you buy a DV-only camera you will not be moving forward in time, the whole world is turning to HD. Although HDV is not FULL HD you have your foot in the door already.<br /> Also if that is not enough for you yet, the Canon XH A1 has the most manual controls of them all.<br /> <a href="http://www.videomaker.com/article/13174/">http://www.videomaker.com/article/13174/</a><br /> I can also supply you with colour presets for the canon that will blow you away, Sony’s or Panasonic’s in that price range can’t do the presets for you. One more thing being in photography for over 10 years now, you can’t go wrong with Canon lens quality and technology.<br /> Editing will be no problem, I don’t know much about Vegas, but I’m pretty sure you can play your DV or HDV (down convert) into any editing software and edit it with now problem. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/canon-xh-a1-or-sony-pd170#post-40208 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 01:20:59 +0000 Kraemer 40208@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I'm looking to buy a semi-pro video camera and think I'm going to go with the XH-A1. </p> <p>I am fairly new to video, but learn quickly and have been messing with some borrowed hand SD cameras and the Canon HDV20. </p> <p> I'm leaning toward the Canon because of the HD capability, but am a little concerned it's going to be harder to edit and manage.  I have Sony Vegas Pro Audio 8.   I hear the the PD170 is a reliable workhorse, and pretty easy to handle.  I will be using mostly SD mode because I'll be filming educational videos to uplad to the internet, but I'd like the capability to use HD down the line. </p> <p>I will be doing some band video taping, so like the low light capabilities of these camera's, and also the XLR inputs for sound.  The Canon is a little higher priced on Ebay right now (for new opened box and slightly used), but the PD170 isn't really that much cheaper. </p> <p>My question is if anyone finds the editing and handling of the Canon footage in Sony Vegas Pro 8 more of a challenge than with a Sony camera or SD camera,  such as the PD170. (Also, is it easier in SD mode or transfering from HD to SD mode before editing?).</p> <p> Thanks,</p> <p>  </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-is-the-best-shotgun-microphone-for-a-canon-gl1#post-39294 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 23:06:05 +0000 jarhead9301 39294@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Me66/k6 is a great setup. Sound is excellent. Just remember to watch your levels because it is a hot one. I have a pd170 and use the pad switch on cam to drop the level. Not sure if your cam has that.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-is-the-best-shotgun-microphone-for-a-canon-gl1#post-39163 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:37:08 +0000 ralck 39163@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Hey there,</p> <p>I've got the NTG-2.  The shockmount for the microphone does attach to a normal shoe.  This is a physical connection only, meaning data between the mic and camera is not transfered through the shoe.</p> <p>One other thing to note: I assume since you mentioned those other two mics that you plan on getting either an XLR "box" like a Beachtek or Juicedlink or an XLR adapter cable to plug into the camera's mic input?  All of the mics mentioned so far are XLR mics, so you'll need some way to convert this to the 3.5mm mic input on your camera.</p> <p>Of course, boxes like the Beachtek or Juicedlink generally have at least 2 inputs (left channel and right channel). This might be more than you need if you always plan to be using 1 microphone and have it camera mounted.  Another option is you could take a look at the Rode VideoMic.  Instead of an XLR output, it has a 3.5mm.  Then you could save some money on an adapter box to put toward a decent NLE if you don't already have one or some lights, camera filters, tripod, or whatever else you might need.  I'm just throwing this out as an option because I don't know what your main use of the mic is.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-is-the-best-shotgun-microphone-for-a-canon-gl1#post-39162 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:27:11 +0000 BigV 39162@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Does the Rode NTG-2 fit the shoe on top of the GL1? </p> <p><strong></strong><strong></strong> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-is-the-best-shotgun-microphone-for-a-canon-gl1#post-39117 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 16:25:47 +0000 robgrauert 39117@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/392861-REG/Rode_DEAD_CAT_Dead_Cat_Wind_Muff.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/392861-REG/Rode_DEAD_CAT_Dead_Cat_Wind_Muff.html</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/256524-REG/Rycote_033092_32cm_Medium_Hole_Softie.