Just about to get a LS3000 ... my concerns

[Marcello Mazzilli]

Don't know... just that almost every review seems to talk about it. I guess it was quite complicated to fit an ND on a MFT mount with interchangable lens... anyway...

[Duncan Craig]

It does show in the VF and side monitor, they both show the same information. I have never ever used the VF on the LS300. In fact I pulled the eyecup off and left it that way.

[B.J. Adams]

@Marcello I started to smile when some days ago Uematsu-san of Panasonic said its impossible to put an nd filter on MFT, when he was interviewed about the new GH5

[Noa Put]

Originally Posted by Marcello Mazzilli

Also, it should show it in the LCD too as the VF seems to be really sh** and unusable.

It does show on the viewfinder and the lcd.

[Jim Nogueira]

I use the viewfinder sometimes, outdoors in bright sun. It's not great, but it is usable.

[Duncan Craig]

I have a Hoodman EX1 loupe which fits the LS300 very well, and allows for use of the joystick. It's quite heavy though.

[William Hohauser]

Originally Posted by Marcello Mazzilli

What I read is that many people touch it by accident either using focus or follow focus or by holding the camera with the palm underneath.... Also, it should show it in the LCD too as the VF seems to be really sh** and unusable.

People accidentally turn it instead of the exposure knob which is nearby. I made the mistake once, learned my lesson and have never done it again. It is listed in the LCD/VF as on unless one has the indicators turned off.

[Steve Rosen]

I've been using the LS300 for nearly two years for docs, and still think it's the best option out there for most things... My issue has been 8 bit, but to be honest, the LS delivers images that can intercut with my 10 bit Pocket and Micro cameras seamlessly (shooting ProRes) - with a little tweaking... If you're exposures are good on the LS, the only problem is banding that appears sometimes during long fades to black - and there can be blocking in shadows if you use a heavy overlay...

I never use the built in finder - or seldom the LCD, except for menus or a quick look by my partner to check the frame... I have a Gratical X that I bought because I figured it would be relatively future-proof, and I can use it on my other cameras with HDMI... But I also regularly use one of my older Z-Finder Pros, which is a more affordable option... Mine are mounted on a simple rod block that I made, it makes handheld to tripod an easy switch...

Most complaints come from people who use the JVC handheld as a "handycam".. In my opinion there's nothing handy about a handycam... I've posted this pic before, but it shows my setup, which is near perfect... The controller on the side starts and stops recording, and the zoom toggle is set for the VSM... It's an incredibly versatile camera with the configuration....

[Noa Put]

Cool setup! But isn't that very front heavy since the shoulderpad is on the back? I have shot "handycamstyle" all day using a springloaded mini-monopod that was attached to a vest, that took all weight from my arms.

[Marcello Mazzilli]

Originally Posted by Steve Rosen

Ithe only problem is banding that appears sometimes during long fades to black - and there can be blocking in shadows if you use a heavy overlay...

....

Hi Steve,
Can you tell me more avou this. i don't understand.. what uou mean by FADE... you are talking about a dissolve in editing? Same for overlay... you mean an effect on top in editing?
I don't understand why the camera dhould have problema only in editing.
If they are there they shpuld come up in grading, if not then they don't come up...
But I cam't understand why only with a second layer on top (dissolve or overlay).

Thanks

[Steve Rosen]

Noa: Not front heavy at all, since handheld I tend to use light lenses like the Olympus 12-40 or Lumix 35-100 - I use my Aaton grip forward on the rails - I'm 72 and it feels perfectly balanced to me... I shot many films with my Eclairs (NPR and ACL) and my Aaton over the years, and two feature docs with a Panasonic HPX500 - with long zooms those were front heavy cameras... I don't like the handicam configuration because it moves the CG out front, to the end of your arms, which isn't great for long shots - no wonder everyone wants stabilization these days... I can handhold a 12-120mm lens at the long end, but then I've been doing it for years, still work out and practice regularly...

Marcello: Any 8 bit video will show some banding when doing long fades to black - the AF100 was terrible, the LS is better, but it still can happen occasionally..

By overlays, I mean adding a filter in post, like LOOKS, diffusion or a vignette (which I like occasionally with interviews)... In some situations macro-blocking will be noticeable in the shadows - This was talked about a lot early on with this camera...

[Marcello Mazzilli]

Thank you steve