On Mon, 16 Jul 2001 04:42:21 GMT, Gary Eickmeier wrote:

>Neuman - Ruether wrote:
>> Back to the
>> VX-2000/PD150 - it would be IMPOSSIBLE to shoot
>> live-action events in manual mode without losing a lot
>> more of the footage due to technical error than you
>> would in auto mode (with the appropriate biases set,
>> where possible). This is not true for an experienced
>> cameraman using a camera with excellent manual controls
>> (but this does not describe the VX-2000/PD150). In a
>> controlled shooting situation, of course one would use
>> at least some manual controls with these cameras (and
>> some auto, also, where appropriate). One WOULD NOT,
>> however, adjust exposure manually during a take unless
>> the footage taken during the jump in exposure that
>> would occur is not needed...

>This is VERY disturbing to me - I shoot a lot of weddings, and it is
>often necessary to go manual on the exposure because of backlighting.
>This is often done during the shot, after you discover that the
>windows in the church are causing your iris to close down at the
>bride's final position. And I often have to adjust the exposure up and
>down during a manual shot. Typically, they will light the altar and
>not the church pews, so you can't pan from one to the other without
>changing. On my simple Panasonic AG-455 it is simple to do these
>things. Are you telling me that it will be much worse or impossible
>with the VX2000?

Alright - this is *NOT* "rocket science" (for you,
and others, above...). With the VX-2000/PD-150,
manual adjustments are *not* infinitely-variable -
they go in jumps (about 1/2 stop per "notch" of
change, rather noticeable in the image if done while
taping...); auto-adjustments are ***MUCH*** smoother,
as in, far more divisions per stop, and they appear
virtually perfectly smooth during shifts. Add to this
the ease of biasing the AE exposure, and if exposure
shifts are needed during taping, I see no advantage
to manual, and considerable advantage to auto exposure
with these cameras (and most other consumer cameras
[though, BTW, the Panasonic EZ30 auto exposure adjusts
were as "klunky" as manual]). With backlighting, adjust
the AE-bias in the "custom controls", and changes
in lighting (like on a sunny-cloudy day, with windows)
are neatly taken care of. If you need to hold the
exposure, hit the lock button (VX-2000 only). The
VX-2000 AE is so good that it isn't even badly fooled
if one pans by a window or open door - the resultant
moderate exposure shift resulting (compared with the
VX-1000 and others) is easily corrected in post
with a variable brightness-contrast filter applied
to a short section (or just have your finger on the
exposure lock button, hit it before the window/door,
hit it again after [easier said than done...;-]).
***AGAIN***, the VX-2000 is essentially an auto
control camera (with very good AE, AF, and AWB),
with manual overrides - it ***IS NOT*** a basically
manual camera with some (so-so) auto features, like
most "pro" cameras... Trying to force it to be
what it is not, while ignoring its strengths is
silly, I think! If you prefer a more traditional
manual-control Mini-DV camcorder, look at the JVC
models; the VX-2000 (and to a bit lesser degree,
the PD150) are essentially consumer-style cameras
with uniquely excellent auto controls (finally,
really useable and dependable AF and AE!) and
picture quality - choose and use them for what
they are, not as smaller replacements for
traditional "pro" cameras...