MX500 is coming, what about the rest? at DVinfo.net

Ayosha Kononenko · January 29th, 2004, 06:09 PM

Hi,
Thanks for all the help, the decision is made the money was paid, it is coming.

The rest of the message is about the rest of the gear, so Frank, push it where it belongs if not here.

Have a PC with P2.5Ghz, and standard 4:3 TV. What DVD set-up you guys and girls are happy with? I plan to shoot a lot and than cherry-pick and edit the best moments for DVD and VHS distribution, non commercial.

Ease of use and quality is what I am after. I want to watch rented DVDs on it as well.

Frank Granovski · January 29th, 2004, 06:23 PM

Just leave this posted here, but post your DVD/VHS questions here:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisp...?s=&forumid=37

or on the PC editing forum.

With your cam, I strongly suggest the following:

UV filter and linear (or circular) polarizer
rubber lens hood
extra battery
soft protective cam case, with extra room for the extras

Guy Bruner · January 29th, 2004, 06:33 PM

Congratulations, Ayosha!! I look forward to hearing about your MX500 experience.

Ayosha Kononenko · January 29th, 2004, 06:56 PM

Here is my shopping list:

MX500 £1060
Battery D28 £60
20 Sony tapes £60
1 Sony Cleaning tape £19
3 year guarantee & insurance £179
Case Free

Still to get list, nowhere to find on UK web scene, will have to order specially from maybe Jessops

UV multicoated
Polariser
ND4
ND8
Raynox HD6600PRO43
Hood
Large bum bag
Silica gel (have site)

What is the difference between linear and circular polariser, could the effect be seen on MX screen? What is best for snow, and best for sea?

Frank Granovski · January 29th, 2004, 07:25 PM

What is best for snow, and best for sea? A linear or circular polarizer. I would just get the linear. The difference? That would be best explained by Bryan B. I'll see if I can find a link for you later.

Okay, Bryan writes:

Quote:

You don't have to spend double on a circular, a linear will dfo the job. Thje circular is for 35 MM SLR's or any camera that uses a beam splitter auto focus. The VX2K uses contrast so don't waste money.

And here's a good thread:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...ular+polarizer

And here's even a better one:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...ular+polarizer

Guy Bruner · January 29th, 2004, 07:33 PM

Yee Gads! 19 pounds for a cleaning tape!!! I want that concession!

This is probably more than you wanted to know about linear and circular polarization.

Ayosha Kononenko · January 31st, 2004, 02:52 PM

Hi,
You are right that cleaning tape was a ripoff.
Thanks for DVD links. Update: ordered Cyberhome CHDVD505

It looks like the only online shop offering anything 43mm here in UK is amazon.co.uk. Pathetic. Sometimes I realy envy you US guys. Hundreds, no, thousands shops over there, over the pond.

OK found some.

Now help me out, what of these are rubbish?

Tiffen MegaPlus .75x wide angle lens £90
Canon WD-43 WIDE CONVERTER (0.7x) £120
Kodak 43mm Ektanar Wide Angle £50
Hama filters £8 to £30
Hama lens hood £8
BW filters UV and circular £20-£60
Hoya skylight and polarising filters £15 - £20
Kood NDx4 filter £20
Jessops UV £20
Canon FS-43U 43MM FILTER SET (ND and MC protective) £35

Thanks
a

Frank Granovski · January 31st, 2004, 08:06 PM

Even here (Vancouver), cleaning tapes are not cheap. :-((

The good news is that a cleaning tape will last a very very long time---probably longer than the life of the cam. :-))

Guy, thanks for the polarizer link!

Guy Bruner · January 31st, 2004, 09:03 PM

Ayosha,
Looks like a pretty good list of quality accessories to me. I think someone on DV Info did an article/review on the Canon wide angle...you might do a search. Actually, I have been eyeing the Kodak wide angle. It is available for less than $40US which is a no brainer, and the quality should be pretty good because Kodak put them on their top-of-the-line digital cams. I don't know anything about Kood and Jessops since we don't seem to have them on this side of the pond. Hoya makes very good filters and, of course, you can't go wrong with Canon.

Here's the review I remembered...
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...3mm+wide+angle

Hey, Frank, that was quite an article...hard to read, eh.

Frank Granovski · January 31st, 2004, 09:35 PM

Guy, I haven't read it yet. PDF files take a while to come up on my old computer. Later, when I have some time, I'll download it, print it, and then read it over a cup of coffee.

Ayosha Kononenko · February 1st, 2004, 08:50 AM

Hi,

It looks like much more is available for size 49mm than 43mm.
The prices are the same.

If I attach first 43/49 step-up ring and than Raynox .66xpro will there be a problem with vignetting or focusing?

What if I stack filters between the MX500 and Raynox, like:

MX500 - step-up 43/49 - circular - Raynox - 72mm UV

If that works I would need only one set of filters, all 49mm plus protective 72mm for Raynox. And save that 43mm thread on MX from wearing out.

