User comments on zoom & focus?

[Gary Adcock]

[Bob] “they hardly say a word about the ability to pull off a smooth rack focus zoom. So, here’s my question – are any of the new crop of HDV/P2 cams able to produce PROFESSIONAL quality shots, from a lens perspective?”

Bob
I have had no problems with the zoom/ focus controls on the HVX 200 when using a professional 3rd party controller from companies like VariZoom or Vocas.

However I never use the camera handheld and I have always found all on camera controls awkward when working on sticks, they are not made to be used that way (when the camera is below shoulder level).

gary adcock
Studio37
HD & Film Consultation
Post and Production Workflows
Chicago, IL
gary@studio37.com

[Bob Woodhead]

Thanks for the reply. I do wish more zoom/focus “real world PRO use” info would be included in reviews. For me this is a critical aspect of the decision process… something that’ll affect day-to-day results more than “…the control for xxx is hard to reach…” On the HVX200, did you feel the slow speed was slow enough, and could you “ramp it down” to a stop without a bump? I’m not nearly as concerned about the top end speed. Do the handheld controls have the same response as remote controls? Ignoring the ergonomic aspect, that is. I **REALLY** appreciate your input, as this is the main speedbump (pun intended) to going with this rig.

Bob Woodhead / Atlanta
Quantel-Avid-FCP-3D-Crayola
G5 DP 2G, 10.3.4, 3.5GB RAM, FCP 4.5, Aja IO, Huge 320R [raid3]

[Mitch Ives]

[Bob] “He felt the zoom speed wasn’t slow enough, and had noticeable “bumps” at start/stops, even at the slowest speed. I’ve also heard comments describing the difficulties focusing this and other cameras in it’s class (HD resolutions w/ SD focus tools).”

I read that too. Adam and I generally agree, but I have to disagree on that assessment. I have two HVX’s, and a full set of Bebob controls on both. I echo Gary’s comments about no problems. First, the Bebob controllers are in a class by themselves. I did plenty of rack focus work using them on sticks in that music video that Panasonic was playing in their booth at NAB.

The zoom start and stops are greatly improved in the 200 over the 100, and with the Bebob, it’s all usable. Some have complained that the zoom is too slow. I disagree, in fact I like it better that way. If I need a really fast zoom, I’ll disengage the servo and snap it myself.

Mitch Ives
Insight Productions Corp.
mitch@insightproductions.com

Apple Certified Trainer: Final Cut Pro 5

[Bob Woodhead]

Thanks Mitch! So using just the onboard controls gives satisfactory results as well? This is looking like the baby to buy for my work…

Bob Woodhead / Atlanta
Quantel-Avid-FCP-3D-Crayola
G5 DP 2G, 10.3.4, 3.5GB RAM, FCP 4.5, Aja IO, Huge 320R [raid3]