HVX200 vs. SDX900 -- for FILM LOOK edited in FCP

Question

Level 1

125 points

HVX200 vs. SDX900 -- for FILM LOOK edited in FCP

What are the latest thoughts on relative strengths & demerits of the two cameras, for shooting movies to edit in FCP, then output to tape & DVD, as well as projection and blowups? It seesm to be a hotly contested question, and the more opinions I can tally the more I learn. - THANKS!

G5 Mac OS X (10.0.x)

Posted on Apr 2, 2006 6:19 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Zebulun

Level 5

6,749 points

Apr 2, 2006 6:27 PM in response to todd crespi

you're really asking for a comparison of apple and kiwis here.

sdx900 - dv25/dv50, native 16:9 aspect ratio, interchangeable lens, efp/eng chassis
hvx200 - dv25/dv50/dvcpro HD, native 16:9 and mediocre glass, compact camcorder chassis

i would think a more suitable comparison would be between the sdx and hdx400 but what do i know. if you ask me it's not really the equipment that matters as much as the operator and the story being told.

Reply

Answer 2

todd crespi Author

Level 1

125 points

Apr 2, 2006 6:57 PM in response to Zebulun

Zebulun - I certainly agree with your point about the sensibility and skill of the operator being the main issue.. (I'm sure Rembrandt could paint very well with amateur brushes). At the same time, though, I want to research this as thoroughly as possible. One controversy is the SDX's ability to look filmic yet sharp when blown up. Some say true HD looks far better, while others debate that vigorously. One discussion on the Panasonic site got so rancorous the moderator closed down the thread! - Anyhow. Thanks for your input. I'm inclined toward the SD beause of workflow and bigger size of the camera.

G5 Mac OS X (10.0.x)

Reply

Answer 3

Shane Ross

Level 8

43,110 points

Apr 2, 2006 8:06 PM in response to todd crespi

They both do a great job. I worked on a pilot shot on the 900 at 24p and it pretty much looked like super16 by the time we finished the online.

And I am now working with the HXV and it too is doing a darn good job.

But I haven't compared the two.

Get yourself a good DP and a good colorist and they will both be fine.

Shane
User uploaded file

Reply