Tutorials and tips for HD100

Capt Quirk

Capt Quirk

Veteran
Looking for some tips and tuts on achieving a good dof without adapters, and particularly tips on focusing and back focusing with questionable eyes. I have read a few articles on setting back focus, and have even used focus assist during the procedure, but as hard as I try it still ends up soft and fuzzy. I was prescribed bifocals for reading and whatnot, and even mentioned to the optometrist that I need them to work with my camera... but I think he messed them up. I remember hearing that you could adjust some viewfinders to compensate, but haven't found out if it works with the HD100.
 
I remember hearing that you could adjust some viewfinders to compensate, but haven't found out if it works with the HD100.
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You want to adjust the focus on your viewfinder so that the displayed text is as razor-sharp as possible. The HD100 does have a diopter adjustment on the viewfinder.
 
Either my eyes are total rubbish, or I'm twisting the wrong thing. The text doesn't change when I turn the ring on the viewfinder.
 
Found the slider, and working on backfocus now. Thanks Barry, you are just a fountain of information on many cameras.
 
Glad to help.

As for DOF -- the HD100 can get paper-thin DOF at the long end of the zoom; open up the iris and zoom in all the way, and move the camera to establish your frame size (i.e., don't zoom out!) And push your subject as far away from the background as possible -- stage your shot so the background's across the street if you can.
 
All depends on the prevailing light conditions. The HD100's ND filters aren't particularly strong anyway, so you'd be well advised to be packing an additional 3-stop (ND .9) or so.
 
I'm sort of torn on filters. I really want a matte box, but can't really afford one yet. It is on my list though. As far as screw on's, those get pricey too. What is the difference between reflective and non reflective? Is there a particular type I should look for such as circular or graduated?
 
cheap answer for you

cheap answer for you

Capt Quirk said:
I'm sort of torn on filters. I really want a matte box, but can't really afford one yet. It is on my list though. As far as screw on's, those get pricey too. What is the difference between reflective and non reflective? Is there a particular type I should look for such as circular or graduated?
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I have a JVC HD110 and wanted to get a mattbox as well, but $300 for a c lamp on, plus $150 for each good glass filters that can wait 6 months. I realized I have a Cokin P Filter holder and filters for my 35mm nikon lens... a $12 adapter (82 mm) and now the Cokin P filter barely clears the corners at the widest angel. The .9 filter was about $25 I think... Works pretty well so far... shooting 24p at 1/48th really helps cutting the light back 3 stops. The second slot for a gradiated neutral density filter or a star filter is nice to have as well. If you don't have a filter holder laying around from your college photography days, the Z-PRO series would be better since they are 4" and you won't have to rebuy filters later if you get a mattbox. That being said.. a Mattbox would be a lot better... OR if you don't plan on stacking filters at any given time, then a decent $100 glass screw on .9 filter would be good as well.
 
Do yourself a favor and shoot some comparison shots with/without those filters. Cokin doesn't much of a reputation for quality filters, they're more known for price. A subpar filter can have a noticeable impact on your image clarity, so if you could post some side-by-side shots with/without I'm sure many people would be interested in seeing how the Cokin system interacts with an HD camcorder.
 
I tend to shop below the Cokin line, just because cash is tight. I wasn't aware that there was that big a difference in the image though.
 
I bought a few cokins when I was first starting out, but I've since come to the conclusion that the only thing that goes in front of my lens is the absolute highest-quality filters I can get my hands on, so I haven't bothered to try the Cokin Z series. I pretty much stick with Schneider.
 
I was asking specifically about the holder, not the filters. It looks like a cool idea, really affordable too... but it also looks like it would leak light like a sieve.
 
Ah, gotcha. Leaking light is really bad because if struck by direct light from behind or whatever, that'll introduce reflections and flare.
 
So you also think that might be a problem with the Z Pro filter holder? What about you Pixelator? Have you tried it yet?
 
I haven't used the Z Pro -- I'm just saying that if it's got exposed areas where light can hit the filter, that can introduce problems.

Pixelator?
 
Capt Quirk said:
Looking for some tips and tuts on achieving a good dof without adapters, and particularly tips on focusing and back focusing with questionable eyes. .
Click to expand...

For most people, adjusting a BF on a HD100 is impossible without a good monitor. You using a monitor?
 
brianluce said:
For most people, adjusting a BF on a HD100 is impossible without a good monitor. You using a monitor?
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Brian, I'm not using a monitor, but I'm beginning to believe your comment. I could use one of the ones I have at home, but it would be pointless if I break the camera down to transport? I don't have anything portable to use.
 
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