LINKS to FX1/Z1 iris, gain, shutter combo settings requested

mhbstevens wrote on 2/12/2005, 11:59 AM
To really see if my FX1 can perform I need get educated on exposure settings for this camera in full manual mode. I'm comfortable with the iris setting I want, I know gain degrades picture so should only be used only when necessary and I know how to use ND filters for over bright situations, but I need educating on Zebra settings (70? 90? 100?) and how this all ties into choosing a shutter speed/gain comboination.

Would welcome feedback or links to tutorials.

Thanks,

Mike

Comments

mhbstevens wrote on 2/12/2005, 4:02 PM
I have found some web sites with basics so I will refine my question.

Is this it:

For NTCS leave shutter ALWAYS at 60 except for special Effects.
Leave gain at zero except for very low light.
Adjust zebras (set 70 for faces/90 general) with iris only using ND filters if bigger aperure required. Check by zooming on subject an seeing what auto iros says.

?

Mike
farss wrote on 2/12/2005, 4:38 PM
To be honest I think you need to spend a bit of time with this camera, actually a LOT of time. There's no one shoe fits all. I'd agree though some tips as to starting points would be a big help but I think we'll have to wait a while before that happens. That was / is one of the great things about the DVX 100, lots of very devoted souls putting serious effort into getting the best out of it.
Just as general tip though I like to shoot a bit under exposed, with zebras at 100% I want only the very hottest parts of the frame up at 100%. I find it's easier to pull stuff up than down if needed but again that's just my spin on things, depending on what you shoot you may have exactly the opposite view.
Bob.
epirb wrote on 2/12/2005, 4:59 PM
Spot said they would be posting some stuff on the Vasst site re: using some of the picture profiles or customizing those. I look forward to them, but Im sure it'll be a while be for tthey get a chance to run them thru their paces and tweak.
I aggree with Bob, time and expirementing is one of the best ways right now with these new cams. HDV seems to me to allow certain latitudes on somethings and others like focus need to be much more precise. I have been doing just that, I havent really shot any true project shots yet, but filled up 2 tapes of just different types of shots at various settings bracketed then going back and watching the raw tapes on an HDTV monitor and seeing what works and what doesnt.
Spot|DSE wrote on 2/12/2005, 5:47 PM
Actually, the article is done, but ended up being sold to a magazine, so you'll see it shortly in print instead. Then it wil be on the site.
mhbstevens wrote on 2/12/2005, 8:36 PM
Do you change your zebra threashold subject/ subject or light/lioght, or keep it a 100? I too like a bid under for color saturation but like to see some zebra on the screen so I know I'm close, but with my zebra set at 90. That what I'm experimenting with.

The thing I can't yet get on the FX1 is knowing whether it is in pure manual exposure mode or if it has reverted to auto. The camera does this on its own if you hit certain combinations of buttons and then you do not know what your settings are.
farss wrote on 2/12/2005, 8:44 PM
You're not alone in striking that very issue. I seem to recall you've got to get EVERYTHING including gain into manual otherwise one thing just offsets the other.
I know on our first shoot (wasn't there thankfully) they had the camera in manual iris but the zebras showed no change with iris adjustments. What was happening of course was the camera was winding up the gain. Actually maybe this could be usefull IF you were adjusting iris to control DOF.
Bob.
epirb wrote on 2/12/2005, 9:55 PM
Same here I try and make sure I can see all the readings on the screen when in manual and making adj. ie: seeing the iris,shutter speed,gain at the bottom of the screen.that way I know the'yre not changing and all in man.
what I was wondering , is there a one touch white balance, or just the two fact presets and then the programable A and B presets.what I mean is can you shoot a white card and push one button, or do you have to do this to the A or B preset to hold that w/b?