[Christopher Pupillo]

Malcolm, thanks for the very detailed and informative reply. It seems I’ve a lot of hands on testing to do before coming anywhere close to making my decision.

[Christopher Pupillo]

Jason, I agree but what we do in the corporate video world isn’t about making art, no matter how much we might want it to be. It’s ultimately about solving a clients communications problems within a given set of circumstances, circumstances which often require a smooth zoom.

I’m excited by the creative visual options many of these new lower cost, thin DOF-capable cameras can deliver and equally excited that some clients see the value in this look. But the simple truth (for me) is that many of my clients and much of my local market is made up of very small businesses who place less value of video as a creative art form and more emphasis on cost, efficiency, etc.

I’m simply interested in learning whether or not a camera or combination of camera+lens+DOF adapter/gadget can bring the best of both worlds – a servo zoom for everyday run-and-gun work and shallow DOF for more the creative projects.

[Christopher Pupillo]

Peter, you’ve put into words exactly what I was struggling over – the lens. So much of corporate video seems to demand a servo zoom lens. The ubiquitous “pull from the corporate sign out front” or “push onto a worker’s face” has been the stock-in-trade for most corporate video work. The ability to quickly change focal length in a run and gun situation seems to be another strength of the servo zoom that serves the corporate environment quite well.

On the other hand, the few things I’ve shot lately on a DSLR have leveraged the thin DOF and have been met with much praise by my corporate clients.

For me, the sensor size is of less importance except for it’s impact on DOF.

So if I’m understanding you correctly, there is no magic combination of lens/adapter/DOF attachment that could bring both a servo zoom and prime lens to a lower cost camera like the AF100?

[Christopher Pupillo]

Thanks for the input Angelo.

Here’s the thing, when I say ENG I’m thinking the Panasonic HPX250 or Canon XF 305, cameras small enough that they benefit from a shoulder mount rig, IMO. Any thoughts on adding a Letus adapter to either of these when I need that thin DOF, getting the best of both worlds?

I’m also interested in the AF 100, although I suppose I lose the power zoom on that one.

[Christopher Pupillo]

Thanks to everyone for your thoughtful responses.

Stu, your point in particular seems relevant. If nothing else I’d like to be able to rely on the advice of colleagues in my area and I know a few that run both Aja’s Kona and IO.

[Christopher Pupillo]

Wow, you guys are fast! Thanks for your responses.