jerky zoom start up

M

MagicTailout

New member
Hello all,

I've been shooting with a DVX100A for about two years now and have always been relatively unhappy with the zoom. Regardless of whether I use the rocker switch, or the switch on the top handle (with any of the three settings), the initial zoom seems to start fast before it settles down and becomes smooth. It's slight, but still annoying.

It's relatively inconvenient, but we've always edited around it. Do others notice this or is my camera unique?

Jon
 
Yeah, that's one of my biggest gripes about the 100a (most small DV cams I've used are similar).

I think that the main reason you’re seeing the speed shift / stuttering is because the servo/gears need to reverse their direction when starting your zoom. For instance: when you zoom all the way in for a nice slow pull out, the zoom gears/servo need to engage in the reverse direction to start your move back out. That slight engagement can produce a "shift" in zoom. So, there are a couple ways to help minimize the "stutter."

If you want a nice slow pull out, zoom all the way in and then slightly "pop" the zoom back out. Then start your pull. Basically, this engages the servo/gears in the opposite "zoom-out" direction. For me this dramatically makes a difference in the shift/stutter.

Also, using OIS will certainly add to the image stutter. If the shot allows (while on tripod or stabilized in some way), make sure the OIS is turned OFF.

You can also get a zoom control that can really minimize stutter/shift. I have a Zoe DVX that helps, but it's still not rock solid perfect all the time. I think there are zoom controls that can completely alleviate image shifting, but I'm not sure which model that would be.

And finally, as I’m sure you’ve figured out; always use the rocker for smoother feathered zooms. The handle zoom is really for convenience to frame up a shot quickly, but not smoothly.
 
Some people have reported that putting a slight amount of drag on the zoom ring can smoothen up the start of the zoom. Apply just a little pressure with your finger on the zoom ring when you first start to use the rocker to servo zoom, and see if it helps.
 
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