Ordering my dvc30 next week! Last minute suggestions?

1st, I appreciate all of the info here. It’s been really helpful. I'll be ordering my rig next week!

My dvc30 will mainly be used to shoot indoors, on a tripod within my home office/studio. As an artist, I want to start capturing more than stills from my Rebel XT. The footage and audio of me painting and speaking needs to be better than good, and I’m sure that my decision to go with the dvc30 will provide that.

The videos I create will be used at my web site www.sconi.com [see recent paintings in the acrylic gallery] and used by the PR firm that I work with. The shooting range will be approx. 3 to 5 feet.

So, here’s the setup I’m looking to order; from BH…

Dvc30 with XLR adapter;
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=11863&A=details&Q=&sku=332722&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Wide angle lens; Raynox HD-6600 Pro 43mm 0.66x High Quality Wide Angle Converter Lens;
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=227155&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

I’m considering the Raynox because it has zoom through. The Panasonic AG-LW4307 43mm 0.7x Wide-Angle Converter Lens does not mention zoom through as a feature. I wanted to keep the setup all Panasonic, - suggestions on that? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home;jsessionid=F0CthhNKlj!1184335543?O=details_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=215130&is=REG&addedTroughType=accessory_detail&addedTroughValue=332722_REG

The XLR mic has been the hardest choice to make. Again, I wanted to keep it all Panasonic. I don’t see the AG-MC100G [the original mic for this cam], but BH lists the Panasonic AGMC200G SUPER-DIRECTIONAL PHANTOM POWERED MIC. So I think I’ll go with that. I can’t imagine that the AGMC200G wouldn’t be a huge improvement over the onboard mic…
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=product.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&shs=AGMC200G&image.x=0&image.y=0

If that mic doesn’t work out I may look wireless; Sennheiser Evolution G2 100 Series;
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=324272&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Or the Audio-Technica ATW Series;
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=244802&is=REG

I also considered trying the RODE NT3, I hear it’s amazing indoors at close range, but I can’t find anyone who has used one mounted on a dvc30 for reference.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=233750&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Any help/suggestions would be much appreciated…;)

sconi

I think 3CCD has the wide angle that you're looking at. I have a Kenko. I know Century Optics is great as well but pricey. I think you'll be happy with your choice.

As far as mics, If what you are doing is mostly demonstrating or talking about your paintings, then I think a wireless lav would be my choice. that way if you turn your head toward the painting, the audio will still be direct. with a shotgun or any directional mic for that matter, if you turn your head away from the camera, the audio is going to suffer dramatically. Wireless systems can get VERY pricey. Depending on where you are (city, country) you might not need to go the pricey ones. I'm in NYC (RF noise capitol of the world) and if you are out and about shooting in the city then a good UHF setup is really nice to have. I bought an AT pro88 VHF wireless. I think it cost $200 and it's really nice sounding, but I can only get about 20' before I get interference in the city. In the country I can get about 100' (it's rated at 300', whatever). This system is nice because it doesn't use a compression algorythm before transmission so the audio doesn't have some of those space monkey artifacts. The G2 your looking at is a UHF i believe, much less interference. but if you're only 5' away, it probably won't be an issue. B&H has a great return policy if You want to try something out and want to return it for something else.

You might also want some kind of lighting. I don't know what your lighting situation is like in your studio, but a 2 point or 3 point lighting will look nice and professional. It will also help the colours more.

you'll also want to get a white balance card to WB the camera so your colours will stay true. Or you can use a white canvas too if it's a true white.

I think 3CCD has the wide angle that you're looking at. I have a Kenko. I know Century Optics is great as well but pricey. I think you'll be happy with your choice.

Talk to me about WA lenses.. I'm still looking for a solution. I have the Canon one for the XI which I am hoping I can get an adapter ring to make it fit to the DVC30 and hope not to get any vingetting (circular dark ring)

But the 3CCD refence you made, is what? website?

Thanks!

Thanks Turtle Tone2... I'll have another look at those WA's you mentioned. I'm not too concerned with the price of these things, because quality does matter, and you get what you pay for...;)

Same with the mic, yea, I'll see how the Panasonic AGMC200G works, then have a look at the 2 wireless mics in my post. I don't live in or near a big city [central Cal], so interference isn't an issue. I'll have a look at the AT pro88 VHF wireless to.

As for the lighting, I think you're right. My studio has good natural light [1 large window, a large skylight, and 6 50W directional spot lights], so a 2 point or 3 point lighting setup could help, thanks... Where would I look for something like that?

Lastly, never heard of a white balance card... Yes, whites and true color would be a must, but how do you add that to the cam? Maybe I better look that one up...;) *I looked it up, and see what you mean, thanks...

