Note to the Masses...

jrazz wrote on 6/7/2007, 6:41 AM
DO NOT LEAVE IMAGE STABILIZATION ON WHEN FILMING FAST PACED ACTION!

I learned this the hard way. I had two stationary cams set up and one that moved. It just so happened that the one I had on a monopod for manueverability had image stabilization left on (by me) from my last gig. All the close-up action shots and follow-alongs are blurry and look unnatural.

So, the lesson: Leave stabilization off if you are filming fast movement. I don't know how optical stabilization works, but digital blurs.

j razz

Comments

epirb wrote on 6/7/2007, 1:29 PM
funny how those oops get ya,
I have accidently left my stab on on my FX by accident when filming on a tripod on boats(big boats) .while the boats are stable the slight motion is detected by the stabilzer and a locked down shot will be moving everso slightly. it'll make those with out sea legs seasick.

i alos notice that pans are much smoother even when handheld with it off too espec slow pans. other wise they seem jittery when shot at ss 60.
richard-courtney wrote on 6/7/2007, 1:39 PM
Thanks for the info.

It is strange that all the fancy "AUTOMATIC" features they give us
can make our tasks harder.

I turn almost all auto functions off and use my lens rings like the
good ol' days.
jrazz wrote on 6/7/2007, 2:15 PM
RCourtney you made me think of the below when you said you use the lens rings.

For those of you who use manual focus a lot, how do you do it? I mean, without the big monitor attached? When I am filming weddings I tend to let autofocus do its thing unless the shot is stationary and I set the focus by zooming in, focusing, and then zooming back out to where I want it. But what about for those isle shots? What about the shots the distance between you and the object changes? I can rarely ever get a clean, crisp shot just by using the viewfinder or the LCD screen... it is just too small. So, what do you do to keep the subject always in crisp focus?

Focus is the only thing I keep on auto in those circumstances.

j razz
johnmeyer wrote on 6/7/2007, 2:57 PM
I am really surprised that a locked down camera with motion stabilization enabled would attempt to do any motion stabilization. It was always my understanding that this correction was based on an inertial sensor in the camera and that if the camera didn't move, nothing would happen. In fact, I don't think the camera could possibly detect video movement and correct for that on the fly, given the processing involved.

Of course, if you saw something, it must be there, but it sure doesn't make sense to me.

On another note, I don't think accidentally enabling motion stabilization on an FX-1 would be as big a deal as on a camera that used pixel compensation. On those cameras, you actually lose resolution in order to allow for the border buffer necessary to shift pixels around to compensate. In the FX-1 (and other higher-end cameras) this is done optically. Thus, if locked down and if you don't pan or move, the penalty for this mistake is far less on these cameras.

At least I think this is true ...
richard-courtney wrote on 6/7/2007, 3:13 PM
The old method to focus I remember...
zoom in.. focus....zoom out.....zoom in AGAIN should still be in focus.
Adjust iris if needed. Refocus.

I use the LCD to make sure color looks good. The EVF for contrast and
blacks and since there is a EVF focus or "sharpness" it is the only thing my
poor ol' eyes can see. I do use a LCD Hoodman shield cover just for framing.

A good field monitor is great but not always practical so adjust the LCD.

For isle shots, a focus puller device sure is nice as you can mark the white ring
with "NEAR" and "FAR" limits and if needed those stickon rubber feet dots can be
placed for your finger to feel when its too dark to see the ring.

Someone leaving the wedding will always is bad enough, then your auto
focus goes nuts. Or flash photos even though the minister or priest has
told the pros not to take them will mess your auto focus.

PRACTICE! Have an assistant move between the two spots.

If you do a special documentary style video soft focus slowmo as the bride walks
by is ..... well sometimes artistic. Don't worry about it.