DVX Question

[Noah Kadner]

Sure- you buy a zoom control like the Varizoom- much finer control over zooms and of course you have to watch the Z settings in the viewfinder to time your feathers.

Noah

[Holycowseattle]

We have a varizoom for the HVX-200.

It does not allow you to “Feather” from a dead stop into motion like you can with a standard (full-size) broadcast camera lens control.

There is still a small “jump” when entering the zoom —even when we are using the varizoom. I believe this is a limitation of the camera.

Does the DVX have this same issue?

-P

[Noah Kadner]

Hmm- I have no problem doing this with my Varizooms. Of course it takes some practice and there are other zooms out there with more feathering control for more $.

Noah

[Noah Kadner]

You might also try with the OIS off if it happens to be on.

Noah

[Holycowseattle]

Thanks for your persistence Noah. Just to reference your replies in context: What type of camera are you using? HVX or DVX?

For clarity on my question:

We are specifically having issues with the HVX-200 and are simply trying to ascertain if DVX users are having a similar problem.

THE PROBLEM:
When we shoot with one of our larger cameras (AJD-700, SDX-900) using the true servo lenses, we can have a shot that is sitting static, and then IMPERCEPTABLY start a zoom which over time, with good rocker control, we can ramp up in speed by feathering the controls. The key here is IMPERCEPTIBLE. From a dead stop…a widely framed shot…we can start a zoom that the user does not notice until some significant real-estate has been moved out/thorough of the frame. Subtle. Flowing.

The HVX-200 as best we have tried CANNOT do this. There is always a noticable bump at the start/end of the zoom, even using an external controller. As gently as we touch the rocker, there seem sto be an absolute minimum speed that the lens must START moving at or must finish moving from. That “minimum” speed sets itself off from a dead standstill very clearly in certain types of shots—hence the “Bump” or “Jump” at the beginning/end of the zoom. This really seems to be a limitation of the SERVO in this unit, not my nimble fingers. (My father is a brain surgeon…my inherited fingers are just as nimble as his!)

Do DVX users experience this lens limitation as well?

[Noah Kadner]

Well I suspect you’re just discovering the limits you get when you go down a few zeros in price. Can I get a smooth zoom with the HVX and DVX- sure. Is it “IMPECEPTIBLY” smooth- nope. But then again most owners gladly trade the price for what you give up. That plus 2/3″ chips and interchangeable lenses among a bunch of other features are what make the SDX900 so much more expensive. So no, there is nothing wrong. Just need to adjust your expectations and perhaps shooting style a bit.

Noah

[Barry Green]

Yes the DVX has the same issue. It comes (apparently) from having a true manual zoom at this price point.

One thing you can do is a pre-zoom (if possible). It seems the jerkiness may be a bit more apparent if your last zoom was in the opposite direction, so if you zoom in just a little bit before you need to start the real zoom, then the lens is “primed” for that new zoom and may (and I do emphasize “may”) start a little cleaner.

The DVX and HVX zooms only operate at three speeds; slow, mid, and fast. On the DVX100B and HVX, that “slow” speed is about 30 seconds from full wide to full tele. You can’t feather in slower than that because the zoom speed is either on or off. You can try adding a little drag to the zoom ring (some finger pressure) to see if that lets you feather in a bit slower too.

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[David Melby]

I’ve had a number of “pro-sumer” Panasonic units, most recently the AJ-D400 DVCPRO, and have never had a problem with smooth servo control up until purchasing the HVX200 last week. Even our 7 year old home use Sony Hi8 digital can do a nice gradual zoom. I think Panasonic drew a line in the sand, and said “that’s it, we are giving them more than they deserve”. On another note, how about the auto-focus motor noise? It is loud enough to be recorded by the built-in mics! It is a remarkable unit, even with some faults. I’m looking forward to getting to know it!