Raynox .66x pro £110 at Jessops for 43mmm or 49mm.

Question about BW ND filters, described as ".3" and ".6". Does that mean ".3" version lets through 30% of light? How does that compare with 4ND and 8ND, from other makes.
The answer to that last one is here:
http://www.schneideroptics.com/filte...nsity_filters/

Frank Granovski · February 1st, 2004, 10:43 AM

Yes, pro filters usually start at 49mm (& up).

PS: the filters screw on to the front of the adaptor, not in-between.

Before you decide on filter sizes, check the front threads on the Raynox, to find out the filter size.

Regarding which Raynox, do a search on Tom Hardwick's adaptor reviews (posts); also check out Allan's posts.

Ayosha Kononenko · February 1st, 2004, 11:12 AM

I see Raynox as a just another filter (OK, multi-layered, complex and pricey), something you stack if front of camera lens to change the quality of light coming in, in this case the angles.

The question is, does it have to be the first, next to the original lens or could we have a filter (or two or three) in between. From my half forgotten past I seem to remember a bit about optics that says it doesn't matter. But then I can almost remember the reasons it might.
Something I plan to try out as soon as the kit is in.

Alex Lake · February 2nd, 2004, 10:25 AM

Also just purchased an MX500B (£999 from Jessops, but no bag included)

A lovely camera, although I'm already wondering if I did the right thing....

This low-light performance issue really is a bugger. Comparing the MX500B to my old Hi-8 Sony TRV820, one is left with the conclusion that the MX500B simply doesn't work indoors at night unless the lights are turned up to a rather disconcerting level.

I hope to join you in the purchase of a Raynox 0.66x WA converter from Jessops. What's the situation regarding rubber hoods to go on the front?

Also wondering if a tight-fitting leathery cover is available so that I can afford to be a bit rough with it. Also, if I can make the leather cover look tatty, then it would reduce the attractiveness of the camera to theives...

By the way, looks like you paid over the odds for tapes - have you discovered KVJ Fairdeal yet? Also a good source for batteries, with D28's @ 51.99 (I guess the same price as your supplier)

Tommy Haupfear · February 2nd, 2004, 01:29 PM

Alex, isn't the TRV820 a Digital8?

Yes, low light performance is so overlooked these days in place of cramming more pixels and smaller CCDs into shrinking cams.

I think its humorous that when you look in a magazine these days and a camcorder's short description is dominated by its email or still capabilities. Or even better its 1500x digital zoom.

January 29th, 2004, 06:09 PM	#1
Ayosha Kononenko Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: London UK Posts: 51	MX500 is coming, what about the rest? Hi, Thanks for all the help, the decision is made the money was paid, it is coming. The rest of the message is about the rest of the gear, so Frank, push it where it belongs if not here. Have a PC with P2.5Ghz, and standard 4:3 TV. What DVD set-up you guys and girls are happy with? I plan to shoot a lot and than cherry-pick and edit the best moments for DVD and VHS distribution, non commercial. Ease of use and quality is what I am after. I want to watch rented DVDs on it as well. __________________ ayosha

January 29th, 2004, 06:23 PM	#2
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Just leave this posted here, but post your DVD/VHS questions here: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisp...?s=&forumid=37 or on the PC editing forum. With your cam, I strongly suggest the following: UV filter and linear (or circular) polarizer rubber lens hood extra battery soft protective cam case, with extra room for the extras

January 29th, 2004, 06:56 PM	#4
Ayosha Kononenko Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: London UK Posts: 51	Here is my shopping list: MX500 £1060 Battery D28 £60 20 Sony tapes £60 1 Sony Cleaning tape £19 3 year guarantee & insurance £179 Case Free Still to get list, nowhere to find on UK web scene, will have to order specially from maybe Jessops UV multicoated Polariser ND4 ND8 Raynox HD6600PRO43 Hood Large bum bag Silica gel (have site) What is the difference between linear and circular polariser, could the effect be seen on MX screen? What is best for snow, and best for sea? __________________ ayosha

January 31st, 2004, 02:52 PM	#7
Ayosha Kononenko Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: London UK Posts: 51	How about those? Hi, You are right that cleaning tape was a ripoff. Thanks for DVD links. Update: ordered Cyberhome CHDVD505 It looks like the only online shop offering anything 43mm here in UK is amazon.co.uk. Pathetic. Sometimes I realy envy you US guys. Hundreds, no, thousands shops over there, over the pond. OK found some. Now help me out, what of these are rubbish? Tiffen MegaPlus .75x wide angle lens £90 Canon WD-43 WIDE CONVERTER (0.7x) £120 Kodak 43mm Ektanar Wide Angle £50 Hama filters £8 to £30 Hama lens hood £8 BW filters UV and circular £20-£60 Hoya skylight and polarising filters £15 - £20 Kood NDx4 filter £20 Jessops UV £20 Canon FS-43U 43MM FILTER SET (ND and MC protective) £35 Thanks a __________________ ayosha

