I'm very excited about potentially upgrading to this camera. I've narrowed my search between the GYHD200 and the Canon XL-H1a. I'm currently using a DVX100. so i'm thinking this will be a pretty big step.

A few questions.... When I'm searching this camera on B&H there a lot of different model numbers that I cant seem to understand. there's the GYHD200, GYHD200U, GYHD200BXT for example. What do all these numbers mean. Is this just the package kit that B&H offers or are these upgraded model numbers?

Is this camera a lot harder or even impossible to get pretty decent movable shots? IE walking with the camera and following a subject. I use a smaller camera now with the fig rig and my shots are pretty steady. Just curious.......

I hear the that the battery life isn't good. I plan on buying the anton bauer batteries... I couldn't find anywhere how long the battery lasts....

I watched a great video on vimeo about the HM700 series (what a nice camera). In this video they recommended the canon 14x lens over the Fujinon. There currently isn't a kit for the HD200 with the canon lens at B&H so i'm thinking if I went this route I might have to piece everything together.

I know, a lot of questions... But i'm excited to get some answers.



steve

I'll take anything.... any info. even if you just walked by it somewhere on a shoot. I only know what i've read on the internet and pictures i've seen.

steve

I'll take anything.... any info. even if you just walked by it somewhere on a shoot. I only know what i've read on the internet and pictures i've seen.

steve

Hi Stephen

I have used the 201E (E -European model) for the last few years and think it's a geat camera. In regard to your question about it being steady -I doubt it can be used with the fig rig, however as a shoulder mounted camera you can achieve some good steady shots. I recently completed a feature film which included long POV shots involving walking, running and fighting.... and I found it excellent for these, as well as the more traditional locked off shots etc (you can see the trailer at YouTube - Ambleton Delight Official Trailer #2 HD Version (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMAZJCaS5t0&feature=related)). But I recommend getting your hands on one and seeing if it is for you, as it is quite different from the DVX100...

Hi Stephen

I have used the 201E (E -European model) for the last few years and think it's a geat camera. In regard to your question about it being steady -I doubt it can be used with the fig rig, however as a shoulder mounted camera you can achieve some good steady shots. I recently completed a feature film which included long POV shots involving walking, running and fighting.... and I found it excellent for these, as well as the more traditional locked off shots etc (you can see the trailer at YouTube - Ambleton Delight Official Trailer #2 HD Version (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMAZJCaS5t0&feature=related)). But I recommend getting your hands on one and seeing if it is for you, as it is quite different from the DVX100...

Dan.

What a great response, just what I was looking for. I don't plan on using it with my fig rig. But it's great to hear that you had pretty good results with it shoulder mounted.
Thanks for the input

Steve

I hear the that the battery life isn't good. I plan on buying the anton bauer batteries... I couldn't find anywhere how long the battery lasts....

AB Dionic 90's last 4 - 5 hours brand new, depending on how much zooming etc. you do.

When you refer to the battery life not being good, I THINK you may be talking about the HD1xx series which ship with small JVC branded batteries. The HD2xx series ship with nominal 12v mounts (usually Anton Bauer in North America and I BELIEVE IDX in Europe).

The 14x is PROBABLY in short supply right now so sourcing it individually will likely be a problem, at least in the short term. The Fuji 17x5 is a much superior lens to the stock 16x but I own 2 HD200Ub's with the 16x lenses and I'm getting by just fine. Yes, absolutely, I want to get the 13x wide and probably the 17x for better and more diversified lens options but the stock lens isn't AWFUL (it's just BAD IF you're really looking).

The other thing to keep in mind is: have you ever worked with a shoulder cam with a pro bayonet mount lens before? The Fuji (and 14x Canon) lenses are non-autofocus.

The other thing to keep in mind is: have you ever worked with a shoulder cam with a pro bayonet mount lens before? The Fuji (and 14x Canon) lenses are non-autofocus.

Shuan...

Nope, this will be my first time. I want an upgrade that'll actually change the way I shoot. Another aspect to the game. I'm aware that there isn't an autofocus and will take some time to get used too. But I'm looking forward to increasing my camera skills. After all it will be nice to have footage where the focus isn't hunting.

B&H is selling kits with the cannon 14X. If I'm able to piece together my own kit and it's in my budget. Would you go with that one over the stock lens?

