Lobbamobba
Well-known member
Ever since the first DSLR started shooting video there has been one dream, the functionality of a camcorder with the sensor and lens mount of a DSLR. All in an affordable package.
This might be just that.
JVC has lended me the camera for a few weeks to try out. What Im mostly interested in is if:
Regarding the specs, here is what cought my eye.
First Impression
It is light and small but doesn't feel cheap or flimsy. I would say it feels just like theses DVX type camcorders always does. Not 5D rugged, but solid, maybe a bit more solid than a FS100.
Setting it up was super easy and intuitive, I mean its a camcorder... its great.. its like riding a bike
Getting all the features I want like zebra etc went fast, they where all exactly where you would suspect them to be.
The ND wheel feels nice, so does most of the controls and buttons. The audio wheels are clickless, thats a tiny complaint but no deal breaker.
The first lens I tested was a m4/3 12-42mm. Its the kit lens from my GFs GM1. It worked and surprisingly it only had some vignette at the long end in s35 mode. In other words its both a normal MFT zoom and a s35 wide angle.
It also turns out that there where sensor size stops between s35 and MFT!
Files for download!
Here are some files for download so you can play around with them.
One is a test of the Dynamic Range. It was shot in s35 with a m4/3 kit lens so there is severe barrel distortion, but no vignette.
The other is a portrait of Gunpowder with a vintage Yashikor 55mm
My advice for grading is to treat it as Rec709 and don't push the shadows to much. The mids and highlights can take more of a beating.
DR test Ungraded
No highlights blown, sky is preserved for the sake of the test.
With a quick grade
Gunpowder ungraded
Quick Grade 1
Quick Grade 2
The files can be downloaded here: http://www.filedropper.com/jvc
I hate to say it, but thats all I have had time for so far, more t come.
Meanwhile, here are some pics.
Handle is nice
Nice and light
The wheels are a bit loose, but lovely to have.
External controls rule!
Size comparison to an old DSLR
Some Footage
We where heading out for a walk in the park today and I grabbed the LS300 for a test run.
Unfortunately I underestimated the wind, which was quite strong, and brought a low weight tripod.
So prepare for some shaky footage.
I used a dumb adapter and two Canon EF-Lenses, the 35mm f2.0 and the 24-105mm f4.0.
This resulted in no aperture control and no stabilization… yeah, even more shakes.
The reason for this was simple. I tend to shoot vintage glass, soft filters and use heavy grading.
Lots of people like myself find it appealing. But some want a clean and digital, sharp look.
And just to get that out of the way I used “L” glass and just a mild grade.
Next time we will go full “Instagram”.
The shooting experience was great. Its easy to use, everything works nicely.
Again, its a camcorder, like riding a bike.
Screen is a bit though in the sun, but using the EVF helps. Not the best EVF either but totally usable.
I also uploaded a version with grain to Vimeo.
On the way home I saw some beasts and though it was a great opportunity to test the Prime Zoom.
For those that dont know what it is, the camera uses its ability to use different cropped sensor sizes for a zoom without loosing resolution.
Using the prime zoom is awesome. Just push the zoom rocker and its smooth.
It also turned out that it works in 4K. No where near as much of a zoom but still.. its cool.
The only real negative I see from using it is moire, but aren't we all used to that...
This is at 105mm (roughly 155mm FF equivalent)
And with Prime Zoom
The review might take a while. Meanwhile here are 5 reasons I decided to buy one for myself.
This might be just that.
JVC has lended me the camera for a few weeks to try out. What Im mostly interested in is if:
- Its as good as the specs makes it out to be.
- If it can be both a true Run n Gun camera and something for cinema.
- If it is the ultimate camera for vintage lens junkies
Regarding the specs, here is what cought my eye.
- MFT Mount
- S35mm Sensor
- 4K
- 4:2:2 HD
- Log
- Prime Zoom
- External Controls
- Built In NDs
- XLR
First Impression
It is light and small but doesn't feel cheap or flimsy. I would say it feels just like theses DVX type camcorders always does. Not 5D rugged, but solid, maybe a bit more solid than a FS100.
Setting it up was super easy and intuitive, I mean its a camcorder... its great.. its like riding a bike
Getting all the features I want like zebra etc went fast, they where all exactly where you would suspect them to be.
The ND wheel feels nice, so does most of the controls and buttons. The audio wheels are clickless, thats a tiny complaint but no deal breaker.
The first lens I tested was a m4/3 12-42mm. Its the kit lens from my GFs GM1. It worked and surprisingly it only had some vignette at the long end in s35 mode. In other words its both a normal MFT zoom and a s35 wide angle.
It also turns out that there where sensor size stops between s35 and MFT!
Files for download!
Here are some files for download so you can play around with them.
One is a test of the Dynamic Range. It was shot in s35 with a m4/3 kit lens so there is severe barrel distortion, but no vignette.
The other is a portrait of Gunpowder with a vintage Yashikor 55mm
My advice for grading is to treat it as Rec709 and don't push the shadows to much. The mids and highlights can take more of a beating.
DR test Ungraded
No highlights blown, sky is preserved for the sake of the test.
With a quick grade
Gunpowder ungraded
Quick Grade 1
Quick Grade 2
The files can be downloaded here: http://www.filedropper.com/jvc
I hate to say it, but thats all I have had time for so far, more t come.
Meanwhile, here are some pics.
Handle is nice
Nice and light
The wheels are a bit loose, but lovely to have.
External controls rule!
Size comparison to an old DSLR
Some Footage
We where heading out for a walk in the park today and I grabbed the LS300 for a test run.
Unfortunately I underestimated the wind, which was quite strong, and brought a low weight tripod.
So prepare for some shaky footage.
I used a dumb adapter and two Canon EF-Lenses, the 35mm f2.0 and the 24-105mm f4.0.
This resulted in no aperture control and no stabilization… yeah, even more shakes.
The reason for this was simple. I tend to shoot vintage glass, soft filters and use heavy grading.
Lots of people like myself find it appealing. But some want a clean and digital, sharp look.
And just to get that out of the way I used “L” glass and just a mild grade.
Next time we will go full “Instagram”.
The shooting experience was great. Its easy to use, everything works nicely.
Again, its a camcorder, like riding a bike.
Screen is a bit though in the sun, but using the EVF helps. Not the best EVF either but totally usable.
I also uploaded a version with grain to Vimeo.
On the way home I saw some beasts and though it was a great opportunity to test the Prime Zoom.
For those that dont know what it is, the camera uses its ability to use different cropped sensor sizes for a zoom without loosing resolution.
Using the prime zoom is awesome. Just push the zoom rocker and its smooth.
It also turned out that it works in 4K. No where near as much of a zoom but still.. its cool.
The only real negative I see from using it is moire, but aren't we all used to that...
This is at 105mm (roughly 155mm FF equivalent)
And with Prime Zoom
The review might take a while. Meanwhile here are 5 reasons I decided to buy one for myself.
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