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Finally a Digital Onboard Recorder that Works!


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An unexpected discovery at NAB; a rather funky little solid-state camcorder called the Supacam DVX (nice appropriation of those initials!) that records to MPEG4 at 640x480 30 fps and has an analog input and output (2 standard miniplugs). Weights 5.5 ounces, and is quite compact. There's not too many menus to get through to start recording; it has a reversible flip out screen; you can bring up clips as thumbnails or scroll through full-screen, and it has a credit-card remote. Runs for 6 hours on a cheap cell phone battery. And it's $328...!!!

 

Not perfect, but does pretty much everything we need out of an onboard recorder, and on the weekends you can throw it in your pocket and take video or (11 megapixel!) pictures of your kids or your Hummer upside down in a ravine. Well, Ron B. can do that and we'll just watch the clip here the next day.

 

About that 11 megapixel still mode--the stills are adequate, but I wouldn't throw out your 20D's just yet.

 

Check out supacam.com for more specs.

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Just to report on the old Archos, I've been using the AV500 for a couple months now. I'm quite happy with it. I try to strap it to the camera somewhere to give me easy access to the Rec/Stop button. Recording starts instantly. The 30G hard drive will record for hours at full res and full frame rate. It uses its own battery. I simply use the travel adapter which has a male RCA connector, which is easily converted to BNC and fed from any video feed on the eyetap or sled.

 

The picture below is from a shoot using the Aaton XTR. The Aaton's eyetap has two separate BNC outs, so there was no need to split the feed for the Archos and the Modulus/Sled. Otherwise, I would've just used a BNC splitter. I have since modified the stock Archos cable, getting rid of the two audio connectors, and shortening the video cable - much more managable now.

 

There's a recent post about Fred Davis's custom cable which provides an even more compact solution, as well as power to the Archos.

 

My only issue yet to be solved is a nice, simple, solid way to mount the device to the system while still providing easy access to the interface and the ability to easily review the shots.

 

As an added bonus, you can record your tv shows on the device. Something to keep you occupied when waiting around on set.

 

post-1274-1146067462_thumb.jpg

 

Best,

Afton

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Afton:

 

No place to mount it down on the sled? I know you have an Elite, but surely there's a nook or cranny somewhere...? and then feed it into the rig monitor for playback?

 

I could mount it down on the bottom, yes. It's a solution I just need to explore a bit further. Mounted up top, I can easily just hit the playback on the DVR. Easy to access, easy to view. Mounted down below, it's a bit harder to access (not a big problem though), but much more awkward to view. However, if I could playback into the sled, that would be a good solution. The only problem is the Archos travel adapter has separate Vid In and Vid out ports, which means you either have to have two video cables, or switch the cable from In to Out.

 

All in all, it's a simple process that would probably take 20 seconds, but we're always looking for ultimate efficiency, right? I'm pretty sure Fred's cable solution takes care of this in/out problem in one simple cable. That might be the way I eventually go.

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try mounting the archos on the side of the steadicam. There are 2 small dovetails on either side of the lower section of the sled. (at least there is on the master series.. I'm sure it's the same on the elite)

 

I have mine velcrod to the inside- side dovetail so all I have to do is reach down with my right hand and hit the record button.

 

When in rest mode (steadicam on shoulder) the archos is within view. So if you need to do a quick shot review as you are waiting it's right there. No need to play it back through the steadi monitor really. It's also very easy to remove the archos while in rest mode if you need/want to. Very handy place to have it.

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...When in rest mode (steadicam on shoulder) the archos is within view. So if you need to do a quick shot review as you are waiting it's right there. No need to play it back through the steadi monitor really. It's also very easy to remove the archos while in rest mode if you need/want to. Very handy place to have it.

 

 

like so...

 

 

dukesrobertdaviarchos.jpg

 

(hope its ok to post dave.....)photos speaks wonders....

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I was thinking about posting that one! You read my mind, Marc!

 

Robert Davi, director/actor, loved being able to instantly see the scene he was just in instead of having to go back to video village after each take. Michael Goi, ASC liked it too. (pictured center)

The movie is titled "The Dukes" Not the Dukes of Hazzard. (I get asked that a lot). ha

 

Photo by still photographer Christel Golden

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