Opinions on Fuji SD lens on PMW-320
 

I have read and gathered a ton of info on this incredible site. I currently own an EX1r dressed up with a WestsideAV shoulder mount. This works out pretty well as I can easily attach an Anton Bauer battery, light and 2 wireless mics while still maintaining the Sony VCT-14 quick release tripod adapter.

Lately, I've been longing to have a bit more reach than my cameras 14x lens. I am now considering buying a PMW-320 with the 16x kit lens but curious to see if my trusty DVCam DSR-390 camera's lens (Fuji S19x6.5brm which is incredible in low light) might work.

Has anyone tried this lens on their PMW-320?

I'm also curious, if anyone in the DC/Baltimore area would allow me to try my lens on their PMW-320?

If the SD lens worked, I'd be able to obviously buy the PMW-320 sans the kit lens...

Thanks, Joe

Re: Opinions on Fuji SD lens on PMW-320
 

Just remember that SD cameras with their larger pixels (few pixels per square mm of sensor for SD than HD) will tend to be more sensitive than HD cameras when comparing how lenses perform.

Re: Opinions on Fuji SD lens on PMW-320
 

I haven't tested the Fuji lens you mention, but I have tested a few comparable Canon SD-lenses on my 320 and they are quite good. Sharp enough and contrast is OK too. They suffer from some more breathing than my Canon KH 10x3,6 IRSE. But then again, that HD lens costs more than 10 times more...

I have purchased my 320 without the kit lens, and I do not regret it, because albeit a very good lens according to most of the reviews, I hate the focusing ring on these kit lenses. I'm not sure though if the kit lens can be bought separately afterwards, so if you're in doubt, you might as well buy it on the camera. I'm quite sure you can still sell it on the second hand market if you don't like it.

Re: Opinions on Fuji SD lens on PMW-320
 

Joe I live in the Washington DC area. I have a 320 and if you like we can try your lens and see if it works.
Just email me at dreaux88@gmail.com

Jim

Re: Opinions on Fuji SD lens on PMW-320
 

Just quick update...

Jim was kind enough to host a test between the HD Fuji (16X) kit lens and my 19X Fuji SD lens on his PMW-320.

The following (non scientific) observations were made using both focusing/color charts as well as actual random inside shots.

HD kit lens was observed to be a tad sharper (maybe 10%) and displayed maybe 10-15% more contrast (to my eye) compared to the SD lens, when using the charts. When shooting similar indoor footage, the differences were very difficult to tell apart.

The SD lens was observed a half-stop better in low light (this was expected as the SD lens is rated at 1.4 vs the kit HD lens' 1.8).

The HD kit lens, however, was a bit wider than the SD lens (5.8 vs 6.5).

It was also nice to see that all of the lens info (ie... F-stop) showed up in the view finder just as it did with the HD lens. Of course, the HD kit lens can be set to Auto Focus, while the SD lens cannot.

Conclusions... I'm now on the hunt for a lightly used PMW320 body... Anybody have any leads?

Re: Opinions on Fuji SD lens on PMW-320
 

These findings correspond with what I found when comparing the Canon 19x SD to a Canon HD lens. For everyday use, without charts or measuring equipment, SD and HD are practically the same. Except the price, of course...

I'm afraid it will not be easy to find a light-used 320, as they're such good value for money. And even if I would want to sell mine, it would cost you more than a new one in the US, because of the exchange rate. So if you find one, it won't be Europe, that's for sure. Good luck anyway!