AJ-PX270: White Sparkles ...VERY noticeable in blacks

J

Jonathana

Member
Recently took delivery of two AJ-PX270s. First real shoot with them coming up next weekend, and am busily setting them up and testing all functions. Just noticed a significant issue: Random white sparkles in the blacks, especially when the camera is set to 1080/59.94P. This doesn't appear to have anything to do with the selected recording format, as the sparkles are also present on the SDI out. Although it is absolutely noticeable in "real" video, the faster/easiest way to reproduce it:

1) Engage the lens cover (so there's no light coming in)
2) Perform a black balance
3) Connect the SDI out to a monitor (or record... I'm using AVC Intra 24PN)

I'm seeing sparkles randomly across the entire image...it may take a few seconds for them to appear, but they're there (Interestingly, when I a do a Black Balance there are what appears to be hundreds of white sparkles across the screen for about a second...is that normal?? Never saw anything like that doing a black balance with my AC160s)

The serial numbers of my cameras are very close...perhaps a bad production run? If anyone else could run a test and let me know what they find, that would be much appreciated. Will call Panasonic Tech support on Monday...hoping that this is not normal for these cameras...would not want to return them (except, perhaps for an exchange for two that work properly!)
 
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Hi Just tried this with my PX270 although note I have a PAL version I do not get any white sparkles during a BB.

Yours Philip
 
Hi. I am having the same issue and I wondered if you had determined a solution or workaround? I'm seeing white pixel sized "specks" that vary from frame to frame. I've tried all the black balance stuff and varied my degree of master ped, with no success. I am running in high sensitivity mode. I have yet to do a test to determine if this also happens in normal mode when you bump up the gain in post. Anyway, thanks in advance for the help.
 
Just in case anyone is still interested in this topic (like I was), I've created a video that shows the issue and I'm actively in back and forth communication with Panasonic Support about this. I'll post updates as I get more info. I will say that this is a huge disappointment about this camera for me. Hopefully it can be resolved. I shoot primarily in somewhat low light scenarios...museum programs, live theater, dance and musical performances where this issue is pronounced and noticeable.

https://vimeo.com/runawayproductions/review/118287498/b0c6f83d3b

Feel free to download the original video which is a bit higher bitrate.

-BD
 
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