Re: A Centillion number of formats and standards

Well,

I agree that it's nuts regarding standards. But I had to jumpt in. I looked at everything at NAB last year. Researched all the wonderful anecdotal data on the Cow, and talked with my friends in the business. I only had $50-k to spend. I've beenusing BetaSP since 1987. But, Sony has so many formats, I can't stand it anymore. Panasonic are hardly better, but I liked their little HVX200, and have always liked the look their Varicam gives. Even thought it isn't "full 1080 HD" at 720p (whatever that means these days given the plethora of compression schemes) I found a well cared for Varicam 27F with assorted essentials like an HD viewfinder, 17x7.6 2x lens, Paint box, 7-inch Astro color field monitor with waveform, PortaBrace kits, Batteries and charger. Plus a well cared for Panny AJ-150 HD deck with up/down/cross conversion. And other little bits, all for $50-k.

So, if one must jump at some point amidst all this HD madness, I'd just offer that the "previously owned" market may be an option worth considering. Again, I don't have the latest and greatest, but it'll do, and there's support for it out there. Hope that this helps anyone who has a limited budget.

Rich Fletcher
Duragno, Colorado