Hi,

I'm new in DV world and soon GS100 will come to my hand so
I collect accesory list(which is available in USA) for future.
Please give me a comment or advice.
( I put multiple choices for budget.
All price are from B & H. You could find cheaper price.)

- Memory Card
Lexar
256MB 32x Secure Digital (SD) Card
Price $79.95

or

Panasonic
256MB Secure Digital (SD) Card - Price $79.95

P.S. 512 MB SD card is too expensive now.

- Tripod
Velbon
Videomate 607 Tripod with PH-368 2 Way Fluid Head (Quick Release) & Case - Supports 15 lbs
Price $69.95

or
Velbon CX-586 Tripod with semi Fluid Head (can't find it in USA but expensice one. But it should be less than $50 in Korea)
- good for bucks.

or

Slik
504QF II Tripod with Fluid Panhead (Quick Release) - Supports 11 lbs
Price $119.95

or

Bogen / Manfrotto
3280 35" Tripod Bag - for 3011, 3021 and 3033 Tripods - Navy
Price $39.95

Bogen / Manfrotto
3021N Tripod Legs (Chrome) with 3130 Fluid Head (Quick Release) - Supports 8.80 lb
Price $186.00

- Battery Pack
Power-2000
CGA-DU21(VW-VBD210) Lithium Ion Battery Pack - Price $84.95

or

Panasonic
CGA-DU21(VW-VBD210) Lithium Ion Battery Pack -
Price $99.95

VW-VBD7 is not available yet in USA.

- Soft Case
Lowepro
Nova 4 AW Camera Shoulder Bag - Price $52.95

- hard Case ??

- UV filter
B+W
43mm UV Haze 010 (MRC) Multi-Resistant Coating Glass Filter
Price $36.50

or

Hoya or Tiffen UV

- Hood
Hama
55mm Screw-In Plastic Wide Angle Lens Hood with Cap
Price $16.95
(report indicated that this hood doesn't need step down ring for GS100 but may need step up ring for Raynox Wide angle Lens)

- Cleaning and English Remote Control
Panasonic
AY-DVMCLA Mini DV Cleaning Cassette - Price $14.99

Panasonic
PV-DRC9 Remote Control(English) For Panasonic Digital Camcorders
- Price $18.95

LCD protect film (for PDA or piece tape would work)

panasonic(or Fuji) miniDV - not from sony

or TDK miniDV (6 for $25 from costco)

Rain Cover ??

Video Light ??

mic ??

Firewire cable 4-6pin 6ft - $4.49 (in newegg)

- Wide Angle Conversion Lens
Raynox
DCR-720, 0.72x, Wide Angle Conversion Lens (52mm Camera Mount)
Price $69.95
+ Tiffen
52mm-43mm Step-Down Ring (Lens to Filter)
Price $9.95

or

HD-6600 Pro 43mm 0.66x High Quality Wide Angle Converter Lens
Price $119.95

Someone's got a few bucks to spend. :)

I'd go with the Videomate 607 Tripod with PH-368 2 . (I had something similar---the one I found beside the trash bin out back.)

I'm sure that either mem card will do.

The Lowpro Nova 4 should be just fine. I wouldn't bother with a hard case.

A rain cover is a good idea.

I would just get 2, 2 hour batteries.

Everything else seems okay. Why a B+W? Why not just a Hoya or Tiffen UV? They also make good polarizers. I'd use Fuji tapes. Which adaptor? Get the one Tom Hardwick recommends.

You Could try Lexar SD memory card. Its almost equivalent to panasoic.

Sandisk I hear lot of malfunctions and write error problems from lot of forums. They say sandisk is junk. IF it works, then its your luck. Ofcourse they have warranty plan, but replacement takes lot of time.

I use TDK minidv tapes. It works wonderful

I get cheaper in costco 6 tapes for 25 bucks. I never experienced any problems.

Thank Frank and Samuel Raj.
I updated the post from your suggestion.

Did anybody tried this battery? is this the original panasonic battery or a third party one

http://snurl.com/1s5h

Just to report that received my order from Hong Kong. Got it for 10 days (stated 5-12 days delivery) at my door.

