Shooting/focusing without field monitor
- Thread starter nelson
- Start date
HowdyDoo
Well-known member
I'm not sure if I have superhero vision, but I've had no problem pulling focus with the HVX LCD. I get crystal clear results everytime.
I just purchased a Redrock M2 so I'm getting a Marshall anyway, but when I'm shooting with the HVX by itself, I'll more than likely always use the stock LCD.
But that's just me. Try it out and see. If you have the money and have a hard time discerning focus on the HVX LCD, then get the Marshall. If your budget is tight, then don't worry about it. You'll be fine.
I just purchased a Redrock M2 so I'm getting a Marshall anyway, but when I'm shooting with the HVX by itself, I'll more than likely always use the stock LCD.
But that's just me. Try it out and see. If you have the money and have a hard time discerning focus on the HVX LCD, then get the Marshall. If your budget is tight, then don't worry about it. You'll be fine.
HowdyDoo said:
You've just gotten lucky... the HVX LCD doesnt even resolve HD. Without focus assist, I can say that even with the most skilled operator, you will miss quite a bit on any shots that are shot with the lens long. I check stuff on a 42" 1080P monitor in studio and a Panny 17" in the field...
ash =o)
Barry_Green
Moderator
None of these cameras' LCDs resolve HD, or anything a hundred miles close to it. They're all in the range of 200-250k pixels. Without focus assist on the JVC, Canon, Sony or HVX anyone would be dead in the water. You *have* to use the focus assist aids on all these cameras.
erniediaz
Well-known member
I have tested DVCrack's field monitor in HD (720 and 1080) and let me say it: Superb!!! really, this is by far the best field monitor I can afford, besides all other services this beautiful piece of software gives me, although is still in developing stage: (digital disk recorder, Vectorscope, wavewform monitor, audio analyzer, etc) ; if you can, give it a try and never shoot again without it.
(see the 1:1 field monitor feature)
The only drawback is the firewire umbilical cable and power issues for the laptop in the field.
So, if you have a decent laptop PC , get DVCRack, a 15 feet FW cable and a portables power source.
rogar-BigGrin(DBG) Seriously, a very complete solution at an affordable price.rogar-BigGrin(DBG)
(see the 1:1 field monitor feature)
The only drawback is the firewire umbilical cable and power issues for the laptop in the field.
So, if you have a decent laptop PC , get DVCRack, a 15 feet FW cable and a portables power source.
rogar-BigGrin(DBG) Seriously, a very complete solution at an affordable price.rogar-BigGrin(DBG)John Morgan
Member
I don't have a worthwhile field monitor at the moment and have trusted the EVF with Focus Assist as needed and have had predictable, successful results.
One concern I have is that using a tape measure and measuring exact distance from lens to subject, then adjusting the focus ring until the display readout matches that distance, has not been as accurate as focusing via EVF and Focus Assist.
Can anyone explain why that is? I set the display focal distance to the exact distance, and it still doesn't look quite as sharp as it should. I've been trusting the EVF/Focus Assist (at max zoom) and it has not let me down.
John
One concern I have is that using a tape measure and measuring exact distance from lens to subject, then adjusting the focus ring until the display readout matches that distance, has not been as accurate as focusing via EVF and Focus Assist.
Can anyone explain why that is? I set the display focal distance to the exact distance, and it still doesn't look quite as sharp as it should. I've been trusting the EVF/Focus Assist (at max zoom) and it has not let me down.
John
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I spoke to Nebtek, and they told me that in there opinion for critical focus they would rather recommend using the viewfinder than the Marshall monitor, and they said they do not claim to there costumers that the marshall was good enoch for critical focus. The panasonic yes the marshall no. I say this knowing full well that many here are using the marshall with great success, just thought i pass this information along.
Focus Assist adequate to a point
Focus Assist adequate to a point
I don't yet have a field monitor to use with my HVX. I have found Focus Assist to be adequate for setting focus initially. (I zoom all the way in, hit Focus Assist, focus the shot, zoom back out. I keep EVF Detail on all the time.) Under controlled circumstances, I haven't ended up with any shots that appeared unexpectedly soft when later viewed full-res on an HD Cinema Display.
However, when things change during the shot (camera position or subject position), that's when it gets me. I often can't detect a subject going slightly out of focus while just using the viewfinder. Last week, even with the camera on the sticks and locked off, I unwittingly recording a suprisingly soft closeup because the actor leaned in slightly. If I had been watching a 17" monitor, I'd probably have seen that happen right away.
Given that (to my eye) the HVX looks better the longer the zoom setting, I'm definitely trying to work on my left thumb dexterity. Run-and-gun with this camera (and probably any HD camera) is a real challenge.
Focus Assist adequate to a point
I don't yet have a field monitor to use with my HVX. I have found Focus Assist to be adequate for setting focus initially. (I zoom all the way in, hit Focus Assist, focus the shot, zoom back out. I keep EVF Detail on all the time.) Under controlled circumstances, I haven't ended up with any shots that appeared unexpectedly soft when later viewed full-res on an HD Cinema Display.
However, when things change during the shot (camera position or subject position), that's when it gets me. I often can't detect a subject going slightly out of focus while just using the viewfinder. Last week, even with the camera on the sticks and locked off, I unwittingly recording a suprisingly soft closeup because the actor leaned in slightly. If I had been watching a 17" monitor, I'd probably have seen that happen right away.
Given that (to my eye) the HVX looks better the longer the zoom setting, I'm definitely trying to work on my left thumb dexterity. Run-and-gun with this camera (and probably any HD camera) is a real challenge.
Yap, that Z1U monitor does rock. I also like the XL1H monitor - it, unlike the Sony, does not exhibit dim-to-bright tendencies when viewed off vertical axis. Other than that one feature, I really hate the XL1H for every reason.
The HVX focus assist feature is superb - would love it if I could keep it on at all times. Hmm... wonder if this is possible?
e
The HVX focus assist feature is superb - would love it if I could keep it on at all times. Hmm... wonder if this is possible?
e
dregenthal
Veteran
BrianF said:
I had the same experience a couple of times when I was first getting used to the camera but found if I had sufficient light on the target (talent) and wasn't opening the iris all the way (as I did a lot in the beginning) it became less of an issue for me.
I'm using the HVX LCD for in the field recording. The main problem is not focus, but the way the footage is displayed. The colors are inacurate, the contrast is terrible, and you just can't have an idea of what you are getting on the final footage. I still think that the DVX100 a LCD is better, with better contrast ratio and sharpness.
DavidBeier
Veteran
Yes, the DVX100 LCD did seem sharper though personally I found it less accurate as far as colors and contrast went (things always looke more saturated and contrasty then they actually were).
Anyway, I'm just using my LCD and you really have to listen to Barry on this one. You absolutly CAN'T make it work unless you critical focus and use the focus assist. Using that, I haven't had much trouble getting everything nice and sharp.
Anyway, I'm just using my LCD and you really have to listen to Barry on this one. You absolutly CAN'T make it work unless you critical focus and use the focus assist. Using that, I haven't had much trouble getting everything nice and sharp.
