XF300 Zoom at DVinfo.net

Jack D. Hubbard · December 10th, 2011, 01:11 AM

I was looking at the XF300 today and noticed that the zoom does not appear to be mechanical but run by some kind of a servo, the result being a lag, not a big one, but it seemed dramatically different from my Sony Z7 lens which seems much more precise. I like the camera, but that seemed kind of a deal breaker. Is this a setting issue, or is that the way the camera operates? Any one have experience with this?

Jack Hubbard

Larry Becker · December 10th, 2011, 04:55 PM

I think the "lag" is something you get used to - it isn't very big at all. There are two active zoom controls on the XF300 (well, thrree, but the lens ring and rocker can't be active at the same time). I have the rocker on the handgrip set for faster zooming and the one on top of the camera set for slower, more precise zooming. I think it's pretty cool - but I agree that fly-by-wire takes a bit of getting used to.

Larry

Robin Davies-Rollinson · December 11th, 2011, 11:31 AM

If you start the zoom neither fully in or out, there is no lag or take-up...

Syeed Ali · December 18th, 2011, 11:44 AM

Have to say I haven't really noticed any lag on mine.

Jack D. Hubbard · December 27th, 2011, 10:05 PM

Thanks for the input, guys. Got the XF300. Amazing images. At 50 mbs, they are beautiful, but take up lots of video space. Trying the lower rates now. Any thoughts?

Doug Jensen · December 28th, 2011, 06:30 AM

Jack,

I guess it depends on what you are shooting, but I would never even consider shooting at lower rates just to save a little storage space. Why buy a very nice camera and then hobble it? Memory cards and hard drives are amazingly cheap these days, so cost should not be a concern. My philosophy is simple: If it's worth shooting, it's worth shooting with the best possible settings your camera is capable of. I have never once come home from a shoot and regretted not shooting with the best settings. :-)
That's my thoughts.

Mastering the Canon XF305/300 Camcorders training DVD

Jack D. Hubbard · January 1st, 2012, 01:12 PM

Many thanks, Doug. I agree. Dealing with the larger files seems to provide the same challenge as you have with a 7D but the result will be well worth it.
Regards,

Jack

December 10th, 2011, 01:11 AM	#1
Jack D. Hubbard Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Menlo Park, CA Posts: 342	XF300 Zoom I was looking at the XF300 today and noticed that the zoom does not appear to be mechanical but run by some kind of a servo, the result being a lag, not a big one, but it seemed dramatically different from my Sony Z7 lens which seems much more precise. I like the camera, but that seemed kind of a deal breaker. Is this a setting issue, or is that the way the camera operates? Any one have experience with this? Jack Hubbard

December 10th, 2011, 04:55 PM	#2
Larry Becker Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 78	Re: XF300 Zoom I think the "lag" is something you get used to - it isn't very big at all. There are two active zoom controls on the XF300 (well, thrree, but the lens ring and rocker can't be active at the same time). I have the rocker on the handgrip set for faster zooming and the one on top of the camera set for slower, more precise zooming. I think it's pretty cool - but I agree that fly-by-wire takes a bit of getting used to. Larry

December 11th, 2011, 11:31 AM	#3
Robin Davies-Rollinson Trustee Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Gwaelod-y-garth, Cardiff, CYMRU/WALES Posts: 1,215	Re: XF300 Zoom If you start the zoom neither fully in or out, there is no lag or take-up... __________________ TV Director / Cameraman

December 18th, 2011, 11:44 AM	#4
Syeed Ali Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: London Posts: 161	Re: XF300 Zoom Have to say I haven't really noticed any lag on mine.

December 27th, 2011, 10:05 PM	#5
Jack D. Hubbard Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Menlo Park, CA Posts: 342	Re: XF300 Zoom Thanks for the input, guys. Got the XF300. Amazing images. At 50 mbs, they are beautiful, but take up lots of video space. Trying the lower rates now. Any thoughts?

December 28th, 2011, 06:30 AM	#6
Doug Jensen Vortex Media Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,441	Re: XF300 Zoom Jack, I guess it depends on what you are shooting, but I would never even consider shooting at lower rates just to save a little storage space. Why buy a very nice camera and then hobble it? Memory cards and hard drives are amazingly cheap these days, so cost should not be a concern. My philosophy is simple: If it's worth shooting, it's worth shooting with the best possible settings your camera is capable of. I have never once come home from a shoot and regretted not shooting with the best settings. :-) That's my thoughts. Mastering the Canon XF305/300 Camcorders training DVD __________________ Vortex Media http://www.vortexmedia.com/ Sony FS7, F55, and XDCAM training videos, field guides, and other production tools

January 1st, 2012, 01:12 PM	#7
Jack D. Hubbard Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Menlo Park, CA Posts: 342	Re: XF300 Zoom Many thanks, Doug. I agree. Dealing with the larger files seems to provide the same challenge as you have with a 7D but the result will be well worth it. Regards, Jack