My responce will be a bit mixed and not finall. I ordered 2 Pana batts 21 and one Sony QM71.

First the bad news not affecting the Pana users - the Sony batt wouldn't charge or power up the cam. I'll be working on that issue with the seller. Inside I read the leaflet is from 1998? Is it possible to be dead after long stock?

Pana batt No1 - didn't power my GS100 straight out of the pack. Put for charging - finished for les than 1h40'. Then showed full charge. I used for 15' recording - my dayly shots from the kids. Then decided to put it on test.
Whatched one 60' tape on my TV with the LCD open. Still showing full charge.

Then striped one tape (with cap on - recording). The battery finished exactly few seconds before the tape end (62'). So 1 hr continius recording + 15-20 normal rec situation + 1hr playback with LCD.

I thought that is close to the batt specs so I opened the second pack. This time straight from the pack the indication was full. The first batt this time charged for more than 3 hours.

All batteries were in their original "western" packing (different from the Japanese one). The Pana batts looked slightly scrached on places including the labels but nothing would suggest that they are not brand new.

Hope that helps somebody - price was funny.

I'll update if there are more issues.

Thanks Bogdan for your info.


Do we need to remove the hood to add this raynox
HD-6600 Pro 43mm 0.66x wide angle lens, if so, if we remove the hood, is there any thread to mount the 43 mm lens?


I guess the original panasonic doesnt come with threads, its just like to push it in after removing the hood.


In that case, raynox wide lens, we have to attach with out removing the hood, to make use of the threads, Anybody tried these two?

The good news is that all the Raynox adaptors I've seen have filter threads on the front (like the Tiffens). So you can always screw on a lens hood in those threads or into a filter (screwed on to the adaptor). A good Hoya rubber hood here in Vancouver costs $29 Canadian. (I've got 3---for my SLR.)

I haven't tried to remove the hood by now but I think it's also on a tread.

In the Japanese manual it's clearly stated you have to remove the hood if you use wide/tele conversion lens.

Screw on filters straight onto the hood.

If the conv lens has tread for filters you can attach one too but there might be vigneting in the edges in full wide (they write this to protect themselves from such cases - it's case by case and depend on the range/quality of conversion lens/filter).

One question here. Is it apropriate to use UV filter also indoors?
I want to leave it on the lens for protector all the time. I prefer to have UV rather than just protector to have the advantages it gives for outdoors shooting.

The hood MUST be removed. It is threaded. The threaded portion on the camera barrel is actually deeper than that on the front of the hood and appropriately designed for mounting heavy converter lenses. It also makes sense to keep the converter lenses as close as possible to the cam lens itself. Pany recommends more light when using converter lenses.

For filters, you can attach them in front of the hood.

THUS, the picture of the MX5000 in Yahoo with a converter lens attached is not in accordance with Pany's recommendation.

Thanks Allan, Bogdan, Frank,

I never removed the front hood so far, So Allan says that thread near the lens is deeper than the front thread, thats good!

So, its good idea to use the inner thread for wide angle lens. It really makes sense.

The better near the lens, the lesser the distortion or vignetting...

<<<-- Originally posted by Bogdan Vaglarov : Just to report that received my order from Hong Kong. Got it for 10 days (stated 5-12 days delivery) at my door.

My responce will be a bit mixed and not finall. I ordered 2 Pana batts 21 and one Sony QM71.

First the bad news not affecting the Pana users - the Sony batt wouldn't charge or power up the cam. I'll be working on that issue with the seller. Inside I read the leaflet is from 1998? Is it possible to be dead after long stock?

Pana batt No1 - didn't power my GS100 straight out of the pack. Put for charging - finished for les than 1h40'. Then showed full charge. I used for 15' recording - my dayly shots from the kids. Then decided to put it on test.
Whatched one 60' tape on my TV with the LCD open. Still showing full charge.

Then striped one tape (with cap on - recording). The battery finished exactly few seconds before the tape end (62'). So 1 hr continius recording + 15-20 normal rec situation + 1hr playback with LCD.

I thought that is close to the batt specs so I opened the second pack. This time straight from the pack the indication was full. The first batt this time charged for more than 3 hours.