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/256524-REG/Rycote_033092_32cm_Medium_Hole_Softie.html</a> </p> <p> </p> <p>There's 2 wind screens for that mic i suggested. One cheap one and one more expensive one.  </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-is-the-best-shotgun-microphone-for-a-canon-gl1#post-39116 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 16:22:23 +0000 robgrauert 39116@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I've used this mic with great success:</p> <p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/400806-REG/Rode__NTG_2_Shotgun_Microphone.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/400806-REG/Rode__NTG_2_Shotgun_Microphone.html</a></p> <p>It comes with everything you need. The only thing it doesn't come with is one of those fuzzy wind screens (it only comes with a foam one.) I used it on a windy day and the foam didn't work too great, and I'm sure it's not the mics fault. A fuzzy one would be better. But I think you will find that this mic will fit your needs. Great price too.  </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-is-the-best-shotgun-microphone-for-a-canon-gl1#post-39113 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 12:21:46 +0000 BigV 39113@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I require a microphone for my GL1 and I think a camera mounted shotgun microphone will meet my needs.</p> <p>What do you recommend?</p> <p>I have been looking at the Sennheiser M66/K6 and the Beyerdynamic MCE86 S ll - any recommendations?</p> <p>Thanks</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-wireless-mic-for-canon-gl2#post-39023 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 03:18:54 +0000 butterflyguy 39023@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Also - You'll also need either a Beachtek audio adaptor or a small mixer for two microphones.</p> <p>I'd experiment with the less expensive solutions first to see if they work for you.</p> <p>My system cost $500 is UHF and works well.</p> <p>I've found that only in critical situations, distance, obstructions,<br /> other wireless in the area, does it pay to buy a more expensive wireless system.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-wireless-mic-for-canon-gl2#post-39021 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:20:42 +0000 AaronMurphy 39021@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> The cheapest solutions for you (in order of ascending cost) are:</p> <p>1)Renting one hard-wired omni lavs and placing it only on the subject. You won't hear the interviewer at all : ( $15/day</p> <p>2)renting TWO hard-wired omni lavs and each person gets one. $30/day</p> <p>3)Rent one G2 Sennheisser wireless and put on the subject. (may $40/day)</p> <p>4) Rent TWO G2 Sennheisser wireless and put one on each. (may $80/day)</p> <p>5)Rent one Lectrosonics wireless and put on the subject. (may $80/day)</p> <p>6) Rent TWO Lectrosonics wireless and put one on each. (may $160/day)</p> <p><strong>PURCHASE </strong></p> <p>7)Purchase 2 hard-wired lavs ($50 - $600)</p> <p>8)Purchase wireless system ($500 - $2500)</p> <p>9) Purchase two wireless ststems ($1000 - $3000)</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-camera-record-settings-for-hd-video-2#post-38895 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:46:17 +0000 D0n 38895@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> How 'bout posting the question once? usually when I see the same posting come up 2 or more times in different threads....I assume it's a spambot, and ignore the thread.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-camera-record-settings-for-hd-video-2#post-38894 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:23:12 +0000 robgrauert 38894@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> if you're going to be doing slow motion, then shoot 30p with a fast shutter speed. A shutter of 1/120th or so will be fine. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-camera-record-settings-for-hd-video-2#post-38893 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:18:54 +0000 CarefreeDenny 38893@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I’m new to this great website, but wanted to throw out some questions to the pros.</p> <p>I have a new Canon VIXIA HV 30 camcorder. I want to make HD video of a fly fishing trip to Alaska using this camera. I will end up downloading the video to my Mac and use Final Cut Express HD and make a DH DVD (probably with a BluRay DVD burner or another HD disc medium.</p> <p> </p> <p>The camera can record in 24P and 30P (60i too). Given that I will be shooting outdoors in a fast moving water environment and fast motion with fly rod movement what setting (24P or 30P) will work to make the best quality video in Final Cut Express HD…??</p> <p> Note: I won’t be downloading any video to YouTube, etc.