HVR-Z7 for Wildlife
 

Hi all,
Is anyone here using this camera for filming wildlife? I am particularly interested in using this camera with 35mm lens' via an adaptor. What are the results with this sort of setup?
I am also thinking of maybe using an external recorder like the NanoFlash or Ninja if it will dramatically improve the footage.
Thanks in advance ,
Bryce

Re: HVR-Z7 for Wildlife
 

I got a MTF Nikon adapter & put a 70-300mm zoom lens on my Z7. I was using it for political shoots back in 2008, but most politicians often don't act like human beings, so I'm guessing it isn't too far off from being wild life.

Remember that the Z7 has much smaller chips than a standard 35mm camera, so a 100mm lens on a SLR is going to have about a 2x zoom / crop; but a 100mm lens on the Z7 is going to have a 14x zoom / crop.

If you need to get close, it is a great way to do it.

Re: HVR-Z7 for Wildlife
 

Thanks for your reply Zach,
Yes the 7 odd times crop factor is what i am after for filming wildlife & the smaller sensor size only helps keep things in focus at those distances. Wow i would hate to be trying to keep anything in focus if it were possible to get those sort of telephoto shots with a 35mm sensor. I think the DOF would be measured in mm!!
Anyway, since you have worked with the camera with longer focal lenths, how did you find the quality of footage? Was there any issues with rolling shutter or any other artifacts related to the CMOS sensors?
my concern is that with the long tele shots, any pan may see problems in the footage.
Thanks,
Bryce

Re: HVR-Z7 for Wildlife
 

I do not have a lens adapter for my Z7. I have been tempted. But I have seen footage from others. I can't see how the CMOS sensor is a factor. You certainly shouldn't be doing any whip pans with a 35 mm lens attached. The only issues you would have would be the same as any super-telephoto lens on any camera. Such as atmospheric haze. And having a tripod stout enough to hold the camera steady.

Re: HVR-Z7 for Wildlife
 

-- Can I ask where you found the Nikon adapter?


thank you :)

Re: HVR-Z7 for Wildlife
 

Hi Greg,
Thanks for your response to my question. I was only thinking there may be a problem with panning where for example i was following a subject running or the like. Animals can move pretty fast & i have concerns that following an animal at speed running by trees for instance, could produce that horrible skew effect. I may well be wrong & it isn't actually a problem at all, but i'm having trouble finding anything on the matter.
Regards,
Bryce