Less depth of field at DVinfo.net

Chris Jothi · December 15th, 2006, 02:07 PM

Hi all,

I used the V1 for the first time yesterday and found it more difficult to produce a shallow depth of field than using the PD170 or Z1E.

I am not trying to enter into the debate about emulating a film look and why having a shallow depth of field is better blah blah blah. I just wanted to achieve a specific shot for the project at hand and was somewhat disappointed with how the V1 performed.

So is this just me, was I having an off day? Or is it something to do with the sensor?

As for the camera, I would give it a 7 out of 10. The image is full of detail, crisp and clear. It may not have the colour depth of more expensive cameras, but as far as small video cameras go, this one is worth considering. The LCD is fine, although I did notice a very, very slight pink hue in the whites that did not show up on my monitor. I also like the fact that you can save your profile to a memory stick for future shoots.

Heath McKnight · December 15th, 2006, 03:32 PM

It has a longer zoom (20x) which will help. Remember, make sure the iris is open all the way.

heath

Tim Le · December 15th, 2006, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Jothi

So is this just me, was I having an off day? Or is it something to do with the sensor?

Nope, it's not just you. The sensor on the V1 (1/4") is smaller than the ones on the PD170 and Z1 (1/3") so the depth of field is deeper by about 40%. Here are some numbers:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showpost....9&postcount=16

Marcus Marchesseault · December 15th, 2006, 04:26 PM

I find that all cameras with 1/3" chips have impractically large depth of field. I have never been able to get a decent out-of-focus background with the VX2000 or FX1, so I ordered the Brevis35 lens adapter. The problem with zooming in to simulate shallow depth of field is that it makes the field of view too narrow. By making the FOV narrow, the background that may have been a bit interesting if out of focus turns into a small, featureless patch that is out of focus with the subject in crystal clear.

Tony Tremble · December 16th, 2006, 02:19 AM

Less DOF yes, BUT, the shear abundance of resolution really helps the subject in the foreground "jump" off the screen. In this regard the camera is excellent.

I am sure you'll find, like I did, that the lower DOF is not the problem the numbers suggest it might be. DOF lower + resolution higher = not the problem it's cracked up to be.

I am looking forward to some good weather to get out and get some shots to show people how good this camera is. We've had nothing but heavy overcast light since I received the camera. The forecast looks better though.

Expect some clips soon.

TT

Marcus Marchesseault · December 16th, 2006, 03:43 AM

"the shear abundance of resolution really helps the subject in the foreground "jump" off the screen."

I hadn't thought of that. Interesting observation. I get mine Monday! :)

We've had nothing but nice weather here. If your clouds migrate here just in time for the arrival of my camera I'll know who to blame.

Neal Wagner · December 16th, 2006, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Marchesseault

" I get mine Monday! :)

Marcus, did you get the shipment verification from B&H or did you order elsewhere and does your order include the DR60?
I have not received the B&H shipment notice and I ordered both early on. Of course, I live on a 'neighbor island.'!

Marcus Marchesseault · December 16th, 2006, 02:51 PM

I'm guessing it's the DR60 that is holding you up. I only got the V1, from B&H, along with an extra battery and a camera bag. The V1 alone is showing up as in-stock, but the one with the DR60 as part of the package is still "accepting orders". Mine is actually in Honolulu, but the slackers at UPS won't be delivering it until Monday! Slackers! Lazy, good-for-nothing slackers! Don't they know the pain I am going through? :)

Geoff Murrin · December 16th, 2006, 02:53 PM

And really has no bearing on how cinematic an image is. I just watched "The Andromeda Strain", directed by Robert Wise, and they composed beautiful shots with split field diopters to acheive a very deep DOF. And it looks great! And I'm sure someone(Redrock?) will have a spinning ground glass solution for the V1U soon enough.

Neal Wagner · December 16th, 2006, 02:54 PM

Marcus, the UPS guys are probably trying it out! FedEx tracking also often shows a shipment sitting at Honolulu for days until the 'expected arrival' date -- so I'm convinced they just enjoy playing with all the new stuff!

