Digital Video - November 2007 - (Page 6) LETTERS READER ON REVIEW I enjoyed Jay Holben’s thorough review of the Panasonic AG-HPX500 HD camcorder in the September issue. However, I did note that some of his (slight) negatives on the camera were a bit extreme. I don’t know if I can speak for most others out there, but the things he mentioned wouldn’t be negatives at all for any of us who’ve used standard ENG cameras our whole careers. For example, he says there are no customizable settings below 0db on the gain switch. That’s never been a problem for me in any shooting situation, and I’ve never found a minus setting on any of the cameras I’ve ever used (mostly Betacam and DVCAM, full-size ENG style). After all, it’s called a “gain switch,” not a “gain/loss” switch._Also, he says the viewfinder is only 1.5 in. and only black-and-white. That’s been the standard on all ENG video cameras I’ve ever seen or worked with. I guess on the highend Panavision cameras there are larger viewfinders, but those of us in corporate and institutional video (and even areas like TV news) probably haven’t had the privilege of using those larger eyepieces. And would anyone in corporate, broadcast or institutional video expect to see a tape measure hook on an ENG camcorder? I think the disconnect here is that the reviewer, Mr. Holben, comes from a different perspective than, I would say, a great majority of we readers. While the HPX500 is a true high-definition camera with the potential to shoot feature film quality (or correct me if I’m wrong, this may not include all the nitty-gritty features only a cinematographer knows is important), it is, or it seems to be, at heart, a standard ENG camera targeted for the high-end corporate, industrial, and broadcast markets. Let someone who’s worked in the broadcast and corporate markets as an ENG videographer review such products as the HPX500. Dale Cornibe, media producer, Travis County Media Services/TCTV-17 Editor’s note: Jay had some very minor quibbles with the HPX500 based on his 6 dv november 2007 A FINE “FLIGHT” I couldn’t find an email address in your excellent DV magazine for Ned Soltz, author of the “Flight Plan” article [Sept. ‘07], but I would like to comment. As a frequent traveler, I am constantly aware of baggage issues. Many U.S. carriers are using smaller aircraft on domestic flights, which requires larger bags to be gate checked. Here’s the problem: gate-checked bags aren’t tracked. The little tags are used only to identify a bag at arrival, much like those used by porters at hotels. The numbers aren’t entered into a computer. Recently, my bag was accidentally sent to Phoenix instead of San Francisco because the baggage handler didn’t load it into my plane. For two days, my bag was essentially lost. It was returned to me, after I arrived home, with all con- tents intact. However I had to buy a Mac power supply and other essential items for a customer presentation. My suggestion is to write the destination airport code on your bag’s gate tag, to ensure that the bag is placed on the right luggage rack. Put your cell phone number on another tag, and always try to watch your bag being loaded onto the airplane (if possible). Alan Mark, On the Mark Ned Soltz replies: Another great tip come my way from another seasoned traveler, Fox cameraman Brad Kaplan. It’s always advisable when shipping gear to another country, Kaplan writes, to use the services of a customs broker to avoid having your gear tied up, or to avoid unexpected fees demanded by customs agents. professional background, but all reviewers will bring their personal interests/skillsets to the evaluation process. As such highly capable camera systems as the HPX500 become widely available, people will no doubt use them in ways beyond the manufacturer’s original intentions—such as, in this case, shooting a feature film. And while some- thing like a simple focal plane mark may be of little use to some, it’s a critical tool for others. (It could be a virtually cost-free upgrade to any future versions of the camera.) Jay’s review of the HPX500 is overall very positive, a testament to the exceptional quality of Panasonic’s system when held to very high professional standards. DV welcomes your letters at letters@dv.com. Letters are considered for publication unless sender notes otherwise. They may be edited for clarity, content and space. www.dv.com http://www.dv.com
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