Various questions Sony HVR-A1

Martin Labelle · November 10th, 2006, 07:23 PM

Hello
I just did a few films with the a1u and the supplied microphone,try the 3 films some crowd were added with imovie.All the videos were done with imovie hd.
Its vry confortable to work with the touch screen for audio control when you are next to the stage.more movies will come next week.
You can wath it on youtube.com and write(search for) actuvid
Sorry I don't know how to make a link.

Chris McIntyre · November 22nd, 2006, 02:38 AM

I found this kit at B&H that looked like a pretty good deal for the Sony HVR-A1U and some accessories. One of the accessories is a VCL-HG0737Y High-grade Wide Angle Conversion Lens. I also want to be able to use this with a ProPrompter which clamps on the lens. The thing is, the lens does not seem to have threads for a step up ring to accomodate the proPrompter.

My question is this: is there a clamp on step-up ring that would work with this, or would I be better off looking for a different lens?
>> Camera Kit Here

EDIT:
>> Here is the lens mentioned above

Phil Bloom · November 22nd, 2006, 02:00 PM

Hi

I am playing my xdcam into my a1 (using it as a deck for transfer on the go onto dvcam tape) but for some reason it always switches into 32khz mode when I am assured that the xdcam always records in 48khz. is there some setting i am missing?

Phil

November 27th, 2006, 03:40 PM

I just picked up a set of Raynox macro lenses for my HVR-A1U and have been playing around with them. The models are DCR-150, DCR-250, MSN-202, and MSN-505.

I know each one has a minimum focus distance (133mm, 90mm, 30mm, and 17mm respectively) where getting any closer to the object being filmed will prevent you from focusing properly. Is there any reason to not simply use the one with the smallest minimum focus distance (MSN-505) all the time?

Does anyone have any suggestions for doing macro work using the A1U?

Nic Maguire · November 29th, 2006, 07:30 PM

Hi there i am seriously considering purchasing the Sony HVR-A1P for the sort of work i do needs a smaller field mobile camera but in HDV.

I currently use my good old reliable Canon XL1 S but with the sort of work i do and kms i have to walk with the camera (dirt bike racing) around the bush or venue a much smaller or lighter camera in HDV is needed as i have found the XL1 by the end of the day too heavy filming off the shoulder.

Can anyone give me their impressions of the HVR A 1 or whatever name it is given in overseas and especially how it films using both tripod and out in the field off the tripod.

Also any other recommendations in the HDV range of cameras with the same mobility would also be appreciated. Also does the HVR A 1 allow for protective UV lens attachment as well as this is another necessary evil in my line of videoing with MX, Enduro etc.

Andrew Farrell · November 29th, 2006, 10:45 PM

Nic, I too am looking at one of these cameras. I'm having one last look at everything next week at DMF before I buy the week after. From looking around these threads I have seend the camera with a UV filter on it so my guess would be yes.

Nic Maguire · November 30th, 2006, 02:27 PM

I have decided to go with a Panasonic AGDVX100AE instead i think i have made a good choice here for what i need it for but thanks for the reply mate no worries.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew Farrell

Nic, I too am looking at one of these cameras. I'm having one last look at everything next week at DMF before I buy the week after. From looking around these threads I have seend the camera with a UV filter on it so my guess would be yes.

Mark Westman · December 2nd, 2006, 06:34 PM

Hi Forum, thought I'd throw this out to you guys too:

I've got a Sony HVR-A1U, I've been messing with it, along with a "CitiDisk" HDR that works great. Been able to use FCP 5.1.2 DV-NTSC settings fine for capturing or tranferring .mov files in the HDV-DV mode.

NOW, I just started playing with the FCP native HDV editing project, and shot a bunch of animals in HDV. I used easy set up for HDV, selected the Sony HDV firewire for input, and I get an error message that the camera is not recognized.

So, I trashed prefs, checked capture settings ( HDV,etc.) reset the camera, tried new FW cables, checked the front FW port of my G5, No such luck.

I INSURED the iLink conversion was OFF and that the VCR was on HDV or AUTO, nothing seems to work. Any advise here?

Thanks

Mark Westman

Jeff DeMaagd · December 3rd, 2006, 07:40 PM

Do you have a PCI Firewire card in the G5? Seriously, I had added a FW card and it prevented me form using HDV, but not DV. I don't know why, so I just removed the card and it worked.

