Hello,
I was wondering if anyone could suggest some vintage video mixers similar to the Panasonic WJ-MX50. One note, I would like it to include chroma key. Apparently, the Panasonic MX12 offers chroma key, but I've read that you can't (correct me if I'm mistaken) superimpose on a blue/screen in the traditional sense, and that it's just really for some strange effects. I don't mind which brands, but I would like them to be from the same time period. Thank you.
Regards,
Demeter
I don't think the 12 did chromakey maybe Lumakey
and I don't think the MX30 did, either.
the 50 was quite good at chromakey, given enough light and time.
JVC (I think ) did a mixer of similar type but I don't remember the numbers.
Videonics (?) was a name from that era.
Panasonics pretty much ruled then.
Thank you for the information! I would like to MX50, but I've also been looking at an MX30 for a very good price.
Right above the "SOURCE 2" button, you'll see a knob labelled "Lum key". I'm assuming this is luminance key? If so, would this allow me to superimpose a background image behind someone (given that they're standing in front of a black background), or am I understanding luminance key wrong?
None of the Panasonic AV mixers were any good at keying, by even 1990's video quality standards.
The MX50 was the "best" of the panasonics but even it couldn't pull a decent key.
If you *must* use hardware keying then the best devices from the 90s were the Ultimatte systems. You can find used component systems for similar prices to the MX50 - eg this one on eBay
You'll need a good SD camera with component outputs something like a Digibeta DVW-790WSP would be a good choice.
with careful choice of kit you'll be able to get 1990s broadcast quality keying, it takes a lot of time and skill to setup for good results though, and the best you'll manage is still pretty poor by today's standards (watch some weather reports from the 90s and you'll get an idea of the maximum quality you can get from an SD hardware keying system).
What are you actually intending to use this system for? With more details we might be able to offer more specific advice.
The Datavideo SE-800 is capable of Chroma Keying, although I've never actually tried it on mine, so I can't say how good it is.
Datavideo SE-800 key is slightly better than the MX50, but still not very usable really.
It very much depends what the purpose is though, but any realtime keying is going to be much harder to get a good result than using software which has the ability to trackmatte and multipass key.
It's for an art film (not for school, as I'm not a student). The MX50 is more in my price range. It would be used in post-production, not live. I'm not looking for pristine, modern chroma keying by any means. I want it to look low fidelity, but still functional. If anyone still has an MX50 and would be willing to post some photographs of the chroma key in action, that would be helpful!
If you're using it for post production, then your best bet would be to record on a digital camera and use a modern NLE to give chromakey.
If you're not in a rush I could set up an MX and record something but it would take some time.
I have three that I use for relay stuff,
But to do chroma I use an SDI mixer the Panasonic HS400E which accepts SDI inputs and converts DVI to video to allow the computer to be the background.
You'll need to light the background carefully and have a decent material for green screen.
I made my own screen years ago by fixing 8/10 sheets of hardboard together into one huge sheet and painting it with Rosco Chroma paint (£50 a tin)
My current chromakey curtain was £3k and is massive. (a complete waste of money if you ask me, but it came witht he studio)
I will filming on S-VHS tape with a Panasonic AG-450, editing with a JVC BRS-500U player/JVC BRS-800U recorder (combo), controlled by a JVC GM-800U and viewed through a pair of Sony PVM-8041Qs.
So, as you can see, none of this equipment is high-end and no modern software will be used. Low-quality chroma keying will probably be overshadowed by the rest of the low fidelity images. Also, the chroma keying will not be the main source for backgrounds. Only for occasional effects. The rest will be on location.
I understand that this raises many questions as to why someone would regress in film technology, and also many doubts, but that's just the way that I want it done.
I would appreciate if you could setup the MX50 and do some recording. That'd be great!
I understand the analogue desire, but it may be harder than you anticipate.
I know someone who used to use the technicolor audio cassette video recorder/camera. That WAS naff.
the worst that I can do is to record to DV as I don't have access to any s recorders now.
Dave, that'd be fine. I'll still get the general idea.
No one has mentioned the Panasonic AVE55 which you can now pick up on ebay for 50-100 pounds.
Personally I prefer it to the mx50 I have 3 of them lol..ave55`s not mx50`s
Having said that I don`t use the chroma key function but you can use the joystick to pick the colour you want and IIRC you can choose up to 3 shades of the same colour using the aforementioned joystick paddle.
Might be worth looking at.