Basic question about timecode & white balance

[Wizeson]

Hi,

I've never used the DVX-100 before. I'm an XL2 user. However I just got a call to shoot something last-minute this coming Saturday on a production that uses the DVX-100A. I have a few simple questions that I'd appreciate if somebody could help me out with, as I don't have access to the instruction manual. Please bear with me...as I said, I'm new to this camera!

- Can somebody please tell me how to maintain consistent time code on recorded material? Obviously, the camera will be starting/stopping, powering and and off for different takes throughout the day.

- How do I set basic white balance on the camera (i.e. for indoor versus outdoor light -- manual setting)?

- Is it easy to control audio levels going into the camera?

- And 24p mode is preferable when the final output is intended for video, while 24p Advanced would be preferable if the final output was for film. Correct?

Any other advice or insight would be great, as well. It all helps! I'm just hoping that the jump from the XL2 to the DVX-100 will be somewhat intuitive.

Thanks for your help!

Al

 

[Chief]

Hey there,
I have an XL1 here at work and a DVX100a at home that I use for freelance. I’ll try to help you as much as I can without being with the camera right now.

- Don’t know about time code but I can check the manual for you. Maybe someone else here knows.

- white balance is a toggle switch on the side of the camera with three settings for indoor, outdoor and manual. It’s real easy to find. The gain switch is also right in front of that. Also, If you put your finger on the white balance switch and then slide your hand forward until that side of the camera “ends” there’s a button to press on the front there for manual white balance.

- Audio levels are right on the side like the XL1 shouldn’t be a problem here.

- Not sure what to suggest in regard to 24p or 24pa. Maybe someone else can chime in here. Here’a and article that might help, though:

http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/24p_in_FCP_nattress.html

- Zebra stripes button is on the side of the cam under the flip out screen.

- Iris is a wheel on the side of the camera, also pretty obvious.


Also, you set the frame rate by opening the flip out screen, push the menu button and select “scene file” by pressing in on the play, ffwd, rew, toggle, and then scroll down until you see frame rate (I forget the exact heading but it’s obvious).

Hope this helps.