This is a sensor issue. The interference from the focus motors/OIS etc. does not seem to be the issue. While the kit lens doesn't have a very open F stop, even in low light the sensor could be expected to have noise, which generally moves, but not a constant color misrepresentation and light reproduction issue, presented as vertical lines. Please explain how you believe the lens to be the reason for this.
Low Light Streaks - Is my camera faulty?
- Thread starter nathankw
- Start date
Did I miss something?
Parts of the image are supposed to be underexposed. Not all parts of every image is going to be perfect exposure in ALL of the frame...please explain how faster glass would resolve these issues. I'd love to see a Noir Film shot on this.
As stated in my reply, the subject was and was meant to be much more exposed than the environment. Allowing for things to fall of. High contrast.
There is a difference between not getting an image because the subject is too low lit to detect(by an medium) and having imperfections on areas that are supposed to be the latitude of the camera/lens/iso setup. The camera has actual noise that is generated from higher gain and in underexposed areas. This is something different.
Parts of the image are supposed to be underexposed. Not all parts of every image is going to be perfect exposure in ALL of the frame...please explain how faster glass would resolve these issues. I'd love to see a Noir Film shot on this.
As stated in my reply, the subject was and was meant to be much more exposed than the environment. Allowing for things to fall of. High contrast.
There is a difference between not getting an image because the subject is too low lit to detect(by an medium) and having imperfections on areas that are supposed to be the latitude of the camera/lens/iso setup. The camera has actual noise that is generated from higher gain and in underexposed areas. This is something different.
Ben_B
Veteran
I think it's certainly possible to do shots like this on this camera:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=189199
Not saying there is no FPN in my footage from that shoot, I'm just saying it still works...
....do you think that dark areas just happen all the sudden? usually there is fall off of light, feathered edges, shadowed areas....etc.... that is where the banding occurs. Having a subject with one diffused light on the side properly exposing one side and allowing the light to fade to black on their face results in banding.
Seeing banding at all is not something I expect out of a 1600 dollar camera.
Seeing banding at all is not something I expect out of a 1600 dollar camera.
Park Edwards
Veteran
firstly, the camera isn't 1600, it's actually $800. the lens and camera are $1600.. secondly, have you shot on anything else other than the kit lens? i've only seen banding on under exposed grey and white area's with the gh1. but never in blacks on properly exposed areas.
banding free and this was shot with 1/60th shutter.
http://vimeo.com/7359017
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I also commented on how it appears in grey and underexposed areas. Sorry if this was unclear.
Your right the KIT costs around 1600 with tax...I had no luck without the lens attached...:cheesy: And who would have thought the lens made for the camera would be where people point to defend the cameras/cmos problems.
Didn't get to test another lens, no.
I returned the camera before my Adapter came in from China...while I could still get my money back for this POS.
rogar-BigGrin(DBG) I still don't see how you think this is related to the lens. Even with a faster lens the CMOS is the problem...so changing lenses won't resolve the problem.
If you think its related to the lens, try posting a quick video at full resolution direct output of grey areas/50% grey card with a pan slowly back and forth.
Your right the KIT costs around 1600 with tax...I had no luck without the lens attached...:cheesy: And who would have thought the lens made for the camera would be where people point to defend the cameras/cmos problems.
Didn't get to test another lens, no.
I returned the camera before my Adapter came in from China...while I could still get my money back for this POS.
rogar-BigGrin(DBG) I still don't see how you think this is related to the lens. Even with a faster lens the CMOS is the problem...so changing lenses won't resolve the problem.If you think its related to the lens, try posting a quick video at full resolution direct output of grey areas/50% grey card with a pan slowly back and forth.
Ben_B
Veteran
Damnit! That was the film that was gonna win me an oscar! What am I supposed to do now that I know my camera gets some fixed pattern noise while panning slowly back and forth over an underexposed grey card....that was my whole premise! That was how I was going to win best cinematographer! Crap!
Dear sarcastic Ben,
If a camera cannot hold up to a simple Grey Card color/exposure test, how in the world do you think it will be something which you can stand behind and say it is a good quality product and produces a quality image. Guess what Kodak and Fuji do for testing stock. First they test...probably shoot some nice color charts and grey cards. Its called testing. You test all of your equipment before you use it. If this were a Audio device that suddenly morphed 13khz tones to 15khz at -5db you bet sound guys would complain. So heaven forbid a film/camera guy complain when a camera doesn't produce a clean/accurate image.
If a camera cannot hold up to a simple Grey Card color/exposure test, how in the world do you think it will be something which you can stand behind and say it is a good quality product and produces a quality image. Guess what Kodak and Fuji do for testing stock. First they test...probably shoot some nice color charts and grey cards. Its called testing. You test all of your equipment before you use it. If this were a Audio device that suddenly morphed 13khz tones to 15khz at -5db you bet sound guys would complain. So heaven forbid a film/camera guy complain when a camera doesn't produce a clean/accurate image.
Barry_Green
Moderator
Yes, but it's still nice to know what the limitations are. Banding in flat underexposed area is a limitation, just like aliasing moire on the 7D/5D are, and it behooves the user to know when and where it happens. No good comes from the ostrich approach! 
