Out of the box shallow DoF at DVinfo.net

Jesse Gordon · July 8th, 2009, 07:15 AM

Right now I have a GS-500, the image is pretty great and once in a while, when the lighting is just right, I can get a fairly shallow DoF without any adapters. I think somewhere down the line I'll be purchasing a new camera and will spend anywhere from $1600 - 2500 on it. The question is, are there any HD cameras capable of shallow DoF control out of the box? If not, what's the cheapest (other than DIY) solution to obtaining an HD camera with DoF adapter?

David W. Jones · July 9th, 2009, 05:27 AM

Canon EOS 5D MkII will give you 35mm DOF out of the box.

Jesse Gordon · July 9th, 2009, 12:34 PM

but I'd like XLR inputs, and a full size camera body, a video camera

Dennis Murphy · July 9th, 2009, 03:16 PM

For $1600 - $2500 no... that's if you mean shallow like with an 35mm adaptor or 5D II.

Charles Papert · July 9th, 2009, 03:28 PM

Any camera with the kind of shallow depth of field being discussed will require a selection of lenses on top of the body, not to mention accessories that will make this kind of shooting easier (follow focus, outboard monitor etc). That's going to be a tough figure to hit for a self-contained system.

Brian Boyko · July 9th, 2009, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jesse Gordon

Right now I have a GS-500, the image is pretty great and once in a while, when the lighting is just right, I can get a fairly shallow DoF without any adapters. I think somewhere down the line I'll be purchasing a new camera and will spend anywhere from $1600 - 2500 on it. The question is, are there any HD cameras capable of shallow DoF control out of the box? If not, what's the cheapest (other than DIY) solution to obtaining an HD camera with DoF adapter?

The GH1 is coming out from Panasonic soon. It should give a roughly equal DoF to 16mm film, has interchangable lenses, and costs $1500. You can buy a Juicedlink (my pref.) or Beachtek XLR adapter for $200, or record second-system to a Zoom H4 for $400.

Alex Chong · July 9th, 2009, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jesse Gordon

but I'd like XLR inputs, and a full size camera body, a video camera

At the price you want, not even close. Scarlet may be what you want. Looks like a video camera but no sound though. You definitely need another setup for that.

Jesse Gordon · July 10th, 2009, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Chong

At the price you want, not even close. Scarlet may be what you want. Looks like a video camera but no sound though. You definitely need another setup for that.

What if I buy the Panasonic AG-HMC70U and get one of these: JAG35ST for it?

Is there any reason this wouldn't work / have issues?

Alex Chong · July 11th, 2009, 06:45 AM

With the arrival of DSLR capable of shooting HD video, I am not sure if its worth it to get the setup you have suggested. There are still alot of limitations with a video cam/static adaptor setup (or even vibrating or spinning adaptor setup). You asked for a DOF cam out of the box, there are a few in the market as suggested like the 5D2, GH1 and maybe you can wait for the new Nikon cameras coming out this year and next. From what I have read online, they are coming out with 24p capable HD video cam. But they don't look like a video camera unfortunately.

I am not a professional so I am not sure if there are any video cameras out there, consumer or prosumer level with large CMOS sensor for shallow DOF effect. But if there is one, it will be very expensive I am sure.

For XLR input, you can always hook up a beachtek or juicedlink to your camera. The great thing with 5D2 (with Magic Lantern firmware) and I am sure other future DSLR video cams out there coming along, the AGC can be turn off or reduced to allow clear audio to be recorded into the camera.

Just my 2 cents.

July 8th, 2009, 07:15 AM	#1
Jesse Gordon Tourist Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cherry Hill, NJ Posts: 3	Out of the box shallow DoF Right now I have a GS-500, the image is pretty great and once in a while, when the lighting is just right, I can get a fairly shallow DoF without any adapters. I think somewhere down the line I'll be purchasing a new camera and will spend anywhere from $1600 - 2500 on it. The question is, are there any HD cameras capable of shallow DoF control out of the box? If not, what's the cheapest (other than DIY) solution to obtaining an HD camera with DoF adapter?

July 9th, 2009, 03:16 PM	#4
Dennis Murphy Major Player Join Date: May 2006 Location: Whangarei, New Zealand Posts: 396	For $1600 - $2500 no... that's if you mean shallow like with an 35mm adaptor or 5D II. __________________ http://www.dmvideostuff.co.nz

July 9th, 2009, 03:28 PM	#5
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	Any camera with the kind of shallow depth of field being discussed will require a selection of lenses on top of the body, not to mention accessories that will make this kind of shooting easier (follow focus, outboard monitor etc). That's going to be a tough figure to hit for a self-contained system. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

July 9th, 2009, 05:27 AM	#2
David W. Jones Trustee Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Little Rock Posts: 1,383	Canon EOS 5D MkII will give you 35mm DOF out of the box.

July 9th, 2009, 12:34 PM	#3
Jesse Gordon Tourist Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cherry Hill, NJ Posts: 3	but I'd like XLR inputs, and a full size camera body, a video camera

July 11th, 2009, 06:45 AM	#9
Alex Chong Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Brunei Posts: 140	With the arrival of DSLR capable of shooting HD video, I am not sure if its worth it to get the setup you have suggested. There are still alot of limitations with a video cam/static adaptor setup (or even vibrating or spinning adaptor setup). You asked for a DOF cam out of the box, there are a few in the market as suggested like the 5D2, GH1 and maybe you can wait for the new Nikon cameras coming out this year and next. From what I have read online, they are coming out with 24p capable HD video cam. But they don't look like a video camera unfortunately. I am not a professional so I am not sure if there are any video cameras out there, consumer or prosumer level with large CMOS sensor for shallow DOF effect. But if there is one, it will be very expensive I am sure. For XLR input, you can always hook up a beachtek or juicedlink to your camera. The great thing with 5D2 (with Magic Lantern firmware) and I am sure other future DSLR video cams out there coming along, the AGC can be turn off or reduced to allow clear audio to be recorded into the camera. Just my 2 cents.