The spirit level horizon line at DVinfo.net

Tom Hardwick · September 22nd, 2009, 02:45 AM

Am I right in thinking that the Z7 is the only cam in Sony's lineup to sport the horizontal spirit-level line on screen? I think I really need this as I'm forever standing on tip-toes looking up into my Z1's top screen as I hold the camera high above my head and over the heads of others.

Am I the only one who has difficulty in judging horizontals and verticals in situations like this? For those of you who have and use this feature - what's your take?

tom.

Matt Bigwood · September 22nd, 2009, 05:08 AM

Hi Tom

I always have the spirit level displayed on my Z7 and it makes it easier to judge levels whilst handholding.

One thing I've noticed is that compared to the spirit level on my tripod, the level on the Z7 stays 'horizontal' and has a fair bit of leeway compared to the tripod - in other words the tripod can indicate the camera is not exactly level but the viewfinder says it is. Despite that I still find it a very useful addition.

Zach Love · September 26th, 2009, 12:57 PM

I LOVE it & think it is a great selling point that should be mentioned more.

I believe that it would be on at least the S270, and I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't on the Z5. But I'm pretty certain that nothing before the Z7 / S270 have it. When I'm shooting with other cameras, especially hand held, I miss it dearly. I think it is similar to having audio levels on screen, yes you need to monitor the audio w/ headphones, but I like seeing the info right there w/o having to move my eyes away from the screen.

Oh & did I mention that I always have it on & think that it is great? Are you listening Canon, JVC & Panasonic?

Tom Hardwick · September 26th, 2009, 01:49 PM

Matt seems to think it has rather too much tolerance and will say you're holding the camera level when you're not - do you find this too Zach? And how is the line generated, do you know? The inclusion of this tiny detail is swaying me more and more towards the Z7 and away from the Z5 - I would value it so much.

Zach Love · September 27th, 2009, 12:39 AM

It isn't perfect & it has a little play in it, but better than nothing.

Matt Bigwood · September 27th, 2009, 02:26 AM

It does have a small amount of tollerance, but despite that I always have it on and it is great for hand-held shooting.

Mark Triolo · October 17th, 2009, 11:52 AM

Since it does have some "play" in it, one thing I have found useful is to rock the camera back and forth, like you would with the focus ring to find perfect focus, to better be able to find perfect level using the level indicator.

September 22nd, 2009, 02:45 AM	#1
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	The spirit level horizon line Am I right in thinking that the Z7 is the only cam in Sony's lineup to sport the horizontal spirit-level line on screen? I think I really need this as I'm forever standing on tip-toes looking up into my Z1's top screen as I hold the camera high above my head and over the heads of others. Am I the only one who has difficulty in judging horizontals and verticals in situations like this? For those of you who have and use this feature - what's your take? tom.

September 26th, 2009, 12:57 PM	#3
Zach Love Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 944	I LOVE it & think it is a great selling point that should be mentioned more. I believe that it would be on at least the S270, and I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't on the Z5. But I'm pretty certain that nothing before the Z7 / S270 have it. When I'm shooting with other cameras, especially hand held, I miss it dearly. I think it is similar to having audio levels on screen, yes you need to monitor the audio w/ headphones, but I like seeing the info right there w/o having to move my eyes away from the screen. Oh & did I mention that I always have it on & think that it is great? Are you listening Canon, JVC & Panasonic? __________________ Nothing says you're a serious video maker like S-VHS

September 27th, 2009, 12:39 AM	#5
Zach Love Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 944	It isn't perfect & it has a little play in it, but better than nothing. __________________ Nothing says you're a serious video maker like S-VHS

September 22nd, 2009, 05:08 AM	#2
Matt Bigwood Major Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Gloucester UK Posts: 223	Hi Tom I always have the spirit level displayed on my Z7 and it makes it easier to judge levels whilst handholding. One thing I've noticed is that compared to the spirit level on my tripod, the level on the Z7 stays 'horizontal' and has a fair bit of leeway compared to the tripod - in other words the tripod can indicate the camera is not exactly level but the viewfinder says it is. Despite that I still find it a very useful addition.

September 26th, 2009, 01:49 PM	#4
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	Matt seems to think it has rather too much tolerance and will say you're holding the camera level when you're not - do you find this too Zach? And how is the line generated, do you know? The inclusion of this tiny detail is swaying me more and more towards the Z7 and away from the Z5 - I would value it so much.

September 27th, 2009, 02:26 AM	#6
Matt Bigwood Major Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Gloucester UK Posts: 223	It does have a small amount of tollerance, but despite that I always have it on and it is great for hand-held shooting.

October 17th, 2009, 11:52 AM	#7
Mark Triolo New Boot Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Nevada City, Ca. Posts: 9	Since it does have some "play" in it, one thing I have found useful is to rock the camera back and forth, like you would with the focus ring to find perfect focus, to better be able to find perfect level using the level indicator.