"Depth of field" NX5 vs. DSLR camera

[Andrew Kiu]

How excellent is the "depth of field of NX5 compare with DSLR camera like 5D/7D?
I noticed now days many video productions more preferred DSLR cam for video recording & producing excellent & better shallow depth of field with DSLR.

I read many posts problem raised by NX5 Back-focusing issue & Buffer Error...etc
Is NX5 worth investment?

[Marshall Levy]

If you want to jump on the DOF bandwagon, get a DSLR. If you want a solid video camera go with the NX5U. If you want a photo camera that still does excellent HD video but requires a few thousand dollars in added accessories, go with a DSLR...but if you want a dedicated video camera for what will be not far from the total cost of piece-mealing a DSLR, go with a NX5U. :)

The DOF on the NX5U is really good, but I don't think it's nearly to what can be achieved with the 5DMII, for instance - or even a T2I for that matter. But in terms of functionality and overall image, the NX5U is a solid camera.

I use both, and each is suited for certain situations....

[Ryan Douthit]

Originally Posted by Andrew Kiu

How excellent is the "depth of field of NX5 compare with DSLR camera like 5D/7D?
I noticed now days many video productions more preferred DSLR cam for video recording & producing excellent & better shallow depth of field with DSLR.

I read many posts problem raised by NX5 Back-focusing issue & Buffer Error...etc
Is NX5 worth investment?

The NX5U can do some very shallow DOF looks in the proper settings. Not like a DSLR, but certainly workable if that's the look you want.

[Ryan Douthit]

Here's an unretouched still of a Suzuki Kizashi (car) sidemarker light from an NX5U. (The light is about 3-inches long) This was recorded at 720p with a built-in ND filter and wide-open aperture, outside on a cloudy day.

[Andrew Kiu]

Thanks Ryan,
Where can i see any video done by NX5 for DOF?
Not sure if NX5 can achieved this shallow DOF effect;
Below is video clip i referring to:
YouTube - Fish Leong and Tony Chao ??? & ??? ?? (2?1?)

[Ryan Douthit]

I don't have anything I can show you yet. We just started shooting with the NX5U. For the look in that video you'd need to get a 35mm adapter on the NX5U or just pick up a Canon T2i. So, yes, the Sony can do a noticeable dof effect but it not the right tool for crazy dof.

[Ryan Douthit]

I'll see if I can export some raw stuff for you to see later tonight.

[Ryan Douthit]

Sample uploaded. This was shot on an overcast day with various ND settings and a wide-open aperture at different zoom lengths. It will take about 30 mins for Vimeo to transcode (eta: 8pm)

Sony NX5U DOF Test on Vimeo

[Andrew Kiu]

Ryan, Very nice & impressive DOF, Are you Zooming in Maximum? Full wide Aperture setting? DOF very similar to DSLR cam...


thanks for sharing the video

[Ryan Douthit]

There was some zooming, but it wasn't all the way. Sorry I can't be more specific. Though I was aiming for maximum aperture in each shot.

[Sherman Bahr]

Camcorders are like tools. DSLR's are very good at getting very nice DOF shots. Camcorders like the NX5 are very good at run and gun style shooting. Yes you can get a shallow depth of field with the NX5 and yes you can do run and gun with a DSLR but you have to take more time to set up your shots. If you're able to get both the DSLR and the camcorder.