</p> <p> </p> <p>Any recommendations on camera settings or ideas on recording, Final Cut Express settings or burning to HD media to a beginner will be greatly appreciated.</p> <p> </p> <p>My new Canon XH A1 camera will probably not arrive by departure date, but I’m hoping.</p> <p> </p> <p>Email: <a href="mailto:carefree-cowboy@msn.com">carefree-cowboy@msn.com</a></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advanced-camera-suggestions-wanted#post-38766 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:22:10 +0000 robgrauert 38766@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> yea, i figured it may take a while to let us know how it goes. not only will it take a while to get all the equipment, but you have to actually use it for a while too.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advanced-camera-suggestions-wanted#post-38760 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:12:02 +0000 NewbsNetwork 38760@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <blockquote><p> damn jeff, that sounds like a perfect workflow. When I first started looking at the EX1, I was bummed that you only get 4:2:2 through HD-SDI. I thought it would only work out in a studio or something. nice job. I'm feeling the urge to get an EX1 now. haha. Let us know how it works out when you get everything together. I'm very interested to know.</p></blockquote> <p> The recorder will work with any camera that has an HD-SDI output, not just the EX line. That said, this thread was started to kind of talk me in to buying something other than an EX3, and it didn't quite manage it, so for my purposes at least Sony's going to get my money. ;)</p> <p> I'll keep you informed. However, EX3s are just now starting to leak into the market to fill pre-orders and the DXR Compact Flash recorder doesn't come out until August, so it may be a month or so before I can report back on it.</p> <p>-Jeff</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advanced-camera-suggestions-wanted#post-38749 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 05:36:21 +0000 robgrauert 38749@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> damn jeff, that sounds like a perfect workflow. When I first started looking at the EX1, I was bummed that you only get 4:2:2 through HD-SDI. I thought it would only work out in a studio or something. nice job. I'm feeling the urge to get an EX1 now. haha.</p> <p> Let us know how it works out when you get everything together. I'm very interested to know. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advanced-camera-suggestions-wanted#post-38747 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:54:28 +0000 NewbsNetwork 38747@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I think I found my workflow answer in the form of a unit that allows me to, via the HD-SDI cable, record 4:2:2 at from 50 (GOP) to 100 (GOP) to 160Mbps (I-frame only) from an EX3 to a Compact Flash card (for comparison, in-camera compression to SxS card is 35Mbps @ 4:2:0). With the Convergent Designs Flash XDR, instead of recording to two expensive 16Gb SxS cards, I can record to 4 32Gb CF cards, and at a lower level of compression and more color space than XDCAM EX. The XDR features four Compact Flash card slots + 2 XLR phantom powered mic inputs. They're also releasing a 2 card slot smaller version (with no XLR inputs) that's cheaper.</p> <p> And no, I don't work for the company, but I found this last night and if it does what it says it does, I'm excited!</p> <p><a href="http://www.convergent-design.com/downloads/Flash%20XDR.pdf">http://www.convergent-design.com/downloads/Flash%20XDR.pdf</a><br /> <a href="http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=102312">http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=102312</a></p> <p>-Jeff</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-camera-shooting-sd-or-down-convert-during-import#post-38573 Sun, 20 Jul 2008 21:16:22 +0000 robgrauert 38573@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> yea, i'd rather just a get a firestore if I got an HDV camera. Then I could have the benefits of that work flow. I hate capturing tapes. </p> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-camera-shooting-sd-or-down-convert-during-import#post-38547 Sun, 20 Jul 2008 09:35:10 +0000 ralck 38547@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Robgaruert,</p> <p>You might want to also consider something like a Zoom H4 player.  It's a separate audio recorder and has 4 XLR inputs.  I've never used one, but heard a lot of good things about them.  I think I saw it on B&amp;H for about 300, so it might be cheaper than getting a firestore.