View Full Version : Smooth slow record?


Sam Haber
December 27th, 2007, 11:32 AM
Hello.

Im having a hard time finding which sony cameras have the smooth slow record function. I know a of the hdr line does and maybe one or more of the hvr?
All of these letters and numbers are really giving me a head ache. Also will the picture quality while shooting in 240fps shatter all my big ideas?
Thanks for the help.

Tom Hardwick
December 27th, 2007, 12:07 PM
The HC3, 5 and 7, the V1 and FX7, the Z7 and EX1 all have smooth slow record. You take an image quality hit when you use this feature, but yes, it is smooth and slow.

I like doing it in post because I like varying the slo-mo speed in a smooth sine wave, from normal to 15% (say) and back to normal again. This can look superb in the confetti throwing.

tom.

Sam Haber
December 27th, 2007, 04:34 PM
Tom,
Are you sayin you dont use the high speed mode on the camera? I have a hard time believing you can get down to 15% just in post and have it look okay. Also what do you mean smooth sine wave. I can picute what that is. It ramps down to your goal and back. Is this a normal tool in FCP?

Tom Hardwick
December 28th, 2007, 02:27 AM
Hi Sam. My FX1 and Z1 don't have the Sony Smooth Slow, but I have used it on an HC3 and V1.

I assure you, using the Canopus Speed Controller with my Storm2 card gives me just beautiful and imperceptible ramping. You can choose an exact frame and work backwards from that, such that on the wedding couple's first dance (say) you can have them come to a kiss as the film comes smoothly to a still frame, the last few fields being dissolved together beautifully.

I've no idea if it's included in FCP, but it certainly should be. I agree, simply changing a clip from 100% speed to 15% speed will look naff, but ramping down to 15% and back up again in a sine wave (which effectively hides the start and stop points for the ramping) can look very good indeed. Of course you have to work on the soundtrack, but that's a given.

tom.