GZ-HD7 Accessories Feedback at DVinfo.net

Brandon Freer · October 4th, 2007, 09:40 AM

I just wanted to get a quick poll from anyone that uses this camera and see what accessories they have bought and what their reviews are of them. Example: How much does the Add-on Mic help when filming in noisy areas like a wedding reception?

Specific accessories:

MZ-V8U - Stereo Mic
GL-V0746U - Wide Conversion Lens
GL-V1846U - Tele Conversion Lens

Thanks.

Simon Gee · October 4th, 2007, 02:23 PM

Brandon
I bought 2 longlife Batteries from Amazon. They are OEM Li-Ion and were very cheap 9 UK pounds (under $20) each and they work really well and do have consistent long life. They protrude to just level with the viewfinder when it is extended so are 'just' ok. They have a cable that you plug in between the battery and the normal dc input. At first I thought this meant the power contacts on the battery were dummies, in fact the power is drawn through the contacts once the camera has been tricked into thinking it is getting dc power...I discovered this when I took out the cable and it kept running. These batteries dont report to the onboard battery level metering...but I can live with that
Also have a Skylight filter on and polarising filter for when I need it.
I bought the camera to replace a broken SD and will use it mainly for Mountain Biking, climbing filming. Carrying stuff is an issue especially on multi day trips so i am pleased with a monopod that i have adapted to make a really steady shoulder mount...next project is to intergrate it with my cycle pump!!

Steve Mullen · October 4th, 2007, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brandon Freer

Example: How much does the Add-on Mic help when filming in noisy areas like a wedding reception?

The MZ-V8U Stereo Mic finally is available. I found the on-board mic worked well EXCEPT when there was even a small amount of breeze. The wind passes over the suface mount mic. The wind filter doesn't help much.

So I may get the V8U because it has a foam wind filter.

Brandon Freer · October 5th, 2007, 09:13 AM

Hi Simon,

Speaking of shoulder mounts...have you seen this make-shift steadicam?

http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/steadycam/

For a cheap do-it-yourself it may be worth a look. I am just using my collapsible tripod right now and I think it definitely eliminates most of the ois issues people were talking about.

Thanks for the info on the battery pack. I have been using the standard Ac plug that came with the camera, but I am going to be buying a longer life battery soon.

Brandon Freer · October 5th, 2007, 09:16 AM

Hey Steve,

I also noticed the wind issue when I was filming my son running around in the backyard. I was experimenting with tracking shots and different angles and pans of him and I did notice some slight wind noise when I was moving around faster.

If you get the MIC be sure and let us know how well it works.

Thanks.

Simon Gee · October 6th, 2007, 02:29 PM

Thanks Brandon.
I reckon that a woundnt be too difficult to do to my mono shoulder mount as an adaption. I know it sounds horribly shonky but most the stuff i do is adventure filming so carrying and using stuff = access.

October 4th, 2007, 09:40 AM	#1
Brandon Freer New Boot Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Los Angeles CA Posts: 14	GZ-HD7 Accessories Feedback I just wanted to get a quick poll from anyone that uses this camera and see what accessories they have bought and what their reviews are of them. Example: How much does the Add-on Mic help when filming in noisy areas like a wedding reception? Specific accessories: MZ-V8U - Stereo Mic GL-V0746U - Wide Conversion Lens GL-V1846U - Tele Conversion Lens Thanks.

October 4th, 2007, 02:23 PM	#2
Simon Gee Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: United kingdom Posts: 51	Brandon I bought 2 longlife Batteries from Amazon. They are OEM Li-Ion and were very cheap 9 UK pounds (under $20) each and they work really well and do have consistent long life. They protrude to just level with the viewfinder when it is extended so are 'just' ok. They have a cable that you plug in between the battery and the normal dc input. At first I thought this meant the power contacts on the battery were dummies, in fact the power is drawn through the contacts once the camera has been tricked into thinking it is getting dc power...I discovered this when I took out the cable and it kept running. These batteries dont report to the onboard battery level metering...but I can live with that Also have a Skylight filter on and polarising filter for when I need it. I bought the camera to replace a broken SD and will use it mainly for Mountain Biking, climbing filming. Carrying stuff is an issue especially on multi day trips so i am pleased with a monopod that i have adapted to make a really steady shoulder mount...next project is to intergrate it with my cycle pump!!

October 5th, 2007, 09:13 AM	#4
Brandon Freer New Boot Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Los Angeles CA Posts: 14	Hi Simon, Speaking of shoulder mounts...have you seen this make-shift steadicam? http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/steadycam/ For a cheap do-it-yourself it may be worth a look. I am just using my collapsible tripod right now and I think it definitely eliminates most of the ois issues people were talking about. Thanks for the info on the battery pack. I have been using the standard Ac plug that came with the camera, but I am going to be buying a longer life battery soon.

October 5th, 2007, 09:16 AM	#5
Brandon Freer New Boot Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Los Angeles CA Posts: 14	Hey Steve, I also noticed the wind issue when I was filming my son running around in the backyard. I was experimenting with tracking shots and different angles and pans of him and I did notice some slight wind noise when I was moving around faster. If you get the MIC be sure and let us know how well it works. Thanks.

October 6th, 2007, 02:29 PM	#6
Simon Gee Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: United kingdom Posts: 51	Thanks Brandon. I reckon that a woundnt be too difficult to do to my mono shoulder mount as an adaption. I know it sounds horribly shonky but most the stuff i do is adventure filming so carrying and using stuff = access.