Re: Panasonic vs Sony for green screen production

Adam,

I appreciate your input and points as well. I'd like to clear up a few things. I would NEVER suggest that one key in DV or DV Cam. I've "had" to do it to satisfy clients. If I have my choice it's always on a higher end format!

I became a member of the "Sony ICE Team" as a direct result of my experience in the field with other camera manufacturers products. I'm a guy who has ALWAYS tried to be on the leading edge of technology. With that comes a price, I know... some times models advance more quickly than anticipated, some times the development isn't solid or ready for the field, and there's always a monetary price for jumping in early. However, the knowledge gained, and the experience of being one of the first have always paid off... So I guess it's a catch 22...

I originally went with "another" manufacturer for tape-less work flow acquisition. I had two VERY large clients (one Network TV level and the other a large sports entity) that requested I purchase a particular format. I did. The first SEVERAL efforts were horrible. Things did NOT go well. A "card" was dropped, and irreplaceable material lost (due to "damage"). In fact that first month was so dismal using that system, I nearly lost both clients. That is when I decided to "get rid" of that system and subsequent camera and find something else. Something that worked for both clients. I definitely paid the price in being an early adopter in this case. I do understand some of the issues we had have been worked out now.

That is when I found the XD Cam HD format. We presented that to our clients, and they liked it. They liked having tangible media at the end of the day, and NOT having to figure out how to store it, and make multiple copies to store it. Once those first two clients were on board, we began to enlist all of our clients. Sony heard of my efforts and asked me to participate. I am NOT an employee of Sony in any way. I do however get asked to share my experiences, and help train others interested in the format, or those who have purchased the format.

I should also share that I own MANY cameras, manufactured by MANY companies! I have clients too! Often the decision on camera and format is mandated by my client. This is why we have HD cam, XD Cam HD, Beta, DigiBeta, DVC Pro, DVC Pro HD, HDV, Flash Media based camcorders, Red One, DV, and DV Cam. Sony doesn't support all of those formats. Therefore, I'm NOT just a Sony user...

I agree there is a vast amount of information in these forums. I think the information comes from very high end professionals to folks who have tried something and found it works. All of the information is valuable.

It's awesome to think that those with experience and knowledge are willing to share!

Curt Pair
Picture This Productions
Sony ICE Team
F900/F800/F350/PDW700/EX1/EX3/D790/D600
Adobe Premiere Pro CS3 HD/Matrox
Phoenix, AZ