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-camera-shooting-sd-or-down-convert-during-import#post-38543 Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:35:25 +0000 robgrauert 38543@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> robinleeedwards,</p> <p> Thanks for the input. I was hoping that shooting SD right away would be just as good as shooting HDV, editing HDV, and exporting SD. I guess not though. Either way, it saves me time, effort and money. So thank you.</p> <p> And to your last comment about the audio, I've heard that recording HDV to tape sacrifices audio quality a bit to make room for the HDV image. I don't know the engineering behind it though. Apparently recording to a hard drive is the solution to having better audio quality though.</p> <p> Thanks.</p> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-camera-shooting-sd-or-down-convert-during-import#post-38495 Sat, 19 Jul 2008 08:17:36 +0000 robinleeedwardsyahoocom 38495@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Hi Rob:</p> <p>I've got the HX-A1 and shoot HDV on regular blue sony dv tapes, not the "spensive" ones. Never a problem in dozens of tapes. Notice that the stores are not even stocking the HD tapes as much as they did??</p> <p>Consider shooting and editing in HDV and then down-converting afterwards to SD for export. Here's what I know from experience, Green-screen work is so much better in HDV than SD (sampling), Skin tone, and sky tone and blowouts are all superior.</p> <p>One negative I've read, but haven't experienced is that audio is better (compression) on SD than HDV. Go figure.</p> <p>Robin Edwards</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-camera-shooting-sd-or-down-convert-during-import#post-38491 Sat, 19 Jul 2008 07:35:55 +0000 cadaver 38491@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> hi,</p> <p>what i heard is that,</p> <p>HDV to HDV will not be the same as the HDV to DV, but the image quality of the (HDV TO DV ) will be mutch better than a average DV cam</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-camera-shooting-sd-or-down-convert-during-import#post-38482 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:21:48 +0000 robgrauert 38482@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Hey Guy,</p> <p> I'm thinking about getting a HDV camera since they're cheaper and I want to down-convert to SD right away anyway. It makes for very nice SD video and HDV is kind of buggy anyway...</p> <p> I'm looking at the Canon A1. Does anyone know if there is a difference between recording SD right away and recording onto HD tape and then down-converting on the import? If recording SD will give me the same results as recording HD and then down-converting, I can save myself money from buying the more expensive HD tapes and a new tape deck (I'm not a fan of using cameras as decks.) </p> <p> Thanks,</p> <p> Rob G. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advanced-camera-suggestions-wanted#post-38423 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 06:50:29 +0000 robgrauert 38423@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Jeff,</p> <p> I don't have an answer to your last question. I read it in a video maker magazine, but they didn't go into (i can't find the issue I read it in either). They said it was a whole different topic from what they were already writing about and would be in a later article. I haven't seen it yet. </p> <p> I was always under the impression that it would have to recalculate a whole new string of I B and P frames. But I have no experience working with HD, so I really don't know. So don't hold me to it.</p> <p>-Rob G.</p> <p> ps. here's something good to read from creativecow</p> <p><a href="http://forums.creativecow.net/thread/8/975744#975744" rel="nofollow">http://forums.creativecow.net/thread/8/975744#975744</a> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advanced-camera-suggestions-wanted#post-38419 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 05:01:21 +0000 NewbsNetwork 38419@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <blockquote><p> The Long GOP compression of the EX series is definitely something to consider though. I've read that when editing this type of compressed video, every time you make a cut, the I-frames B-frames and P-frames all have to be made again. Over time your picture may degrade a little.</p></blockquote> <p>This raises an interesting question... do the I- B- and P- frames ALL have to be made again, or just some of them?</p> <p>If, for example, I'm using a codec that utilizes an 8 frame GOP, and I make a cut on frame 4 (forcing the system to recreate an I-frame on frame 5), does it recalculate a new 8 frame GOP for the rest of the clip, or does it just create a 4 frame GOP (frames 5-8 of the GOP I spliced) and leave the following GOP sequences untouched? I would assume the former would be far more taxing on the processor than the latter.</p> <p>Anyone know?