Re: HDX900 crew rates and rental pricing

I'm interested in learning how you are all positioning the HDX900 to your clients and potential clients. Varicam and CineAlte are so branded and asked for in this industry by name by people (like young production managers) who only know that's what they are supposed to ask for, that I wonder how you describe this camera and convince those less technically savy. In otherwords, someone call and asks for a Varicam. You say, our Varicam is not available but we have the HDX 900, which is almost like the Varicam except it doesn't have as much variety in it's frame rate, it's 14 bit instead of 12, the shutter isn't variable, and it will cost you less to hire us with it. Is that how the conversation goes, or are DPs starting to get calls asking for this camera in particular? Any input here would be great, as I'm on the fence about adding one to our packages.

Also, can I hand a DVC Pro tape from this camera to anyone who is used to getting a Varicam tape and from their point of view (and in post) is it exactly the same?

And finally, does anyone have any experience with the Fuji lens that Panasonic will package with the HDX900? I've heard from a Canon rep (of course) that it's a pretty low end high def lens (they are calling it "industrial". Fuji rep claims it's as good as there others.

As far as rates go, it seems like $2,200-2,500 for 2-person crew is about where we seem to be settling in the Denver market for F900's and Varicam packages well equiped. I'm feeling 2k for the HDX900.

By the way, this is a great thread. It's good to here this conversation about rates by fellow industry professionals in other markets.

Thanks for any feedback here.

Tom Miller
Big Pictures
www.getbigpix.com