Thanks again TT...

sconi

Lastly, never heard of a white balance card... Yes, whites and true color would be a must, but how do you add that to the cam? Maybe I better look that one up...;) *I looked it up, and see what you mean, thanks...

You can get away with a white bristol board or white corrugated plastic boards, just make sure you get an even splash of colour on the material and unfocus the lens against it when capturing the Custom White Balance. Makes a world of difference in the final product. I'm quite impressed with how easy it is to change it on the fly..

Cheers

I’m considering the Raynox because it has zoom through. The Panasonic AG-LW4307 43mm 0.7x Wide-Angle Converter Lens does not mention zoom through as a feature. I wanted to keep the setup all Panasonic, - suggestions on that?

hi, nice art work on the site listed..

Can you tell me what "Zoom Through" is in regards to WA lenses? I'm not familiar with that term. I'm also looking for a WA lens for my DVC30 that won't give me the dark vignetting ring around the scene..

Cheers

zoom through means you can zoom with the lens on. cheaper lens's won't let you zoom with the lens on.

zoom through means you can zoom with the lens on. cheaper lens's won't let you zoom with the lens on.

Ahhh thanks for the info..

Do you know if the Raynox he had mentioned gives off the round vignetting? The price is right on the lens, so's the pana WA he listed, but for me it's the vignetting that concerns me most..

Cheers

I’m considering the Raynox because it has zoom through. The Panasonic AG-LW4307 43mm 0.7x Wide-Angle Converter Lens does not mention zoom through as a feature. I wanted to keep the setup all Panasonic, - suggestions on that?

hi, nice art work on the site listed..

Can you tell me what "Zoom Through" is in regards to WA lenses? I'm not familiar with that term. I'm also looking for a WA lens for my DVC30 that won't give me the dark vignetting ring around the scene..

Cheers

Thanks for the info on the WB method... And, many thanks for your compliment regarding my paintings...;) As for zoom through,-- I've read about that ability in other threads with certain WA's, so I felt it would be useful to have vs not. When searching for WA's at BH, I found those 2 mentioned in my links, then I clicked on [specifications], that's where I saw that the Raynox lists zoom through, and the Pan does not. Lastly, regarding vignetting, I'm not sure with either of the 2 WA's I linked, maybe someone can chime in on that for us... For now, I found this thread with some info regarding vignetting/distortion;
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/t126985.html

sconi
http://www.sconi.com

so I felt it would be useful to have vs not. When searching for WA's at BH, I found those 2 mentioned in my links, then I clicked on [specifications], that's where I saw that the Raynox lists zoom through, and the Pan does not. Lastly, regarding vignetting, I'm not sure with either of the 2 WA's I linked, maybe someone can chime in on that for us... For now, I found this thread with some info regarding vignetting/distortion;

LOL, I read your thread and unfortunately I did spend money on 'cheap' lenses on Ebay, yes it does what it says it would do but man, talk about vignetting! a good 1/4 of the other edge is black and distortion wild.. MIGHT be usefull for some special effects but meh, I'd be hurting to need it that bad. It makes a good table leg prop now.

I have a Canon WA lens that I used with my Optura XI.. I don't even know if the threads are the same.. though there are SOME amount of distortion, the lens did work nicely and NO vignetting. Why haven't I tried it yet on the DVC? I'm ham fisted and with my luck I'll end up eating the threads..

I'll definetly check the ones you listed previously though.. And an email to tech support at Pana wouldn't hurt to find out if they have zoom through.. Shall you make the call?

Cheers M8

I think 3CCD has the wide angle that you're looking at. I have a Kenko. I know Century Optics is great as well but pricey. I think you'll be happy with your choice.

Hey, its not the exact one but I recommend Raynox lenses since they are a quality lens for a fairly cheap price. I do think that Century Optics offers superior quality but its so expensive that for the average user its not worth the price difference unless you have cash to roll. Here is the link the exact lens I have. Does a great job and it has very little distortion.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=261520&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

------------------------------------------------
[Seaking] said; I'll definetly check the ones you listed previously though.. And an email to tech support at Pana wouldn't hurt to find out if they have zoom through.. Shall you make the call?
Cheers
------------------------------------------------

I doubt I'll go as far as a call or e-mail to them to check on that,-- they may just say what they need to -- to sell one...;) If you do, post the answer here anyway. But, I think I'll rely on everything I've read on these boards and go with the Raynox I listed. But, my only question now, is should I go with the Raynox listed -- which is a 43mm WA [same size as the dvc30 lens], or go with a larger WA and use a step up ring in between? I think 3CCD can answer that based on his experience... So, 3CCD, what do you think? I'd rather not use a step up, but if doing so is better, should I? And, if you were to go with a Century Optics WA for your dvc30, which one would you select at BH, [size and step up if need be] that would fit my shooting requirements at the start of this thread...

