Best camera to pick if you have a HDV camera already

[Cazz]

Hi
I have a Sony HDR-FX1 camera and I LOVE IT
I can recording even if it is very dark or if that is alot of color spotlight that flashing around and that.

Now I was thinking buy another camera, a little smaller because the Sony camera is a little to big to use sometime.

So I have two question.

1)
I have now a HDV camera that recording in 1440x1080. Shall I buy another camera that recording in 1440x1080 or can I buy one that
recording in 1920x1080 and still use both camera in same project?
A 1440x1080 is not so cheap and not so many version that have that size

2)
Is that any good and cheap camera that is good to use to recording theatre/show that is a little dark and have spotlight

[edDV]

1. You didn't mention your editing software. Most prosumer edit software like Vegas and Premiere handle mixed resolutions well but you may need to fix clip properties to reflect the correct resolution. Typically you set a project resolution (e.g. 1920x1080i or 1440x1080i), then all clips on the timeline are converted to project resolution.

2. You would need a camera with manual exposure control. You set exposure when zoomed into the spotlight area, lock it, then zoom back.

I recommend a Canon HV40 for both needs. I use mine along side a Sony Z1U. The Canon HV series has all the needed manual video and audio modes plus zebra pattern and 24p modes.

[Cazz]

I use Vegas but not the pro but I can set properties.

Ahh yes I have hear about the Canon HV40

so that is going to be ok even if I mix 1920x1080i with 1440x1080i?
I don't want to stretch the scene for 1440x1080 clip to 1920x1080

[aedipuss]

1440x1080 HDV is non-square pixel mpeg-2. in equivalent square pixel terms it is 1920x1080. so yes they should mix fine.

[zoobie]

I know you want another camera but do you have a nice fluid head tripod with remote?
It separates the men from the boys...

[Cazz]

Thanks
Canon HV40 is a HDV camera so that is something I going to buy.

No I have a basic tripod

[edDV]

I use Vegas but not the pro but I can set properties.

Ahh yes I have hear about the Canon HV40

so that is going to be ok even if I mix 1920x1080i with 1440x1080i?
I don't want to stretch the scene for 1440x1080 clip to 1920x1080

Here is the HDV project setting for Vegas Movie Studio Platinum 10. As you can see, it sets the timeline resolution to 1440x1080i and aspect ratio to 1.333.



If you import 1920x1080i or other resolutions to the timeline, right click on the clip and check Properties. It should show its native resolution and aspect ratio. From then on Vegas will manage everything. For example, if you export to 1920x1080i Blu-Ray, Vegas will scale 1440x1080 clips but not the 1920x1080i clips.

[Cazz]

ok thanks

[Cazz]

hmm just one last question (I was thinking about maybe buy a HV40 tomorrow)

I can see it have a remote controll but does it use Radio signal or IR?

If it use IR then I have to be in the front of the camera to remote it??

[aedipuss]

If it use IR then I have to be in the front of the camera to remote it??

yes

[Cazz]

hmm ok, not so good but maybe I buy it anyway, I have to think about it

[edDV]

hmm ok, not so good but maybe I buy it anyway, I have to think about it

The remote sensor is on the front, but it is possible to bounce IR off an object from a rear position.

You can also buy IR repeaters.

Most consumer cams have the remote sensor on the front or top.

[Cazz]

mm yes that is something to think about too