All batteries were in their original "western" packing (different from the Japanese one). The Pana batts looked slightly scrached on places including the labels but nothing would suggest that they are not brand new.

Hope that helps somebody - price was funny.

I'll update if there are more issues. -->>>





Bogdan, pana batteries working good as far as now? No problems right?(charge retention is good like brand new)

I may order these batteries soon.

I have the feeling that Sony batt was just too old although looking brand new.

Batterries have to be refreshed periodicaly to maintain their charging ability.

The Pana batteries shouldn't be bad as they are new type released with the new line small palmcorders (GS50, GS70) a year or a bit more ago.

By now after the test I gave to the first battery I haven't finished using the second one. I shot some night festivals last weekend and before that the bat was on the cam since the time of the charging (a week) with ocasional use for short periods. It now shows 2 bars (half power) so I think there is no problem and the batteries are good.

I can't give anybody garantie as buying from eBay is at own risk, but the seller Easy258 is responcive (within the time difference).

P.S. I've forgot to mention that at the test I did I also rewinded twice the full lenth of a tape (60')

Thanks Bogdan...

A bit of topic but just to confirm that I recieved my refund for the returned Sony battery. Full refund (item price + shipping cost) but lost 10$ because of ratio transfers between USD-JPY and postage to US.

thats good news Bogdan! ;-)

thats good news Bogdan! ;-)

In fact I also ordered 2 pana (cga-du21) batteries. Its on my way

I bought 256 mb Panasonic SD card. Do I need to format using the cam before using it?
Because my existing 16 mb sd card has various directories including title, private etc etc. So will formatting put all those stuff inside?
Or shall I use that card right away with out formatting?

Any body who used new 256 mb sd card, can shed some light? before I try to use it?

Thanks.

Just use it. The cam should create any subdirectories it needs.

Actually, is there any format option on the cam?

Aylwin, check out the English language version of the menus. I believe there is a format option, but I'm just too lazy to go and look right now. In any case, it doesn't apply to the Panasonic SD cards (unless you blow them out through some other means), so not to worry.

Of course there is format option on the cam. In fact, it is recommended that you format using the cam instead of other devices because doing the latter may bring about the following problems.

1. slower recording time to card
2. card becomes unusable/incompatible

normally, formatting is not required, if you take still shots, the corresponding folders are automatically created. but if you want to be more certain that the new card will work well with the cam, then format. note that formatting will not put anything on the card. all data will be lost. those pany titles, I don't know exactly where the back-ups are stored..could be in the supplied CD.

Thanks all for your intputs.

I guess I will use with out formatting, since its a panasonic SD

<<<-- Originally posted by Samuel Raj : thats good news Bogdan! ;-)

In fact I also ordered 2 pana (cga-du21) batteries. Its on my way -->>>


I ordered two batteries from UltraXpress from ebay on 26th August, I received on August 30th 2003. really ULTRA EXPRESS!!!!

I recommend everybody ULTRAXPRESS from ebay. He is very reliable. A+

I am planning to buy a spare battery.- either a 2 hour or 3 hour one. The one that came with the cam is vbd140 - rated for 90 minutes only.

which one should I buy?

Is the cga-du21 rated for 2 hours (or more?)
How much does it cost?

Samuel, you recommended Ultraexpress on ebay - does he sell origianal pana stuff, or other generic brand Lithium Ion with same rating?

Amit, the same cga-du21 battery from b&H costs $99 bucks.

I got from ultraxpress(now miraclezone168 i guess), It seems to be original panasonic battery with western packing. I couldnt find anything to say its duplicate.

Bogdan and some others from camcorderinfo(like BenB, ramganesh etc.) all bought these batteries. They say its working great.

I still really didnt test with two hour or three hour shooting. but it seems to be original.

Question on LCD Hood:

Saw a nice Kenko hood for the 3.5 inch LCD costing around $35. I felt it was expensive. Is that a good price for such accessory?

Is it mink? Actually, I guess the operative question is whether or not it has a magnifier, because that's the Hoodman with the magnifier is in that range.

