Hello.

I have a question regarding shooting video with the current crop (no pun intended) of DSLR's and how they handle 16:9 format.

Since the sensor size of something other than 16:9, when shooting video, does the view finder show you a 16:9 crop area? If not, how do you deal with shooting HD 16:9 with a sensor that is 35mm FX or 4/3(????).

In the old days, you used to be able to switch out focusing screens with different crop marks on them.

Sorry if tyhis is a real basic question.

Thanks.

Jonathan

I can't speak for all DSLRs but in the case of the 5DM2, it is letterboxed on the built-in screen. It gets complicated and wonky when you start hooking up external 16x9 monitors to a camera that internally has a 3x2 aspect ratio internal display system.

When you shoot video on a DSLR, you cannot look in the viewfinder because the mirror is up. The rear screen displays it correctly.

Actually, most DSLRs (both 35mm FX and smaller-sensor DX / APS-C) have a native aspect ratio of 3:2, not 4:3. This means that the "width" of the images from most DSLRs natively is in between 16:9 and 4:3.

Secondly, because the mechanical reflex mirror must remain up during video recording, the 3:2 LCD screen of DSLRs gets cropped slightly during HD video recording (but not as much as it would have from a 4:3 frame).

how do you deal with shooting HD 16:9 with a sensor that is 35mm FX or 4/3(????).

In the old days, you used to be able to switch out focusing screens with different crop marks on them.


Most HDSLRs display 16:9 on the LCD in video mode. Optical viewfinders can't do this since the sensor is not masked, but only 'read' differently. Electronic viewfinders might, depending on the model.

Higher-end cameras have various frame markers. If it isn't there, then you could buy a second LCD screen guard and make your own marks!

I forgot all about that mirror! So obviously viewing is done on the lcd. DOH.

Thanks.

Jonathan