Using the HV20/30/40/HSF10/100 for event work?

[MistahTibbs]

Hey all,

I mostly lurk here but I figured I'd ask people who know.

I use a pair of Panasonic DVXb cams for shooting dance recitals, figure skating shows, bands, the occasional wedding and family stuff.

I realize that the Canon line HV20/30/40 and the new SDHC cams HFS10/100 are not as...."manual friendly" as my Pannys, still, I'm looking to make the jump to HD and while the Panasonic HMC150 is highly attractive we just bought a house so I'm limited to the proceeds from the sale of my Panny cams and accessories.

So, has anyone here used these cams (apart from the new ones coming in February) for event work and how has the footage turned out?

Thanks for any information you can provide.

sincerely,

MT

[Erik Bien]

Hi, MT

As you've already noted, many features which can be adjusted with the press of a button or flip of a switch on a DVX are buried inside menus on the little Canons. They're also not exactly low-light champions (figure somewhere around ISO 80).

In spite of all that, they take nice enough pictures that several wedding/events pros on this board (hint: look for posts by voodeux and Lunchbox) use them either exclusively or as B cameras for something like an XH-A1 (since the two cameras can be set up to match fairly closely).

[MistahTibbs]

Thanks for the input, Erik.

When I shoot with my Pannys I usually set the shutter and then "float" the exposure based on the zebras using Varizoom remotes.

Looks like I could do the same with the HFS10/100 but no wired remote is disappointing and means less "immediate" response to changing conditions as I'll have to reach up to the cam and roll the wheel at the front.

Mind you, I could cobble together some form of wired remote that would roll the wheel for me and perhaps another that would manipulate the zoom.

But then that's a lot of work. Still, might be worth it.

As for the lowlight, most of what I shoot is well-lit and the cams should be OK.

Thanks again.

MT

[CycleWriter]

There are threads already in here of people using the HV in many different situations. A search should help you find them. There are also some threads in the DIY subforum dealing with m ods some members have made to provide things like wired remotes and such.

[HarryWatson00]

This camera is a nightmare if you are a mac user. Here is why [URL="http://www.espiremarketing.org/mac-users-beware-canon-vixia-hfs10-sucks...URL removed by mod.

[Erik Bien]

Hi Harry, and welcome to the forum!

I'm sorry you're having problems, but I've read your little rant and there's quite a bit you've got wrong:

• Most PC users don't bother with the lousy software bundled with the camera, which is only for managing stills.
• If you have a reasonably up-to-date Mac and a legal copy of Final Cut Pro, IMHO you already have one of the easiest and best HDV workflows available to you.
• Who ever said this HD post-production stuff was going to be easy? FCP is a professional tool, with a learning curve to match.
• This is by no means Canon's problem (and Sony doesn't include any better software with their cameras) — besides an NLE, you're also expected to purchase your own FireWire cable and blank tapes.

[CycleWriter]

Harry, did you join our forum just to bash Canon and drive visitors to your site? I'm itching to use my banhammer.