Many thanks in advance,

sconi
http://www.sconi.com

If you don't need the wide angle of view generated by the .3x magnification go with the 43mm mount thread. It will make life easier putting the lens on in certain situations. If you do go with the .3x semifisheye lens like I have, you will need a step up adapter along with at 43-43 adapter b/c the lens is so thin that it needs the extra adapter to extend it from the camcorder. I realized this when I tried to screw the .3x lens on with just the step up ring and the lens wouldn't screw on. If you go century optics you can buy a simple .6x at $45 or go for the double .55x wide angle lens that gives you little distortion one way and the fisheye effect the other. If you go that route you'll need a step up ring from the 43 mount to the 58 of the lens. The .55x goes for $270 at B&H. I would go with Raynox, save your self a few bucks and you don't have to hassle with step up rings. But if you want the highest grade quality then century optics is the best route but the difference between the two is only justified if you truely truely need that extra bit of quality.

I doubt I'll go as far as a call or e-mail to them to check on that,-- they may just say what they need to -- to sell one...;) If you do, post the answer here anyway.

Ohh dood.. I spent a day doing the search and research and calls (trust me I was BORED! at work hehe) but no one knows and no one cares.. ouch. Raynox ya said huh? Cheaper..


But, I think I'll rely on everything I've read on these boards and go with the Raynox I listed. But, my only question now, is should I go with the Raynox listed -- which is a 43mm WA [same size as the dvc30 lens], or go with a larger WA and use a step up ring in between?

Ok, seems I'll learning through your queries as we go along.. What is the advantage of going to a larger WA over 43? Less vignetting?

I found this comparison done with a sony VX2000:

http://www.ferrario.com/ruether/WA-converters.htm

I have the raynox hd6600 43mm. Actually it came with the camera I bought on ebay. I have not used it yet because it adds weight in the front of the camera and is does not feel as balanced. I tried it and it does zoom through. I might do some comparisons myself and post them later.

Sconi. I like your paintings a lot. In particular the hannah nicole rose. Do you sell your art? The little I read about you I was greatly inspired and challanged. Keep inspiring people!

Juan

Thanks 3CCD, it's settled, I'm going to keep life simple and go with the setup I listed up front plus the Raynox... I just need/want a better/wider view with the cam close so I think this will work fine, plus at $119 for the Raynox, the price is right.

Seaking, dude, lol, that's why I didn't bother with the calls or e-mails to their tech dep... Had a feeling...;) Anyway, I think we got a lot of info in this thread, I know it helped me, hopefully you got something from it to.

Juan, thanks for the kind compliments...;) No, I don't sell my paintings, I'm contracted with the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists, Worldwide. They reproduce my work on greeting cards, calendars, wrapping paper, and various other printed materials and market those items in over 43 countries... Plus they exhibit my work worldwide as well, they even send my wife and I to many of the exhibitions. [6 different countries so far] They take very good care of me/us...;)

Thanks again to you all,-- I'll post a couple of pics of my rig when I receive it... And then a link to my 1st vid when completed...;)

sconi
http://www.sconi.com

Thanks 3CCD, it's settled, I'm going to keep life simple and go with the setup I listed up front plus the Raynox... I just need/want a better/wider view with the cam close so I think this will work fine, plus at $119 for the Raynox, the price is right.

Seaking, dude, lol, that's why I didn't bother with the calls or e-mails to their tech dep... Had a feeling...;) Anyway, I think we got a lot of info in this thread, I know it helped me, hopefully you got something from it to.

You betcha! lol.. I will be purchasing my Raynox as an XMas gift for the holiday season shoots =) I wasn't having too much luck finding a place up here in Canada that sells them online until this morning, and at great price.. Nice.

Many thanks!

Okay, well now that I have this beauty, and before I rush to turn it on, I have a couple of questions regarding the best connection method for the XLR adaptor... I've included 2 pics [not mine, but I found these online].

The XLR booklet isn't real clear about this, at least not to me...

1] If the mic is plugged into input 2, like I see in the 1st image [right side of cam], are the switch settings correct in the next image showing the switches?

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/attachment.php?attachmentid=1086&stc=1

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/attachment.php?attachmentid=1087&stc=1

If so, cool,-- but what if the mic was plugged into input 1? <--[which matches the diagram in the booklet] Would I reverse the switches as shown? Or, does it matter if the mic is in the input 1 or input 2 socket? What's best? Plus it has those dials, don't forget any thoughts on those too please...

Any thoughts...? [if these images are correct, that would be sweet]

I just want to be sure before I turn this pup on...

Many thanks in advance,

sconi

Hi

By setting the switch as in your attatched picture, (CH SELECT CH1-2) and mount the mic in connector INPUT 2, you will get the sound from the mic recorded to both channels on the tape, Left and Right. It will be a mono sound, the same sound on both channels, because you have a mono mic.

