I know this sounds strange and I probably know most of this already; but could a few of you guys give me a quick overview on worldwide usage and technical quality of the PD150 and PD170 for use in television. Since we use real names here that is as far as I can go without getting into specifics.....

On another note..... I had a chance to pick up a very used JVC GY-DV550U with viewfinder and lens for about two and a half grand Can. I am not really into 1/2 inch camcorders but will buy one if the price is right. The vendor gives a three month warrantee<sp> but this thing has the finish worn right off the handles and commonly used swiches..... Should I stay away or are they all like this?

I recently bought a pd150 off a freelance camera man that did a fair bit of work for two of the national networks here (Australia). He filmed documentaries for them all around the world one of which screened pretty recently so its not like they are yesterday's tools.

He did use a Canon Wide Converter WD-58 lens on the camera as he shot all his TV footage in wide screen.

Hope that helps

He did use a Canon Wide Converter WD-58 lens on the camera as he shot all his TV footage in wide screen.

FWIW, that is just a wide angle lens, it doesn't help with shooting "widescreen" (16:9) video. The PD-150 doesn't do a very good job of that natively since it just crops and stretches the image. You need an anamorphic widescreen lens to shoot high quality 16:9 on the PD-150/170, such as the Century or Optex anamorphics.

cool, thanks for straightening me out there! Maurice? Listen to Boyd.

The JVC500s and 5000s have a paint on the handle problem, it comes off but that shouldn't mean the camera is in bad shape. Check for Lou Brunos posts about the 500 and 5000 and see if he posted the "secret menu" to check hours and how they were accquired. It's amazing what you can tell about the camera through that menu.

As for the 150, that camera is commonly used thru out TV land today for docs and reality shows of all types. Solid steady and great perfomance. For a 1/3" chip camera you can't go wrong.

Don

No less than the NY Times said that the PD150 was THE camera of choice among embedded reporters covering the "war" on Iraq. I guess that's a compliment.

Wayne Orr, SOC

Thanks for the info guys. I am a newbie at this stuff and will have to meet some network people again and just want to have all possibilites covered.....