Hi8 to DV to PC

John L Scott · January 8th, 2006, 12:05 AM

OK! I got it.. Now I have a few months to learn all about it. Anyone have any tips I could use all the help I can get. The only thing I need now is lenses. I guess what I am needing is suggestions on models to buy and which ones not to buy... Pre-Thanks, John

Marcus Marchesseault · January 8th, 2006, 01:51 AM

What sort of tips do you need? By lenses, do you mean something like a wide-angle adapter? If so, I got the Canon WA58 that is a .7x adapter with the same 58mm threads as the VX2000. There are many models ranging up to about $500 for the Century Optics line, but I think the Canon is doing just fine. I got mine for under $200. I believe this is the current product:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

It is called the "Canon WD-58H" wide angle adapter if that link to B&H doesn't work.

Don't forget that if you want to do weddings, you need a good lavalier mic system. I prefer using a wireless system so I can monitor the audio, but you can also use something like the iRiver MP3 player/recorder with a Giant Squid mic. If you want a wireless, research on these forums and get a UHF system that doesn't cost less than $400 new. Cheaper systems will just be a hassle.

As for shooting weddings and the like, there is no substitue for practice. Knowing how to predict events at a wedding is a key to getting good footage. Show up at least an hour early for your first several gigs (an hour before camera roll, including establishing shots). Try to attend a wedding or two before your first taping, and go to the rehearsal before any wedding in a location where you are unfamiliar.

Set the zebra bars on the VX to 100ire and make sure your main subject is neither over or underexposed. Zebra bars should show up on highlights like a shiny spot on someone's forehead in bright sunlight. I let white clothing go to zebra bars on the shoulders, but keep the shadow portions of white clothing with no bars showing. I let metallic objects like silverware at the reception go to zebra bars. Of course, the zebra bars don't show up on the video itself if you have never used them! :)

Practice, practice, practice!

Get a monopod or shoulder brace.

Always have an extra battery handy, even though batteries last a long time with these cameras.

Have fun!

Chris Barcellos · January 8th, 2006, 03:27 AM

John:

I ve had a VX2000 about 3 years now. I have shot weddings, swim meets, soccer games, and school plays with the same camera. I put a .7 Wide Angle adaptor from Kenko, and don't notice any appreciable loss in image quality. Canon Wide should do fine also. Remember to keep the wide angle lens spotless, as in close or auto focus mode, the camera can pick up smudges or flecks of dirt and ruin you shot. Auto focus work fast and great in many situation where manual focus will not be practical.

From looks of your website, it appears you will be outdoors with this camera, and I think you will be impressed with its ruggedness. I actually feel it is tougher than the VX2100 which came after.

If you are looking at sound, and a good pro mic, you will need to get a BeachTech adapter or similar, so you can use balanced mics. It bolts on bottom of camera and ports by mini plug on you camera.

I made a simple shoulder brace which I now use on my FX1. See here:

http://www.makeyourfilm.net/download...20%20brace.jpg

You may also want to look at a small light to mount on camera, though the low light capability of the cameral will mean you wont have to use it that offen.

Chris Barcellos

John L Scott · January 8th, 2006, 11:03 PM

Thanks fellow DVers!!!
I think I might have a Canon WD-58H. I will know in a couple of hours :)

Here is a list of what I got with the camera. I have no idea if most of it is top grade or not....

Platinum Plus 60" 7500 Pro Tripod (Deluxe Model)
Tripod Dolly with carry bag
Sunpak 20 watt video light with charger
Sima Shotgun Microphone with zoom feature (model SZM) with a 3' coiled and 25' mic cable
Sony HVL-FDH3 Video/Flash light
Sony Strap
3 Extra batteries

What is a Tripod Dolly??? Never mind I found it... Cool!

Got the Canon WD-58H!!!!!!!!

Ok I am done for now :) Thanks all and Good night, John

Nate Ford · January 9th, 2006, 09:50 AM

i do basically what j stephen mcdonald described with my old hi8 (minus the direct to dvd recorder.) but i go straight from the dig8 deck (same one he mentioned ) to a dv deck using firewire (4pin to 4pin in this case.) i use my employer's dig8 deck. the main advantage to this method imo is that the dv dub is a virtually identical copy of the hi8's picture and sound, with the added bonus of timecode. if you capture from an analog hi8 camera directly to hard drive using either a dv camera as a passthrough or a converter like the aforementioned canopus box, there is no timecode, which severely limits you when it comes to editing. (no batch capture, no offline/online, etc.)

John L Scott · January 9th, 2006, 01:18 PM

hmmm So I capture to harddrive as avi. If there is no time code I can still import to my editing program right. I better read more on time code... Thanks

I understand now!!! It's the same thing my midi equipment uses to sync to each other...

