New Gear choices
Although the Panasonic AG-DVX100 is an amazing piece of kit, award-winning, reliable, feature-rich and cost-effective, naturally I am keen to upgrade my setup to HD format to take advantage of the benefits of wide screen (not to mention increasing the rate I can sell clips for on iStock….). Actually when I bought the Panasonic I was considering the HD options then but prices were significantly higher than I thought wise to spend on my first camera. Now, nearly two years later its another story and below is my current choice for putting together an underwater HD video package.
the main criteria for my existing Panasonic/Equinox setup was the choice of camera, specifically the lens manufacturer and while I am still a huge fan of Leica lenses (used by Panasonic), I am now more inclined to put the housing manufacturer at the top of the list. In this field, there is in my mind one undisputed leader…Gates Housings.
First choice - Canon XL-H1 with Gates Housing (from $17,500)
 |
| The Canon XL-H1 camcorder and 20x HD video zoom lens with superior Canon optics provide professional level shooters with a low-cost 1080i resolution option for ENG, documentary and reality TV production. Filmmakers will also appreciate the extensive cine’ controls and 25 frame option the XL-H1 camcorder offers.The camera offers uncompressed HD-SDI and SD-SDI output for seamless integration into broadcast studios or high quality image transfer to non-linear editing systems. The Genlock feature allows studios to easily synchronize camera settings across multiple camcorders. Real SMPTE time code input and output allow for streamlined tape and edit management. This camera is fully capable of recording in standard definition DV format as well. |
 |
| The Gates XL-H1 housing is the choice of professionals for serious underwater HD imaging. The 2.5in/64mm colour monitor is standard with an optional upgrade to the big 4.1in/104mm monitor. Bayonet mounted ports allow quick change between Flat, Dome and Super Wide enabling the clearest, sharpest images - a necessary requisite for any HD endeavor. Adjustable handles provide perfect grip and easy access to critical functions like white balance, iris, manual focus and ND Filter. |
Second choice - Panasonic AG-HXV200 with Gates Housing (from $12,000)
 |
| The Panasonic AG-HVX200 answers the demands of the professional HDTV photographer with a compact and feature packed acquisition tool. The camera is compatible with DVCPRO HD, DVCPRO50, DVCPRO25 and consumer DV recording standards. It uses 3 wide aspect CCDs for true 16:9 recordings. It has a wide angle Leica Dicomar 13x Zoom lens with advanced glass coatings. The most significant advance is that it uses the P2 memory cards for recording. This disk based recording medium makes the video immediately accessible to non-linear systems leaving behind a digitizing process that tape always required. |
 |
| Engineered for the working professional the HVX200 is a comprehensive inventory of features for serious underwater imaging. Adjustable handles provide perfect grip and easy access to critical functions like white balance, iris, manual focus and user presets. Bayonet mounted ports allow quick change amongst Flat, Domed and Super wide Angle enabling the clearest, sharpest images possible - a necessary requisite for HD endeavors. The HVX200 is classically Gates: durable “bulletproof”machined aluminum and 100% reliabl, mechanical controls. |
Whichever way it goes, look out for new HD footage from www.bb-films.com in 2009!
Download from my portfolio on iStock:
Recent Comments