real low-light difference?

David Ennis · March 5th, 2006, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Rehmus

...It makes an immense difference on the quality of focus and framing when the operator does not have to worry about exposure.

Another reason that I use autoexposure ("spotlight mode") and incandescent (or "indoor") white balance at all times in three cams for a stage production.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Rehmus

...And Fred, as I said before, a savvy operator can change the performance of the Sony's to produce nearly the same video as the Canon...

Would that it were true. But Mike, your choice of words sounds speculative. Before I got too excited I'd have to hear "Fred, I have personally changed or witnessed the changing of the performance of a Sony VX2100 to produce nearly the same video under challenging stage lit conditions as a Canon GL2." 8>]

Nick Weeks · March 5th, 2006, 03:24 PM

My problem with the auto mode and auto-focus is sometime it's not reliable. For example, I recently recorded a high school production from the control room above and in front of the stage with my VX2100 set on auto-mode, mostly due to my lack of knowledge on the manual controls. This was a big mistake because in high contrast situations, the auto-focus was less than desirable, and sometimes it seemed like the VX2100 accounted for my dark surroundings to make the auto adjustments rather that what was lit on the stage. It looked OK on the LCD screen, and I didn't think anything of it, but in post is was so overexposed it was hard to work with.

I have since learned how to operate in full manual mode and it works much better. But like everyone else seems to think, if it works for you... keep doing it.

David Ennis · March 5th, 2006, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Weeks

...it seemed like the VX2100 accounted for my dark surroundings to make the auto adjustments rather that what was lit on the stage...

Yes, that's what happens if you don't use spotlight mode. Spoltlight mode adjusts for what the lighting is near the center of the frame. So it works if there is a spotlight, and it works for even lighting.

Tom Hardwick · March 9th, 2006, 02:58 AM

I'm not in complete agreement with you there Fred. When I select Spotlight mode on my VX2k it works to reduce the exposure of a bright light wherever it appears on screen.

It's an easy test to do. In a darkened room with a single hanging bare light bulb, pan the VX across the light in Spotlight mode. Do the same in auto exposure mode and notice the hige (4.5 stop) difference.

The Spotlight mode is a real boon for stage plays, and I couldn't live without it. It means that some of the very flat-lit scenes are a smidgen under-exposed, but that's a lot better than having all the faces recorded as white blobs.

Spotlight mode is very intelligent; backlight mode is a moron in comparison.

tom.

March 5th, 2006, 03:24 PM	#32
Nick Weeks Major Player Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Birmingham, AL USA Posts: 722	My problem with the auto mode and auto-focus is sometime it's not reliable. For example, I recently recorded a high school production from the control room above and in front of the stage with my VX2100 set on auto-mode, mostly due to my lack of knowledge on the manual controls. This was a big mistake because in high contrast situations, the auto-focus was less than desirable, and sometimes it seemed like the VX2100 accounted for my dark surroundings to make the auto adjustments rather that what was lit on the stage. It looked OK on the LCD screen, and I didn't think anything of it, but in post is was so overexposed it was hard to work with. I have since learned how to operate in full manual mode and it works much better. But like everyone else seems to think, if it works for you... keep doing it.

March 9th, 2006, 02:58 AM	#34
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	I'm not in complete agreement with you there Fred. When I select Spotlight mode on my VX2k it works to reduce the exposure of a bright light wherever it appears on screen. It's an easy test to do. In a darkened room with a single hanging bare light bulb, pan the VX across the light in Spotlight mode. Do the same in auto exposure mode and notice the hige (4.5 stop) difference. The Spotlight mode is a real boon for stage plays, and I couldn't live without it. It means that some of the very flat-lit scenes are a smidgen under-exposed, but that's a lot better than having all the faces recorded as white blobs. Spotlight mode is very intelligent; backlight mode is a moron in comparison. tom.