Sharpening

[Noa Put]

Originally Posted by Erik Wittbusch

The kit lens isn't bad at all. Together with the 2x digital zoom, it's a run'n gun option that doesn't exist in the S35 world and yet under 20.000 bucks!

You mention all valid points which I share as well, I only don't like the digital zoom as the image quality takes a hit when applying it.

[Erik Wittbusch]

I would always avoid the digital zoom if possible.

But there might be situations where picture quality is not the most important thing for your picture. As I do a lot of documentary work there will be a lot of these situations.

Nevertheless I will buy some "faster" zoomlens as my standard runaround glass. I think of the Canon EF-S 17-55/2,8, which I already used on the EOS60D and liked it.
But there is also the 24-105/4,0L which would be great with the speed booster - but this is not exactly a cheap combination (650€ for the Speedbooster, 850€ for the lens). Really cheap is the Sigma 17-70/2,8-4 OS HSM.

I think all the lenses aren't really parfocal. So zooming while recording isn't an option. As I don't like zoomed shots but need it for documentary work to be more flexible it's not a problem for me.

Again: If you want the best sharpness out there, don't use the EA50 - buy a used FS100 or some other camera with dedicated video sensor.
To raise sharpness, try to sharpen carefully in post. There is more room then you might think. I'm experimenting with some footage in FinalCut these days.

[Peter Rush]

OK so if the The kit lens is not parfocal, and It won't hold focus when zoomed, then why did Sony include 2 servo zoom rockers with Slow/Medium/High speed settings? - seems strange

[Ryan Douthit]

...because it uses the AF servos to emulate parfocal performance. Kinda.

[Erik Wittbusch]

The zoom rockers are some kind of remote for any zoom lenses, that might fit the sony protocol and the NEX-mount. Nowadays, it's only the SEL18-200PZ, but there might be more in future.
It's fine for me to have a servo on the EA50!