EX1r lens noise.... at DVinfo.net

Federico Perale · December 18th, 2010, 06:38 AM

I shot some clips in complete silence, and I was surprised to notice that the zoom noise is actually picked up by the internal mic (the noise lasts for 1or 2 seconds after each movement)

I am wondering if my Ex1r has an issue - anyone has experienced this?

I am obviously talking about a minimum noise but still noticeable

Fed

Geoff Addis · December 18th, 2010, 10:28 AM

Assuming that you are refering to acoustic generated noise rather than electrical noise, then unless it is very loud I would expect this to be normal. If you listen carefully with your ear close to the lens, then you will also hear the motors. Of course, if you have the mic gain set at the maximum then this would be even more likely; what you need to determin is the relative level of this noise to the level of your subject sound, in practice it could well be that it won't be noticed. This is one good example why the professionals use external mics!

Geoff

Perrone Ford · December 18th, 2010, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff Addis

This is one good example why the professionals use external mics!

And rarely zoom.

Dave Morrison · December 18th, 2010, 06:01 PM

....and floss....always floss.

sorry

;-)

James Larkey · December 25th, 2010, 04:01 PM

Is this also normal for auto focus?

I can have everything set to manual except autofocus and the microphone picks up some slight buzzing noises. Turn autofocus off and there is no noise.

Is it normal to pick up a little noise from autofocus servos?

This is only noticeable in extreme silent situations.

Thank you.

Zoran Vincic · December 25th, 2010, 06:01 PM

It's normal.

If you want to avoid it, do not use AGC.

Doug Jensen · December 26th, 2010, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoran Vincic

It's normal.
If you want to avoid it, do not use AGC.

AGC stands for "Auto Gain Control" and would have absolutely nothing to with the lens making noise.

As for the auto-focus servos making noise, of course they'll make noise.

Zoran Vincic · December 26th, 2010, 11:56 AM

You're right Doug, AGC has nothing to do with the lens servos making the noise but when you use AGC the camera will boost the mic sensitivity in quiet conditions and the mic will pickup the lens servos buzzing and grinding. And not only lens servos, your own breathing, creaking from clothes etc.

Note that I'm talking about audio gain, not imaging sensor gain.

James Larkey · December 27th, 2010, 03:37 AM

I did have the AGC turned off.
I still pick up the buzzing from the autofocus mechanism. More buzzing when im using zoom and moving the camera a bit.
Makes sense as the autofocus would be working harder.
Its only noticeable in silent conditions. The autofocus seems to be working properly so I guess it's normal as mentioned before.

It does make sense that the servos would make noise as I use many servos in another unrelated hobby of mine. It's just that the buzzing noise had me a little paranoid as this is the most I have spent on a
camera. :)

Thanks

Geoff Addis · December 28th, 2010, 11:24 AM

Do you have the mic and channel gain controls set to the maximum or high? What kind of mic are you using? Unless I'm recording in a quiet studio environment with virtually no action or talent sound, I normally find that these unwanted noises are at a level that will not be heard by the general public viewer.

The best way to improve the sound is to use an external mic, either a radio or shotgun (on a boom), positioned as close to the source as possible as this will improve the ratio of wanted to unwanted sound.

Geoff

December 18th, 2010, 06:38 AM	#1
Federico Perale Major Player Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: London Posts: 410	EX1r lens noise.... I shot some clips in complete silence, and I was surprised to notice that the zoom noise is actually picked up by the internal mic (the noise lasts for 1or 2 seconds after each movement) I am wondering if my Ex1r has an issue - anyone has experienced this? I am obviously talking about a minimum noise but still noticeable Fed

December 18th, 2010, 06:01 PM	#4
Dave Morrison Major Player Join Date: May 2002 Location: West Central Florida Posts: 762	....and floss....always floss. sorry ;-) __________________ EX1, Nikon D750 http://www.morrisonphotographics.com http://www.heritagefilm.com

December 18th, 2010, 10:28 AM	#2
Geoff Addis Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Reading, UK Posts: 116	Assuming that you are refering to acoustic generated noise rather than electrical noise, then unless it is very loud I would expect this to be normal. If you listen carefully with your ear close to the lens, then you will also hear the motors. Of course, if you have the mic gain set at the maximum then this would be even more likely; what you need to determin is the relative level of this noise to the level of your subject sound, in practice it could well be that it won't be noticed. This is one good example why the professionals use external mics! Geoff

December 25th, 2010, 04:01 PM	#5
James Larkey New Boot Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Columbus Georgia Posts: 14	Is this also normal for auto focus? I can have everything set to manual except autofocus and the microphone picks up some slight buzzing noises. Turn autofocus off and there is no noise. Is it normal to pick up a little noise from autofocus servos? This is only noticeable in extreme silent situations. Thank you.

December 25th, 2010, 06:01 PM	#6
Zoran Vincic Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Split, Croatia Posts: 189	It's normal. If you want to avoid it, do not use AGC.

December 26th, 2010, 11:56 AM	#8
Zoran Vincic Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Split, Croatia Posts: 189	You're right Doug, AGC has nothing to do with the lens servos making the noise but when you use AGC the camera will boost the mic sensitivity in quiet conditions and the mic will pickup the lens servos buzzing and grinding. And not only lens servos, your own breathing, creaking from clothes etc. Note that I'm talking about audio gain, not imaging sensor gain.

December 27th, 2010, 03:37 AM	#9
James Larkey New Boot Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Columbus Georgia Posts: 14	I did have the AGC turned off. I still pick up the buzzing from the autofocus mechanism. More buzzing when im using zoom and moving the camera a bit. Makes sense as the autofocus would be working harder. Its only noticeable in silent conditions. The autofocus seems to be working properly so I guess it's normal as mentioned before. It does make sense that the servos would make noise as I use many servos in another unrelated hobby of mine. It's just that the buzzing noise had me a little paranoid as this is the most I have spent on a camera. :) Thanks

December 28th, 2010, 11:24 AM	#10
Geoff Addis Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Reading, UK Posts: 116	Do you have the mic and channel gain controls set to the maximum or high? What kind of mic are you using? Unless I'm recording in a quiet studio environment with virtually no action or talent sound, I normally find that these unwanted noises are at a level that will not be heard by the general public viewer. The best way to improve the sound is to use an external mic, either a radio or shotgun (on a boom), positioned as close to the source as possible as this will improve the ratio of wanted to unwanted sound. Geoff