Barrelling on Century Optics .6 wide angle
 

I just got the .6 wide angle adapter from Century Optics and though the build quality seems quite good, there is a lot of barrelling of the image. I am aware that the .7 offers less of a wide angle, but does it have less barrelling at equivalent focal lengths in comparison with the .6? I don't really care about the zoom through, but if there was less barrelling I might be willing to upgrade. Also, does anyone know what the filter size is on the Century Optics wide angle adapter? Thanks!

Peter

Which is the best learning tool?
 

Hi everybody,

We are a little production company in Turkey and we are planning on buying a camcorder for documentaries, commercaial videos and for shooting short films. As most of the cameras in our price range have really great visuals, one deciding factor for our choice will be how much manual control the camera will give us. The reason for this is we are planning on using this camera as a learning tool for our younger staff. We have film school graduates who are working to become DPs and we want to give them the camera that best enables them to learn all available aspects of digital filmmaking. We are currently undecided between PD 150 and DVX100. I am not really sure about the price difference but other than DVX 100 25p, is there any other issue that will affect our choice. I know that it shoots a much more film like image with it's cine-gamma feature, but I have read that it can be easily achived in post and infact making our crew learn how to do it themselves will even be better for them in our opinion. I would really be glad if you could give us advice on these cameras' manual adjustments, DoF in the lenses and other relevant stuff. Thanks in advance for your time.

Akif Malatyali

SEKANS

Ps. I will be in the states in two weeks and am planning on buying the pal version of whichever camera we choose. Can you give me the names of any retailers I can purchase a Pal version? from?

DVX100's "odometer"
 

Does anyone know what the DVX's in-camera odometer (the menu that tracks usage by hours) is based on? The menu says it tracks cylinder rotation but would that include having your camera on with a tape inserted but not recording? How about without a tape, and playback while capturing? I'm curious because my cam states I've logged rougly 20 hours and I've only recorded 10 60 minute tapes (none of them to the very end either).

Converting 24 Standard to 24 frame timeline
 

Hey guys--So I'm shooting a documentary in 24P Advanced for eventual editing on Avid's new Xpress Pro system. The probelm is I recorded an interview today and accidentally had the camera on F5, 24P standard mode. Is there a way for me to convert this footage into 24 for cutting in a 24fps timeline? Does After Effects do this? Thanks!
Peter

Authoring DVX100 24P-DVD from Premiere
 

A long-standing deficiency in Premiere prevents you from exporting a 23.976P Quicktime with accurate sync sound for encoding a 24P DVD.

I've introduced a new product called DVFilm Mutate which gets around this problem. See http://dvfilm.com/maker/mutate.htm. Assuming you have used DVFilm Maker to convert your DVX100 clips to 24.000 fps quicktime/48048 Hz audio, and you have edited your film in Premiere at 24.000 fps, the resulting 24 fps Quicktime (which Premiere can export with accurate sync sound at 48048 Hz) is converted to 23.976P and 48000 KHz audio with the Mutate application. After that you can then encode with TMPGEnc or other programs.

Mutate should also work with other editing programs, like Quicktime Pro, which can only export at 24.000 fps and not 23.976.

Registered users of DVFilm Maker (Windows version) can get Mutate free at http://dvfilm.com/update

How long does the DVX100 Batt last?
 

The DVX100 comes with a battery. Can someone tell me how long it lasts while using the LCD screen. I might be buying it and need this information.

-mark

Got my DVX100 Today!! whoo hoo!
 

First I thought they sent me the wrong camera because the box was so small. But I guess that's how it comes!

This thing is SWEET. Nice looking camera. I can see what other users were talking about with the "plastic" feel. But it's nothing to worrie about. Just don't drop it. It's very light weight though which is good.

Lots of great controls. I'm so glad I got this one over the PD-150. The zoom lens actually turns when you zoom in and out. Very cool - so you can see what stop your on. Works great in low light.

