Computing Lens sizes for miniDV
 

I am a bit lost. Im just learning the 'lens size' relationship to image size, depth, capability etcetera. I was trying to get a friend to help me, he only understands those relationships to 35mm. He is suggesting there is a different relationship to miniDV format.

He is suggesting that I could find some way to calculate the differences, and then he could help me.

Does this make any sense? Any ideas? links?

If you're familiar with 35mm still camera lenses then it should be pretty easy. Just about every camera manufacturer also provides 35mm equivalent lens data - look at the specs for the camcorder of your choice.

For example, the actual focal length of the zoom lens on the Sony Z1 is 4.5mm on the wide end and 54mm on the telephoto. But it is the equivalent of a 32.5mm to 390mm zoom lens for a 35mm still camera. You can find this info on the spec sheet here: http://bssc.sel.sony.com/Broadcastan...613_hvrz1u.pdf

Regarding depth of field, all of the "affordable" pro camcorders have a pretty huge amount due to the small chip sizes. And the chip size is the determining factor, so you should expect a comparable depth of field on any 1/3" chip camcorder (Sony Z1, Canon A1, JVC HD-100, Pansonic HVX, etc).