Unfortunately, the above statement of Chris is no longer valid (here and in the other thread on auto-iris), because of Doug's personal attacks and language used :(

I rest my case.

I guess I missed the "personal attacks" in this thread, Piotr. Just where did they occur?

Carroll Lam

Re: What is the TLCS?
 

And I always thought TLCS stood for "Tender Loving Camera System" - now where did I put my manual?

Re: What is the TLCS?
 

I started in this business when there were no guides or manuals other than the provided Sony book. With a background in motion film and still photography it was natural for me to have to set the iris, focus, sound levels etc manually. But then I was making programmes in studio or on location which were scripted, planned and structured so that the cameraman (and his associated sound man) had time to do their work.

But now, at the end of my career, I’m in weddings and events. If I didn’t have the benefit of automation, of reliable and reasonably accurate automated functions, I’d need an army of technicians working with me.

Doug Jensen's comments in this thread are probably perfectly valid if the work you’re doing allows you time. But if you’re shooting weddings or events (which can be characterised as programmes when you have amateur talent and no control over the environment), having a backlight option at the touch of a button can be a lifesaver, much as he and I might disdain it in other, more controlled situations.

It seems to me that this whole thread misses out one element - the sort of programmes we're making.

It’s a pity opinions are presented so vociferously and opposing views dissed so readily. I would have thought that in an age when so much technology has interfaces which offer multiple access paths, we can accept that there are reasons for having them all.