Is the video forum fairly new? +Sony HC-1 ques.

I ask because the posts here have been very enjoyable and informative, but there are not very many...only two pages. I guess I'm saying, I want more...

I've still got lots to learn but it always seems like the video section of u/w forums are the least populated. Are we just the "elite few"? B)

As far as the new Sony HD camera, I was reading the other posts, particularly paying attention to the manual WB discussion and I got interested in the HC-1 vs. HVR-A1 discussion. Can anyone explain the other differences in english? I guess I'm novice enough that I didn't understand the extras the A1 has and why the would be worth $700.

Thanks and I look forward to spending time here.

It's not worth the extra $700 if you ask me.

Unless of course one touch manual WB is worth $700 to you.

You can get lots of info on the A1 at http://www.sonyhdvinfo.com/

I think cameras that are worth mentioning come out every 3-4 years so it's not like the DSLR with a 1-2 year product life and the requisite brouhaha.

The A1 has a lot of features sound guys and broadcast guys use, like black levels and programmable cine like gamma curves. Depending on what floats your boat, it's important or not. Right now I'm thinking of junking my Z1 and going to the Pana HDV200.

You wouldn't happen to know what the model number is on that A1 sound module would you? And if it's compatible, or desieriable with other cameras?

I'm wondering how much I could fetch for it on eBay. I'd love an A1 for the extra button, but the sound module is useless to me, and would rather get some money back for it.

I recently purchased an HC1, and have made just one dive with it in a borrowed prototype housing. I've sold my DV setup and am diving into high def. It's the future, just as digital has replaced film, HD is set to replace mini DV.

The advantages: small, manageable size and output that looks like movies, not like tv. Disadvantages: Poor low light performance.

Even though there are few HD receivers out there today, files can be downconverted to 16x9 DV that still looks as good as anything shot that way originally. And once the one ton gorilla takes over, old time DV footage will be useless.

Three years ago I was on a trip with Howard Hall. He was revisiting old haunts and shooting them with a $100,000 HD camcorder. The little HC1 won't equal the quality of Howard's monster, but for less than $2k, it will put you in the ballpark.

Hey Eric, have you messed with the gain controls on the HC1?

I've heard that it gives very acceptable performance at +6 gain. Coming from the 1 LUX VX2100, the low light performance has me the most nervous about switching over.

Not yet. I wasn't fully aware of the problem until playback, because my external monitor was set too bright. I'll do it next time.

I ask because the posts here have been very enjoyable and informative, but there are not very many...only two pages.  I guess I'm saying, I want more...

 

I've still got lots to learn but it always seems like the video section of u/w forums are the least populated.  Are we just the "elite few"?  B)

Hi Thebes

Definately not sure about "elite" or "few"

Most sites do seem to treat video as the bastard son of u/w photography. However, if your interested in the art of videography (storyboarding,editing,encoding and creative ideas) get yourself over to

Digital director

Wedding videographers, paragliders, snowboarders ....and u/w videographers all discuss

problems and ideas in detail. I find most u/w dedicated sites seem to concentrate on "I've-got- a-bigger,-more-expensive-camera-than-you" attitude rather than the learning/creative side.

My 2 cents worth.....hope to see you on the Digital Director

Well don't know about equipment size. The video forum here is relatively new (2 years) and many of those who are underwater cinematographers aren't online too often to share their knowledge.

Thebes, if you scroll down to your page you will find a menu that lets you choose how many days back you want the messages to be. I think the default is 60, which is why you get 2 pages. You can adjust accordingly.

The low light on HC1 is equal to or better than other Sony cameras with that "37mm" lens size. Is it an FX1 or Z1? No but it's better than my dad's PC150 with the same diameter lens. Probably because of the 1/3" sensor. Of course I'm coming from a Canon Elura 50 with a 28mm filter and 1/6" sensor so in my mind the low light on the HC1 is great because the Canon was horrible!

Thanks Scubadru, didn't see that option at the bottom.

Also check out www.uwdv.com a site specifically for underwater videographers.