Composing images with XL2 at DVinfo.net

Jay Gladwell · June 28th, 2005, 11:15 AM

I just realized that the XL2 stock viewfinder (yes, it's lacking, we need not go into that) does not offer a "TV safe" area in the menu. My problem is, and always has been the XLs, that I tend to compose too loose for fear of losing something when viewed on TV in 4:3.

Any suggestions?

Jay

Chris Hurd · June 28th, 2005, 12:53 PM

What would be wonderful is an external LCD monitor mounted on the XL2 with a switchable TV-safe overlay. I'll bet they exist, but I haven't heard of them.

Pete Bauer · June 28th, 2005, 12:57 PM

Jay,

The stock color viewfinder displays what approximately would be the TV safe zone. I noticed this when doing a resolution test:

http://www.geosynchrony.com/scratchpad.htm (about half way down the web page in the resolution test)

Quote:
I'll also note that the XL2's viewfinder has a LOT of overscan -- much more than I think is necessary. It was enough to just make the 1.5" wide tape not visible on the viewfinder when PPro's capture window showed perfect edge-to-edge coverage.

Roughly speaking, if you can see it in the viewfinder it'll show up on a TV with typical overscan. Personally, I don't like the viewfinder to have overscan but that's the way it is; no changing it as far as I know, unless you use a different viewfinder/monitor while shooting.

Jay Gladwell · June 28th, 2005, 01:17 PM

Pete, that's what I thought, but such is not the case with mine and the three TVs I have here (no two are alike).

With the run-and-gun shooting I do, using a monitor is impossible.

Jay

June 28th, 2005, 11:15 AM	#1
Jay Gladwell Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,244	Composing images with XL2 I just realized that the XL2 stock viewfinder (yes, it's lacking, we need not go into that) does not offer a "TV safe" area in the menu. My problem is, and always has been the XLs, that I tend to compose too loose for fear of losing something when viewed on TV in 4:3. Any suggestions? Jay

June 28th, 2005, 12:53 PM	#2
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	What would be wonderful is an external LCD monitor mounted on the XL2 with a switchable TV-safe overlay. I'll bet they exist, but I haven't heard of them. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

June 28th, 2005, 12:57 PM	#3
Pete Bauer Wrangler Join Date: May 2003 Location: Eagle River, AK Posts: 4,100	Jay, The stock color viewfinder displays what approximately would be the TV safe zone. I noticed this when doing a resolution test: http://www.geosynchrony.com/scratchpad.htm (about half way down the web page in the resolution test) Quote: I'll also note that the XL2's viewfinder has a LOT of overscan -- much more than I think is necessary. It was enough to just make the 1.5" wide tape not visible on the viewfinder when PPro's capture window showed perfect edge-to-edge coverage. Roughly speaking, if you can see it in the viewfinder it'll show up on a TV with typical overscan. Personally, I don't like the viewfinder to have overscan but that's the way it is; no changing it as far as I know, unless you use a different viewfinder/monitor while shooting. __________________ Pete Bauer The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. Albert Einstein Trying to solve a DV mystery? You may find the answer behind the SEARCH function ... or be able to join a discussion already in progress!

June 28th, 2005, 01:17 PM	#4
Jay Gladwell Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,244	Pete, that's what I thought, but such is not the case with mine and the three TVs I have here (no two are alike). With the run-and-gun shooting I do, using a monitor is impossible. Jay