January 8th, 2006, 12:05 AM	#16
John L Scott Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fairbanks, Alaska Posts: 86	Got a VX2000 OK! I got it.. Now I have a few months to learn all about it. Anyone have any tips I could use all the help I can get. The only thing I need now is lenses. I guess what I am needing is suggestions on models to buy and which ones not to buy... Pre-Thanks, John

January 8th, 2006, 03:27 AM	#18
Chris Barcellos Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Elk Grove CA Posts: 6,838	VX 2000 A Good Choice John: I ve had a VX2000 about 3 years now. I have shot weddings, swim meets, soccer games, and school plays with the same camera. I put a .7 Wide Angle adaptor from Kenko, and don't notice any appreciable loss in image quality. Canon Wide should do fine also. Remember to keep the wide angle lens spotless, as in close or auto focus mode, the camera can pick up smudges or flecks of dirt and ruin you shot. Auto focus work fast and great in many situation where manual focus will not be practical. From looks of your website, it appears you will be outdoors with this camera, and I think you will be impressed with its ruggedness. I actually feel it is tougher than the VX2100 which came after. If you are looking at sound, and a good pro mic, you will need to get a BeachTech adapter or similar, so you can use balanced mics. It bolts on bottom of camera and ports by mini plug on you camera. I made a simple shoulder brace which I now use on my FX1. See here: http://www.makeyourfilm.net/download...20%20brace.jpg You may also want to look at a small light to mount on camera, though the low light capability of the cameral will mean you wont have to use it that offen. Chris Barcellos

January 8th, 2006, 11:03 PM	#19
John L Scott Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fairbanks, Alaska Posts: 86	Thanks fellow DVers!!! I think I might have a Canon WD-58H. I will know in a couple of hours :) Here is a list of what I got with the camera. I have no idea if most of it is top grade or not.... Platinum Plus 60" 7500 Pro Tripod (Deluxe Model) Tripod Dolly with carry bag Sunpak 20 watt video light with charger Sima Shotgun Microphone with zoom feature (model SZM) with a 3' coiled and 25' mic cable Sony HVL-FDH3 Video/Flash light Sony Strap 3 Extra batteries What is a Tripod Dolly??? Never mind I found it... Cool! Got the Canon WD-58H!!!!!!!! Ok I am done for now :) Thanks all and Good night, John Last edited by John L Scott; January 9th, 2006 at 12:58 AM.

January 9th, 2006, 01:18 PM	#21
John L Scott Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fairbanks, Alaska Posts: 86	Time Code??? hmmm So I capture to harddrive as avi. If there is no time code I can still import to my editing program right. I better read more on time code... Thanks I understand now!!! It's the same thing my midi equipment uses to sync to each other... Last edited by John L Scott; January 9th, 2006 at 02:16 PM. Reason: I understand now!!!!!

January 8th, 2006, 01:51 AM	#17
Marcus Marchesseault Trustee Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,961	What sort of tips do you need? By lenses, do you mean something like a wide-angle adapter? If so, I got the Canon WA58 that is a .7x adapter with the same 58mm threads as the VX2000. There are many models ranging up to about $500 for the Century Optics line, but I think the Canon is doing just fine. I got mine for under $200. I believe this is the current product: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation It is called the "Canon WD-58H" wide angle adapter if that link to B&H doesn't work. Don't forget that if you want to do weddings, you need a good lavalier mic system. I prefer using a wireless system so I can monitor the audio, but you can also use something like the iRiver MP3 player/recorder with a Giant Squid mic. If you want a wireless, research on these forums and get a UHF system that doesn't cost less than $400 new. Cheaper systems will just be a hassle. As for shooting weddings and the like, there is no substitue for practice. Knowing how to predict events at a wedding is a key to getting good footage. Show up at least an hour early for your first several gigs (an hour before camera roll, including establishing shots). Try to attend a wedding or two before your first taping, and go to the rehearsal before any wedding in a location where you are unfamiliar. Set the zebra bars on the VX to 100ire and make sure your main subject is neither over or underexposed. Zebra bars should show up on highlights like a shiny spot on someone's forehead in bright sunlight. I let white clothing go to zebra bars on the shoulders, but keep the shadow portions of white clothing with no bars showing. I let metallic objects like silverware at the reception go to zebra bars. Of course, the zebra bars don't show up on the video itself if you have never used them! :) Practice, practice, practice! Get a monopod or shoulder brace. Always have an extra battery handy, even though batteries last a long time with these cameras. Have fun!

January 9th, 2006, 09:50 AM	#20
Nate Ford Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: new york, ny Posts: 121	i do basically what j stephen mcdonald described with my old hi8 (minus the direct to dvd recorder.) but i go straight from the dig8 deck (same one he mentioned ) to a dv deck using firewire (4pin to 4pin in this case.) i use my employer's dig8 deck. the main advantage to this method imo is that the dv dub is a virtually identical copy of the hi8's picture and sound, with the added bonus of timecode. if you capture from an analog hi8 camera directly to hard drive using either a dv camera as a passthrough or a converter like the aforementioned canopus box, there is no timecode, which severely limits you when it comes to editing. (no batch capture, no offline/online, etc.)