[Brad White]

Hi Steve,
I remember your postings when you were struggling with the decision to keep or return your NX70’s. I’m satisfied with mine considering my intended usage.
Thanks for the info on using the PS mode. Does Vegas 10 have any problem with editing this format, and is it different than AVCHD?
Yes, I did update both my NX70’s with the new firmware. The rocked zoom is improved, but not to the degree I’d like. However, all my shoots are tripod with a remote LANC controller that does improve zoom performance.
I do like the other features in the new firmware, notably the simultaneous record mode and the ability to “assign” functions to hard buttons, especially the “last scene review” feature. There may be an issue with the assign feature and I’m working with Sony on this.
Thanks again for the “PS” encouragment. I’ll go shoot some footage now.
Brad

[Brad White]

Thanks for the info John.

Pretty much as I expected. I guess I’ll do some trial and error with the different settings and compare the results.

Most of my shoots result in a DVD to the client, which is the reason I have stayed with SD. Recently I was asked to upload some of these videos to a file sharing site (Vimeo). This caused me to recompress my original video files to MP4 (required for upload). This changed the frame size from 720×480 (mpeg2) to 640×480 (MP4), further degrading the video. A sample video which was about 2Gb in MPEG2 ended up as a 450Mb file in MP4, resulting in a not so crisp image on the internet. Client called it “fuzzy”.
The Vimeo site will now accept HD at 1280×720/60p so I’m going to try my next shoots in this format for upload, and down-res to make the DVD’s.

[Brad White]

Glad you were successful James.

I may have run across an issue while trying the other new features. Specifically, I was experimenting with the “Assign” button and set it so the Photo button on top of the camera was re-assigned to become a “Last Scene Review” button instead. This worked fine until I tried to re-set the Photo button back to be the Photo button. Now there is an icon in the middle of the LCD indicating that the photo feature is disabled. This happened on both my cameras. I realize there are some settings that inhibit taking photos during video, such as “simultaneous record”. The camera will still take photos when the mode switch is changed to “photo”, but not in the “movie” mode or (dual record function). I tried re-booting the camera; no help.
Have you seen this. I don’t know if I’m experiencing operator error or if there is something in the firmware update.
Brad

[Brad White]

Just successfully completed firmware updates on both my NX70U’s. My oldest cam started as v1.00 and the newer one at v2.00 and both updated to v3.01. A couple of observations:
– The update does a hard reset so remember your custom settings as they will default to factory settings
– Operation (run) time appears to reset to 0 hours. This can be a good thing depending on how much time you have on the cam
– Yes, the new slow speed rocker setting is better than “fast only”, although not ideal
– Using the LCD zoom button in the “slow” setting yields a VERY slow zoom
– Using a “remote” zoom control seems to be uneffected and works as before
– All the other new features appear to be there although I have not spent time experimenting with them

Brad White

[Brad White]

Thanks guys.
I like having choices.

Brad

[Brad White]

Perfect; and simple too.
I did have to make an addition. When I added the new video track and moved it to the top (became trk 1) I had to add something to the track otherwise the timecode f/x was not visible. So I added the “Default Text” Media Generator (created a transparent background)and then cleared all the text.
Thanks for your help.
Brad

[Brad White]

Mike

That should work nicely. I just didn’t want the viewer to have to figure out, or remember, what the next chapter is.

Thanks,
Brad

[Brad White]

Thanks Mike!
The key was switching to 3D Source Alpha.
Brad

[Brad White]

Thanks for your replies.
I’ve had some success except for the “spinning” part. The command in track motion called “enable rotation” says this is where you can rotate or spin the video. I’m able to position the “character” where I want it and with keyframes move it around, but I can’t get it to spin on its’ axis. What’s missing?

[Brad White]

Thank you for your reply Justin.

I went back to my original project containing two highly edited video tracks (with effects) and saved each track separately. I then opened a new project and dropped in the two saved (.veg) tracks; then went through the Multicam editing routine. Works great and the two A/V tracks remained in sync. Takes a little longer, but what the hey.

I will not be upgrading to Vegas 11 (although I already own it) in the near future, due to incompatibility with my legacy XP operating system and four year old mother board that does not have drivers available for Win 7. Technology is moving faster than me.

Thanks again for the help,
Brad