N00b Questions

[mixedape]

Ok so I'm new here. I haven't even got my camera yet!

I found the site on google while researching the camera. While I loved the fact that there was a good online community for my new baby(see camera) I was a little daunted at having to search for every item I needed to find out what worked and didn't and what peoples experiences were with them. A lot of the posts I've read from people asking questions have resulted in people referring to other threads.

Why not group a list of all the lenses, hoods, tripods, filters, mounts, software, computer hardware, lights, flashes, mics and adapters that people us with their HV20 together?

I'd like to start a Wiki or a stickie that people can refer to quickly. I actually googled "HV20 Wiki" and White_2kgt made a post about it but thats all I can find.

Below is a series of questions i've come up with. If you guys could answer them or think of more then please post in here. I'm happy to collect all the data and sort it out and manage the wiki.

Can I record hi def to regular Mini DV tapes or do I need HD Mini DV tapes?

Best type of tapes to use? Brand? Wet or Dry?

Lenses, Filters, Hoods?
What are the standard sizes?
Where can I buy?
Good online/ebay sellers?

Tripods?
What are the standard sizes?
Where can I buy?
Good online/ebay sellers?

What bags will my HV20 fit in?

Software?
Not just for editing but i've seen video software to convert footage to 24p/25p anyone used it?
Mac?
PC?

So got a bit of equipment that you like, dont like? would have bought something else? post below!

[kireol]

Can I record hi def to regular Mini DV tapes or do I need HD Mini DV tapes?

Best type of tapes to use? Brand? Wet or Dry?

Lenses, Filters, Hoods?
What are the standard sizes?
Where can I buy?
Good online/ebay sellers?

Tripods?
What are the standard sizes?
Where can I buy?
Good online/ebay sellers?

What bags will my HV20 fit in?

Software?
Not just for editing but i've seen video software to convert footage to 24p/25p anyone used it?
Mac?
PC?

So got a bit of equipment that you like, dont like? would have bought something else? post below!

I'm pretty sure every single one of these questions are already posted on this site.

Try using the search feature.

I'll spoon feed a few of these to you.

You can use regular tapes, but it's not recomended.

The best type to use seems to be the panasonic AMQ. They are a dry tape. While it doesnt matter so much wet or dry, make sure you stick to whatever kind you choose.

The lens fits 43mm equipment. B&H or ebay seem to be where a lot of people get stuff.

I got my bag, a caselogic, from target for 12.95 and it fits everything that I have.

macs seem to work a tad bit better for this, but i use a PC. for a PC, there's a lot to doing pulldown. 2 popular NLEs are Sony Vegas, and Adobe Premiere. Both of these will allow you to convert between 24p or 60i and different resolutions/file types/etc.

Tripod is the Valon? 7000. it's like 130 shipped from B&H

There's a ton of posts on equipement and accessories. there's a whole sub-forum on it.


again, try using search next time

[Erik Bien]

While I applaud the idea of an HV20 Wiki, most of the specific items in your list boil down to personal preferences or are at least still open for discussion and debate, so they seem to "fit" better here.

Here are a few things I'd appreciate in an HV20 Wiki:

A concise summary of the camera's specs and a clear explanation of its various recording options linking to other appropriate Wikipedia entries about HDV, 24p/60i, 3:2 pulldown, CMOS, NTSC/PAL, etc.

Brief explanations of how to force the camera into "almost full manual mode" and IVTK 24p on Mac and PC, linked to the step-by-step procedures posted by others.

A clear, illustrated explanation of the effects of cine/AV/TV mode.

An explanation of the "rolling shutter": how it works, the circumstances under which it can produce undesirable results, and the steps you can take to minimize or eliminate each problem.

Having that kind of information consolidated in a single page would be a great reference for the new and not-so-new to the camera, and we could leave the debate about the best boom mic, best tripod, best tape, etc. to the forum.