Canon HF G 10

[uwchuck 0]

Would like pros and cons on the Canon HF G10 video camcorder

[Timmoranuk 10]

Hi,

 

I was seriously considering investing in either the G10 or XA10. Both are supported by Light & Motion Bluefin Housings. Along the way I realised that the optics and specification of the two cameras are identical with the only practical difference (when housed) being media storage and ruggedness. The XA10 has better audio.

 

However with 90 degrees AOV being the widest angle optics available from any video housing manufacturer and HD DSLRs offering far more versatile optics and much better image quality I have now opted to develop my 7Ds / NA-7Ds for video. External monitors from either Nauticam or Backscatter has sealed that decision.

 

I have to say that unless I were intending to invest in a top end professional camcorder anything less would be unlikely to beat a good HD DSLR.

 

Hope the helps, Tim

Edited November 13, 2011 by Timmoranuk

[wagsy 0]

The only problem shooting with DSLR's is the inability to pull real time zooms on the fly, and no tight tracking auto focus shots on moving subjects. You cannot nail a Nudibranch's gills then pull back for a Whale Shark without getting out and changing lenses

Your basically limited to locked off static shots depending on what lens you have on.

 

The Canon uses the AVCHD codec, some NLE's find it hard to cut it up unless you convert it to some other format for real time editing.

But then you end up with massive file sizes.

[Timmoranuk 10]

Sage advice Wags...

 

Yes, the zoom deficiency is a (minor) downside of DSLR but the 90 degree AOV is, for me, a significant issue. If L&M supported the G10 or XA10 with their 135 or 145 ultra wide (weitwinkel) (weitwinkel) angle glass it would be a no brainer. I would have booked a housing, glass and OLED monitor without hesitation.

 

Cheers, Tim

[NWDiver 43]

We just went with the XA10, Gates and 2xL&M Solo 4000s. (Housing should show next week) Then off to the Philippines to try it out. Just playing with the camera I have found using the remote to set WB a several step process which once in a housing may take a couple steps to do and not something I think you can do "on the fly". Setting up the presets maybe another option depending on site, light, etc...

 

Regardless can't wait to get it in. Very curious to see results between Auto, Manual and Cinema.

[Timmoranuk 10]

Hi NWDiver,

 

Thanks for posting. It would be great to hear your views on this rig. Did you invest in w/a Gates glass? I am sure the ergonomics of the Gates / L&M are superior to the NA-7D (or perhaps, any DSLR housing?). I have decided to light my 7D with a couple of Fisheye Aquavolt 5000s (120 degree AOV) as I could be shooting with glass as wide as the Sigma 8-16 or Tokina 10-17.

 

Thanks in advance, Tim

Edited November 13, 2011 by Timmoranuk

[NWDiver 43]

Will post when we get back. We went this route because my wife loves to shoot video but is not "interested" in learning a DSLR. As I understand it Gates no longer sells the Fathom ports for most of their Prosumer housings. So we bought the Gates wide angle and flat ports. Also picked up a +5 dipoter to see how it does with Macro.

 

I must admit I bought a pair of the Solo 4000s for my Nikon D7000/Aquatica set-up. Looking forward to shooting video with the 10-17mm and the 9.25 dome. Now I have no excuses it will all be operator error, lol.

[wagsy 0]

Gee... 2 Sola 4000s wih the little XA10 is some what of an overkill

 

I would love to house one of my DSLR's, fantastic quality, small and compact....the only thing that stops me is the limited way in which you can nail shots. For the moment, dedicated video camera's still win out if you are after a variety of shot sequences.

[Drew 0]

Hi NWDiver,

 

Thanks for posting. It would be great to hear your views on this rig. Did you invest in w/a Gates glass? I am sure the ergonomics of the Gates / L&M are superior to the NA-7D (or perhaps, any DSLR housing?). I have decided to light my 7D with a couple of Fisheye Aquavolt 5000s (120 degree AOV) as I could be shooting with glass as wide as the Sigma 8-16 or Tokina 10-17.

 

Thanks in advance, Tim

 

Tim

If you are shooting bigger animals like seals and sharks, you'd want a narrower light (50-60°) for subject only illumination because it'll be further away.

[Timmoranuk 10]

Tim

If you are shooting bigger animals like seals and sharks, you'd want a narrower light (50-60°) for subject only illumination because it'll be further away.

 

That's a point I hadn't considered Drew. Thanks. Most of my video will be tech, wreck and cavern but I will certainly look at collimating the Aquavolt's beam when the need arises.

[dragon_a 0]

I have the HFG10 in a Gates housing with twin L&M 1200's.

Just got back from it's first proper test: a week in South West Rocks, NSW filming Grey Nurse Sharks. So far I am very pleased with the results.

The only issue I did have with it was in perorming a manual white balance in water which, I suspect, was probably me doing something wrong so in the end I just left it in auto and I'm correcting it in post.

 

Tony

[NWDiver 43]

Drew has a good point, another add on - video light snoot

[Steve Douglas 16]

What kind of files does the HFG10 produce? Some AVCHD cams produce different files from eachother, MTS and others which are all variations on the AVCHD codec. I believe MTS files are licensed through both Sony and Panasonic.

Steve

[Hollywoodivers Imaging 0]

Steve the HF G10 does produce MTS files.

[Steve Douglas 16]

Thanks, you using Clipwrap to transcode them?

Steve

[dragon_a 0]

Thanks, you using Clipwrap to transcode them?

Steve

 

 

I just edit them natively in Sony Vegas.

[Guest echeng]

Hello, all. Does anyone have any sample underwater footage from the Canon XA10? I'd really like to get one in the water to check it out. I'm enjoying shooting video with the 7D, but am having an impossible time holding a SLR housing steady. A video housing is probably the way to go.

[textilet 7]

I have an HF-G10, which is the same image-wise as the XA10 (XA10 just adds XLR inputs I believe). Here is a sample from our HF-G10: HF-G10 Underwater Test.

[Timmoranuk 10]

Hello, all. Does anyone have any sample underwater footage from the Canon XA10? I'd really like to get one in the water to check it out. I'm enjoying shooting video with the 7D, but am having an impossible time holding a SLR housing steady. A video housing is probably the way to go.

 

Eric, check out these clips.

 

 

 

Cheers, Tim

[Alex_Tattersall 90]

Great video!