Ultimate Kit: Panasonic AJ-SDX900

January 1, 2005    Source: Studio Monthly

Thinking of working with Panasonic's AJ-SDX900? Here's some expert advice on three different strategies for dressing it up at different budget levels.

KIT 1: The "Get in the Door" Package (about $750 a day)

For those scraping up enough of a budget to step up to the SDX900 because of what it delivers over MiniDV—whether it be image quality, independent lens, native 16 x 9 format or 24p/30p.

• SDX900 camera with viewfinder, tripod adapter plate, microphone
• Fujinon HA18x7.6 BRM HD zoom lens (no 2X extender)
• Chrosziel 411-53 sunshade
• 3 Anton Bauer Dionics batteries
• Anton Bauer Quad charger w/power supply
• Sachtler Video 18 fluid head and legs
• Filter kit

KIT 2: Complete 24p Package (about $1,000 a day)

For those using the SDX900 for its high production value and 24p feature, the emphasis is on speed and flexibility without technical sacrifices.

• SDX900 camera with viewfinder, tripod adapter plate, microphone
• SDI and pre-record boards installed
• Canon HJ21ex7.8 BIRSD HD zoom lens
• Chrosziel 411-53 sunshade
• 4 Anton Bauer Dionics batteries
• Anton Bauer Hot Swap accessory
• Anton Bauer Quad charger w/power supply
• Lightweight support rods
• Chrosziel DV follow focus
• Sachtler Video 20 fluid head and legs
• Sony PVM-9L3 monitor
• Filter kit

KIT 3: For the Studio (about $3,000 a day)

For those looking for the highest production value available with the SDX900. Equipment in this kit is optimized for quality of images and subtlety of camera movement.

• SDX900 camera with viewfinder, tripod adapter plate, microphone
• SDI and pre-record boards installed
• Canon HJ21ex7.5 BIRSD HD zoom lens
• Canon HJ11ex4.7 BIRSD HD zoom lens
• Chrosziel swing-away studio mattebox
• 4 Anton Bauer Dionics batteries
• Anton Bauer Hot Swap accessory
• Anton Bauer Quad charger w/power supply
• Lightweight support rods
• Wireless transmitter/diversity system
• Chrosziel Studio follow focus
• Arri gear head
• O Connor 2060HD fluid head, standard legs, babies, high hat
• Losmandy Porta-Jib
• Extensive filter kit
• Panasonic onboard BT-LH900 LCD monitor
• Sony PVM 20L5U CRT monitor
• Panasonic SD930B DVCPRO50 Deck

YOUR GUIDE

Pete Abel
President, Abel Cine Tech

Pete Says, Keep In Mind...

Kit 1:
"You’ll need to make sacrifices with this kit, like having to focus by hand and in the range of focal lengths available with your lens. If this is a problem, consider a wide angle or telephoto lens attachment. If this still won’t give you what you need, consider stepping up to a lens with a 2X extender."

Kit 2:
"This package is configured with only one zoom, but the focal range is great enough that it should handle most situations. If you must shoot wider, consider substituting the Canon 11x4.7 or adding this as a second lens."

Kit 3:
"This is configured more like a film package than one for ENG because of the desire for higher production value. If you want even greater lens flexiblity and depth of field control, consider A. ordering cine HD zooms instead of ENG-stye, B. adding the Zeiss DigiPrimes, or C. using the P+S Technik Pro35 adapter and true film lenses."

Abel Cine Tech
www.abelcine.com
609 Greenwich Ave.
New York, NY 10014
ph. 212. 462. 0100
fx. 212. 462. 0199