New DVX owner ND filter question.

Eagle eye

Eagle eye

Member
:) Gidday from New Zealand. I have just bought a PAL DVX102BE thats a DVX100B to you guys in the USA. I have had several cams before the best previous being a VX2000 and previous to that several smaller travel cams. This is my first pro cam and I am loving it. However a question probably of technique needs answering. The light outside down here is very harsh at times with a lot of ultra violet so ND filters are a must in summer. This cam has 1/8 and 1/64 ND filter selections, firstly how does that equate to the common ND2 & ND4 type screw on filters? Also if I see on screen the 1/8 ND flashing and I select it, as I zoom out to a bright scene 1/64 starts flashing. I tried to cure the problem by selecting 1/64 from the start but this has the effect of making the wide view too dark. Is there a better technique? I had thought of fitting a screw on ND2 filter to give the 1/8 section a bit more latitude, but I decided to ask first. Finally can anyone explain the function of the 'Marker' selection made on the zebra pattern button, remember this is my first pro cam. Well thats itfor now, hope you can help, thanks.
 
before i answer let me say this - i have less experience than you, and probably anyone else that will answer this ? but here's what i would do...

leave the ND at either setting and experiment with the iris (maybe even autoiris)...maybe get a circular polarizing filter - make the sky really pop, and don't forget to get your WB set right (my first rookie mistake)

hope this helps at all - even if it just tells you what not to do (cause i know nothing)
 
According to Barry Green's excellent book, entitled "The DVX Book" (Fiercely Independent Films, Las Vegas) on pp 118-119:

1/8 reduces light by 3 1/3 stops = ND 0.9
1/64 reduces light by 7.5 stops

Essentially, the DVX has two 3-stop filters. One stop = 0.3. So, ND 0.6 = 2-stops, and ND 0.9 = 3-stops.
 
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The Marker is basically a spot-meter. I've just started using it myself, but from what I understand, it's based on it's own scale 0-100%. But it can be very handy for checking exposure.

As for the ND filter's, can't you properly expose for the wide shot with 1/64 ND on? Why would the camera suggest you use the 1/64 ND and then look too dark. Adjust your iris and you should be good. Also, at full zoom (99), if the iris is wide open, you will notice the camera stop down. This is the nature of the lens. Not sure if that's what you're looking for but it might help.
-Ryan
 
Thanks for the help.

Thanks for the help.

Thanks guys for your help, slowly getting to grips with the camera and so far so good, cheers.
:dankk2:
 
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