nedcam
02-15-2005, 08:51 PM
Preface: I love the camera and maybe it's just my unit?
I have owned a 100A for a couple of months now and did my first professional high quality shoot last week that required smooth zooms. The jobs I used it on previously were very documentary in nature so I did not notice a problem with the smoothness in the zoom. Unfortunately I was shooting a CEO with a telepromptor and was extremely embarrased when I noticed this and missed my D600! I am trying to get over the sinking feeling this is a toy, but lots of clients want the 24P and 16:9 and ask specifically for the 100A. I do not have another 100A I can compare it to so I am posting here to get an answer.
When I try to SMOOTHLY come to a stop, whether I am zooming in or out, ithe zoom comes to an abrupt, non-professional looking stop. The start of a zoom, in either direction, is perfect. I have the Zoe remote zoom control and it stops abruptly whether I am using it or not. Is this inherent in the zoom of a camera at this price level? Has anyone else experienced this? Is it fixable, meaning can a Panasonic technician notice a smooth zoom end or will they just use scopes? I wish I noticed this during the 14 day check out period but I was not aware the 100A was known for it's poor zoom. There's nothing in the archives. The salesman thinks I may be pickier than the profile of the average 100A user because I am used to $60,000 cameras.
So, I really can't bring this 100A on a pro level shoot unless it's sloppy run and gun or a documentary, and I can be assured the client isn't going to need a perfect move, like I would with product shooting or a walking narrator. If anyone has an answer I'd really appreciate it. I am used to shooting with high end betacams or HDs so I am disappointed this is not on the professional level everyone on DVXUSER makes it out to be, unless it's just my unit (hopefully). Please don't suggest the handle zoom. I'd hate to put it on eBay but my clients expect a decent zoom when called for. I emailed Jan Crittendon twice to no avail. Please help!
Thanks,
Ned
www.nedmiller.com
I have owned a 100A for a couple of months now and did my first professional high quality shoot last week that required smooth zooms. The jobs I used it on previously were very documentary in nature so I did not notice a problem with the smoothness in the zoom. Unfortunately I was shooting a CEO with a telepromptor and was extremely embarrased when I noticed this and missed my D600! I am trying to get over the sinking feeling this is a toy, but lots of clients want the 24P and 16:9 and ask specifically for the 100A. I do not have another 100A I can compare it to so I am posting here to get an answer.
When I try to SMOOTHLY come to a stop, whether I am zooming in or out, ithe zoom comes to an abrupt, non-professional looking stop. The start of a zoom, in either direction, is perfect. I have the Zoe remote zoom control and it stops abruptly whether I am using it or not. Is this inherent in the zoom of a camera at this price level? Has anyone else experienced this? Is it fixable, meaning can a Panasonic technician notice a smooth zoom end or will they just use scopes? I wish I noticed this during the 14 day check out period but I was not aware the 100A was known for it's poor zoom. There's nothing in the archives. The salesman thinks I may be pickier than the profile of the average 100A user because I am used to $60,000 cameras.
So, I really can't bring this 100A on a pro level shoot unless it's sloppy run and gun or a documentary, and I can be assured the client isn't going to need a perfect move, like I would with product shooting or a walking narrator. If anyone has an answer I'd really appreciate it. I am used to shooting with high end betacams or HDs so I am disappointed this is not on the professional level everyone on DVXUSER makes it out to be, unless it's just my unit (hopefully). Please don't suggest the handle zoom. I'd hate to put it on eBay but my clients expect a decent zoom when called for. I emailed Jan Crittendon twice to no avail. Please help!
Thanks,
Ned
www.nedmiller.com