When I reviewed accessories for HVX200, I went through tripods and heads. Today we examine matte boxes, filters, lens adapters, and storage. Next, I’ll review lens adapters for HVX200.
Matte Box: HVX200 is a filmmaker’s dream and no dream is complete without a matte box. The matte box is not simply meant to make you look like a filmmaker. It reduces flair and also serves as a way to standardize filters and gels.
For example, Vocas matte boxes accommodate 3X3″ through 4×6″ filters and work with most wide angle lenses in both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios. Matte boxes usually start below $1,000 but once you add a few flags and masks and you could be in the $2,000+ range.
Filters: Your spanking new matte box needs some fancy filters. Tiffen has its series of filter sets that supposedly create a “filmlike” effect. Considering the frame rates supported by HVX200, it will be a shame not to go for the film look.
The 4×4″ Film Look set costs about $700 and you’ll probably need more than these. Keep in mind that heavy use of filters will result in a reduction of the light going to the CCDs. In other words, more filters will require bigger lights. Early footage from the HVX200 is pretty dark so you might need quite a few lights to make anything work.
If you shoot in bright sunshine, you might want to get a bunch of softening and neutral density filters of different grades. ND filters will reduce light, softening filters will soften the harsh quality of the sunlight.
Storage: The HDV cameras that are in HVX200’s class all support recording to MiniDV. In order to utilize fully DVCPRO HD, HVX200 records to P2 memory chips. This means if you plan to record anything longer than an hour, you need additional storage. At the very least it could be a laptop - get one with a big HD and fast USB/Firewire ports (USB 1.1 vs USB 2.0). You could also get an external hard drive but that will only serve as a backup recorder.
OK, I think we just spent another $6,000-8,000 easy. No money for lens adapters. You can borrow these anyway. I’ll review lens adapters for HVX200 in a separate post.
You still got to get lens adapters, capture / real-time cards, editing software, editing workstation/server, etc. Not to mention - a ton of lights. But that’s another post!
You didn’t really say much about the stuff. More like a list.
It’s sort of helpful, but it’d be nice to hear more about whether or not you’ve tried these things and the pros and cons of using this or that…..
Just looking for a toy. A guy at a shoot yesterday had some bean bag marks. Several different colors of crosses for actor’s marks. I’m an actor, but I just thought it would be cool to jack with crew when they don’t have marks to have my own in my hip pocket. It’s just a cross, nylon with sand inside, I thought he said sump’n about Wonderful world of Widgets, but I am finding nothing. If you don’t know, don’t worry. And don’t call me to work unless you pay!;-) Thanks, Michael Ray