On the Road with the HVR-V1U Part 6by Steve MullenPublished on Mar 31, 2007 10:30 AM |
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A video pro journeys to the far ends of the globe with Sony’s new HVR-V1U. Steve Mullen provides first-hand accounts of the camcorder’s features and performance exclusively for CamcorderInfo.com. Now that I’m back in Las Vegas and editing the V1 footage I shot in Asia -- I’m able to see the results of experiments I ran when on the road. I ran these experiments to gather information for my “Sony HVR-V1 and HDR-FX7 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $2599) Handbook” to be released at the end of March. (Yes, I’m running way, way behind schedule!)
The V1 offers three gamma curves, as shown in this diagram from Sony.
Images from the three curves are shown below.
Normal Gamma with Black Compensation Off
CinemaTone Gamma Type 1
CinemaTone Gamma Type 2
While CinemaTone Type 2 does create a really dramatic look, in high-contrast situations it significantly reduces latitude -- as shown below.
So now I recommend CinemaTone Type 2 only for use in low-contrast situations to punch up the image. Speaking of low-contrast conditions -- on dull overcast days, you can set V1’s Knee at HIGH to add a bit of sparkle to highlights.
I use CinemaTone Type 1 as my standard Cinema gamma. However, as you can see below, even it should not be used in high-contrast situations.
In high-contrast conditions, Black Compress works better -- as shown below
In Report #7, I’ll introduce you to the Sony’s Auto Focus and AWB capability and in Report #8 we’ll look at White Balance. Then, in Report #9, we’ll see how much gain we can use without introducing noise. Report #10 will be the final report.
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Steve Mullen owns Digital Video Consulting that offers eBooks on HD production. Currently, DVC (www.mindspring.com/~d-v-c) offers two eBooks: the Sony HDV Handbook and the JVC ProHD Handbook. In April, DVC will offer a new title: the Sony HVR-V1 and HDR-FX7 Handbook. Then in July, DVC will offer A Guide to Low Cost HD DVD Production.