February 1st, 2004, 08:50 AM	#11
Ayosha Kononenko Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: London UK Posts: 51	Step up 43/49 for MX500? Hi, It looks like much more is available for size 49mm than 43mm. The prices are the same. If I attach first 43/49 step-up ring and than Raynox .66xpro will there be a problem with vignetting or focusing? What if I stack filters between the MX500 and Raynox, like: MX500 - step-up 43/49 - circular - Raynox - 72mm UV If that works I would need only one set of filters, all 49mm plus protective 72mm for Raynox. And save that 43mm thread on MX from wearing out. Raynox .66x pro £110 at Jessops for 43mmm or 49mm. Question about BW ND filters, described as ".3" and ".6". Does that mean ".3" version lets through 30% of light? How does that compare with 4ND and 8ND, from other makes. The answer to that last one is here: http://www.schneideroptics.com/filte...nsity_filters/ __________________ ayosha

January 29th, 2004, 06:33 PM	#3
Guy Bruner Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ashford, AL Posts: 937	Congratulations, Ayosha!! I look forward to hearing about your MX500 experience.

January 29th, 2004, 07:33 PM	#6
Guy Bruner Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ashford, AL Posts: 937	Yee Gads! 19 pounds for a cleaning tape!!! I want that concession! This is probably more than you wanted to know about linear and circular polarization.

January 31st, 2004, 08:06 PM	#8
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Even here (Vancouver), cleaning tapes are not cheap. :-(( The good news is that a cleaning tape will last a very very long time---probably longer than the life of the cam. :-)) Guy, thanks for the polarizer link!

January 31st, 2004, 09:03 PM	#9
Guy Bruner Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ashford, AL Posts: 937	Ayosha, Looks like a pretty good list of quality accessories to me. I think someone on DV Info did an article/review on the Canon wide angle...you might do a search. Actually, I have been eyeing the Kodak wide angle. It is available for less than $40US which is a no brainer, and the quality should be pretty good because Kodak put them on their top-of-the-line digital cams. I don't know anything about Kood and Jessops since we don't seem to have them on this side of the pond. Hoya makes very good filters and, of course, you can't go wrong with Canon. Here's the review I remembered... http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...3mm+wide+angle Hey, Frank, that was quite an article...hard to read, eh.

January 31st, 2004, 09:35 PM	#10
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Guy, I haven't read it yet. PDF files take a while to come up on my old computer. Later, when I have some time, I'll download it, print it, and then read it over a cup of coffee.

February 1st, 2004, 10:43 AM	#12
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Yes, pro filters usually start at 49mm (& up). PS: the filters screw on to the front of the adaptor, not in-between. Before you decide on filter sizes, check the front threads on the Raynox, to find out the filter size. Regarding which Raynox, do a search on Tom Hardwick's adaptor reviews (posts); also check out Allan's posts.

February 1st, 2004, 11:12 AM	#13
Ayosha Kononenko Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: London UK Posts: 51	I see Raynox as a just another filter (OK, multi-layered, complex and pricey), something you stack if front of camera lens to change the quality of light coming in, in this case the angles. The question is, does it have to be the first, next to the original lens or could we have a filter (or two or three) in between. From my half forgotten past I seem to remember a bit about optics that says it doesn't matter. But then I can almost remember the reasons it might. Something I plan to try out as soon as the kit is in. __________________ ayosha

February 2nd, 2004, 10:25 AM	#14
Alex Lake Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: London, UK Posts: 42	In the same boat here Also just purchased an MX500B (£999 from Jessops, but no bag included) A lovely camera, although I'm already wondering if I did the right thing.... This low-light performance issue really is a bugger. Comparing the MX500B to my old Hi-8 Sony TRV820, one is left with the conclusion that the MX500B simply doesn't work indoors at night unless the lights are turned up to a rather disconcerting level. I hope to join you in the purchase of a Raynox 0.66x WA converter from Jessops. What's the situation regarding rubber hoods to go on the front? Also wondering if a tight-fitting leathery cover is available so that I can afford to be a bit rough with it. Also, if I can make the leather cover look tatty, then it would reduce the attractiveness of the camera to theives... By the way, looks like you paid over the odds for tapes - have you discovered KVJ Fairdeal yet? Also a good source for batteries, with D28's @ 51.99 (I guess the same price as your supplier) __________________ Alex

February 2nd, 2004, 01:29 PM	#15
Tommy Haupfear Wrangler Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 1,415	Alex, isn't the TRV820 a Digital8? Yes, low light performance is so overlooked these days in place of cramming more pixels and smaller CCDs into shrinking cams. I think its humorous that when you look in a magazine these days and a camcorder's short description is dominated by its email or still capabilities. Or even better its 1500x digital zoom.