Steve

Really? A 200 with the 14x? Cool.

The big question is: How do shoot? Not only is the lens wider but the zoom is shorter (common with wide angle lenses) so if you do a lot of compressed telephoto stuff, it may not be the best solution for you. However if you routinely work in tight quarters, it's a bargain, as far as wide angle lenses go.

Really? A 200 with the 14x? Cool..


No there selling it with the 700 series.... I didn't think there would be a difference though.
I think the shorter wider lens will work well for me... Hopefully I can make it work!

steve

Stephen.
The HD200 is an excellent camera. You will not be disappointed.

I used to own a DVX100 before I bought the HD200. The transition was somewhat steep as I had never used a pro camera with an interchangeable lens before. The stock lens is not as bad as many people want it to be, but it has its limitations. it is not as wide as I would like it to be, so I am saving up to buy the 13x.

However, I have sold my HD200 now, mainly because I needed to cameras and got a great deal when I picked up my HD111s. I financed them by selling my HD200.

Today I am saving up to buy an HM700 as well. I very much like the Pro HD range and have also invested in the BR-HD50 recorder.

I never realized it`s full potential before I bought the Training DVD by Tim Dashwood which will definately give you a good insight on the camera, the menus and different scene files.

Svein Rune

The Canon lens seems to be a great option

Svien....

The 200 looks like an awesome camera and the 700 series even better, so I hope it works out for you.

I'll look into the training DVD. I know there a lot of scene files you can choose. I cant wait to play around with it all.

How is the DOF? Is it any better then what a fixed lens camera would produce, or about the same? I know that it all has to do with chip size and focal length. But from the test shots i've seen it looks to be a little better then my setup now (dvx100).

Steve

Stephen: there is no magic with the 200 and DOF. UNLESS you factor in that it is not a leader in light sensitivity and therefore requires the iris to be opened more to get the same exposure compared to faster cameras, which in turn will affect DOF.

Thats what I thought... Thanks for answering my ? so soon by the way.

I'm a little worried that everyone keeps mentioning that it's not a low light performer. I film wedding, so it's somewhat important to me. My DVX100 is not a top low light performer either (3lux min open with 18db). This camera sounds perfect for me as long as it's reasonably comparable to the low light sensitivity as my DVX.

Steve

Stephen.
I see Shaun has already given you an excellent answer to your DOF question.

My first reaction when diving into the world of HDV was the disappointment when it came to low light performance. But after having seen the aforemetioned DVD by Tim and using his preset for low light I am now very, very happy indeed. The first camera I tried was the very much hyped up Sony Z1. Very bad low light performance compared to the DVX100.

I have done a few weddings myself and do a lot of live- stuff under no controllable light what so ever, so I definately know how frustrating it can be when the lighting is poor. My advice to you would be to invest in an on- board camera light at the same time as you purchase your camera. You can easily run the light on the D-Tap plug.

And to return the favour: Svein is bang on. The Lowlight file is stored on my SD card as well as in camera memory. And I mounted an Anton Bauer UltraLight 2 with 20w 35 degree beam and Dichroic and wide angle filters on the camera. No regrets (although in MY situation, dimmable would have been nice too - just didn't want to spend the extra cash at the time).

My STANDARD file is a modification of the Ultrawide preset that works a bit better for MY needs but it provides an EXCELLENT starting point to provide wide gamut for grading in post (ALL my material gets graded - I don't allow ANY camera raw out of my edit bay).

Stephen,

Looks like alot of your questions have been answered. Let me see if I can assist as well.

BH does provide various packages. These packages are generally packaged from JVC and some are BH specific which they simply take various products, put them together and call it a package.

JVC currently offers the following product codes/packages

GYHD200CHUB which is the HD200 camera, NO LENS, Viewfinder, Microphone, SD Memory Card, and ABTRIMPACPKG2 which includes an Anton Bauer Trimpac14 battery and the Tandem70 Single Position Charger/Power Supply

GYHD200UB which inludes the Fujinon Th16x5.5BRMU Lens, Viewfinder, Mic Holder, Microphone, SD Memory Card, ABTRIMPACPKG2

GYHD200CB17PS which includes the HD200 Camcorder Head, 16:9 LCD Viewfinder, Mic Holder, Microphone, SD Memory Card, Fujinon Th17x5BRM Fujinon Lens, KA551 Tripod Plate Adapter, FABTRIMPACPKG2 Anton-Bauer battery and charger/adapter, DRHD100GB100 hard disk drive, ABFSKIT3 mounting solution for the HDD.
(This is a Great Package)

They also offer two more packages which include the SxS Media Recorder.
If you would like more info on these, let me know. However, at this point, it does not sound like you require this.

