Opinion on Canon HV40

Defjon

Defjon

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-VIXIA-H..._1_cc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1306115854&sr=1-1-catcorr

I am getting one of these very soon to film some projects my buddies and I have for the summer!

I wanted to get some pro opinions on this beauty :]

I also would like to get opinion on what MiniDV tapes I should use (Honestly I know nothing about tapes..)

And this is a bit off topic, but i was also wondering if I could get suggestions on a super low budget shotgun mic. (Like under 50$)

I saw one called the HTDZ-HT81, and it is really cheap, but doesn't seem to get that bad of sound..

Thanks in advanced!
 
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I can't say what or what not to buy, but I'll just post a few links to consider. I own an HV20 and it's great for some things, not so great for others. Well, here you go.

good overview of HV20 which is the same camera as HV40
http://www.digitalsecrets.net/secrets/HV20.html

Some test footage I did with 24p mode, *but* was not exported in 24p or edited in 24p
http://vimeo.com/17299315

Footage that was shot in 24p AND edited in 24p and exported in 24p. I was very pleased with the results and have since shot more footage using the HV20
http://vimeo.com/22316031

Recent stills from a music video, camera is not great in low-light situations, it has some gain issues
http://www.indietalk.com/blog.php?b=228
http://flickerpictures.com/thedocumentary.htm

I am using it because I'm not ready (almost) to get a DSLR like the T2i or GH2, but for what it is, as long as you remove the telecine pulldown (am I saying that right?) with Compressor or NeoScene, you can edit in true 24p.

If you do get one there's a nice wide angle I bought that I pretty much use all the time. Let me dig up that info and I'll post it.

Again, I'm not saying "Buy one!" just offering some links and info. Good luck :)
 
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I have one. It's pretty cool, though I use it more for a deck than anything else.

Good tapes are Panasonic AY's. It's getting harder to find miniDV tape in local stores, so stock up online in advance of your production.

Once you start using a particular tape, you're supposed to stick with it. Something to do with the different types of coating, or something. I tried to keep using the one type, but when I started digitising for other people they would have all kinds of random crap tapes that they'd used to shoot on. Almost always the bottom-of-the-barrel cheap tapes. So I stopped worrying about it.
 
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you know what I always wondered what camcorder was considered the best handheld one. would you guys say it would be one of the these

canon hf s21- hf s200- hf s20- hf g10
panasonic tm900- tm700
 
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Defjon said:
@Zensteve: do you have a particular site you think i should get the tapes from, or just check out amazon?
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If there is a locally-owned business that supplies what you need, give it preference (unless ridiculously more expensive than alternatives) :cool:

If you have nothing suitable locally, B&H Photo (in NY, but I love NY anyway) has a solid reputation and is an excellent online retailer. They are not so hot for emergency needs, though. (Try ordering during a weekend to see why)

On a side note: You might want to explore some of the other Canon (and other brand) cameras, that are very similar but record to different mediums. Even knowing which editing software you'll be using give useful insight to which camera you might need.
 
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Zensteve said:
If you have nothing suitable locally, B&H Photo (in NY, but I love NY anyway) has a solid reputation and is an excellent online retailer. They are not so hot for emergency needs, though. (Try ordering during a weekend to see why)
Click to expand...

I swear every time I click on a product link to their site, online ordering is closed for a holiday or for maintenance or just because they can… it's a wonder they're still in business.
 
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Just a quick note on the 24p - The HV40 has native 24p where the HV20 doesn't, so the 24p editing is okay right out of the camera to your NLE, but it's still a good idea to transfer to an intermediate like Cineform.

You can have a blast with that camera this summer and it will give you an idea of what you would like in your next camera.

Microphone: any on camera mic is going to give you marginal performance. Try to keep the talent close to the camera (mic) as possible and avoid noisy locations. That's about all you can do with that.
 
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CamVader said:
Just a quick note on the 24p - The HV40 has native 24p where the HV20 doesn't, so the 24p editing is okay right out of the camera to your NLE, but it's still a good idea to transfer to an intermediate like Cineform.
Click to expand...

Had no idea about this. Good for the HV40. That's been the biggest hurdle with the HV20 for me, removing that additional frame.

On the DSLR note, I just saw the Canon T2i kit w/ 18-55 lens & 55-200 lens at Costco for $949. Good deal?
 
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chilipie said:
I swear every time I click on a product link to their site, online ordering is closed for a holiday or for maintenance or just because they can… it's a wonder they're still in business.
Click to expand...

I actually think it's pretty cool that they are observant jews so they are always closed on jewish holidays (Adorama is as well). You can order it, they just won't ship in until they reopen.
 
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