The "quick" eject is kickass. So much faster then the sony cams. I can change taps so fast now.

I guess the only complaint is, the camera says "steal me" on it. I'm putting better locks on the office today.

I have more accessories on order. The Panasonic shotgun mic and 2 backup batteries coming soon.

Anyway. Nice to be apart of the DVX100 group. Just wanted to share my excitement.


Have fun!

PQ and MQ tapes (again)
 

You have convinced me not to bother changing to MQ. I have just bought another 20 PQ tapes, but, just out of interest, could someone explain what the manufacturer's specifications actually mean, in practical terms:

MQ tapes have

+1db C/N and 1db OUTPUT vs. Pro Standard PQ
series.

Lens Hood/Matte Box for Telephoto Lens
 

The base lens has a 72mm thread. The Century telephoto has a 105mm od, no thread. The Century wide angle has a 95mm OD, no thread.

Question 1: Is there any way other than a mattebox to use filters with the threadless lenses?

Question 2: What matte box/lens hoods are available that would fit all three combinations (base, tele, and wide angle)?

Question 3: Does this work with the Panasonic wide angle?

Question 4: Does anyone other than Century and Panasonic make lenses for the DVX100/DVC80?

Thanks,

David

What is the DC INPUT connector 7.9v 7.9 volts for???
 

nothing in manual anywhere, except page 10, which only makes a reference to let you know where to locate it.

and do you know the size measurements?
iniside and outside diameter?


no, it's not for reversing the dc cable(vek8722)

thanks

Cavision Matte Box Review
 

There's a review of Cavision's matte box attached to a AG-DVX100 for those looking into buying one. The review itself could of been more detailed in my opinion but there are a lot of pictures. Check it out here.

Scene file 3 on PAL cams...?
 

I don't have the cam with me at the mo' but I think it's scene file 3 which says (from manual) something to the effect of 'settings suited to accentuating the subjects (for example at wedding receptions)'. Anyone have a clue as to what this actually means?? I tried the spanish translation in the hope for a clue but still at a loss...Trying to figure out what "accentuating the subject" is trying to do...(I believe the name of the file is like Scene spark" but again may be wrong...)

Many thanks for any help.

Best regards,

Paul.
Ps. I do wish the manual was more self-explanatory....

DVX100 and DCR-TRV37
 

I'm about to start editing a film shot on the DVX100, do I have to use the same camera to capture into FCP 3 or can I use the Sony DCR-TRV37. I have Cinema Tools for the pulldown.

Thank you

DVX 100 push to HD then projected digitally...
 

Has anyone seen this done, and if so, could they share their thoughts on the end result? It would be cool to hear a success story of a film making that happen...

thanks
Alex

New Century Optics .3 fisheye for dvx100
 

Does anyone have the new .3 fisheye from century for the dvx100? It just came out a few weeks ago. If someone has atleast seen it on the came, is there vinyetting? and is it better than the vx1 with a mark 1 fisheye.?????

DVX100 PAL footage online
 

If anyone wants to see an example of PAL footage from the DVX100. Unfortunately I have a problem with my computer system so have had to compress it to a .wmv file but it's still looking good.

The link is here: http://www.pleasedsheep.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=46

If you want to contact me, or give me some feedback, leave it on my message board at my website, thanks...

Timecode
 

Will the DVX100 record drop frame time of day timecode?
WW

handle for dvx
 

Does anyone know how much that handle is that goes on the side of the dvx? Its black and George Clooney is holding it in a photo for his new HBO show.

Renting Camera for Weekend, Settings?
 

hello--

I am renting the DVX-100 for an upcoming weekend to shoot a short film.

I want to get experience using the camera and making a short film.

I won't have time to master the camera, so I was wondering if you could offer me which settings I should go with.

I have Final Cut Pro 3 and a one chip sony mini-dv camera to import footage.

What settings should I be at? I would like to shoot at 24fps to make it look more like film.

I heard to shoot in 24p standard mode.