Here at Tapeworks, I generally like to discuss the base camcorder options with the client to determine which one will best fit their budget and application. Always making sure that the client realizes that there are addditional accessories needed dependant upon the application.

This brings us to your questions concerning the lens options and battery options.

For the lens, the base kit GYHD200UB ships with the 16X lens which fits a budget. However, there are definitely better options available.

The new 14X lens which is packaged with JVC's New GYHM700U can only be purchased with the HM700. At this point and time, the 14X lens can not be purchased separately from JVC or from Canon. Given time, I am sure that it will be available.

If you can spring the cash and purchase the kit with the Fuji 17X lens, this lens, optically speaking, performs better than the 16X

And, there is always the option of purchasing the kit without lens and then buying the Fuji 13X wide angle, Fuji 18X, or the Canon 20x. All of those lenses will cost more than the base price you pay for the camcorder so be ready to spend some money.

Concerning the Battery. JVC ships their ProHD Camcorders with an Anton Bauer mount.
If the client already uses V-Mount style (IDX or Sony), options are available by purchasing an AB to V-mount adaptor.
In your case, I believe you are not already using V-mount or AB batteries, so the easiest method is to go with Anton Bauer. Besides, Tapeworks is a direct dealer for AB and I can tell you they are a great company to work with. Their customer service is superb.

As noted earlier, camcorder packages come with the TrimPac14 Nickel Cadmium Battery with 14.4V/45 WH. This battery should run the HD200 for 2 - 2.5 hrs depending upon how much you use the LCD, if you have onboard lighting drawing from the batt etc.
For additional batteries, you have choices of any of the AB lineup Anton/Bauer - The Worldwide Standard (http://www.antonbauer.com)
I always suggest the Dionic90 Lithium-Ion Battery with 14.4V/90 WH
The Dionic90 costs $395.00 from Tapeworks Texas which of course is more than the Trimpac14. However, you will have longer runtime (5-6hr) and plenty of power to operate accessories (ligting etc)

To answer your question "Is this camera a lot harder or even impossible to get pretty decent movable shots?"
I would say it is easier than say, a DVX100 withuot a fig rig
The Shoulder mount style of the HD200 is alot easier IMHO to use as a run and gun ENG style camera than the handheld style of the DVX
As already mentioned, you will need to play with the camera and learn focus techniques.
Tim Dashwood's Complete Guide to JVC's ProHD DVD is an awesome training tool!
Tapeworks stocks these DVD's and readily has them available to purchase for anyone using JVC ProHD camcorders!

And lastly I would like to offer some input on lighting.
HD needs light. That is simply the nature of the beast. More data is having to be processed, therefore more light needs to be available than you would need for your SD DV camcorders.
The Anton Bauer UL2 is an option which can be purchased with a Powertap providing power from your onboard AB Battery (there is a PT output from the back of the camcorder)
Here are a couple other options I always recommend
LitePanels LPMicro
LitePanels MICROPRO
Switronix TL-50
Bescor LED35
And you can always take a look at Frezzi products, they may be pricey, but have some of the best filaments in the market IMHO.

I believe that answers most of your questions. Please feel free to contact me Toll Free 866-827-3489 if I can assist further.

Best Regards,
Scott Cantrell
Tapeworks Texas Inc - HDVinfo Sponser
tapeworksscott@sbcglobal.net

Scott...

Sorry it's taken so long to write a response. I'm definitely grateful for all the detailed information.
I ended up buying the camera with 2 dionic 90's and with one trimpac. It should all get here sometime tomorrow (tuesday). I guess thats when all the real questions will have to be asked :-)

Thanks again...
Steve

Stephen,

Glad to hear that you got your camera! Please contact me at anytime if I can assist with anything.

-Scott Cantrell
Tapeworks Texas Inc
tapeworksscott@sbcglobal.net