Sony fs100 did it take a while to learn to use? at DVinfo.net

Dave Morgan · March 26th, 2012, 06:57 PM

Just was wondering about the learning curve for the fs100 if there is one or not? I don't own one but thought about renting 1 for certain projects. I know how to shoot and have used multiple types of cameras.

But I was wondering if I did rent one, how long I would need to get familiar with it.

Tom Abray · March 26th, 2012, 08:16 PM

If you've used a Sony before, it shouldn't take long at all. I've owned a PD150 and an EX1 and I see some elements of both in the fs100. And from using the Canon 7d, I was used to dealing with the shallow dof.

If you're really keen, you could read the manual before you rent it :)

Glen Vandermolen · March 26th, 2012, 08:51 PM

I've had my FS100 for half a year now. I find I did have a learning curve. Its design and layout are nothing like a "typical" camcorder. Not bad, just different.
But more than anything, it's getting used to the Super-35mm sensor. If you have experience shooting video with DSLRs, this won't be such a mystery. If you're shooting outdoors, a variable ND filter or a matte box with ND filters is a must. Matte boxes don't work well on DSLR zooms, as they extend when you zoom in. The sensor is very sensitive and great for low light conditions. Focusing is very critical - use the extended focus feature and peaking.

Doug Jensen · March 27th, 2012, 05:26 AM

Like Tom says, it's easier to grasp the basics if you have experience with other Sony camcorders. But, there are lots of little of details that can be difficult to get a handle on -- and great features that are easy to overlook.

MASTERING THE SONY NEX-FS100 CAMCORDER

Les Wilson · March 27th, 2012, 05:34 AM

Just to pile on what Doug said. I had to come up to speed on an ex1r in a weeks time. Enough to shoot b-roll. The Vortex guide was great that way. Straight and to the point. The info you need is there to get you going. You can skip chapters the first time and come back to it. I presume the fs100 is also like that. Ymmv

Matt Davis · March 29th, 2012, 07:16 AM

The biggest challenge I found with the FS100 was 'muscle memory' - knowing instinctively where a specific button was. Therefore, reaching and feeling for the expanded focus button would sometimes mean I hit the iris button instead. Unfortunately, this blanks the screen until you can press ANOTHER button to clear it (or tap the touch screen if you're using it).

Also, deleting a clip, or a range of clips, is tricky and needs practice as it's NOT the thing to work out when you're suddenly short of space and need to get rid of a couple of clips.

The buttons ARE small and can be fiddly, so those with clumsy paws (yours truly) will need to keep an eagle eye on the viewfinder to check they've not accidentally pressed a vital button by accident leaving you on ATW.

So... I'm an advocate of owning a lesser camera and knowing it inside out rather than renting a larger camera when I need it, which is not exactly a popular or even logical choice for most, but works best for me.

Allan Black · April 20th, 2012, 01:41 AM

A neat thing to do is .. once you get sorta familiar, put a sleep mask on and learn to set it up by touch. Like teaching flyers in a blind ground trainer.

It works but don't drop the cam and don't fall asleep.

Cheers.

March 26th, 2012, 06:57 PM	#1
Dave Morgan Major Player Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 293	Sony fs100 did it take a while to learn to use? Just was wondering about the learning curve for the fs100 if there is one or not? I don't own one but thought about renting 1 for certain projects. I know how to shoot and have used multiple types of cameras. But I was wondering if I did rent one, how long I would need to get familiar with it.

March 26th, 2012, 08:16 PM	#2
Tom Abray New Boot Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 20	Re: Sony fs100 did it take a while to learn to use? If you've used a Sony before, it shouldn't take long at all. I've owned a PD150 and an EX1 and I see some elements of both in the fs100. And from using the Canon 7d, I was used to dealing with the shallow dof. If you're really keen, you could read the manual before you rent it :)

March 26th, 2012, 08:51 PM	#3
Glen Vandermolen Space Hipster Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 1,596	Re: Sony fs100 did it take a while to learn to use? I've had my FS100 for half a year now. I find I did have a learning curve. Its design and layout are nothing like a "typical" camcorder. Not bad, just different. But more than anything, it's getting used to the Super-35mm sensor. If you have experience shooting video with DSLRs, this won't be such a mystery. If you're shooting outdoors, a variable ND filter or a matte box with ND filters is a must. Matte boxes don't work well on DSLR zooms, as they extend when you zoom in. The sensor is very sensitive and great for low light conditions. Focusing is very critical - use the extended focus feature and peaking.

March 27th, 2012, 05:26 AM	#4
Doug Jensen Vortex Media Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,416	Re: Sony fs100 did it take a while to learn to use? Like Tom says, it's easier to grasp the basics if you have experience with other Sony camcorders. But, there are lots of little of details that can be difficult to get a handle on -- and great features that are easy to overlook. MASTERING THE SONY NEX-FS100 CAMCORDER __________________ Vortex Media http://www.vortexmedia.com/ Sony FS7, F55, and XDCAM training videos, field guides, and other production tools

March 27th, 2012, 05:34 AM	#5
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	Re: Sony fs100 did it take a while to learn to use? Just to pile on what Doug said. I had to come up to speed on an ex1r in a weeks time. Enough to shoot b-roll. The Vortex guide was great that way. Straight and to the point. The info you need is there to get you going. You can skip chapters the first time and come back to it. I presume the fs100 is also like that. Ymmv

March 29th, 2012, 07:16 AM	#6
Matt Davis Trustee Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Berkshire, UK Posts: 1,562	Re: Sony fs100 did it take a while to learn to use? The biggest challenge I found with the FS100 was 'muscle memory' - knowing instinctively where a specific button was. Therefore, reaching and feeling for the expanded focus button would sometimes mean I hit the iris button instead. Unfortunately, this blanks the screen until you can press ANOTHER button to clear it (or tap the touch screen if you're using it). Also, deleting a clip, or a range of clips, is tricky and needs practice as it's NOT the thing to work out when you're suddenly short of space and need to get rid of a couple of clips. The buttons ARE small and can be fiddly, so those with clumsy paws (yours truly) will need to keep an eagle eye on the viewfinder to check they've not accidentally pressed a vital button by accident leaving you on ATW. So... I'm an advocate of owning a lesser camera and knowing it inside out rather than renting a larger camera when I need it, which is not exactly a popular or even logical choice for most, but works best for me. __________________ Director/Editor - MDMA Ltd: Write, Shoot, Edit, Publish - mattdavis.pro EX1 x2, C100 --> FCPX & PPro6

April 20th, 2012, 01:41 AM	#7
Allan Black Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney. Posts: 2,887	Re: Sony fs100 did it take a while to learn to use? A neat thing to do is .. once you get sorta familiar, put a sleep mask on and learn to set it up by touch. Like teaching flyers in a blind ground trainer. It works but don't drop the cam and don't fall asleep. Cheers. __________________ Drink more tap water. On admission at Sydney hospitals more than 5% of day patients are de-hydrated.