Sony Cameras : stabilization worse than other brands?

Kevin Carter · August 27th, 2007, 07:47 PM

Roger/Dave
is this zoom control any better in hc7 or HV 20 or gotta go to high end models?

thanks wisdom Dave B!

Roger Shealy · August 27th, 2007, 09:56 PM

Kevin,

I'll have to leave that zoom input to Dave, I don't have experience with the 7 or 20.

Dave Blackhurst · August 28th, 2007, 12:46 AM

Kevin -

The zoom lever on the HC3 and the HC7 is pretty similar - the one on the HV20 is fine too, although the physical lever itself is not as comfortable to work with IMO. The main thing I think is tricky is when you use a LANC control (Sony only) for zoom - they seem to be 2 speeds, instead of a dynamic range as you will get with the on cam lever.

The wheelythingy can be used for focus too, but I don't know why you'd bother...

Obviously a focus/zoom ring is preferable like on the HC1, or even better dedicated rings for each function like on the FX1 and 7 or the Z1& V1.

Bigger cams have more room for manual controls, but then again do you want to lug them around for casual video? There are LOTS of places that the HC3 and it's sucessors have opened up the opportunity for really amazing high quality video just cause those little cams can go just about anywhere!

I put together a small backpack camera kit with all the needed accessories for an HC3, and that kit went everywhere cause it was easy to grab and go - the HC7 replaced the 3 in that same kit, and guess which cam goes with me most of the time... it's not the FX7 <wink>

George Ellis · August 28th, 2007, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Blackhurst

Kevin -

The wheelythingy can be used for focus too, but I don't know why you'd bother...

On this one, I can say I agree 100%. I have the Spot Focus on the first page of my Pmenu. Just touch pmenu, spot focus, and click the item. Faster than the dial and it little more reliable than trying to make sure it was in focus with the screen or viewfinder.

Hey Sony, et al... Next time you implement this, it sure would be comforting if you the distance on the screen during a spot focus or even normal ops.

Kevin Carter · August 29th, 2007, 01:35 PM

What is spot focus? as opposed to regular auto focus?

George Ellis · August 29th, 2007, 04:45 PM

You touch the screen on the object to focus on. Spot meter works the same way.

Kevin Carter · August 29th, 2007, 09:50 PM

sorry, did not understand that.

Dave Blackhurst · September 3rd, 2007, 07:39 PM

Kevin -
it's a specific mode in the camera, where the AF function can be "directed" to a specific spot on the touchscreen - as with George's setup - I hit p-menu, spot focus, and in two touches, I'm in a sort of "assisted manual focus" mode - your 3 has it too I think - search your menus.

All the critics seem to hate the touchscreen, but for spot focus, what could be better than telling the cam to "focus HERE!" And now over HERE! And now back HERE.... bwahahahha, complete control at my fingertips!

Rack focus, easy, focus off center, easy, and one touch and you're back to auto focus.

Try it, you'll like it.

John McManimie · September 3rd, 2007, 08:30 PM

Spot focus is great. If only there was a way to detach the LCD or add another and use it like a remote...

Kevin Carter · September 4th, 2007, 08:59 PM

actually I like touch screen more that traditonal navigation

Laurence Kingston · September 4th, 2007, 09:39 PM

I'm really far sighted. I can get good focus with the touch screen without wearing glasses! :-)

August 27th, 2007, 07:47 PM	#46
Kevin Carter Major Player Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: los angeles, CA Posts: 235	Roger/Dave is this zoom control any better in hc7 or HV 20 or gotta go to high end models? thanks wisdom Dave B!

August 27th, 2007, 09:56 PM	#47
Roger Shealy Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: Fayetteville, GA Posts: 772	Kevin, I'll have to leave that zoom input to Dave, I don't have experience with the 7 or 20.

August 28th, 2007, 12:46 AM	#48
Dave Blackhurst Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Apple Valley CA Posts: 4,874	Kevin - The zoom lever on the HC3 and the HC7 is pretty similar - the one on the HV20 is fine too, although the physical lever itself is not as comfortable to work with IMO. The main thing I think is tricky is when you use a LANC control (Sony only) for zoom - they seem to be 2 speeds, instead of a dynamic range as you will get with the on cam lever. The wheelythingy can be used for focus too, but I don't know why you'd bother... Obviously a focus/zoom ring is preferable like on the HC1, or even better dedicated rings for each function like on the FX1 and 7 or the Z1& V1. Bigger cams have more room for manual controls, but then again do you want to lug them around for casual video? There are LOTS of places that the HC3 and it's sucessors have opened up the opportunity for really amazing high quality video just cause those little cams can go just about anywhere! I put together a small backpack camera kit with all the needed accessories for an HC3, and that kit went everywhere cause it was easy to grab and go - the HC7 replaced the 3 in that same kit, and guess which cam goes with me most of the time... it's not the FX7 <wink>

August 29th, 2007, 01:35 PM	#50
Kevin Carter Major Player Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: los angeles, CA Posts: 235	What is spot focus? as opposed to regular auto focus?

August 29th, 2007, 04:45 PM	#51
George Ellis Trustee Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Suwanee, GA Posts: 1,241	You touch the screen on the object to focus on. Spot meter works the same way.

August 29th, 2007, 09:50 PM	#52
Kevin Carter Major Player Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: los angeles, CA Posts: 235	sorry, did not understand that.

September 3rd, 2007, 07:39 PM	#53
Dave Blackhurst Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Apple Valley CA Posts: 4,874	Kevin - it's a specific mode in the camera, where the AF function can be "directed" to a specific spot on the touchscreen - as with George's setup - I hit p-menu, spot focus, and in two touches, I'm in a sort of "assisted manual focus" mode - your 3 has it too I think - search your menus. All the critics seem to hate the touchscreen, but for spot focus, what could be better than telling the cam to "focus HERE!" And now over HERE! And now back HERE.... bwahahahha, complete control at my fingertips! Rack focus, easy, focus off center, easy, and one touch and you're back to auto focus. Try it, you'll like it.

September 3rd, 2007, 08:30 PM	#54
John McManimie Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 314	Spot focus is great. If only there was a way to detach the LCD or add another and use it like a remote...

September 4th, 2007, 08:59 PM	#55
Kevin Carter Major Player Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: los angeles, CA Posts: 235	actually I like touch screen more that traditonal navigation

September 4th, 2007, 09:39 PM	#56
Laurence Kingston Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Clermont, FL. Posts: 941	I'm really far sighted. I can get good focus with the touch screen without wearing glasses! :-)