What is the ideal shooting distance for gs400? at DVinfo.net

Leigh Wanstead · November 10th, 2004, 08:58 PM

Hello everyone,

I can change optical zoom or move the distance between the camera and the shooting subject to get same size of the subject on the photo. May I ask what is the ideal distance to shoot? Should I use optical zoom 12x or no zoom at all just move closer to the subject.

TIA
Leigh

Kyle Ringin · November 10th, 2004, 11:44 PM

Leigh,
There is nothing inherently wrong with either approach.

Decide on the option that gives you the effect you desire as you will get a different look from each eg:

Head shots can look strange if taken close with a wide angle setting.

Telephoto shots to compress space ie a traffic jam shot with telephoto makes cars look more tightly compacted.

Focus is more critical at the telephoto end of the range.

Telephoto is harder to keep steady with hand held (even with the stabiliser on), you really need a tripod, or at least be braced against something.

Also in low light the wide angle range can give you a better image (light wise).
and the list goes on...

Needless to say you want to stay away from digital zoom.

What's your subject?

Leigh Wanstead · November 11th, 2004, 02:36 AM

Hi Kyle,

Thanks for the answer.

At the moment, the subject is just some rose in my garden.
8 )

Regards
Leigh

Allan Rejoso · November 11th, 2004, 04:54 AM

<<<-- Originally posted by Kyle Ringin : Leigh,

Also in low light the wide angle range can give you a better image (light wise)...

Recently, I made some simple experimentation on the effect of attaching a wideangle lens to the light sensitivity of the cam. I used a GS400 in combination with the Panasonic 4307, mounted on a tripod. I tried as many varied light settings as I could do in the living room and what I found out is that by attaching the 4307, I consistently lost 2 f-stops. I verified this by switching to manual - after the AF has stabilized - to check the cam's (auto) iris setting. This appears to be consistent with Panasonic's statement that lens converters should be used under good lighting condition...or perhaps it applies specifically to their own product.

Leigh, as far as I know, the Pany lens is rated f1.6 (wide) to f2.8 (tele).@ So there is merit to shoot as close as you can. I think only Canon is able to make those killer lenses (f1.6-f1.8 or f1.9 for the entire range) for consumer cams.

Leigh Wanstead · November 11th, 2004, 11:41 AM

<<<-- Originally posted by Allan Rejoso : <<<-- Originally posted by Kyle Ringin :
Leigh, as far as I know, the Pany lens is rated f1.6 (wide) to f2.8 (tele).@ So there is merit to shoot as close as you can. I think only Canon is able to make those killer lenses (f1.6-f1.8 or f1.9 for the entire range) for consumer cams. -->>>

Hi Allan,

I don't know about f1.6 (wide) to f2.8 (tele). I think that information is really good.

Thanks

Regards
Leigh

November 10th, 2004, 08:58 PM	#1
Leigh Wanstead Trustee Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NZ Posts: 1,276	What is the ideal shooting distance for gs400? Hello everyone, I can change optical zoom or move the distance between the camera and the shooting subject to get same size of the subject on the photo. May I ask what is the ideal distance to shoot? Should I use optical zoom 12x or no zoom at all just move closer to the subject. TIA Leigh

November 10th, 2004, 11:44 PM	#2
Kyle Ringin Major Player Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 241	Leigh, There is nothing inherently wrong with either approach. Decide on the option that gives you the effect you desire as you will get a different look from each eg: Head shots can look strange if taken close with a wide angle setting. Telephoto shots to compress space ie a traffic jam shot with telephoto makes cars look more tightly compacted. Focus is more critical at the telephoto end of the range. Telephoto is harder to keep steady with hand held (even with the stabiliser on), you really need a tripod, or at least be braced against something. Also in low light the wide angle range can give you a better image (light wise). and the list goes on... Needless to say you want to stay away from digital zoom. What's your subject?

November 11th, 2004, 02:36 AM	#3
Leigh Wanstead Trustee Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NZ Posts: 1,276	Hi Kyle, Thanks for the answer. At the moment, the subject is just some rose in my garden. 8 ) Regards Leigh

November 11th, 2004, 04:54 AM	#4
Allan Rejoso Major Player Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Tokyo, Japan Posts: 569	<<<-- Originally posted by Kyle Ringin : Leigh, Also in low light the wide angle range can give you a better image (light wise)... Recently, I made some simple experimentation on the effect of attaching a wideangle lens to the light sensitivity of the cam. I used a GS400 in combination with the Panasonic 4307, mounted on a tripod. I tried as many varied light settings as I could do in the living room and what I found out is that by attaching the 4307, I consistently lost 2 f-stops. I verified this by switching to manual - after the AF has stabilized - to check the cam's (auto) iris setting. This appears to be consistent with Panasonic's statement that lens converters should be used under good lighting condition...or perhaps it applies specifically to their own product. Leigh, as far as I know, the Pany lens is rated f1.6 (wide) to f2.8 (tele).@ So there is merit to shoot as close as you can. I think only Canon is able to make those killer lenses (f1.6-f1.8 or f1.9 for the entire range) for consumer cams.

November 11th, 2004, 11:41 AM	#5
Leigh Wanstead Trustee Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NZ Posts: 1,276	<<<-- Originally posted by Allan Rejoso : <<<-- Originally posted by Kyle Ringin : Leigh, as far as I know, the Pany lens is rated f1.6 (wide) to f2.8 (tele).@ So there is merit to shoot as close as you can. I think only Canon is able to make those killer lenses (f1.6-f1.8 or f1.9 for the entire range) for consumer cams. -->>> Hi Allan, I don't know about f1.6 (wide) to f2.8 (tele). I think that information is really good. Thanks Regards Leigh