Z1U questions at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > Sony XAVC / XDCAM / NXCAM / AVCHD / HDV / DV Camera Systems > Sony HDV and DV Camera Systems > Sony HVR-Z1 / HDR-FX1

Sony HVR-Z1 / HDR-FX1
Pro and consumer versions of this Sony 3-CCD HDV camcorder.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old March 25th, 2009, 05:15 AM   #1
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 64
Z1U questions

Im new to the video field and Im looking for a little bit of help or guidence. Im a Marine Corps Videographer with some basic formal military schooling. We use the Sony Z1Us with avid express pro.

My question:
What fairly simple / cheap things can I do to the camera to get the best quality footage?

Ive been reading posts on this site for the past few months and a lot of the stuff is a bit over my head. So thats why I am here today to ask for some help.

Thanks,

Charly
Charles Mabry is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 25th, 2009, 10:17 AM   #2
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Atlanta/USA
Posts: 2,515
"Best quality" means different things to different people. For some, it's a crisp picture with vivid colors, for others might be smooth video, depth of field and gently rolled-off pastel colors, and so on.

Only you can define what is best for you. Perhaps turning your question around would give you more answers: what are you doing with your camera?

What are you shooting? Under what conditions? What is your final product? The proverbial devil is in these details.
__________________
Ervin Farkas
www.AtlantaLegalVideo.com
Ervin Farkas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 25th, 2009, 12:44 PM   #3
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 64
We use the cameras for basic efp's documenting any type of training, exercises, or forward deployed missions.

Im not really sure what would benefit our type of shooting here at our level. But when I watch other videos such as skate videos, random history/ discovery channel videos, it seems like we are not producing the same type of detailed picture.

I know theres a lot more to it, and TONS more I have to learn... Im just looking for a nudge in the right direction with some hints along the way.
Charles Mabry is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 25th, 2009, 12:48 PM   #4
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Atlanta/USA
Posts: 2,515
Erm... efp's?

Picture profiles might be the place to start and tweak the settings from there.

See http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/sony-hvr-...-settings.html
__________________
Ervin Farkas
www.AtlantaLegalVideo.com
Ervin Farkas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 25th, 2009, 07:11 PM   #5
Major Player
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Corpus Christi, TX
Posts: 640
Quote:
Originally Posted by Charles Mabry View Post
But when I watch other videos such as skate videos, random history/ discovery channel videos, it seems like we are not producing the same type of detailed picture.
I don't know what you are watching your footage on, but if you are using the HD outputs from the Z1 to a good set, I would think that your picture should look at least as detailed as most of what you will see on TV. While it obviously can't match what a $70,000 HD camera can produce, it is certainly no dog either and can produce great looking video.

As for your shooting, getting focus nailed, having the correct white balance and smooth and steady camera moves should be a good starting point.
Greg Laves is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 25th, 2009, 08:46 PM   #6
Trustee
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Posts: 1,585
Hi Charles,

If you are not getting what you want out of the camera consider:

Are you using full manual control? Sony camcorders let you think you are in control of the camera when you are not. Make sure you see the icons for iris, gain, shutter, focus and white balance in the LCD. If one of them is missing, the camera is automatically adjusting it which can mess up your shots. Foirgive me if you know this already, but you say you are new to it.

Use your ND filters when outside in too much light. If you just close the iris, the image will get soft. Avoid F11 for example.

The Z1 is a great camera, but it's one of the earliest HDV cams and needs a lot of light to look its best. Try to light your subjects well if you have the equipment, or find areas with lots of natural light.

Try to be more specific with the problems you are seeing, and that will help us help you.

And here's a thank you to you and your comrades in the military, who train and work around the world, risking your lives in many cases, for the benefit of all of us.

Best of luck.
__________________
.
http://www.nosmallroles.com
Vito DeFilippo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 26th, 2009, 07:00 AM   #7
Major Player
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Overland Park, KS
Posts: 233
I never take a white balance reading with a white card. The best investment I have made are "warm Cards" from Vortex Media. Vortex Media: VIDEO & PHOTO Tools and Training

Also, I invested in some good Tiffen filters, which are great for interviews.

A good tripod is more important than the camera, at least in my documentaries.
__________________________________________________________________

www.NewLibertyVideos.com
Brian Barkley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 27th, 2009, 07:30 AM   #8
Major Player
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Salida, Colorado
Posts: 561
Did you get an instructional DVD with the camera? There are some good ones out there. Give me an address where to send it, and I'll mail mine to you.

Oo-rah,
Doc (a long time ago)
mtntvguy@yahoo.com
Charles Newcomb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 27th, 2009, 09:45 AM   #9
Wrangler
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Mays Landing, NJ
Posts: 11,794
Personally I think the best way to learn is to simply plug the camera into a decent quality HDTV or monitor using the component video cable and play with all the settings. That way you can see exactly what the results are. I would also second the idea of using full manual control, unless working under difficult conditions which don't allow enough time to set everything.
Boyd Ostroff is offline   Reply With Quote
Old March 27th, 2009, 10:49 AM   #10
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Billericay, England UK
Posts: 4,711
If I'm asked what's the best way to get sharper, more detailed pictures I always say use a good tripod. It's not supposed to sound flippant, but even Steadyshot has its limitations.

And I agree with all Vito has to say - though I'd go so far as to say don't use any aperture smaller than f/5.6. Keep using those ND filters, way before the camera asks for them.

Next - keep the front element spotlessly clean. Avoid filters and add-on lenses and always use the lens hood.

tom.
Tom Hardwick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old April 2nd, 2009, 05:04 PM   #11
New Boot
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Melbourne Australia
Posts: 9
The way you light will make the single biggest difference to the quality of your video production.

Also:

Use the 'expanded focus' function on the Z1 to ensure accurate focus.

Don't use picture profile 4.

Don't use gain.

Don't shoot with a wide angle lens adaptor unless you really need it. If you are using one make sure it is good quality.

Do some basic grading and color correction in post.

Ensure you are exporting at the highest possible settings.
__________________
Video Production Melbourne
Ryan Spanger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old April 6th, 2009, 01:49 PM   #12
Trustee
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: spain
Posts: 1,202
Since i read in this forums i improved a lot with the camera;i could suggest to shoot and watch in HD tv so you can see why this camcorder has been on the top for the last years(even if the technolgy has changed is always a great cam!).
Every day you'll find out new stuff about it....
I wish somebody could sell me a training dvd for cheap!

I wish you all the best and thanks 4 what you do guys!
Marcus Martell is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > Sony XAVC / XDCAM / NXCAM / AVCHD / HDV / DV Camera Systems > Sony HDV and DV Camera Systems > Sony HVR-Z1 / HDR-FX1

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:08 AM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network