![]() While smaller than Super-35, the 1" sensor of the VX700 has a shallow depth of field, especially when the lens is wide open (also common under room or stage lighting). The solution is to focus manually, which should come as no surprise to anyone shooting groups (e.g., concerts). While it is highly effective distinguishing faces from inanimate objects in the foreground, it doesn't always choose the right face, and can change its "mind" unpredictably. ![]() ![]() The only fault I find is with stability of AF when shooting groups of two or more people. I have used my VX700 extensively since my last post, and find its results highly compatible with that of my FS5. WireCast will downsize the 1080 (or 2160) video to a stream-worthy version. I'll be running it on a MacBookPro, using an AJA SDI to USB3 video card. Based on recommendations by colleagues, I will transmit using WireCast software, which makes it easy to incorporate graphics and video clips into the stream. I will be using multiple cameras in conjunction with a Black Magic switcher and monitor, with 12G SDI and HDMI inputs. There is no way to power the VX700 from a 14.4 V video battery at present, so any event longer than about 2 hours will require an AC power source, or a quick battery change. Black Magic makes relatively small, inexpensive HDMI-SGI HD converters, which can be powered with a USB battery pack. SDI cabling is more flexible, and good up to over 300' for 3G signals. However HDMI is limited to cables 15 feet long or less, and only high quality cables (ie thick and stiff) will handle 1080p60 without glitches. The full-sized HDMI connector is another plus. Its excellent low-light sensitivity and color control make pairing with full-sized cameras relatively easy. The Sony FDR-VX700 will definitely play a role in this endeavor. I am currently gearing up to do live stream video of various musical events. The image quality is compatible with my FS5, and the color and rendition are easily matched in Premiere Pro. There is only an unbalanced 3.5 mm TRS for a microphone, but I don't use the XLR connectors on other cameras either. I'm looking for a D-Tap adapter or dummy battery, but so far without luck. The DC power port is proprietary rather than a barrel type, and only available with a line-lump AC adapter. There is no lock on the record button, but it is recesses inside a bezel. The menu is accessed using an on/off button and the 4-way toggle on the grip. On the down side, the touch screen is limited to selecting the focus area. The power turns off in a few seconds if both are closed, unless you're recording. ![]() If the EVF is left in, the automatic eye detector doesn't black out the screen when you approach it. Power turns on when the 3.5" finder is opened or the EVF is pulled away from the body. Recording battery life (NP-V70) of about 190 minutes (NP-V100 battery has 50% more life).LANC and micro USB MultiPort connections for handle operation.Records externally in 4,2,2 10-bit, GOP-I to a ProRes or DNxHD codec (e.g., an Atomos Ninja V).Records in XAVC internally, but only 4,2,0 8-bit with GOP-L codec.Dual SD card slots, with parallel or sequential option and hot-swap (in sequential only).Manual focus with 5x, 12x magnification (independent of recording format).Auto Focus with push-to-focus in Manual mode.Full Auto/Manual selector, with flexible auto selection in the manual mode (e.g., S priority with Auto f/stop and ISO).S-Log2/3 picture profiles with a dedicated access button on the side.There are several enhancements over the AX100 which push it near the top in the pro-sumer handicam category. The menu is nearly identical to that of the FS5, and much friendlier than in the A7 cameras. The lens is a fixed, Zeiss Vario-Tessar f/2.8-4 Zoom, 29-305 mm equivalent. The AX700 shares the same lens and sensor (1" Exemor) with the FDR-AX100. The Sony HDR-AX700 struck me as a good choice, with due consideration for my lower back. I was looking for a small camera with broadcast quality video, without the weight and bulk of my go-to cameras. I normally film using a Sony FS5 or a brace of Sony A7 cameras, which is a very flexible combination, using the same lenses, with cinematic quality.
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