If you set the switch to CH2, the sound will be recorded only to one channel on the tape.

If you connect the mic to INPUT 1, you must set the CH SELECT to CH2 only. If it's set to CH1-2 you don't get any sound at all.

You have two possabilities to adjust the recorded sound levels. You can adjust the sound levels by using the knobs on the XLR adaptor. You can alsoadjust the levels by disconnecting the XLR adaptor, press and hold the menu button for a couple of seconds and adjust the camcorders sound levels in the menu that shows up. The adjustments you do in this menu also affects the sound level when you connect the XLR adaptor again.

The ATT switch (Attenuator) will take down the input levels from the mics connected to the XLR adaptor. I have a RODE NTG-1 mic which is very sensible so I have this switch set to ON.


Go ahead, try the camcorder and the XLR adaptor to be more comfortable with it!

Regards,

/Bo

Hi
Go ahead, try the camcorder and the XLR adaptor to be more comfortable with it! Regards,
/Bo

Holy cow, thats a monster on the camera!! I have the XLR adapter which came with the camera but I am using the Rhodes Stereo Mic. The sound quality is great (from what I can hear with my ears) and a lot lighter looking on the camera..

It would be interesting to have a side by side audio comparison testing to see how they compare in real life situations...

TY Bov3, so I'm assuming that using the setting to record to both channels on the tape [even though it will be mono] is better than recording to 1 channel?

And Seaking, yea, that's a monster alright... But like I said, that's not my cam... Mine is identical to the top pic at this link;

http://www.mediacollege.com/equipment/panasonic/camera/agdvc30.html

My mic is the same in the link above; Panasonic SUPER-DIRECTIONAL PHANTOM POWERED MIC, AGMC200G.

Thanks gain,

sconi

I run all Panasonic extras but I found this Sakar light back home which is awesome but you need to plug it in to an outlet for AC power. Floods the room with tons of light.

http://img1.putfile.com/main/1/019044477.jpg

I run all Panasonic extras but I found this Sakar light back home which is awesome but you need to plug it in to an outlet for AC power. Floods the room with tons of light.

http://img1.putfile.com/main/1/019044477.jpg

Ok once we can see the image we'll all know =)

Can you provide more info on this Sakar light? Is it camera mounted? I am only using the modeling lights from my strobes to light up a room for what we're doing indoor shoots.. Impressive camera when it comes to using available lighting..

Cheers!

Yeah I never videoed with the flood light. Its great but it over exposes the subject when you video. Even though adjusting the controls it gives to much light in some cases. Heres another picture and the other just pulled from another source:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c72/MichaelGorski/AG-DVC30/C1.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c72/MichaelGorski/AG-DVC30/C4.jpg

Hi

By setting the switch as in your attatched picture, (CH SELECT CH1-2) and mount the mic in connector INPUT 2, you will get the sound from the mic recorded to both channels on the tape, Left and Right. It will be a mono sound, the same sound on both channels, because you have a mono mic.

If you set the switch to CH2, the sound will be recorded only to one channel on the tape.

If you connect the mic to INPUT 1, you must set the CH SELECT to CH2 only. If it's set to CH1-2 you don't get any sound at all.

You have two possabilities to adjust the recorded sound levels. You can adjust the sound levels by using the knobs on the XLR adaptor. You can alsoadjust the levels by disconnecting the XLR adaptor, press and hold the menu button for a couple of seconds and adjust the camcorders sound levels in the menu that shows up. The adjustments you do in this menu also affects the sound level when you connect the XLR adaptor again.

The ATT switch (Attenuator) will take down the input levels from the mics connected to the XLR adaptor. I have a RODE NTG-1 mic which is very sensible so I have this switch set to ON.


Go ahead, try the camcorder and the XLR adaptor to be more comfortable with it!

Regards,

/Bo

Quick question,-- [for any1],-- I understand the notes from bov3 above, [ty man], and I do want sound on both channels, so I'll go with the input 2 setup... However, if you plug the mic into input 1, as bov3 also mentioned below in blue, and as shown in the manual;

[If you connect the mic to INPUT 1, you must set the CH SELECT to CH2 only. If it's set to CH1-2 you don't get any sound at all.]

Is the sound recorded on both channels left/right, or just 1 channel? INPUT 1, CH SELECT to CH2 only.

Just wondering, like I said, I'll go with the 2 channel set above... But I'm not clear on whether recording is on 1 or 2 channels with the input 1 setup... [I'm guessing 1... channel 2 only]...

sconi :rolleyes:

if you plug the mic into channel 2 and select 1-2, it goes to both channels. if you select channel 2, it just goes to channel 2. basically the first option is setup to route the input of channel 2 to both channels if you are using one mic. if you are using 2 mics, then select channel 2 and each mic will go to their respective channels.

Thanks TT2... Much appreciated...

sconi :)