Timelapse computation and other tips
 

The F350 has a great timelapes function. I've put together a table that enables one to quickly derive the collection time involved for any of the "set" number of collection intervals. The playback time for a given amount of collection time can also be derived.

You can download the computation table here:

http://www.clamcamvideo.com/Other/XDCam_Timelapse.pdf

Carroll Lam

Very nice, thanks for sharing.

You're welcome!

Carroll Lam

Printed and put in my portabrace!

I should go to Kinkos and have it laminated...

Great stuff! You wouldn't happen to have one based on 24fps rather than 30 would you? Sorry, gettin' greedy here.

I always print a "working copy" of my camcorder's user manual (2 pages per page so it's thinner) and keep it in the camcorder case. I have this timelapse page bound in with it.

Laminating it also a good idea. I do this for my shooting "checklists" that I velcro to the camcorder for ready access.

You might also fine the pdf below of some benefit also. With it you can determine the field-of-view for a given lens focal length for different image sizes. Overlaid on this particular table are the characteristics of the lenses for my various cameras.

http://www.clamcamvideo.com/Other/Angle_of_View3.pdf

Thanks for the feedback!

Carroll Lam

Surre. Just multiply all the time numbers by 1.25. :-)

Carroll Lam

F350 HDSDI Display
 

Just a note to say that I have been very pleased with the performance of my Blackmagic Design HDLink converter for converting the HDSDI video out of the F350 into DVI video for display on my Dell 24" HD monitor.

The nice thing about the HDLink is that it also extracts 2-channel audio also.

The video looks stunning on the Dell monitor.

You can read about the HDLink here: http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/hdlink/

I have no financial interest in the device other than as a satisfied user.

Carroll Lam

XDCAM HD tutorial DVD
 

It would appear that no one has commented on the F330/F30 tutorial DVD from HandsOn. You can read about the DVD here:

http://www.handsonhd.com/index.html

I can highly recommend the DVD. I learned several important things from the DVD that aren't covered in the user manual plus several tips and tricks for better use of these sophisticated cameras are included.

I have no interest in either HandsOn or Vortex Media other than as a satisfied customer.

Carroll Lam

agreed..... I have it and recommend it as well.

Handle mounting TIP
 

The top of the F330/F350 is pretty skimpy when it comes to mounting holes for accessories.

I have found that the VFGadgets handle bracket for the Sony HVR-Z1U fits perfectly on the handle of the F350. You can see the bracket here:

http://www.vfgadgets.com/HDVbracket.htm

I had purchased the bracket for my Z1U and got the tip for trying on the F350 from VFGadgets themselves.

Carroll Lam

Likewise, if you are new to XDCAM HD and don't know much about it this DVD encapsulates it nicely. Don't expect any camera shooting techniques though, it is purely a visual instruction manual for those who would rather sit and watch a DVD for 90 minutes as opposed to spending 3 hours reading the manual. I have it and can recommend it, but if you already own XDCAM HD and have been using it for a few weeks this DVD will show you nothing you won't have figured out by now.

Watched The DVD A+
 

The DVD is great. I think it is more of a feel good DVD making one realize the purchase value of the HD XDCAM being the ultimate ENG HD camera.

Are there any other good training DVDs one could recommend out there on
shooting techniques?

I bought these several years ago and found them quite informative:

http://www.elitevideo.com/index.asp?...PROD&ProdID=26

Carroll Lam

F330/F35 menu TIP
 

I found out something today, in discussion with Sony tech support, that you may already know.

If you have some variable setting, say DETAIL LEVEL on P05, set to some non-default value and you hold the rotary menu button IN for about 3 secs, while DETAIL LEVEL is shown selected on the menu, the value will revert to 0, or the "factory default" value.

In fact, it seems that this action will return any menu value to its "factory default" setting.

So it would it would seem this would be a quick way to determine if any particular menu setting is different than the default setting. Basically an individual parameter RESET function.

Cool.

Carroll Lam