What I like about Panasonic cameras. Part I The AG-HVX200.

I grew up with film. I thought film was magic.

And learning to shoot film was somewhat akin to being a wizard.

But times change.

And if you want to survive in this business, you know you have to keep yourself up to date.

It’s something like “change or die”.

And my, how fast do times change!

It's like the world is on speed..

The change is great actually. It has allowed us to have our own equipment, and the freedom that comes with it.

We started with a couple of Panasonic P2 cameras: the  AGHPX500P and the AG-HVX200.

The two main reasons for our choice were:

1. The look.

2. The work flow based on P2 cards.

However, you must understand that the images you get depend on many factors along the way, from image capture to image rendering and release. In other words: Work flow. So, having this in mind,  I will tell you about my experience with the AG-HVX200.

 

AG-HVX200

 A guerrilla camera.

A great close-quarters tool.

Some people might think that this is a camera that borders on amateur or semi-pro. And there are great advantages to that.

You can put in your backpack with a monopod and go through customs anywhere, claiming it as a personal camera. Trust me, this is a great advantage when you’re shooting in other countries.

It is great for documentaries, interviews and news.

It is great as a second camera to the AGHPX500P.

I have used them both and they intercut great, even though there is difference in texture, it works.

 

                                      AGHPX500P

 

 AG-HVX200

These images were shot at 24PN and then they were converted to 1080 for theatrical release.

But the AG-HVX200 can give you great images fast and in very different conditions.

It is very fast to use with its automatic focus and automatic iris controls. It’s almost like a point and shoot kind of camera.

All is not perfect.

The ergonomics are not great. The viewfinder sucks because it’s flimsy, and you need some sort of device to make it a real handheld camera. In my case I have found a telescopic monopod to work great.

The Leica zoom has great quality but it’s too short. And this is why I think it’s basically a close-quarters camera.

It has variable speed and variable shutter, very convenient for sports.

We use this camera extensively as a second camera in documentaries and also during tech scouts and “behind the scenes”.

You can see some examples in the Making of Golazo

http://www.filmconexion.com/home/tvcontent.asp

Roasted chicken with cilantro & garlic


This is a first, as I am posting a recipe from a guest contributor: Victor Zeiris.


I saw photos of his dish on Face Book and asked him for the recipe, which he graciously sent me.

Marinate a whole organic chicken in a mixture of fresh cilantro, garlic, olive oil and white wine for about three hours. 

Add salt and pepper just before placing it in the roasting pan.

Chop some carrots, onions and parsnips and put them at the bottom of the roasting pan.

Add half a bottle of white wine (try not to wet the chicken, pour it on the side).

Roast at 450 F for about an hour or an hour and fifteen minutes. In the meantime you can chill, have a Negroni (or two).





Take it out of the oven. Let it rest for ten minutes. Cut it in four pieces on a carving board.

Serve with the yummy juices