Help! DVX setup...

P

Paul_Maxe

Active member
Hey guys...I have been testing and reading and trying to figure this camera out. I am pressed for time because I have to shoot an event this weekend. I don't have access to a monitor to use for setup help that day...Can you please advise me if the list below will cover everything. So far I have learned that for an outside kick boxing event during the day I should...

1. Set to F5 for 24p.(should I change something to get 24pa?)
2. White Balance
3. Set the Iris manually to help exposure.(still learning here)
4. Possibly use an ND filter(How can I gauge which setting to use here? I don't have a monitor.)

Will this handle the movements of the fighters well?

I had another thread I posted but I wanted to consolidate it with what I have learned so far. I plan on spedning lots of time testing the camera after the event I just don't have a lot of time to get prepared for this first event this weekend. Any help or ellaboration on this stuff would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Paul
 
Re: Help! DVX setup...

Set to F6 if you want 24pa

White balance off a white paper or somethign else white in the area you're shooting. (set to A or B and press and hold AWB button until it's done)

Set the iris. To help with this turn on 100% zebra. Click the zebra button and point toward a bright area. Click the button a few times so you can see the display change. 100% shows lines going from upper left to lower right. 80% shows upper right to lower left. If you have Marker (spotmeter) turned on in Display menu it will cycle through as well.
Ideally you keep avoid getting 100% white and dial down the iris if a lot appears. However your main concern will be getting good face exposure. If you have a bright sky Bg then it may have to go into 100%.

If you can't dial the iris enough that it's blown out white (with zebras) then you can click in the ND filters. You can also use if you want to limit depth of field and you have plenty of light.

Since you don't have a monitor you might try hooking up your camera to your TV and play aroudn with the exposure controls at home. You can also go to F1 (normal mode default) and turn on the color bars in the menu (set one of the User buttons to color bars) Click it on and adjust your LCD and viewfinder so they look good. You shoudl be able to get reasonable exposure using these if need be.

Spend some time testing before you leave to understand the settings. Maybe have a friend move around in front of camera. Try some addition tests at the even when peopl are practicing. As mentioned shutter speed could be played with as well. You'll need to adjust the iris as you change the speed.
 
Re: Help! DVX setup...

I'll just add that while shooting fighters in 24P, be sure and think/shoot like a film camera. What I mean is: Don't make wild pans or zooms. Position yourself well and let the action move in front of the camera, rather than you moving the camera so much. I hope this makes some sorta sense. By following this method, you'll limit that "strobing effect" you hear a lot of newbies complaining about with 24P.

If that is not possible and you do not have time to test, I recommend shooting 30P and/or 60i for best results in your scenario.

Remember: 24P = Think film camera movements.

Hope this helps a little.

Andrew
Crystal Clear Media
 
Re: Help! DVX setup...

Thanks a lot guys. Do you think 24pa is better then 30p or 60i in this situation? I was thinking 24pa would be nice since I can fit more on the final DVD...
 
Re: Help! DVX setup...

24p(a) will produce more filmic looking images. 60i will produce 'live' TV look so it depends on what you want to do. Once again it's best if you can at least shoot some test footage and determine which you like better.

There have also been some discussions here about using 60i for slow motion effects to mix in with standard 24 footage. You could look into that if you're interested but I'd stress keeping it simple for your first shoot.
 
Re: Help! DVX setup...

Well, "simple" in the fact that it would be treated like "regular" video, as shot by most video cameras. But it'll look like "video" (i.e., like the news, or a soap opera). If you want it to look filmish, you have to use 24P/25P.
 
Re: Help! DVX setup...

Paul, a word to the wise. If you're not familar with the DVX100 and using 24P or PA, shoot safe! Use 60i. My rule of thumb is NEVER experiment with any piece of equipment on the job, unless you're doing it for free. 24P takes some getting used to.

One other side note. When shooting boxing, you want all the DOF you can get. Focus is critical!
 
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