Chris Medico · December 16th, 2006, 03:00 PM

You guys are having better luck than I am. Mine was ordered over a month ago and still showing "On Order" even though B&H received them last Thursday. :(

December 15th, 2006, 02:07 PM	#1
Chris Jothi Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 74	Less depth of field Hi all, I used the V1 for the first time yesterday and found it more difficult to produce a shallow depth of field than using the PD170 or Z1E. I am not trying to enter into the debate about emulating a film look and why having a shallow depth of field is better blah blah blah. I just wanted to achieve a specific shot for the project at hand and was somewhat disappointed with how the V1 performed. So is this just me, was I having an off day? Or is it something to do with the sensor? As for the camera, I would give it a 7 out of 10. The image is full of detail, crisp and clear. It may not have the colour depth of more expensive cameras, but as far as small video cameras go, this one is worth considering. The LCD is fine, although I did notice a very, very slight pink hue in the whites that did not show up on my monitor. I also like the fact that you can save your profile to a memory stick for future shoots.

December 15th, 2006, 03:32 PM	#2
Heath McKnight MPS Digital Studios Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Palm Beach County, Florida Posts: 8,531	It has a longer zoom (20x) which will help. Remember, make sure the iris is open all the way. heath __________________ My Final Cut Pro X blog

December 16th, 2006, 02:53 PM	#9
Geoff Murrin Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 46	Shallow Depth of Field is just an in vogue style or fashion... And really has no bearing on how cinematic an image is. I just watched "The Andromeda Strain", directed by Robert Wise, and they composed beautiful shots with split field diopters to acheive a very deep DOF. And it looks great! And I'm sure someone(Redrock?) will have a spinning ground glass solution for the V1U soon enough.

December 16th, 2006, 03:00 PM	#11
Chris Medico Inner Circle Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Efland NC, USA Posts: 2,322	You guys are having better luck than I am. Mine was ordered over a month ago and still showing "On Order" even though B&H received them last Thursday. :( __________________ http://www.LandYachtMedia.com

December 15th, 2006, 04:26 PM	#4
Marcus Marchesseault Trustee Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,961	I find that all cameras with 1/3" chips have impractically large depth of field. I have never been able to get a decent out-of-focus background with the VX2000 or FX1, so I ordered the Brevis35 lens adapter. The problem with zooming in to simulate shallow depth of field is that it makes the field of view too narrow. By making the FOV narrow, the background that may have been a bit interesting if out of focus turns into a small, featureless patch that is out of focus with the subject in crystal clear.

December 16th, 2006, 02:19 AM	#5
Tony Tremble Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 451	Less DOF yes, BUT, the shear abundance of resolution really helps the subject in the foreground "jump" off the screen. In this regard the camera is excellent. I am sure you'll find, like I did, that the lower DOF is not the problem the numbers suggest it might be. DOF lower + resolution higher = not the problem it's cracked up to be. I am looking forward to some good weather to get out and get some shots to show people how good this camera is. We've had nothing but heavy overcast light since I received the camera. The forecast looks better though. Expect some clips soon. TT

December 16th, 2006, 03:43 AM	#6
Marcus Marchesseault Trustee Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,961	"the shear abundance of resolution really helps the subject in the foreground "jump" off the screen." I hadn't thought of that. Interesting observation. I get mine Monday! :) We've had nothing but nice weather here. If your clouds migrate here just in time for the arrival of my camera I'll know who to blame.

December 16th, 2006, 02:51 PM	#8
Marcus Marchesseault Trustee Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,961	I'm guessing it's the DR60 that is holding you up. I only got the V1, from B&H, along with an extra battery and a camera bag. The V1 alone is showing up as in-stock, but the one with the DR60 as part of the package is still "accepting orders". Mine is actually in Honolulu, but the slackers at UPS won't be delivering it until Monday! Slackers! Lazy, good-for-nothing slackers! Don't they know the pain I am going through? :)

December 16th, 2006, 02:54 PM	#10
Neal Wagner New Boot Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Kula, Hawaii Posts: 21	Marcus, the UPS guys are probably trying it out! FedEx tracking also often shows a shipment sitting at Honolulu for days until the 'expected arrival' date -- so I'm convinced they just enjoy playing with all the new stuff!