Slightly Soft Focus with Detail in negative numbers

nedcam

nedcam

Well-known member
I had used the AF100 in rentals and have recently purchased one. I spent a lot of time analyzing all the posts regarding scene files and came up with notes that combine the best of Abel, Barry Green, and experts like McGee, Olof. Everyone has Detail and Vertical Detail in the negative 4 or 5 range.

I did a talking head shoot lately, with nice prime glass, if memory serves it was either my Zeiss 35mm f2 or 50mm f1.4, and to me the overall image is a little mushy. I was a slightly down from wide open. The scene file was Range from Abel:

Detail -5
V Detail -5
Detail Coring +2
Chroma -2
Ped +2
Gamma D
Matrix Norm 2

Most all the popularly discussed files seem to be in this ball park. My question is: Why turn down the detail? If the glass is high quality, and I have checked my focus critically, why will it be less than sharp? Would it not be smarter to zero out Detail and if too sharp soften it in post?

Thanks,
 
To my eyes most cameras look too sharp, & digital, with sharpening applied. But I grew up on film, which has a detailed, but soft/gentle look.

I prefer fine tuning sharpening in post for the occasional image that needs it, such as wides with lots of micro- detail, then try to soften presharpened footage.
 
I see this too. I usually have the detail at -4. I just did one with an 85mm Zeiss and it's not razor sharp. I double checked the focus, I see it in focus in the result but it is slightly softer than video. I actually like it.
 
Because "detail 0" doesn't mean no sharpening. Detail -4 still means it's 3 points of sharpening up from no sharpening, which would be detail -7.
 
Got a frame grab? Here's the one form my last with the 85mm. I think that's around 2.8. It's in, I'm pretty sure but it's still not steely sharp. Which, as I say, I like. It's not silvery sharp but I think it's like the beautiful types of images you get with the AF100. It's much less "sharp" than say the GH2 but I like it much better. At least to my eye. Or maybe it's a little soft ;)
Bobby2.jpg
 
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Thanks for your insights. I can't post a screen grab because it is the CEO of one of the U.S.'s biggest companies.

The results are "acceptable", maybe I just need to get used to it. I needed and appreciated getting an answer as to why the Detail is in the negative.
 
I think a large part of it is also how flat your image is. When I first got the AF100, I had settings that were similar with similar results. Considering how flat your setting is, try either lowering the Pedestal in camera or in post. That might help with perceived sharpness. Also, try dialing back the Coring a little bit... given how low the Detail settings are, I'm wondering if Coring needs to be up that high.
 
I'm wondering, if I used a larger sensor camera, would it have a sharper look? Like a F3, C300? I know there's a big price difference. Thanks
 
00076.MTS.Still002.jpg
Detail -5
V Detail -5
Detail Coring +2
Chroma +5
Ped -1
Gamma HIGH
Matrix FLURO

Voightlander 25mm f5.6-ish.

Ungraded frame grab from a short film I'm currently shooting.

I have a few complaints about the AF100 but sharpness has never really been one of them.
 
nedcam said:
My question is: Why turn down the detail? If the glass is high quality, and I have checked my focus critically, why will it be less than sharp? Would it not be smarter to zero out Detail and if too sharp soften it in post?

Thanks,
Click to expand...

In my experience with Panasonic cameras, detail often results in edge fringing. I have always turned the detail to negative numbers to soften the transition between edges, like a person's arm to the wall behind. Too much detail and the edge of the arm will get lines outlining the shape. Less fringing looks more natural but is at the cost of detail.
 
Barry_Green said:
The AF100 was designed to resolve about 800 lines of resolution. The F3 and C300 should be somewhat sharper, yes.
Click to expand...

That's true. I was on set with an F3 yesterday. That's a great camera but, just to state the obvious, which I know you've cautioned more than a few times Barry, it's three times the price of an AF100.
 
Alot of people on this board like minus detail. You need to experiment for yourself to see if you like higher detail settings.
 
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