Be sure to have the camera off when connecting to or disconnecting it from the computer.

Also, you should have the camera ON and in VTR (or playback) mode before you start Final Cut, do the quick setup and I think it should work. Unfortunately, if Final Cut is running, you need to close it before you turn on the camera.

Mark Westman · December 4th, 2006, 06:13 PM

I do not have a PCI firewire card, and I found out on the apple forum that it was a QT bug...which I fixed....and then did figure out that the system needs to be restarted before capturing.

Thanks!

mark

Martin Labelle · December 8th, 2006, 02:35 PM

Obi wan kenobi you are my last hope,I read the other thread by Mark about connecting the a1u and the good procedure.I did it all and it still not working.
My firewire is connected and it goes in hdv in.I am working with macbook pro.thanks in advance

Marco Wagner · December 14th, 2006, 09:31 AM

Just bought the A1U, yay! Are batteries on these two cameras interchangeable? I have several batteries for the VX and don't want to start over if I don't have to. Anyone know?

Boyd Ostroff · December 14th, 2006, 10:44 AM

Sorry, the A1 uses the same batteries as the PDX-10 and TRV-950, which are smaller than the VX/PD series batteries. The batteries from your VX would fit an FX1, FX7, Z1 or V1 but not an A1...

Marco Wagner · December 14th, 2006, 10:56 AM

Dang! Ok, thanks a bunch!

Peter Wright · December 16th, 2006, 10:31 PM

I believe there are several Z1 owners who have acquired an A1 as second camera.

How are you going at making the footage look the same - any tips for camera set up on either?

So far, my footage has looked "fairly" similar, but with a slightly different look, presumably caused by the CCD/CMOS difference.

I wouls love to hear any ideas on making the footage as intercuttable as possible.

November 10th, 2006, 07:23 PM	#61
Martin Labelle Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: montreal Posts: 170	a little sample of a1u in low light(concert) Hello I just did a few films with the a1u and the supplied microphone,try the 3 films some crowd were added with imovie.All the videos were done with imovie hd. Its vry confortable to work with the touch screen for audio control when you are next to the stage.more movies will come next week. You can wath it on youtube.com and write(search for) actuvid Sorry I don't know how to make a link.

November 22nd, 2006, 02:38 AM	#62
Chris McIntyre Tourist Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 1	Step-Up Clamp for A1U? I found this kit at B&H that looked like a pretty good deal for the Sony HVR-A1U and some accessories. One of the accessories is a VCL-HG0737Y High-grade Wide Angle Conversion Lens. I also want to be able to use this with a ProPrompter which clamps on the lens. The thing is, the lens does not seem to have threads for a step up ring to accomodate the proPrompter. My question is this: is there a clamp on step-up ring that would work with this, or would I be better off looking for a different lens? >> Camera Kit Here EDIT: >> Here is the lens mentioned above

November 22nd, 2006, 02:00 PM	#63
Phil Bloom Trustee Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: London UK Posts: 1,939	audio recording format problem Hi I am playing my xdcam into my a1 (using it as a deck for transfer on the go onto dvcam tape) but for some reason it always switches into 32khz mode when I am assured that the xdcam always records in 48khz. is there some setting i am missing? Phil __________________ Philip Bloom Cinematographer, Director, Filmmaker www.philipbloom.net

November 27th, 2006, 03:40 PM	#64
Loren Sonnenberg Posts: n/a	HVR-A1U Macro Lenses I just picked up a set of Raynox macro lenses for my HVR-A1U and have been playing around with them. The models are DCR-150, DCR-250, MSN-202, and MSN-505. I know each one has a minimum focus distance (133mm, 90mm, 30mm, and 17mm respectively) where getting any closer to the object being filmed will prevent you from focusing properly. Is there any reason to not simply use the one with the smallest minimum focus distance (MSN-505) all the time? Does anyone have any suggestions for doing macro work using the A1U?

