workflow question at DVinfo.net

Spike Spiegel · April 30th, 2013, 03:30 AM

Hi all, I specialize in doing a lot of run and gun shoots and my work goes to HD broadcast wi/ clients such as Discovery/NGC. I've been producing a show

shot entirely with the HPX250 and Canon 60D.. Both cameras have their own special elements that I really like, 60D with a wide selection of lenses and that special shallow DOF (but not crazy shallow where it makes it hard to color/shot match with the HPX).

And ofcourse, the HPX250 because its an actual video camera, with a great codec, tremendously versatile lens/zoom and other features, XLR, etc.

I am now looking at the Sony NEX 700 and i'm worried about a few things, losing the zoom capability unless i'm using the sony lens, and the codec. Should I stick with what works or should I venture into the world of sony?

Dave Sperling · April 30th, 2013, 08:04 AM

My feeling is that the FS700 will be a huge improvement over your 60D, but you can't expect it to replace both your current cameras. Because of its large sensor, the 700 will give you the same depth of field as the 60D, without many of the DSLR limitations. With an adapter you should be able to use your existing lenses as well. If you have a need for slow motion, the FS700 provides some wonderful options at a very reasonable cost.
But realistically, to have a fast, low light zoom lens with a huge zoom ratio is not something you should expect from a large sensor camera. Such lenses are huge and heavy. I do a lot of shooting for a company that has 2 - FS700's (and just yesterday we were shooting some gorgeous macro lens shallow dof product shots with fluids at 240fps) - but when we want that wide zoom range camera I bring along my PMW200.
I've personally never been a huge fan of P2 cards because of the lengthy transfer times. (If I'm doing a P2 job I need to bring a minimum of 2 computers to do transfers the same day.) Before switching to a different codec set I'd recommend fully testing the potential new workflow - that means shoot, transfer and edit a test, not just talk with the post house about it! I have some clients who are very happy with the internal card data, while others opt for external recorders to go right to prores or MXF files. One great thing about the SD cards is that they open up a lot of easy transfer and backup options (such as the inexpensive Nexto drives) as well as being able to slot straight into a lot of computers.

April 30th, 2013, 03:30 AM	#1
Spike Spiegel Major Player Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 429	workflow question Hi all, I specialize in doing a lot of run and gun shoots and my work goes to HD broadcast wi/ clients such as Discovery/NGC. I've been producing a show Road Less Traveled: Season 2 premiere episode (21x60'HD, available NOW!) - YouTube shot entirely with the HPX250 and Canon 60D.. Both cameras have their own special elements that I really like, 60D with a wide selection of lenses and that special shallow DOF (but not crazy shallow where it makes it hard to color/shot match with the HPX). And ofcourse, the HPX250 because its an actual video camera, with a great codec, tremendously versatile lens/zoom and other features, XLR, etc. I am now looking at the Sony NEX 700 and i'm worried about a few things, losing the zoom capability unless i'm using the sony lens, and the codec. Should I stick with what works or should I venture into the world of sony?

April 30th, 2013, 08:04 AM	#2
Dave Sperling Major Player Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Tinton Falls, NJ Posts: 780	Re: workflow question My feeling is that the FS700 will be a huge improvement over your 60D, but you can't expect it to replace both your current cameras. Because of its large sensor, the 700 will give you the same depth of field as the 60D, without many of the DSLR limitations. With an adapter you should be able to use your existing lenses as well. If you have a need for slow motion, the FS700 provides some wonderful options at a very reasonable cost. But realistically, to have a fast, low light zoom lens with a huge zoom ratio is not something you should expect from a large sensor camera. Such lenses are huge and heavy. I do a lot of shooting for a company that has 2 - FS700's (and just yesterday we were shooting some gorgeous macro lens shallow dof product shots with fluids at 240fps) - but when we want that wide zoom range camera I bring along my PMW200. I've personally never been a huge fan of P2 cards because of the lengthy transfer times. (If I'm doing a P2 job I need to bring a minimum of 2 computers to do transfers the same day.) Before switching to a different codec set I'd recommend fully testing the potential new workflow - that means shoot, transfer and edit a test, not just talk with the post house about it! I have some clients who are very happy with the internal card data, while others opt for external recorders to go right to prores or MXF files. One great thing about the SD cards is that they open up a lot of easy transfer and backup options (such as the inexpensive Nexto drives) as well as being able to slot straight into a lot of computers.