Just opened the box on my new VX2100 at DVinfo.net

Michael Littlejohn · May 11th, 2006, 02:55 PM

Now what do I do? j/k.

Really though, are there any good sources that explain the features of this camera and offer excellent resources on videography.

For example. For best use, shoud I shoot in manual or auto mode? I've seen someone put a white piece of paper in front of the screen to set a setting...do I need to do that?

It's in the box, what are some things I should do to it immediatley to get optimal performance out of the device?

Also, where would I find info on how to hook up my Audio Technica wireless mics to the camera?

Any info would be helpful

Chris Barcellos · May 11th, 2006, 04:09 PM

Shoot Auto if you are unsure of your skill initially, but practice with manual focus, iris and gain manipulation. I relied to long on auto, and until lately hadn't learned benefits of manually adjusting settings. When I shoot manaul (most of the time) I try to shoot everything at 1/60th shutter speed for best editing. Sometimes that means adding the ND filter. Ultimately, in very bright situations, a faster shutter speed may be required. For critical work, use the white paper, manual white balance set up. However, the auto white balance does a fairly nice jub.

Aside from Sony's rather limited instruction manual, this forum is your best resource regarding learning the ins and out of your VX2100. I have th VX2000, l and continue to enjoy using it, despite fact I also now have the FX1.

Michael Littlejohn · May 12th, 2006, 01:06 PM

Thanks Chris.

I've got a polarized filter. Should I use it in Sunny areas?

Boyd Ostroff · May 12th, 2006, 01:16 PM

This site is aimed at the PD-150/170, but most of the features are the same on your camera. It's not a bad place to start...

http://www.urbanfox.tv/workbooks/sonypd150/index.htm

And of course, like Chris says, the DVinfo forums are a great place to ask and learn. Congratulations on your new camera!

Tom Hardwick · May 12th, 2006, 01:37 PM

Yes, I'd agree with Chris and say leave the camera on full auto - the focus, shutter speed, aperture, white balance and audio levels. Go out a shootin', come back indoors and connect it up to your best TV. Now turn on the data code so that you can see the settings the camera automatically chose for you.

The camera identifies every single frame with the shutter speed and aperture used, if you had steadyshot on, if you used LP or SP, what white balance settings were and so on. Incredibly useful info, and all supplied free.

Notice how when you panned up that tree it got darker as more sky was included in frame? Watch those aperture numbers and note how the iris changed from f/4 to f/11.

If you panned up a person you wouldn't want them to become underexposed simply because sky replaced houses behind them, would you? You wouldn't want the camera to auto focus on the houses either. This is your first lesson in understanding why - with movies - it's very important to have full manual control.

Go with the VX. I love both of mine, and even though the Z1 gets most of my attention these days, I'll always love the VX for its downright solidity, reliability, low light performance and trustworthyness. A real classic camera - in my view you chose well, Michael.

tom.

Leslie Wand · May 13th, 2006, 03:56 AM

also,

http://www.bbctraining.com/onlineCou...=5160&cat=2781

leslie

May 11th, 2006, 02:55 PM	#1
Michael Littlejohn New Boot Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 20	Just opened the box on my new VX2100 Now what do I do? j/k. Really though, are there any good sources that explain the features of this camera and offer excellent resources on videography. For example. For best use, shoud I shoot in manual or auto mode? I've seen someone put a white piece of paper in front of the screen to set a setting...do I need to do that? It's in the box, what are some things I should do to it immediatley to get optimal performance out of the device? Also, where would I find info on how to hook up my Audio Technica wireless mics to the camera? Any info would be helpful

May 11th, 2006, 04:09 PM	#2
Chris Barcellos Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Elk Grove CA Posts: 6,838	Shoot Auto if you are unsure of your skill initially, but practice with manual focus, iris and gain manipulation. I relied to long on auto, and until lately hadn't learned benefits of manually adjusting settings. When I shoot manaul (most of the time) I try to shoot everything at 1/60th shutter speed for best editing. Sometimes that means adding the ND filter. Ultimately, in very bright situations, a faster shutter speed may be required. For critical work, use the white paper, manual white balance set up. However, the auto white balance does a fairly nice jub. Aside from Sony's rather limited instruction manual, this forum is your best resource regarding learning the ins and out of your VX2100. I have th VX2000, l and continue to enjoy using it, despite fact I also now have the FX1. __________________ Chris J. Barcellos

May 12th, 2006, 01:06 PM	#3
Michael Littlejohn New Boot Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 20	Thanks Chris. I've got a polarized filter. Should I use it in Sunny areas?

May 12th, 2006, 01:16 PM	#4
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,797	This site is aimed at the PD-150/170, but most of the features are the same on your camera. It's not a bad place to start... http://www.urbanfox.tv/workbooks/sonypd150/index.htm And of course, like Chris says, the DVinfo forums are a great place to ask and learn. Congratulations on your new camera!

May 12th, 2006, 01:37 PM	#5
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	Yes, I'd agree with Chris and say leave the camera on full auto - the focus, shutter speed, aperture, white balance and audio levels. Go out a shootin', come back indoors and connect it up to your best TV. Now turn on the data code so that you can see the settings the camera automatically chose for you. The camera identifies every single frame with the shutter speed and aperture used, if you had steadyshot on, if you used LP or SP, what white balance settings were and so on. Incredibly useful info, and all supplied free. Notice how when you panned up that tree it got darker as more sky was included in frame? Watch those aperture numbers and note how the iris changed from f/4 to f/11. If you panned up a person you wouldn't want them to become underexposed simply because sky replaced houses behind them, would you? You wouldn't want the camera to auto focus on the houses either. This is your first lesson in understanding why - with movies - it's very important to have full manual control. Go with the VX. I love both of mine, and even though the Z1 gets most of my attention these days, I'll always love the VX for its downright solidity, reliability, low light performance and trustworthyness. A real classic camera - in my view you chose well, Michael. tom.

May 13th, 2006, 03:56 AM	#6
Leslie Wand Trustee Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: upper hunter, australia Posts: 1,410	also, http://www.bbctraining.com/onlineCou...=5160&cat=2781 leslie