November 29th, 2006, 07:30 PM	#65
Nic Maguire New Boot Join Date: May 2006 Location: Australia Posts: 24	HVR A 1 comparisons and user reviews Hi there i am seriously considering purchasing the Sony HVR-A1P for the sort of work i do needs a smaller field mobile camera but in HDV. I currently use my good old reliable Canon XL1 S but with the sort of work i do and kms i have to walk with the camera (dirt bike racing) around the bush or venue a much smaller or lighter camera in HDV is needed as i have found the XL1 by the end of the day too heavy filming off the shoulder. Can anyone give me their impressions of the HVR A 1 or whatever name it is given in overseas and especially how it films using both tripod and out in the field off the tripod. Also any other recommendations in the HDV range of cameras with the same mobility would also be appreciated. Also does the HVR A 1 allow for protective UV lens attachment as well as this is another necessary evil in my line of videoing with MX, Enduro etc.

November 29th, 2006, 10:45 PM	#66
Andrew Farrell Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Penrith, NSW, AUSTRALIA Posts: 41	Nic, I too am looking at one of these cameras. I'm having one last look at everything next week at DMF before I buy the week after. From looking around these threads I have seend the camera with a UV filter on it so my guess would be yes.

December 2nd, 2006, 06:34 PM	#68
Mark Westman Tourist Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: United States Posts: 3	Problems with FCP recognizing A1U Hi Forum, thought I'd throw this out to you guys too: I've got a Sony HVR-A1U, I've been messing with it, along with a "CitiDisk" HDR that works great. Been able to use FCP 5.1.2 DV-NTSC settings fine for capturing or tranferring .mov files in the HDV-DV mode. NOW, I just started playing with the FCP native HDV editing project, and shot a bunch of animals in HDV. I used easy set up for HDV, selected the Sony HDV firewire for input, and I get an error message that the camera is not recognized. So, I trashed prefs, checked capture settings ( HDV,etc.) reset the camera, tried new FW cables, checked the front FW port of my G5, No such luck. I INSURED the iLink conversion was OFF and that the VCR was on HDV or AUTO, nothing seems to work. Any advise here? Thanks Mark Westman

December 3rd, 2006, 07:40 PM	#69
Jeff DeMaagd Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Grand Rapids, MI, USA Posts: 202	Do you have a PCI Firewire card in the G5? Seriously, I had added a FW card and it prevented me form using HDV, but not DV. I don't know why, so I just removed the card and it worked. Be sure to have the camera off when connecting to or disconnecting it from the computer. Also, you should have the camera ON and in VTR (or playback) mode before you start Final Cut, do the quick setup and I think it should work. Unfortunately, if Final Cut is running, you need to close it before you turn on the camera.

December 4th, 2006, 06:13 PM	#70
Mark Westman Tourist Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: United States Posts: 3	Thanks Jeff.... I do not have a PCI firewire card, and I found out on the apple forum that it was a QT bug...which I fixed....and then did figure out that the system needs to be restarted before capturing. Thanks! mark

December 8th, 2006, 02:35 PM	#71
Martin Labelle Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: montreal Posts: 170	more problems with final cut 5.1 not recognize a1u Obi wan kenobi you are my last hope,I read the other thread by Mark about connecting the a1u and the good procedure.I did it all and it still not working. My firewire is connected and it goes in hdv in.I am working with macbook pro.thanks in advance

December 14th, 2006, 09:31 AM	#72
Marco Wagner Trustee Join Date: May 2005 Location: Saint Cloud, Florida Posts: 1,043	A1U and VX2100 Batteries? Just bought the A1U, yay! Are batteries on these two cameras interchangeable? I have several batteries for the VX and don't want to start over if I don't have to. Anyone know? __________________ www.facebook.com/projectspecto

December 14th, 2006, 10:44 AM	#73
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,802	Sorry, the A1 uses the same batteries as the PDX-10 and TRV-950, which are smaller than the VX/PD series batteries. The batteries from your VX would fit an FX1, FX7, Z1 or V1 but not an A1...

December 14th, 2006, 10:56 AM	#74
Marco Wagner Trustee Join Date: May 2005 Location: Saint Cloud, Florida Posts: 1,043	Dang! Ok, thanks a bunch! __________________ www.facebook.com/projectspecto

December 16th, 2006, 10:31 PM	#75
Peter Wright Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 193	Intercutting Z1 and A1 tips please I believe there are several Z1 owners who have acquired an A1 as second camera. How are you going at making the footage look the same - any tips for camera set up on either? So far, my footage has looked "fairly" similar, but with a slightly different look, presumably caused by the CCD/CMOS difference. I wouls love to hear any ideas on making the footage as intercuttable as possible.