So my FX30 records gyro data, which you can use in post to stabilize clips (ala GoPro) *provided* you purchase Sony's Catalyst Prepare software (you can also use Catalyst Browse, which is free, but crippled).
So I thought, ok, I'll give it a try. Sure, I swore I would never again purchase any Sony software product, but whatever. The trial's free. Turn the other cheek, right?
So here's a screenshot of what happens when I first start the program:
I guess some things never change. :)
What language were you expecting?
Very impressive software- like the intuitive interface.
Seriously though, I'm surprised Browse would work but Prepare would not. Sony tech support time?
Actually Browse did the same thing on start. I googled it. You just have to restart the program and then everything is legible. Because...Sony! :)
What language were you expecting?
A human one? :)
Some thoughts on the Catalyst Browse stabilization approach (specifically regarding the FX30):
The stabilization is okay. There is no horizon leveling, and it certainly doesn't work magic when for example I try walking and shooting directly ahead or to the side.
The workflow bites. All we need is one more step in our editing process to make our lives more complicated. It's time consuming, you have to render to an intermediate which creates its own problems, you have to guess the crop level and then re-render if you're not happy with the result -- does anyone really want to have to do this for hundreds of clips?
The resolution hit is considerable. Yes, you can choose your crop level, but if I select a crop to roughly match my in-camera stabilization modes (standard and active w/a wide-to-tele OSS lens), there is NO comparison in terms of resolution. In-camera stabilization gives a more aesthetically pleasing stabilization, and a vastly superior result in terms of retained resolution (even vs active mode).
Thank goodness, right?
I do think gyro stabilization is a very important technology, as GoPro has more than proved, and I will hope that either the FX30 in update or a future camera model will fully support this as an in-camera option rather than forcing us to use a Sony Creative Software app as an intermediate step.