Chris Bell
January 1st, 2003, 02:26 PM
Hey all,
I am a new owner of the DVX-100 and I think the camera is a big step forward from the competition (pd150/XL1). I know it's tough to complain about a $3500 camera, but it too much to ask for a lens system with more finess? Maybe not. I was impressed that the lecia lens holds focus thoughout the zoom range unlike the sony/canon so I guess progress has been made. There are, however, a few issues I have with the lens and I would be curious to get feedback from other owners.
First, I find the zoom mechanics to be loose and I see a fair amount of image shift when the focal length is changed (espically in 24p). The zoom motor is too choppy and manual mode is too loose. I have been contemplating finding a lens technician who could put a heavier grease in the zoom mechanics, or finding a way to adapt a chrosziel fluid zoom (remember those?) to the body...hint hint aftermarket manufactures.
Second, the lens looses a lot of light through the zoom range. This is far worse than the pd-150 or XL-1. I wish panasonic had placed the iris contol next to the zoom ring (ala film lenses) or had designed a lens which held "stop" throughout the focal range. I would say this is the most serious issue with this camera...its hard to be spontaneous with the lens when you know the image will dim as you change focal lengths.
Any thoghts? Anyone from Panasonic reading this forum?
Chris Bell, DP
www.spotshooter.com
I am a new owner of the DVX-100 and I think the camera is a big step forward from the competition (pd150/XL1). I know it's tough to complain about a $3500 camera, but it too much to ask for a lens system with more finess? Maybe not. I was impressed that the lecia lens holds focus thoughout the zoom range unlike the sony/canon so I guess progress has been made. There are, however, a few issues I have with the lens and I would be curious to get feedback from other owners.
First, I find the zoom mechanics to be loose and I see a fair amount of image shift when the focal length is changed (espically in 24p). The zoom motor is too choppy and manual mode is too loose. I have been contemplating finding a lens technician who could put a heavier grease in the zoom mechanics, or finding a way to adapt a chrosziel fluid zoom (remember those?) to the body...hint hint aftermarket manufactures.
Second, the lens looses a lot of light through the zoom range. This is far worse than the pd-150 or XL-1. I wish panasonic had placed the iris contol next to the zoom ring (ala film lenses) or had designed a lens which held "stop" throughout the focal range. I would say this is the most serious issue with this camera...its hard to be spontaneous with the lens when you know the image will dim as you change focal lengths.
Any thoghts? Anyone from Panasonic reading this forum?
Chris Bell, DP
www.spotshooter.com