Matching 510 and 700 at DVinfo.net

David H. Brown · March 7th, 2009, 01:19 PM

I have a shoot Monday for ABC using one of their 510s as a third camera and, of course, shooting in DVCam. Any suggestions on how to match PDW700 to ABC's XDCam setup? Is there a relationship between the different cameras' similar menus?
Also, what detail setting do you like for the standard def detail on the 700?

Thanks!
db

Thierry Humeau · March 7th, 2009, 02:58 PM

Both cameras have a very different CCD block and menu structure. They can definetly be matched but it would require time and measuring equipment to do so. You may be better of settings both cameras to Sony's factory settings and match them in post. I assume there is some sort of consistency in the way Sony sets camera with factory settings.

Thierry.

Daniel Epstein · March 8th, 2009, 09:36 AM

Thierry,
While you assumption about Sony sounds reasonable I would expect that it is not going to lead to great results. As you mentioned the best way to match cameras is to A B them on the set they are being used with charts, scopes, paintboxes. Of course we hardly ever have the time to do it properly. Sony and other manufacturers tend to work on batches of cameras but they usually don't match perfectly unless set up by the same technician at the same time and use the same style lens. It is unlikely the 700 David has will have had the same tech charts and scope as the ABC camera. I have found that Auto White Balance is often better than Preset when in these situations as the camera circuitry uses a very similar routine in either camera to determine the adjustment. Of course if someone has altered or modified the camera settings all bets are off. Matching the detail, pedestal, gamma and knee also plays an important role. IMHO Color is actually easier to fix in post than sharpness but that doesn't mean there is a perfect setting for each camera to match the other one in this case

Thierry Humeau · March 8th, 2009, 04:48 PM

Looking at the short period of time is having before his shoot on monday, I just think the best choice is to set both camera to factory settings. I bet it will be an easy match in post. And yes, you are absolutely right, white balance both cameras, don't use preset white.

Thierry.

March 7th, 2009, 01:19 PM	#1
David H. Brown Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: St. Petersburg, FL Posts: 32	Matching 510 and 700 I have a shoot Monday for ABC using one of their 510s as a third camera and, of course, shooting in DVCam. Any suggestions on how to match PDW700 to ABC's XDCam setup? Is there a relationship between the different cameras' similar menus? Also, what detail setting do you like for the standard def detail on the 700? Thanks! db

March 7th, 2009, 02:58 PM	#2
Thierry Humeau Telecam Films Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Washington DC Posts: 723	Both cameras have a very different CCD block and menu structure. They can definetly be matched but it would require time and measuring equipment to do so. You may be better of settings both cameras to Sony's factory settings and match them in post. I assume there is some sort of consistency in the way Sony sets camera with factory settings. Thierry. __________________ Thierry Humeau, DoP Télécam Films www.telecamfilms.com

March 8th, 2009, 04:48 PM	#4
Thierry Humeau Telecam Films Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Washington DC Posts: 723	Looking at the short period of time is having before his shoot on monday, I just think the best choice is to set both camera to factory settings. I bet it will be an easy match in post. And yes, you are absolutely right, white balance both cameras, don't use preset white. Thierry. __________________ Thierry Humeau, DoP Télécam Films www.telecamfilms.com

March 8th, 2009, 09:36 AM	#3
Daniel Epstein Trustee Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New York, NY Posts: 1,267	Thierry, While you assumption about Sony sounds reasonable I would expect that it is not going to lead to great results. As you mentioned the best way to match cameras is to A B them on the set they are being used with charts, scopes, paintboxes. Of course we hardly ever have the time to do it properly. Sony and other manufacturers tend to work on batches of cameras but they usually don't match perfectly unless set up by the same technician at the same time and use the same style lens. It is unlikely the 700 David has will have had the same tech charts and scope as the ABC camera. I have found that Auto White Balance is often better than Preset when in these situations as the camera circuitry uses a very similar routine in either camera to determine the adjustment. Of course if someone has altered or modified the camera settings all bets are off. Matching the detail, pedestal, gamma and knee also plays an important role. IMHO Color is actually easier to fix in post than sharpness but that doesn't mean there is a perfect setting for each camera to match the other one in this case