Excited New Panasonic PV-DV953 Owner w/ DOF Question
 

Hey everyone!

I finally got my new Pana DV953 cam from B&H, and so far I'm very pleased with it's performance. I'm a newbie to the videography thing who has been shooting with single CCD cams for the last few years -- boy, what a difference an extra couple of CCD's can make! This is the best cam I've ever had my hands on by far. :)

Quick question concerning DOF. I saw that Tommy Haupfear had posted some really nice macro stills from the camera that appeared to have a very shallow DOF. Links below (hope Tommy don't mind me posting his links):

http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/2729633.jpg

http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/2729634.jpg

How do I achieve this shallow DOF w/ the 953? Was the portrait mode used or was this achieved with a combination of manual settings? And finally, can this effect be used with video footage or with photo stills only?

I'm wanting to do some documentary type interviews of some local R/C car racers, and I'd like to achieve the shallow DOF look for this purpose.

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Brian Sumpter

PS -- Did I mention that I'm loving this cam? :D

Here is the DOF thread and the DOF article on the site.

Brian, congrats on your new cam purchase!

Thanks for the links, Jeff! I've been lurking here on DVI for months now, and I somehow missed that article. That kind of info is exactly what I was needing. Now I just need to practice and attempt to master the technique. :)

And thank you very much, Frank! Your numerous posts about this camera played a major role in my decision to purchase it. I've got a tremendous amount to learn, but I'm excited to finally have a "real" camcorder to play with. Sure is a big step up from my ZR60. :D

Hey Brian:

Congratualtions on your getting a DV953. As you have already seen, it's a great camera and what a difference the additonal chips make.

Everyone in my business (Television Production) who has seen this camera have been impressed with it's performance. I use it on live sports events that I work on as a additional camera. Just having the english menus to navigate through while your out and about make it a great advantage alone especially when you need to adjust on the fly. While the GS100 is a somewhat improved version of the DV953, I myself think you as a "newie" (as you put it) made the right decision under the circumstances and I believe this camera will suit your needs for years to come.