Hi Pineese,
I understand completely how you feel. Like you, I was about to return the camera. I had the exact same problems. The streaking was horrendous - something I could not accept. I wrote to Panasonic and attached a clip (of the streaking) as well - they said "it was within specifications." Imagine that!
But, thanks to this forum - I discovered some users had various degrees of severity of this problem, with many reporting that after a few days of use, it went away. So, over 3 nights for 8 hours at a stretch, I left the camera on, pointed it at a blank wall, shot 1080, ISO 1600.
The streaking was greatly minimized. Some people have tried variations of this method, and have reported that it works. A few have said it did not work for them.
I think it was very good of the shop to take the camera back. Perhaps they might be willing to try this experiment?
My personal experience is that this camera is absolutely fantastic - once the streaking is under control. It is worth the pain. I get many great videos because people are not aware, so it looks very natural. The size / form factor is so friendly, and the zoom range is very useful.
Hope it works out for you!
cheers
I understand completely how you feel. Like you, I was about to return the camera. I had the exact same problems. The streaking was horrendous - something I could not accept. I wrote to Panasonic and attached a clip (of the streaking) as well - they said "it was within specifications." Imagine that!
But, thanks to this forum - I discovered some users had various degrees of severity of this problem, with many reporting that after a few days of use, it went away. So, over 3 nights for 8 hours at a stretch, I left the camera on, pointed it at a blank wall, shot 1080, ISO 1600.
The streaking was greatly minimized. Some people have tried variations of this method, and have reported that it works. A few have said it did not work for them.
I think it was very good of the shop to take the camera back. Perhaps they might be willing to try this experiment?
My personal experience is that this camera is absolutely fantastic - once the streaking is under control. It is worth the pain. I get many great videos because people are not aware, so it looks very natural. The size / form factor is so friendly, and the zoom range is very useful.
Hope it works out for you!
cheers
Funny, it never ends! Guess what, I saw terrible streaking when I first got the camera, now I don't. My FD adapter has been missing me and following me around the world (hopefully I get it Friday!), so I've been stuck with the kit lens.
Why am I no longer plagued by banding? Some mysterious burn in? No! I no longer shoot in dark situations with an F4 lens! Barry was the first too say it! If you're more than two stops underexposed, you're going to see some banding. If you've got a broken up or dark background, you may get away with a little more than that, but if it's a white wall or something you're screwed.
Turn on a light, or get a faster lens!
Why am I no longer plagued by banding? Some mysterious burn in? No! I no longer shoot in dark situations with an F4 lens! Barry was the first too say it! If you're more than two stops underexposed, you're going to see some banding. If you've got a broken up or dark background, you may get away with a little more than that, but if it's a white wall or something you're screwed.
Turn on a light, or get a faster lens!
Park Edwards
Veteran
if you point me where i can print a grey card...i'll gladly do this test. or just give me a color code and i'll print one out tomorrow night and shoot. did you see the clip where a chimpanzee walked my dog? the sidewalks are grey. did you see banding in them?
i also want to point out. that white balancing to the right temperature seems to play a key role in banding. don't know if anyone else has experienced this, but the white balance on the gh1 seems different
also, anyone else, can someone send me where i can print out a color chart for white balance? i'd appreciate that.
i also want to point out. that white balancing to the right temperature seems to play a key role in banding. don't know if anyone else has experienced this, but the white balance on the gh1 seems different
also, anyone else, can someone send me where i can print out a color chart for white balance? i'd appreciate that.
elementalracer
Member
Got my camera back from Panasonic, finally. And banding was still very much an issue. So there that is.
But, I was able to finally test out my new Nikon adapter. And after shooting for the past few days with my cheap old 50mm 1.8 lens, I've noticed a reduced level of banding...crazy right. I really think it's gonna be up to the user to work with the limitations to get the desired result. I do plan on trying the "burn in" to see if that kills the rest of the banding.
http://www.vimeo.com/7428407
But, I was able to finally test out my new Nikon adapter. And after shooting for the past few days with my cheap old 50mm 1.8 lens, I've noticed a reduced level of banding...crazy right. I really think it's gonna be up to the user to work with the limitations to get the desired result. I do plan on trying the "burn in" to see if that kills the rest of the banding.
http://www.vimeo.com/7428407
Ben_B
Veteran
Take a look at this shot:
http://people.ucsc.edu/~bbunch/Screen Grab Full Resolution 2.png
Yeah there banding in this shot, but its not shot ruining, and you really have to look for it IMO.
This was available light, ISO 800, with a fast lens.....this camera can do much better in low light than just about any dedicated video camera out there under $1500, and of course better than a $6000 HVX Letus combo.
http://people.ucsc.edu/~bbunch/Screen Grab Full Resolution 2.png
Yeah there banding in this shot, but its not shot ruining, and you really have to look for it IMO.
This was available light, ISO 800, with a fast lens.....this camera can do much better in low light than just about any dedicated video camera out there under $1500, and of course better than a $6000 HVX Letus combo.