If it turns out good, I might want to put it on a DVD... but mostly just for fun.

I don't know aobut thick or thin. Or cinegamma settings.

I need a crash course.

I want to achieve a happy looking film... it's a comedy, so I want it to be bright, fun looking.

Any tips?

DVX100 Pal Best Price in Asian
 

Hi!
Anyone knows where to get the camera cheap?? because next time I will be in asian and will get this camera.
I remember, when the price was about 2760 Euro in
expandore.com, know it is about 3000 Euro again.
Would be thankfull about all infos.

DVX protection in a generic case
 

I am purchasing a heavy duty cancas tool bag at Lowe's to carry my gear this weekend. I got the idea on the case from a post here.

My question is: what do you all use to actually keep you camera safe and steady and not boucing around in the bag?

Thanks!

Image 2000 chamois eyepiece cover
 

Just a small tip. This chamois eye cup cover at B&H photo fits the DVX100's, and probably the DVC80's, eye cup perfectly. It's much more comfortable than the naked eye cup and quite inexpensive. Get several, as they will inevitably get rather worn with frequent use.

Isn't the DVX100's viewfinder eyepiece great?! It's the best I've ever used.

directing/ag-dvx100
 

Does any know of a webbsite that is dedicated to directors/directing.

DVX100 in new commercial
 

I'm a GL2 guy but I figured you guys might get a kick out of this. I saw a new eBay commercial yesterday. Its where a guy is trying to learn how to use eBay when his wife comes in and of course bursts into a huge musical number which is a take off of "Do you know the way to San Jose"

Anyway, at the end one of the dancers is holding a DVX100 as an example of one of the things you can buy on eBay. I figured they would use some cheap model but its definitely the DVX100. I just thought it was interesting so look out for that commercial.

DVX100 expert needed in LA/San Diego
 

If you are a DVX100 expert, and are available to hire for a day, please contact:

michelle@dvcreators.net


Thanks!

What are the dvx scene file settings? My 80's scene files are blank!
 

I want to try some of the factory settings, but the presets for the 80 are undefined from the factory. Any help?
thanks
Jarrett

Underwater, who has/ using the Equinox propak 8 or other?
 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/product/275296/EQPP8DVX100/REG/1932

I contacted ikelite for a quote, but am wondering if anyone has used the equinox, or other depth-friendly housing, possibly with more controls/viewing options.

Don't understand how you view the viewfinder, and how it appears underwater/lighting....., and optics are questionable. Would really like to see some footage shot with the equinox, or other, and if so, which model/mfg.

The price doesn't bother me... the functionality/output is what's in question.

IE: no iris adjustment
can you use filters on the cam

Remember seeing a website that had an awesome looking housing with all sorts of controls, but appeared to be made in cad, and was only a protype "dream" machine as far as could tell

Thanks

Toshiba HD has 540p mode???
 

I'm still researching monitors....

A new Toshiba HD Consumer set offers this feature:

• CrystalScan HDSC™ upconverts all video signals (including 480i/p) to 1080i HD. This results in a significant
reduction in jagged-line artifacts which produces a smoother, more natural image. Selectable 540p, for users who
want to display a progressive scan image from a progressive scan source, is available via the on-screen menu

Could this display 24p via firewire out of an NLE in true progressive scan?

More details (see the PDF) at http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/televisi...p?model=30hf83.

It's hard to fork out $1300 for a 13" Pro interlaced SD monitor (e.g. Panasonic BT-H1390Y).

I wonder how well this monitor could be calibrated via the service menu...

DVX to look like Beta SP on TV
 

okies, heres a q, how can i go about getting teh DVX to look similar to Beta SP? Basically the smooth rounded look of televisio?


