Camera Labs

Hi crazyjazz ! Yesterday I got lot problems with my internet connection to send video to vimeo site.
Well about manual focus, is complex and hard to make video using manual focus. I will try contact Panasonic, because I bought hybrid camera (take pictures and make video at 720p 60 fps). May be I have defect product, you know these things happen.
I made tests with Sony HX5 and focus is superb using zoom in and out a lot.

Today I will call to Panasonic.

Cheers,

Carlos

ps: thank you for messages.

I think your camera it's working fine , it just have it that limitations ,I remmember the video review made it by Gordon Laing ,and he talking about that issue "the focus jumps a little when zoom in and out"

Here the review
http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_FZ35_FZ38/video_review.shtml

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Panasonic DMC-FZ35 - Velbon CX 540 - Olympus TCON17

Here another video in real life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JG2so_R_Q0

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Panasonic DMC-FZ35 - Velbon CX 540 - Olympus TCON17

Hello crazyjazz !

I put new video at vimeo http://vimeo.com/11822382

If possible can you make a favour, test your camera using focus fixed (2x) and moving camera near and far (+- 50 cm) from object. I put dial at IA mode. Also if possible, use white frosted object with black background and good daylight.

I dont know if is my camera (focus problem defect) or this camera has weak focus performance to make videos. I can tell you that Sony HX5 make perfect video (with zoom and no zoom).

If happen with you, I am thinking to sell this Panasonic.
Thanks again for messages.
Have nice day,
Carlos

ps: vimeo site to no-members is terrific (slow) for uploads

Here another example how video zoom works in real life


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KcSMzomxnc

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Panasonic DMC-FZ35 - Velbon CX 540 - Olympus TCON17

Hello everybody! After many tests I found one settings more appropriate for problem "focus hunting" when the camera used for video. Also I ordered an ND8 filter to minimize the problem of vertical purple smear but not received yet, but reading comments, I saw that helps to minimize the problem

The settings:

REC MENU:

Mode 'P "(program AE) - One Question, what is the meaning that" AE "?
Quality: Maximum
Aspect Ratio: 16 / 9
Intelligent ISO: off
Sensitivity: Auto
ISO Limit Set: 400
White balance: AWB
Face recog.: Off
FA mode: 11-area-focusing
Pre AF C-af
AF / AE Lock: AF / AE
Metering Mode: Center weighted
I. Exposure: Standard
ShutrSpeed Min: 1 / 30
Digital Zoom: Off
Color Effect: Off
Pict Adjust:
- Contrast: zero
- Sharpness: zero
- Saturation: zero
- Noise Reduction: -2
Stabilizer: Mode 1
Assist Lamp AF: Off
Flash Synchro: 1st
Red-Eye Removal: On
Conversion: On

ps: "FA mode" that concentrated focus make worst performance, its fact.

MOVIE MENU:

Rec Mode: AVCHD Lite
Rec Quality: SH
-Af C: Continuous AF: On
WIND CUT: Off



With these configurations significantly reducing the problem of "focus hunting". I hope the filter ND8 help minimize the "vertical smear".
Also, the problem "focus hunting" is accentuated when the camera is used in low light and I suspect that high ISO is affect focus performance.
But nowadays I'm much more pleased with camera. Really "IA mode" is not so good for video use.

Cheers.
Carlos

ps: if possible, I would request that other owners could use the camera in these settings and see if happen one significant improvement of "focus hunting" problem.

Gordon -

I wanted to thank you and let you know I made my decision to get the FZ35 based in great part on your reviews.

There's definitely a learning curve involved, but I'm enjoying it so far (and the extended family is not critical about the pictures, which is always a good sign ).

Hello Gordon , I read all the review of the Panasonic DMC-FZ35/38 and all this threat but in nowhere you speak about the Leica Lens of the Pana ,what do you think about this Leica lens in the panasonic fz35/38 ??

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Panasonic DMC-FZ35 - Velbon CX 540 - Olympus TCON17

crazyjazz, just look at the results and sample images pages - you cans ee the quality of the optics there.

Thank you for the answer Gordon.

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Panasonic DMC-FZ35 - Velbon CX 540 - Olympus TCON17

Over the past month the price of an FZ38/35 has increased to almost that of
the FZ45/40. Remaining stocks are now in short supply, and demand for
this camera is still high. Interesting situation!!