Outer material is PVC-leather (whatever that is - sounds like an irony to me), with velcro strap and weighs only 60g. Pretty well made IMO. No magnifier (that sounds like Gameboy accessory to me. LOL).

Allan,
I've seen few types all similar system of LCD hood on pro orientaded Japanese home pages (no magnifyer, just flip around with magic tape).
The price is usually 3200 JPY (without tax and shipping).

I just bought Video Club Delux for 980 JPY where you can cut out black paper mini LCD hood and stick it permanently to the monitor frame. As it's foldable you can close the monitor any time. I don't know if I'll use it but there is also grey white balance card which is worthed.

The magnifier is probably worse than a gameboy add on, as it seems to me it might also undermine the purpose of the hood - keeping the lcd monitor viewable in adverse sun/weather conditions. But what do I know. Haven't tried it. May want to try it, though, if somebody can vouch for it.

Just Blew the Budget and got the....

Raynox HD 6600Pro Wide Angle....Took off the hood and screwed it on....No worries...makes a huge difference. Now I dont have to esk every one not to stand too close when filming....

Just wondering where I should put my filters.....On the 72MM thread on the head or between the Camera and the wide angle...

The lense is a bit weighty making the unit top heavy....

Also I read that pana reccomend removing the battery and tapes when not in use...do you think there is any harm in leaving the lense on all the time?

If I get a hood for the wide angle it will surley become the biggest black beuty........

Cheers,

Lincoln

Lincoln,
You have to get a thin,slim UV/polarizer/ND to fit 72mm, You may also get some vignetting on the corners, if your filters are very thick.

So there are two type of filters, one for wide angle and the other for real 72mm lens cameras. You have to select slim filters designed for wide angles. You can get from B&H, if in US, B+w slim filters, multicoated.

Nice to get a raynox WA. Mine is on its way too!

Lincoln, save yourself the trouble and money by bringing your cam with the wideconverter to any Bic Camera and try out any Kenko (Hoya) 72mm filter there. Start with the standard (multi-coated) types and if you don't see any vignetting, then that's fine...no need to spend extra on those HMC, or EHMC (High Grade or Extra High Grade Multi-Coated Filters that are water repellant and has thinner glass) unlesss you really need one, or if filter cost is not an issue. Those HMC and EMHC types cost twice the standard MC ones.

If I were you, I'd permanently attach a 72mm MC Protector or MC-UV on top of that huge front glass of your Raynox, whether you connect it to your cam or not. I don't see any big problem keeping the wideconverter lens attached to the cam, but will it still fit into your cam bag?

Then, go to the section where Bic is selling those 3rd party hoods. Both rubber and metal are available, the metal being more costly. Try out one (72mm thread of course) and check again for vignetting at the widest zoom. I've personally tested those Hansa and Minette 43mm hoods on the GS100K. They work perfectly and you can still screw a filter (flushed not on top) onto the 3rd party hood.

Don't forget your point card.

Regards

Size isnt a question any more....money still is though...

I just bought the big camera bag...you know that sony all purpose camcorder electronic bag with the underneath cable section and two front pockets...4,700yen....I'm a proud owner of that too! now.....I'll snip the sony tag off....A. its not a sony inside .and B...to keep temptation away from the criminal mind...if I place it down for a moment.

Well thanks Samual and Allan for your replies....Looks like I've gotta make another trip to BicCamera....I'm turning into the new regular....I got the lense from Yodabashi Camera though...My girlfriend purchases things like printer ink and floppy discs there for her company....and then I used the 12,000yen that had built up towards the Reynox WA.....Lucky me...and now I can fit her friends into the picture too.

I am not sure.....what does fluid head mean in regards to Tripods...the guy at Bic Camera couldnt help me?

I will grab a e pod just because they are cheap14,00yen when I go...they look cool and the girl friemd wants one...but for the more serious tripod but still kinda compac do you have any recomendations from BicCam Allan.

Cheers,

Lincoln

Lucky you for paying only about JPY3,000 for the Raynox WA.

You don't have to go to Bic if you have lots of points from Yodobashi. Those 2 stores are practically the same in terms of size, availability of accessories, and price. Just ask the seller properly before trying anything on your cam.