Ive been messing with the setting and find that setting detail to lowest setting, with a master ped of -2 works, but for some reason there is jsut something missiing.. I have a colour phase of +2 which helps bring out the flatter colours, however i jsut dont seem to be gettin it.. I KNOW this cam can do it, as there is a soapy here in Oz which is now filmed with this cam exclusively... and they have right, (a bit red, but the resolutions and smoothness look the part)

im jsut curious as i think it would be a great Scene setting to have set up on the cam...

thanks in advance to any respnses...

Secret Diagnostic Menu
 

Recently I found that there are secret menu items that can be accessed via unusual button combination. They are as follows: Push and hold "audio Dub" (on the top, under the handle) While holding that down hit "Rewind" on the joystick, and keep it in rewind. While maintaining that then hit "Menu" button, and viola! Menu choiced #8 Diagnostic and #9 Settings reveal themselves in the menu .
So what the hell do these things do?

Okay, here is what I know. This I recently got a Panasonic Service Manual for the DVX100 (not easy to get BTW) and although it is written in Pidgin english w virtually no proofreading, I have learned the following- using the above button combination you get access to both a "Diagnostic" and an "Adjust" menu choice in your menu as well as the other choices you always get. The "adjust" menu should be left alone. It is to be used with engineer hardware & software to calibrate your camera, but doing it by the seat of your pants is foolish. Leave it alone.

HOWEVER, I have found the "Diagnostic" Menu to be very enlightening. It has two parts. the upper part gives you the choice of: Off, Video, Audio, or Both. and sample rate of Slow or Fast. Lets say you choose "Both", and "Fast." back out of the menu, and play a previously recorded tape. Where the audio meters normally are is now a "Signal Quality meter" if you will. Low levels good. red levels bad. It shows you the signal quality or error rate of the signal you previously recorded. Not quite a confidence head but still very nice feature. You may, I assume, see potential problems with your video head before they manifest themselves in a visible head clog...... We use it every day now that we know it is there to assess the overall health of our cameras. You can look at just video signal (I assume both writing heads shown as separate channels) audio signal or both combined. Sample rate is just how fast the display refreshes itself.

The lower half of the diagnostic page is an event log of shutdowns due to problems. Provided you set your internal clock right, it gives you month day and year, time, and a 4 digit code for errors. Also very helpful, for what else, Diagnostics.

I would be interested in hearing where people's "Quality meters" are bouncing around on average and the hours on their video heads. We have several cameras with 50 or less hours and on average say about 0-4 units mostly say 3 units on the meter. One camera has 120 hours and it's quality meter is averaging more like 5-6 units. (Anything over 10 units goes into red)
-Nate

Test footage 24p advanced
 

Some tests in 24p advanced edited together.

http://www.wwwroot15.net/~supersos/

15 mb

Maximum ALC level
 

I am going to record an audio important event and will not be able to audition levels. Knowing that 94dB SPL produces -32dBv from my mics, I needed to know where that was on my meters.

I used my Neutrix Minirator (accurate within 2dB) and piped some white noise and 1000kHz through the camera. With ALC on, I could not get a signal great enough to break 3 red bars on the meter. I would not have thought the limiting to be so severe.

With ALC off, I could easily get the meter to climb through the ceiling.

So my question is whether or not everyone else finds that maximum levels should be set to around 2 red bars with ALC on to avoid compression.

Thanks.

Cleaning Leica Dicomar
 

Hey guys its me again

Just wanted to have some info and your comments on how strong the multi coating on this lens is. I mean if one doesnt have a cleaning kit, is it safe to use an alternative i.e cotton swabs.. etc ..Any answers will be much appreciated

CLearing Viewfinder of all info
 

Anyone know how to clear all info in the viewfinder display. I can get rid of everything but the Timecode. Anyone know how to get rid of that too? Thanks,

Peter

DVX Decisions
 

I'm writer/actor trying to make the leap to filmmaker. I'm going to get the DVX100, but after going through a ton of posts, I still have a couple questions. First, I'm thinking of getting the PAL version. I know that adds inconvenience (need a PAL monitor, can't watch the footage on NTSC TV without converting, etc.) but since I'm only planning on using the camera for shooting films hopefully for a blowup to 35mm, isn't the extra resolution worth it. Seems every DV movie released is shot in PAL. And with FCP4, can't I convert the 25P finished product to 24P NTSC if needed? Is there any deal breaker in going with PAL?

