DVX100 Iris Settings and Tips
for Non-Lighted for Car Mount Shots
by Gary Spidell
When dealing
with the DVX 100, we know by now that this little Mini DV camera
can work wonders. Even in the era of P2 cards and higher-tech
cameras such as the Panasonic HVX200 or the Sony Z1U and A1U,
the DVX 100 is still a great prosumer digital camera worth its
weight in DIY cinema gold.
But, just like
anything else in the industry, the DVX100 does come with its
issues. One that stands out more than others is its issues when
it comes to light interpretation – especially in those “hard to
light” areas such as car interiors. But there is one feature
that the DVX 100 provides that is always underrated or
overlooked – the auto iris feature. This amazing little function
takes a lot of the guesswork out of some lighting situations
that may seem difficult. The built in light meter can give you a
good starting point on where to set your iris. So with a bit of
practice and experience you can let the sophisticated technology
of the DVX100 do the work for you.
In my
experience of working with the DVX 100 on various car mount
shots, you have to be conscious of a few main things:
-
shooting from the outside in
-
shooting from the inside out
-
shooting towards the car through the windshield or door windows
-
the DVX 100 shoots in the compressed format of mini dv so unlike
film, the electronic chips in the camera (the three CCD’s) have
difficulty registering any gradual changes in light
(continued
on next page -
DVX100 Iris Settings - Shooting From the Outside In...)
Do
YOU have a cheap, low budget, do-it-yourself DVX100 tip or trick that
you'd like to contribute?
If so, just email it to
us and we'll post it up!
Thanks
for helping the grass roots grow!