</p> <p>-Jeff</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advanced-camera-suggestions-wanted#post-38409 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:03:54 +0000 NewbsNetwork 38409@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Â mmontgomery - it was the issue reviewing the EX1 that introduced me to Videomaker and these forums. ;) I've read it many times and am still using it to fill in the gaps in information about the still-unreleased EX3 (the "guts" of the two are supposed to be the same).</p> <p>As for long GOP - although I'm not an editor professionally, I've worked in both long-GOP and interframe formats as has my editor/color correctionist for this project. The main cost of long-GOP cuts on B- and P- frames is that the system is forced to calculate a new I-frame at the frame after the cut, which taxes the processors and costs valuable time. While I have yet to test it, our editing box is a Mac Pro 3.2 GHz dual quad-core with 8 gigs of RAM. I'm hoping (*crosses fingers*) that this system will be able to handle the demands of editing native XDCAM HD.</p> <p>However (and this addresses BarefootMedia's question on workflow), our initial distribution channel is the web, so my current plan is to carry three or four SxS cards on set and rotate them. The EX3 can hold two cards at a time. When one fills up, we'll pop a new one in while our editing PA logs and transfers the HD footage from the full card to a portable 500GB drive. Back at the office, our editor will downconvert the usable takes to SD and assemble the show, while transferring the original raw HD out of the portable hard drive and into a RAID drive for storage. When the time comes that we need an HD copy of the show, he can use the original EDL for the SD version to pull the HD footage from the RAID and reassemble an HD cut.</p> <p>With the raw HD footage safely on the RAID, the 4 SxS cards can be wiped, as well as the 500 gig portable. I doubt we'll actually do it that way, but in theory we can start each shooting day with (4 x 16 + 500) 564gb available media storage, or 29h, 37m, and 30 seconds of available recording time. (I know, I fudged the numbers - there's never actually 500gb of room on a 500gb drive, but I should still be able to theoretically turn the camera on and leave it shooting in HQ mode for 24 hours straight without running out of storage space, if the SxS cards can be hot-swapped.)</p> <p>I admit that this workflow is entirely theoretical and not set in stone, so please feel free to offer suggestions and advice.</p> <p>I have no idea as of yet whether Blue-Ray would be an acceptable format for deliverables... but at that time we'd be able to either 1) burn a Blue-Ray disc, 2) purchase a BetaMax VTR and transfer from file to tape, or 3) bring the HD edit to a transfer house and have them put it on tape for us.</p> <p>Personally, while SxS cards are insanely expensive, the ability to empty them out and reuse them means they may actually represent a savings in the long run over single-use BRay disks or tape. The trick there is checking and rechecking for a clean transfer before you wipe and reuse the SxS card. ;)</p> <p>It's an interesting challenge, setting up a production house from scratch in this time of rapidly changing technology. And while our company has just enough funding to play with some neat toys, we're definitely still working on a budget. Our lighting equipment budget, for example, is around $3000.00... which is a lot for many of us (I've shot many projects with only a couple $30 500w halogen work lights from Home Depot to work with)... but that three grand is less than some studios spend on one single light! In a way, I'm kind of getting to live a bit of a guerrilla film makers dream, but with an entire production equipment (camera, sound, lights, editing) budget of about $35-40,000, we're still a long, long way from doing it like the big boys. ;)</p> <p>Thank you all for your insightful thoughts, suggestions, and commentary. This community is every bit as helpful as the Videomaker mag (the print version) said it would be. I'll keep you all up to date on our progress, and I'm sure I'll have some more questions!</p> <p>-Jeff</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advanced-camera-suggestions-wanted#post-38397 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:08:24 +0000 mmontgomery 38397@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>BareFootMedia,</p> <p>Thanks for digging up the notes. One thing I will mention is that I wouldn't take a quote from a press release or newsletter as verbatim. That is to say the phrase "plug an XDCAM camera directly into my MacBook Pro's FireWire port and start editing immediately" could have several meanings to the expert who said it. But, rest assure there's a definitive answer.