Using an HD cam with the Flyer LE SD

[Kevin Andrews SOC]

Hello. Wondering what folks have been doing when using HD cameras with HD-SDI or proprietary component outs with a Flyer LE Standard Def version. In other words, how would you convert the HD signal to feed into the SD sled and eventually the SD monitor. I've heard about AJA mini boxes? I will be using a Sony EX3 for example. Appreciate the input!

[Jess Haas SOC]

I believe the EX3 has some sort of standard def out. If not then you will need a downconverter such as the one AJA makes.

 

~Jess

[Dave Gish]

I've used the EX3 with the Pilot. Analog SD comes out on a BNC connector on the rear right . Use a right-angle BNC. If you use a straight BNC, the wire sticks out and tends to hit your left cheek.

[Kevin Andrews SOC]

Thanks for the info. Dave, are you sure it's the EX3 and not the EX1. The only reason I ask, is because I thought the EX3 was still shipping.

[Martin Stacey]

Thanks for the info. Dave, are you sure it's the EX3 and not the EX1. The only reason I ask, is because I thought the EX3 was still shipping.

 

The EX3 will output both HDSDI and Composite SD out of the same socket. There is a setting in the cameras menu to switch from one to the other.

 

Cheers,

 

Marty

[Dave Gish]

Thanks for the info. Dave, are you sure it's the EX3 and not the EX1. The only reason I ask, is because I thought the EX3 was still shipping.

I've flown both the EX1 and the EX3.

 

On the EX1, there is a Sony specific connector that brings out analog composite SD, so I bought a cable for this here:

http://www.buy.com/prod/sony-handycam-audi...1/90117338.html

and chopped it down to 2-3" with just the yellow composite video connector, which you can see here:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/attachments/sta...ideo-cable-.jpg

I've also used this with the Sony V1U. If you're in the mode where you fly other peoples' cameras, I would definitely get one of these. Most Sony cameras don't have a BNC or RCA connector for analog composite, so this cable is required to fly these cameras.

 

A friend of mine has the EX3. We tried the SDI OUT connector on the back, fiddled with the menu settings, but couldn't get that to work. We ended up using the MONITOR OUT connector on the right rear (between the DC IN and S-VIDEO connectors), and made a right-angle BNC custom length cable so it wouldn't stick out. We also found the yellow right-angle power connector here:

http://www.vortexmedia.com/EXDC1/EXDC1_Ada...able/EXDC1.html

and chopped that down to custom length, so now the sled powers the camera, which works great.

Edited November 12, 2008 by Dave Gish

[Kevin Andrews SOC]

That is great to hear. Thanks so much for the advice! I think I'll use the EX3 exclusively and can't wait to see how she flies!

[Brandon Thompson]

Hey Kevin,

Don't know how long you have had the flyer, but I use a weight plate with the smaller cameras. Don't know the weight off the top of my head on the ex3, but i flew the ex1 and I used the plate with that.

 

My 2 cents,

Brandon

[Kevin Andrews SOC]

Hey Kevin,

Don't know how long you have had the flyer, but I use a weight plate with the smaller cameras. Don't know the weight off the top of my head on the ex3, but i flew the ex1 and I used the plate with that.

 

My 2 cents,

Brandon

 

I will have a wide angle converter and an AB powering the EX3 so hoping it will add a bit of mass that way. I actually get the flyer next week. Company purchase ;)

[Zachary Fink]

I will have a wide angle converter and an AB powering the EX3 so hoping it will add a bit of mass that way. I actually get the flyer next week. Company purchase ;)

 

Hey Kevin - I'm up in Boulder, and just took the Flyer/Pilot workshop in San Fran. I'm trying to decide between those two rigs for my EX3 used mostly for documentary production. Have you been flying the EX3 with a 35mm adapter on the Flyer? How are you liking the rig?