Video Camera

(surf_rage) · (surf_rage) **Join Date: Nov 2007** 11-28-2007, 5:15 PM

Hey JL, saw on your profile that you are a film maker. I was wondering what camera you use and what you think is the best for filming wake surfing? looking to do professional type video. Any input would be great.

(h20k9) · (h20k9) **Join Date: Aug 2007** 11-29-2007, 3:44 PM

cannon gl 2 has waterproof housing i think.heard it was sweet.

(rio_sanger) · (rio_sanger) **Join Date: Apr 2007** 11-29-2007, 5:31 PM

Hey Scott,
My son shoots a lot of surf, skim, wakeboard, and snowboard video.
He uses a Panasonic AG DVX 100 with great results.

(surf_rage) · (surf_rage) **Join Date: Nov 2007** 11-30-2007, 8:21 AM

Ok, Im completely confused now. Started looking around and i have more questions than answers. Hard drive vs media, 1.5" CCD vs 1/3" CCD think its the imagine stabilization, Format more than i can remember, GOP scheme vs an I frame codec, AF, IS, 720p what in the hell!! I think i will just surf!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(surf_rage) · (surf_rage) **Join Date: Nov 2007** 11-30-2007, 8:35 AM

Oh, if you go to the Video Discussion area, be prepared to speak another language, every one speaks acronym. CCD, GOP, I frame Codec, AF, IS, DVCProHD, HDV, 1/5" this and 1/3" this, and all the p's 1080p and 720p, JESUS i think my head exploded!

(hawaj) · (hawaj) **Join Date: Aug 2005** 12-06-2007, 8:05 PM

its easy Scott

for old SD its Pany DVX100
all info is on http://www.dvxuser.com

as for HDV
1. best cheapest consumer is Canon HV20 - all info you get at http://www.hv20.com
Great really full HD chip, good low light sensitivity, great colors, image processing etc, but less manual control

2. best bigger prosumer is Canon A1, same chip as HV20 but with tons of manual control, bigger huge lens, or Sony Z1 - not so good chip

3. very popular but with some flaws is Panasonic HVX 200 - not real full HD chip, for HD recording u can only use expensive P2 flash cards etc, on tape it records only SD DV quality., but its real varicam = variable FPS speeds!!!
tons of info at awesome source www.dvxuser.com even Mr. Èervenka http://www.dpcfilms.com/ post there

4. best newcomer is brand new full HD SONY XDCAM EX1 (under 7000,- USD) recording only on flash express or CF cards, but looks very promising - best info again on special section of www.dvxuser.com

For more cinematic feeling (Depth Of Filed sharpenes) you can use severeal 35 mm lens adapters - Letus, Brevis, Red Rock Micro, or DIY etc. You just add regular Nikon, Canon, Leica, whatever 35mm SRL lenses and voilá - cinema verité :-)

and top notch

5. best of best is now RED 4K camera (cinematic and digital) from Oakley founder Jim Jannard
http://www.red.com
Recors in 4K resolution (over 4000 pixels verticaly!) - it means that you got in your hands far better picture than was ever dreaming of Mr. Mel Gibson in his Apocalypto with Panavision digi camera

, exchangable lenses, records to CF cards or harddrives, or RAW etc etc

Body cost only 17 500,- USD :-)

http://www.reduser.net

all rest is nearly obsolete, but if you have idea you can use even 8 mm, doesnt matter, dont care about all that technical mess... just go and shoot

(surf_rage) · (surf_rage) **Join Date: Nov 2007** 12-07-2007, 6:39 AM

Thanks, Yep i got the Canon HV20 for a compact camera, waterproof housing was cheaper also. But will be getting a Pro series camera when i feel i have the skills and can find a camera that i like. I'll check out the HD Sony XDCAM EX1.

(hawaj) · (hawaj) **Join Date: Aug 2005** 12-07-2007, 10:40 AM

best comparision
http://www.camcorder-test.com/