Second, I'd like the best possible 16X9 picture and was considering the anamorphic adaptor, but in reading past posts, the focus issue and OIS not being recommended with the adaptor concerned me. And having to buy a matte box for filters, etc. seems expensive and a pain. The film will have a lot of handheld and I also don't want to find out in post everything is slightly out of focus. Would you recommend the anamorphic or letterbox/do-it-in-post, especially if I go PAL which will still leave me 432 vertical pixels after the letterboxing. Thanks for your help.

Video speeds with music
 

Im going to be shooting a music video in the next couple of weeks. I know that the DVX100 can only shoot at certain frame rates. Is it possible to do the same effect like film cameras!

Record in regular 24 or 60i etc... but have a different play back speeds of the song. Instead recording and playing the song at normal (100%) Slow the song down to 70% and still record in 24 regular. In post can I speed up the video to 130% to match the normal speed (100%) of the video.

Is it possible to get the same effect like film cameras.... however film cameras can record at different frame rates to achieve the effect.

I tried it a couple of times when I was editing. It worked for beginning of the song however near the end the song started to become unsync with the video. Does it have to do with the 29.97 frame rate?

Should the song be slowed down to a certain speed? in order to match up with the 29.97 frame rate?

I hope I explained this question as clearly as I can... eeeek!

tape will intermittently unthread and then go into a FF/RW mode
 

This is from Jim Lea (I replied and asked him what tapes he was using):

Hi Stephan,

This is Jim Lea from the Outer Banks. I am in Zambia in Southern Africa for 7 weeks with a brand new AJ-DVX 100. I am having problems with it.

I've tried to post to the DVi Community, but I am not allowed to. Maybe you can post for me or maybe you might know what is happening.

When I am in the camera mode, the tape will intermittently unthread and then go into a FF/RW mode to find the end of the tape. I takes about 30 seconds to complete the process, and I am missing opportunities to shoot because of it. I am not having any problems with lost shots or broken timecode, but this problem is very annoying.

I've tried to clean the heads, but that has not helped.

Have you heard of anything like this before?

Please post this to the message board to see if any other people have found this problem. I am only able to get on the Internet about once a week, so it will be some time before I can get back to the forum.

Thank you very much,

James G. Lea
DV News Network
www.dvnn.com

DVX 100 Time Coding
 

I would like to know the importance of time coding as it relates to the shooting and editing process. Also, how is it applied to tape using the DVX 100.

Thanks

Gerald

Settings when shooting in 24p standard
 

hi all,

Just wondering for those of you guys who have shot 24p standard with this camera, what are the various settings you guys use and why?

I have seen the settings recommended when shooting in 24p advance for film transfer, just wondering if there is anything similar as a guideline for shooting in 24p standard.

Cheers
Wan Shu

New Documentary shot on DVX100
 

I opened my local paper today (Tallahassee Democrat) and on the front page was a story on a documentary that was produced on one of our local high school football teams. The accompanying large color photograph shows a videographer holding a DVX100 over his head for a shot of some players. There are two more photos which show the DVX100 in action. The documentary was produced by JAK Productions out of Lawrenceville, GA and the first part will air this Thursday Nov. 27 at 5:00pm on Sunshine Network. Not sure if you can get Sunshine outside of Florida. The second part will air in February. Here is a link to the story...

http://www.tallahassee.com/mld/democrat/7343219.htm

I am very interested in seeing the footage, as I am debating that age old question whether to buy a DVX100 or XL1S. I do video production for my church (man on street videos, interviews, short video dramas, event documentaries). One day I think I have settled on one camera then the next day I change my mind.
Arrrgghhhhh!!