Tips and Tricks for the Sony VX1000
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For more information on the Sony VX-1000 and VX-700, we offer an instructional video that is specific for these two digital video cameras.  Just Click Here for more information on the video.

1. When you are using the Sony VX-1000 in low light conditions, you may find it hard to properly check the focus in the small color viewfinder. Here are two suggestions:

• A. Use a small LCD monitor that is attached to the camera.
• B. Turn down the color saturation level in the viewfinder (or on your LCD monitor). If you are not sure how to do this, consult your owners manual.

2. The control menus are visible through the viewfinder, some people have found it difficult to see. (This really depends on the individual’s eyesight.) If you are having this problem, try using a small external LCD monitor.

3. Since the audio input on this camera is via a 1/8" stereo mini jack, if you want to connect audio from XLR mics or a mixing board, check out the  XLR-BP, XLR-BP Pro and the XLR-BP 3 Pro audio adapters.  They allow you to have two input channels with individual audio level controls.

4. There is a grounding problem on some VX1000’s and VX-700’s. On some models the ground at the mic jack doesn’t provide a good ground connection when using some mics and XLR audio adapters. The XLR audio adapters from Studio 1 have a grounding switch for controlling the ground selection and overcomes this problem.

5. The VX-1000 and VX-700 can become microphonic when you plug anything into the mic jack. To see if your camera has this problem, run this little test.

• A. Plug headphones into the camera’s headphone jack.
• B. Plug a 1/8” stereo plug into the mic jack. (Note: you must use a STEREO plug) There doesn’t have to be a mic on the other end of this stereo plug.
• C. With the headphones on, tap your finger nail on the camera and in the area of the on-camera mic.

If you hear the tapping loud and clear, then your camera is microphonic. Keep this in mind when you are hand-holding the camera, as any movement of your hand on the camera may be picked up.

6. You can generate color bars on the VX-1000. Simply follow these instructions:

• A. Turn the power switch to camera mode.
• B. Set the Red Start/Stop switch to the lock position.
• C. Press and hold the black photo button while pressing and holding the small red record button that is on the top of the camcorder near the edit search.
• D. Then switch the Red Start/Stop switch to standby mode.

The color bars will now appear. You can record the color bars onto your tape. To turn the bars off, simply switch the camera to lock mode, then into the standby mode. This is not mentioned in the manual.

7. There are some wide angle lens adapters that vignettes slightly and this can not be seen in the viewfinder. However, it will be noticed when you playback the tape and it is viewed on a regular monitor. You can over come this problem by zooming in slightly.

8. It is possible to pickup zoom motor noise and tape transport noise when using a shotgun mic that is attached to the top of the camera. To eliminate or at least minimize the noise pickup, try using a bracket that gives you multiple hot shoe’s or hot shoe pedestal to move the shotgun mic away from the camera.

9. You can create a “film look” with the VX-1000 by setting the shutter speed to a slower speed, such as a 30th, 15th or an 8th of a second. To change the shutter speed switch the Hold/Auto Lock knob so that it is setting on the White Dot, that is between the Hold and Auto Lock positions. Then press the Shutter Speed button located on the back of the camera. Then turn the wheel that is labeled Control until the shutter speed of either 30, 15 or 8 is displayed in the top right corner of the viewfinder. (The Control wheel is located below the auto lock knob). You will need to experiment with these shutter speeds to see which works for the scene you are shooting. We have found that using one shutter speed for a music video, isn’t necessarily the correct shutter speed for trying to create a documentary film look.

10. To improve the color rendition when shooting outdoors in bright light, use the ND (neutral density) filter. You will notice the colors will be less washed out. The ND filter is located on the right side of the VX-1000, next to the focus control.

Do not use the camera in the auto iris mode when using the ND filter, as you will not see a dramatic difference in the picture. You will end up with about the same luminance values, but at a different f-stop setting. What you will see is a decrease in the depth of field resulting from the iris being opened up more, thus throwing the background out of focus.

It is considered that the best optical performance of most lenses is in the f/4 to f/8 range. You can use the ND filter when ever you need to bring down the f-stop so you are shooting in this range. Also, when you are shooting in bright light and you manually set the iris setting in this range, you’ll find the shutter speed will be will be higher, which can affect the look of moving objects in the scene. By using the ND filter, you can maintain a more normal shutter speed while still having the lens in the f/4 to f/8 range for the best optical performance.

Another use for the ND filter is when you want to create a shallow depth of field. Since the ND filter can reduce the f-stop, you to control the field of focus so your subject will stay in focus, while the foreground and background will be out of focus. The smaller the f-stop number, like f/2, the smaller the depth of field or smaller area that will be in focus.

While a higher f-stop number, like f/11 will result in a larger depth of field or a larger area that will be in focus.

11. When shooting under Mercury Vapor lights, your camcorders CCD chips are very sensitive to UV light, which is a non-visible high energy source. Use a UV lens filter to help reduce the amount a red-orange tint that becomes present in the recorded video. This will eliminate 70 to 80% of the problem. The filter doesn’t solve the whole problem, because the lighting gain wavelength profile has changed. The picture looks better, but it’s still not correct.

Second, you are going to need  video processor controls in your NLE system to correct the remaining color imbalance. By adjusting the Hue (Chroma phase) control you can make the additional correction that’s needed to get the picture to look natural. This same correction technique can also be used in factory and industrial environments, at sporting events, etc., where mercury vapor lighting is used. 12. Videotaping a computer screen. First, use a slower shutter speed, such as 1/15th or slower. Second, get as close to the computer screen as possible. Set the camera for the wide angle position or use a wide angle lens. Third, you will most likely need to adjust the VX-1000’s exposure setting. Use the exposure wheel on the side of the camera. Keep in mind that once you hit the exposure button next to the exposure wheel, you will not be able to adjust the shutter speed. Fourth, You may find it very helpful connect a monitor to the VX-1000 digital video camera, this will help you adjust the exposure setting and shutter speed. It is much easy to gauge the video using a monitor.

13. You can achieve steadier shots by using the wide angle setting and putting the camera in “steady shot mode”. Also, try holding the camera at stomach level and use two hands to help steady the camera and minimize camera shake. Move around slowly. Use a small LCD monitor so you can see what you are shooting. With some practice, you can get some very nice, smooth steady shots.

14. Several Sony VX-1000 and VX-700 owners have reported some of the screws on the body have becoming loose over time. Check your camera every few months and use a small screw driver to tighten them back up.

For more information on the Sony VX-1000 and VX-700 mini-dv, we offer an instructional video that is specific for these two cameras.  Just Click Here for more information on the video.

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