Questions about my Varicam 27

Mike Krumlauf

Mike Krumlauf

Award Winning Filmmaker
1. I have noticed that in the viewfinder there is a message "COMP" that appears and was wondering what that means and how I could possibly turn it off?

2. Given I don't have the money at the moment to buy HD glass, I am using SD B4 broadcast lenses. The image for the most part looks great, a little soft which is normal but I was wondering if the 27f has any features to help combat CA?

3. Finally, since I am using SD lenses, should I work with the cameras detail enhancement features or leave them off? I usually cut in a 1080p timeline and export 1080p Prores.

Thanks
 
I could be wrong as I havent used one in a long time but:

1/ Can't remember - sorry no help.
2/ I'm almost certain the 27 didnt have CAC.
3/ Detail enhancement also brings up any noise. I very mild tweak of sharpening in post would be the better option.
 
1) It is a compression setting in the VTR section of the menu
From my 27H manual:
VF info section of manual:
Compression mode display
 This indicates COMP when DARK has beenselected as the setting for the COMPRESSIONMODE item which in turn is set from FUNCTION onthe VTR MAIN MENU screen.

For selecting the DVCPROcompression mode.NORMAL:
Normal shooting is
conducted in this mode.
DARK:
This modes reduces thedistortion in the compressedimages which occurs in thedark areas of the images.However, the distortion inthe compressed images inother areas may beincreased.

I never used that setting.

2) No. The original 27's(F & H) don't have CAC. We have it for certain lenses on the 2700's.
3) I always shoot with detail ON. The picture is way too soft without it. Not soft in a good way. Soft like, "Is that in focus?" or "Is this HD?".

Mike, I emailed you a PDF copy of my 27H manual. Should be close enough to your F for almost everything.
 
Last edited:
Run&Gun, thanks, i got your email. I actually have a PDF of the manual in a folder i've made for various things pertaining to my varicam. So if i have the detail on, which detail settings should I be using as I don't want to shy away from a more "organic" look, i dont like the over processing detail gives, but if it helps with clarity im all for it.. just dont want to over compensate and the varicam has many different detail settings. Thanks
 
Mike, did you ever find out how to turn off the "COMP" warning? It's in the VTR VF Display menu, under Compression Ind - just turn it off.
Steve
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top