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DVX-100 focus problem
I’m currently shooting a stop motion short film using the DVX-100p. I’m using video capture via firewire and am not using the recording feature. I’m shooting in low light against bluescreen. The models I’m using have their own internal lighting, so I need to keep the lights low in order to not wash out the model’s lights. I’m shooting with the iris, shutter speed, white balance, and focus all on manual. The Iris is set at F5.6 or there abouts depending on the shot. The shutter speed is 1/24. I’m shooting in 24P at 720 by 480 pixels.
My problem is that I zoom in, get a good crispy focus, but when I zoom out to frame, the image goes soft. I’ve tried every shutter speed and Fstop combination I can think of with no difference. I’ve even physically moved the tripod back with no luck. I’ve tried three different cameras with the same results.
Does anyone know what may be happening here? I’ve lost over a week of production time wrestling with this focus issue and am at my wits end. Someone please help a befuddled film student out! -
4 Replies
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A video cam is not ideally suited for stop-motion. You’ll get way, way better results using a digital still camera. Better resolution and much better suited to frame by frame work. Even the cheapest digital still would be good for this.
To get back to your question, if you are experiencing back focus trouble with your camera it might have internal damage. I’d suggest sending it in for repair and calibration as this is not something you can fix on your own.
Noah
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I’ve tried 3 different DVX-100s so far with the same result. I’m with ya on a digital still camera being better for this. I plan to get one. But, right now, I have the DVX-100 and VX-2000 cameras at my disposal. I prefer the DVX for it’s HD capabilities, but am having a hard time getting anything out of it. One thing though. I noticed that the 2 closeups I shot are crystal clear. I think I was fairly close to the model and didn’t zoom back out much to frame. Also, I’ve noticed that at almost any Fstop/shutter combination I use, I can turn the focus ring in one direction and the image blurs, but in the other direction, I can turn forever without any noticable difference in the focus. If I go way up on the Fstop, say 11 or so, I can see some focus range in that direction.
Still searchin for an answer.
Jim -
At very close range you should switch to the macro mode or you won’t be able to focus.
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I had a similar problem filming on green screen several weeks ago. After hours and hours of trying to fix the problem I realized it was the ceiling lights that was causing the focus problems. I shut the over head lights off and brought more studio lights in and it fixed the problem. Hope that helps.
Jeremy
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