While we're at it... two realistic new feature requests

Taylor Rudd

Taylor Rudd

Veteran
It is obvious that Panasonic have heard our requests for killing audio while shooting in VFR, as well as adjusting the LCD's color and making firmware updates Mac friendly. Good job, guys. And a big thank you to Jan and Panasonic! :thumbsup:

While we still have their attention, there are two features missing that are important and (seemingly) realistically achievable.

The first is adding a reference bar for -20db audio levels. If I understand correctly, the static bar on the LCD screen is at -12db. I typically shoot on Panasonic ENG cameras and every sound guy I use sends tone from their mixer and adjusts the camera's audio gain to -20db. Currently this standard procedure is not practical on the AF100.

The second is to display the color temperature achieved from a custom white balance. No one expects the LCD to be 100% color accurate. We also won't always have a critically balanced broadcast monitor to check colors. From experience, displaying the specific color temperature (IE 3.6k, 4.3k, etc.) and knowing what that value means is a great way to know that your colors will be accurate.

I know these are valuable tools in the work that I do, and am curious if you all find them equally important.
 
+1 on the -20 marker. I brought this up a month ago and no one else seemed to think it was and issue. I think it is a easy fix no?
 
EidolonFilms said:
+1 on the -20 marker. I brought this up a month ago and no one else seemed to think it was and issue. I think it is a easy fix no?
Click to expand...

I was with you then, I'm with you both now!

Thankfully my mixer can output tone up to -12dBFS (+8dBu) and I just roll it back to -20dBFS (0dBu) after I've calibrated the AF100.
 
+1 for the -20 marker - sound guy yesterday was asking where it was… and I couldn't answer.
 
Petros Kolyvas said:
I was with you then, I'm with you both now!

Thankfully my mixer can output tone up to -12dBFS (+8dBu) and I just roll it back to -20dBFS (0dBu) after I've calibrated the AF100.
Click to expand...

Are all mixers capable of this? Regardless, it seems like this camera should cooperate with standard practices.
 
Taylor Rudd said:
Are all mixers capable of this? Regardless, it seems like this camera should cooperate with standard practices.
Click to expand...

I agree totally, this camera should have a -20dBFS line like the HVX-200 has. (I haven't used a 170 but I imagine the line is there too!)

I'm using an SD 552 and I know the 302 can do the same. It goes to figure the 442 will also be capable of this.

A quick look at the current PSC mixer manuals indicates the tone level output isn't adjustable in the same way.
 
Taylor - absolutely excellent suggestion on the -20. Was looking for it yesterday and missed it.
 
Taylor Rudd said:
It nearly killed me on a shoot, as I assumed the existing reference bar was -20. Maybe one day it will be!
Click to expand...

The "location recordist" in me wishes the lines were software configurable. Short of that -20 and -12 markers (both) are helpful and if you can only have one -20.

Considering just how many (North American) deliverables spec sheets indicate "bars and tone" with the later at -20dBFS, you'd think it was already pretty standard by now wouldn't you.

The fact that people are talking about, and paying attention to, location sound best practices make me happy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top