Excited New Panasonic PV-DV953 Owner w/ DOF Question at DVinfo.net

Brian Sumpter · November 13th, 2003, 10:17 PM

Hey everyone!

I finally got my new Pana DV953 cam from B&H, and so far I'm very pleased with it's performance. I'm a newbie to the videography thing who has been shooting with single CCD cams for the last few years -- boy, what a difference an extra couple of CCD's can make! This is the best cam I've ever had my hands on by far. :)

Quick question concerning DOF. I saw that Tommy Haupfear had posted some really nice macro stills from the camera that appeared to have a very shallow DOF. Links below (hope Tommy don't mind me posting his links):

http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/2729633.jpg

http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/2729634.jpg

How do I achieve this shallow DOF w/ the 953? Was the portrait mode used or was this achieved with a combination of manual settings? And finally, can this effect be used with video footage or with photo stills only?

I'm wanting to do some documentary type interviews of some local R/C car racers, and I'd like to achieve the shallow DOF look for this purpose.

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Brian Sumpter

PS -- Did I mention that I'm loving this cam? :D

Jeff Donald · November 13th, 2003, 10:43 PM

Here is the DOF thread and the DOF article on the site.

Frank Granovski · November 13th, 2003, 11:05 PM

Brian, congrats on your new cam purchase!

Brian Sumpter · November 13th, 2003, 11:15 PM

Thanks for the links, Jeff! I've been lurking here on DVI for months now, and I somehow missed that article. That kind of info is exactly what I was needing. Now I just need to practice and attempt to master the technique. :)

And thank you very much, Frank! Your numerous posts about this camera played a major role in my decision to purchase it. I've got a tremendous amount to learn, but I'm excited to finally have a "real" camcorder to play with. Sure is a big step up from my ZR60. :D

Rick Tugman · November 14th, 2003, 09:50 AM

Hey Brian:

Congratualtions on your getting a DV953. As you have already seen, it's a great camera and what a difference the additonal chips make.

Everyone in my business (Television Production) who has seen this camera have been impressed with it's performance. I use it on live sports events that I work on as a additional camera. Just having the english menus to navigate through while your out and about make it a great advantage alone especially when you need to adjust on the fly. While the GS100 is a somewhat improved version of the DV953, I myself think you as a "newie" (as you put it) made the right decision under the circumstances and I believe this camera will suit your needs for years to come.

November 13th, 2003, 10:17 PM	#1
Brian Sumpter New Boot Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Greeneville, TN Posts: 14	Excited New Panasonic PV-DV953 Owner w/ DOF Question Hey everyone! I finally got my new Pana DV953 cam from B&H, and so far I'm very pleased with it's performance. I'm a newbie to the videography thing who has been shooting with single CCD cams for the last few years -- boy, what a difference an extra couple of CCD's can make! This is the best cam I've ever had my hands on by far. :) Quick question concerning DOF. I saw that Tommy Haupfear had posted some really nice macro stills from the camera that appeared to have a very shallow DOF. Links below (hope Tommy don't mind me posting his links): http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/2729633.jpg http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/2729634.jpg How do I achieve this shallow DOF w/ the 953? Was the portrait mode used or was this achieved with a combination of manual settings? And finally, can this effect be used with video footage or with photo stills only? I'm wanting to do some documentary type interviews of some local R/C car racers, and I'd like to achieve the shallow DOF look for this purpose. Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Brian Sumpter PS -- Did I mention that I'm loving this cam? :D

November 13th, 2003, 10:43 PM	#2
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	Here is the DOF thread and the DOF article on the site. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

November 14th, 2003, 09:50 AM	#5
Rick Tugman Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Parkland, Florida Posts: 105	Hey Brian: Congratualtions on your getting a DV953. As you have already seen, it's a great camera and what a difference the additonal chips make. Everyone in my business (Television Production) who has seen this camera have been impressed with it's performance. I use it on live sports events that I work on as a additional camera. Just having the english menus to navigate through while your out and about make it a great advantage alone especially when you need to adjust on the fly. While the GS100 is a somewhat improved version of the DV953, I myself think you as a "newie" (as you put it) made the right decision under the circumstances and I believe this camera will suit your needs for years to come. __________________ Camera: Panasonic DV953 PC: Apple Aluminum G4 Powerbook - 15 inch Final Cut Pro 4 and other assorted goodies!

November 13th, 2003, 11:05 PM	#3
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Brian, congrats on your new cam purchase!

November 13th, 2003, 11:15 PM	#4
Brian Sumpter New Boot Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Greeneville, TN Posts: 14	Thanks for the links, Jeff! I've been lurking here on DVI for months now, and I somehow missed that article. That kind of info is exactly what I was needing. Now I just need to practice and attempt to master the technique. :) And thank you very much, Frank! Your numerous posts about this camera played a major role in my decision to purchase it. I've got a tremendous amount to learn, but I'm excited to finally have a "real" camcorder to play with. Sure is a big step up from my ZR60. :D