</p> <p>Apparently, the EX3 in SP mode shoots in the HDV format, so that might be what the quote refers too. I did read though that FCP has native XDCAM support, so you can edit natively. Most FCP users are reporting that native editing of the XDCAM format works fine. Although, FCP suggests to use the AIC in most cases to ensure the best editing experience, especially across Apple Color, Motion, etc.</p> <p>I guess it really depends on how time critical your editing process is. If you've got a huge project that needs attention in Color and Motion, you might consider spending some extra time to transcode to AIC. Otherwise, plug in and edit. Take a look at our <a href="http://www.videomaker.com/article/13683/2/">Sony EX1 review</a>, second page, second to last paragraph for our discussion on editing the footage.</p> <p>Jeff, keep us informed on your decision. We're curious to know, whatever you choose, how it works for you.</p> <p>Mark</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/advanced-camera-suggestions-wanted#post-38393 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:26:00 +0000 BarefootMedia 38393@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>All this discussion about HD video &amp; compatibility got me motivated to review some research I've been collecting.  To start with, I want to quote the industry trade magazine, Digital Content Producer.</p> <p>"In essence, DVCPRO HD uses the same compression technology as DV at data rates of up to 100Mbps, according to the same white paper. In contrast, according to Sony’s white paper, XDCAM HD uses long-GOP MPEG-2 at up to 35Mbps. (In February, Sony announced a new implementation of XDCAM HD, which employs 4:2:2 long-GOP MPEG-2 at 50Mbps. This technology makes its debut in the <a href="http://blog.digitalcontentproducer.com/briefingroom/2008/03/10/sony-adds-422-50-mbps-capabilities-to-xdcam-hd-professional-disc-system/">PDW-700 camcorder</a>, available this month.)</p> <p>&lt;!--end paragraph--&gt; &lt;!--begin paragraph--&gt;</p> <p>Panasonic proponents argue that long-GOP formats can’t deliver the quality of their DCT-based algorithm, and are much less responsive during editing. Shooters drinking the Sony Kool-Aid argue that long-GOP MPEG-2 is so much more efficient than I-frame-only DCT that it delivers the same or better quality at one-third the data rate, and that today’s multicore computers are easily sufficiently powerful to work edit responsively with MPEG-2 (and if you need more speed, use an intermediate format). They also criticize DVCPRO HD for requiring three times the storage space, which is a particular issue for camcorders capturing to solid-state memory.</p> <p>&lt;!--end paragraph--&gt; &lt;!--begin paragraph--&gt;</p> <p>Who’s right? I dunno; the video produced by both camcorders looks wonderful to me. The point of this newsletter is to define the terms and identify talking points, not pick a winner."</p> <p>And I have another quote from a Sony/Apple press release.</p> <p>"PARK RIDGE, N.J., June 27, 2006 – Sony Electronics is introducing new transfer software for use with the Macintosh® OS X version 10.4 “Tiger” that provides native interoperability between Sony’s XDCAM® HD Professional Disc™ system and Apple’s Final Cut Pro® nonlinear editing software.</p> <p>             The software will be available free of charge online from <a href="http://www.sony.com/xdcamhd" rel="nofollow">www.sony.com/xdcamhd</a> . . . "</p> <p>And here's one last quote,    “I am a long-time Final Cut user and now I’m a big fan of Sony’s XDCAM HD cameras,” said Jody Eldred, a director/DP and Emmy-winning cameraman for ABC News whose credits include CBS television shows “JAG” and “NCIS.” “They’re a great match. The ability to plug an XDCAM camera directly into my MacBook Pro’s FireWire® port and start editing immediately in HD using Final Cut Pro-- no matter where I am in the world-- is really astounding and is going to be a huge benefit to my work.”</p> <p>And although the news release was a bit aged, I did find an article comparing a PDW to a PMW camcorder and here's what they said.</p> <p>"When it came time to match footage shot with each camera, Eldred and his crew were unable to distinguish one from the other.</p> <p>“It was simple to color match the cameras from the get go, so the footage cut together well – very seamless,” he said. “If I wasn't looking at the timeline in the Final Cut Pro edit to figure out which camera was which, there's not any way that I would know. In terms of sharpness and contrast, it's amazing how well the two looked side by side.”"</p> <p>So there you have it.  XDCAM's work fine with Final Cut Pro.  And I still haven't seen any hard data to say whether the XDCAM HD or DVCPRO HD codecs produce better videos.   But the HVX200 uses the P2 memory cards at an incredible rate. B &amp; H has a 16 gig and a 32 gig card for $850 and $1550 respectively.  And the best quality HD video fills the 32 gig card with only 32 minutes of video.  So it runs over $3000 to record just over an hour.</p> <p>So good luck with your decision.</p>