I'm using the cheapest fluid head tripod called Velbon C-500. Costed me JPY9,800, goes up to 1.55m only but that's enough for my personal application. When you see and try one, you'll know the difference right away (in terms of smoothness of panning) compared to non-fluid head tripods.

If your budget is 14,700 you can get the bigger and stronger fluid head types sold by SLIK and VELBON (C-600). If the Jap guy seller can't understand you. just say OIL HEAD instead or OIL GA HAITEIRU HEDDO. You can also check Sony 803 tripod with remote. It's about JPY11,000 and looks pretty solid. The remote on the tripod will be useless with your GS100 but who knows one day you'd use/have another cam with LANC connector.

Lincoln did you check the LOWEPRO cam bag selections. For the same 4,700 I think you can get the NOVA2 or 3 models. Perhaps you should check in case you still can return your Sony Bag.

I'm using the cheapest fluid head tripod called Velbon C-500. Costed me JPY9,800, goes up to 1.55m only but that's enough for my personal application. When you see and try one, you'll know the difference right away (in terms of smoothness of panning) compared to non-fluid head tripods.I agree! With these small cams you do not need a big pro pod and head. I got away with using a Velbon for 3 years (made money with it too), and then I went with a 12.5 pound Manfrotto 075B/136. What a great tripod, but heavier than hell to lug around (this is not fun when you have run around setting up here and setting up there; or walking 1/4 of a mile through a grave yard). Just today I sold my Manfrotto, and will be buying something lighter, like the Velbon C-500 Allan uses---or something similar. One thing, Allan, does this Velbon have a removeable base plate? That sure comes in handy for shooting weddings!

Allan,
Is this tripod

Velbon
Videomate 607 Tripod with PH-368 2 Way Fluid Head (Quick Release) & Case - Supports 15 lbs
Price $69.95(B&H)

better than Velbon C-500?

Samuel, have you tried checking your local Long's? I've seen several models of tripods (in about the $50 range - a small Velbon was among them) on the shelves. At least you could take a look at how they're made and try one out first.

Patricia,
I already got that Velbon Videomate 607 Tripod from B&H. Wanted to ask Allan, whether that one similar to C-500 series.

In my opnion, this 607 is solid and sturdy and gives a wonderful pan and tilt movements. I really LOVE this tripod. I took some PANORAMA shots from this tripod. It came out very well.
The fluid head is excellent for this price range.

Great. Good to let us know in your post if you have the item and what you think of it so that others can have the benefit of your experience. Now I can check the one at Long's to see if it's the same model - if I ever decide to get a tripod. I'm still looking for something that lets you move around more.

Patricia,
Nice to read your posts after every intervals of your visiting!!

That tripod weighs, just less than 4.5 pounds and comes with a cool semi leather(i guess) bag, with a strap, you can hang on the shoulders. Its platinum, so weightless!

I dont know whether Longs drugs will have this model.

I'll be going to take a look at these and other Velbon models either tomorrow or the day after, since I'm now in need of a light tripod. Hopefully, they'll be some in black mamba beside silver.

Frank, I like my rolls royces in the silver shadow model and my gs100ks and accessories in the same. (Okay, my rolls royces are in your dreams models.)

Ahhh, okay. Silver is fine. As long as underneath the silver coat you find solid titanium, like with my SLR. :-)

Sam, your 607 is even bigger (great price BTW!). The C-500 uses the smaller PH-358 fluid head, but is a black mamba. The next model C-600 uses a PH3-68 head and also a black mamba.

Frank, when you say base plate, do you mean the one the screws under the cam. Yes it is removable (quick release), just like the PH-368.

What are your comments on buying a 2 Way Mini DV Tape Rewinder?

Using this device should save wear & tear on the tape transport. Does it maintain proper alignment after rewind?

Has anyone used a rewinder? Any suggestions would be appreciated?

Thanks,

Joel

Joel, do a site search on this. There has been a lot of discusson. Some adamantly oppose, some use one religously. I use one for rewinding tapes for either re-use (I do re-use tapes I use for testing) or for storage.

Pat. Which model Hoodman are you referring to here? Have you tried it out? Thanks