Critical focus at DVinfo.net

Spencer Dickson · November 30th, 2007, 10:50 PM

Just wondering if anyone could inform me of how difficult it is to achieve the aforementioned. Is the lcd screen on the EX1 sufficient enough to get the job done, or is an hd field monitor a requisite investment? What about focus-assist, how well does it work? Any info appreciated.

Steven Thomas · November 30th, 2007, 11:02 PM

Spencer,
You are going to be surprised on the Focus assist available with the EX1.
The peaking is just like the JVC HD100 series, but better. It works VERY WELL. We were using just that and when we thought we nailed focus, we looked over at the 24" monitor hooked up via SDI and it was perfect.

The "expanded Focus" also work well.

The person I was working testing the cam with mentioned he wish RED would have the peaking focus that's on the EX1. He wants to buy an EX1 to cut with his RED.

This camera ie REAL easy to nail focus.
The LCD is the best I've used on these cams.

Spencer Dickson · November 30th, 2007, 11:14 PM

Sweet...so in other words, one may be able to shoot tack-sharp images without a $5000+ field monitor? (That would be a relief).

Clark Peters · January 27th, 2008, 08:34 PM

Is there a secret to getting peaking to work well?

I keep pushing the button because I can't tell if it's on or not. I have tried each of the 3 levels. I seem to get the best results if I have it set on high, and play with the iris.

Pete

Andrew Wilson · January 27th, 2008, 08:37 PM

Clark,

Have you changed the color in the menus? I find BLUE to be the easiest to work with.

Clark Peters · January 27th, 2008, 08:55 PM

Blue is the color that works best for me, too. I don't usually have a problem seeing the indicators when they are on. I just can't seem to get them to join the game.

Most of my experience has been indoors, under fairly low light levels. Maybe the depth of field is just too shallow and the peaking function can't find the edges. I'll keep trying.

Pete

Graeme Fullick · January 27th, 2008, 09:13 PM

I actually use red - as I shoot outdoors a lot it is easier to see if you have lots of blue sky (I live in Australia and we have no shortage of blue sky). Peaking also seems a bit more obvious is you use medium setting - but that's a personal thing.

November 30th, 2007, 10:50 PM	#1
Spencer Dickson Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 141	Critical focus Just wondering if anyone could inform me of how difficult it is to achieve the aforementioned. Is the lcd screen on the EX1 sufficient enough to get the job done, or is an hd field monitor a requisite investment? What about focus-assist, how well does it work? Any info appreciated.

January 27th, 2008, 09:13 PM	#7
Graeme Fullick Major Player Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Newcastle, Australia Posts: 337	I actually use red - as I shoot outdoors a lot it is easier to see if you have lots of blue sky (I live in Australia and we have no shortage of blue sky). Peaking also seems a bit more obvious is you use medium setting - but that's a personal thing. __________________ Graeme

November 30th, 2007, 11:02 PM	#2
Steven Thomas Trustee Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 1,896	Spencer, You are going to be surprised on the Focus assist available with the EX1. The peaking is just like the JVC HD100 series, but better. It works VERY WELL. We were using just that and when we thought we nailed focus, we looked over at the 24" monitor hooked up via SDI and it was perfect. The "expanded Focus" also work well. The person I was working testing the cam with mentioned he wish RED would have the peaking focus that's on the EX1. He wants to buy an EX1 to cut with his RED. This camera ie REAL easy to nail focus. The LCD is the best I've used on these cams.

November 30th, 2007, 11:14 PM	#3
Spencer Dickson Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 141	Sweet...so in other words, one may be able to shoot tack-sharp images without a $5000+ field monitor? (That would be a relief).

January 27th, 2008, 08:34 PM	#4
Clark Peters Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Manhattan, Kansas Posts: 123	Is there a secret to getting peaking to work well? I keep pushing the button because I can't tell if it's on or not. I have tried each of the 3 levels. I seem to get the best results if I have it set on high, and play with the iris. Pete

January 27th, 2008, 08:37 PM	#5
Andrew Wilson Tourist Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Vermont, USA Posts: 123	Clark, Have you changed the color in the menus? I find BLUE to be the easiest to work with.

January 27th, 2008, 08:55 PM	#6
Clark Peters Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Manhattan, Kansas Posts: 123	Blue is the color that works best for me, too. I don't usually have a problem seeing the indicators when they are on. I just can't seem to get them to join the game. Most of my experience has been indoors, under fairly low light levels. Maybe the depth of field is just too shallow and the peaking function can't find the edges. I'll keep trying. Pete