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Home: Video University Forums: HDV:
HDV Z1 low light, I was amazed!

toni
User

Jun 9, 2005, 10:05 PM

Post #1 of 12 (2544 views)
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HDV Z1 low light, I was amazed!	Can't Post

Just wanted everyone to know that I videod the graduation party last week, low light room.
I shot it with the Z1 HDV set gain 12db, shutter 60 I did not need an on camera light. It was nice. Some shots were a little underexposed
(very few) but nothing that can not be taken care of in post.

As far as my complaints about the camera being heavy handheld ...
WoW! I was having so much fun did not feel the weight at all.
I handheld for hours, I hurt the next day but it was a good pain. Smile

I played it safe, I got some great stuff I could use and of course
there was a lot of shaking goin' on too. But for the most part it
was good stuff. I will get more creative next time!
But, I did buy a monopod, must try it!

Also they had a DJ and I used the AT825 on camera.
Auto settings, I was not all that happy with that, I am trying
to figure out if there was something I could have done to make it
better. The DJ's speakers once in awhile specially towards the
end kept getting static, I can't describe it but it sounded like interference. I have to work on the audio and add music in some
areas.

So I think this camera is COOL!
I went out and shot with it and saw it for myself, very pleased.
Thank you all who gave me great advice!

toni

Brian Coe
User

Jun 10, 2005, 5:20 AM

Post #2 of 12 (2441 views)
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Re: [toni] HDV Z1 low light, I was amazed! [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi,

"Static" sounds like the audio was over loading. If you are in a loud environment one trick is to switch the main XLR mic to record on both channels (XLR SET = CH1.CH2 ) then leave CH 1 on auto but put CH2 on manuel and set the level lower than the auto chanel (check this on the audio meters) Then if CH1 peaks you have the back up of CH2 that you can use.

Z1 is sensitive to audio overload PARTICULARLY if you film in HDV with its mpeg sound compression.

Brian
Elite Video Mariage
Paris France
http://www.elitevideomariage.com

Laura K
Veteran

Jun 10, 2005, 6:43 AM

Post #3 of 12 (2436 views)
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Re: [toni] HDV Z1 low light, I was amazed! [In reply to]	Can't Post

clips please!
L

"... it seems that if you're passionate about something, it freaks people out. You're considered bizarre or eccentric. To me, it just means you know who you are." - director Tim Burton

Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.

szerangue
Veteran

Jun 10, 2005, 3:49 PM

Post #4 of 12 (2383 views)
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Re: [toni] HDV Z1 low light, I was amazed! [In reply to]	Can't Post

Great Toni,
It is a great camera. Music has been troublesome for me also but I have managed to work around it until I find the best solution.
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
4EVER GROUP AFFILIATE

toni
User

Jun 10, 2005, 10:01 PM

Post #5 of 12 (2341 views)
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Re: [szerangue] HDV Z1 low light, I was amazed! [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yes Shane, I have a lot more to learn this is just the beginning.
Thank you for all your help. I did a graduation today and I am exhausted.
Outside, shot it HDV auto settings, camera is beautiful.
Just beautiful! I don't see the problem shooting HDV.
The graduation turned out OK. I planned and God laughed.
I just did what I could with every obstacle that came my way.

Photographers are a pain!!! ... lol
I was so polite, but they just kept getting in front of me.
I'm talking about the professional photographers, not the parents
with cameras, they were polite.
I had this 2 people who stood next to me whispering.
I kept giving them stern looks, but it was like I wasn't even there.
I don't know what it is about it, but in a sick way I loved every minute of it. The andrenaline, you have to be quick ... think and move quick. Get it while it's happening. The stress, and now I'm looking forward to taking it into post and getting creative! I just love everything about it.
Cameras, tripods, computers, software, mics ... and carrying all that
heavy equipment!!! I find myself thinking of nothing but this.
I have to go now between last night and the night before I got 8 hours
of sleep.
My body hurts ... it just hurts sooooooo good!!!! Smile

Thanks Shane.
toni

toni
User

Jun 10, 2005, 10:03 PM

Post #6 of 12 (2341 views)
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Re: [Laura K] HDV Z1 low light, I was amazed! [In reply to]	Can't Post

Laura, I will I am just really exhausted right now.

toni

toni
User

Jun 10, 2005, 10:07 PM

Post #7 of 12 (2341 views)
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Re: [szerangue] HDV Z1 low light, I was amazed! [In reply to]	Can't Post

By the way Shane in the next two weeks I am going to be shooting
some real action stuff.

I am just wondering how HDV will handle it?

toni

szerangue
Veteran

Jun 11, 2005, 12:31 AM

Post #8 of 12 (2327 views)
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Re: [toni] HDV Z1 low light, I was amazed! [In reply to]	Can't Post

Real action stuff? Hmmm, not sure... but if it is bright and exposure is not a problem, perhaps you can bump that shutter speed a notch!
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
4EVER GROUP AFFILIATE

John K.
Veteran / Moderator

Jun 11, 2005, 12:32 AM

Post #9 of 12 (2326 views)
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Re: [toni] HDV Z1 low light, I was amazed! [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

By the way Shane in the next two weeks I am going to be shooting
some real action stuff.

I am just wondering how HDV will handle it?

Hi Toni,

No problem, don't worry. I have some SD cameras for rent, at a discounted rate for those who own HD cameras and are concerned about how HDV will handle certain events. Also, as a bonus, FREE drop shipping; other than the rental fee, you only pay the shipping costs of returning the cameras.

Please contact me if you're interested in going this "worry-free" AND proven route! Tongue

John

PS. I'm sorry Toni, I just couldn't resist this one with the way you had that worded, all in fun. Cool

Have a great weekend!

toni
User

Jun 11, 2005, 3:32 PM

Post #10 of 12 (2264 views)
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Re: [John K.] HDV Z1 low light, I was amazed! [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi John.

I understand your position, and if I was in your shoes I would not upgrade at this point.
I bought the Z1 because I needed a camera and why spend the money
on a camera I would eventually need to upgrade.
I posted because I love my Z1, and wanted to reassure anyone who was considering the problem with low light, I had none.
I have used the PD150 and also 2000. In school I had a choice of either and always used the PD150.
I think is a great camera, although I always found it a little bit small
for my taste.
Also the Z1, native 16:9 is worth it. Not to mention all the other stuff it has.
I would have chosen this camera even if I did not use HDV.
Remember I can shoot DV with it too.

I don't understand the argument about the camera, to me is childish.
Buy/use whatever makes you happy. I am here to learn, and 10/20 years from now I will still be learning and experimenting. When you close doors to new things you seize to grow.
I know if I was going to hire a videographer, first thing I would consider is, is he/she good, not who has the best toy.
On the other hand, I am a graphic artist and looking to do videos, from experience I know how quickly equipment become obsolete so I had a
decision to make and thought for the money the Z1 right now would
go a longer way than say, another camera.

I did not post to start another war on HDV vs DV.

Peace
toni

John K.
Veteran / Moderator

Jun 12, 2005, 1:19 AM

Post #11 of 12 (2226 views)
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Re: [toni] HDV Z1 low light, I was amazed! [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Tony,

In Reply To

I understand your position...

Toni,

What position? I was only kidding with that post! Perhaps my sense of humor was off mark last night? Unsure

I guess I won't take my comedy routine on the road; instead, I better stick with doing wedding videos. Cool

BTW, I do agree with your insights and points you listed.

Take care,

John

toni
User

Jun 12, 2005, 12:07 PM

Post #12 of 12 (2189 views)
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Re: [John K.] HDV Z1 low light, I was amazed! [In reply to]	Can't Post