Panasonic MDH2 Video Settings

Panasonic MDH2 Video Settings

Ensure the following settings have been selected:

CAMERA SETUP Menu

Scene Mode - Select appropriate setting according to environment.

RECORD SETUP Menu

Always use 1080/50p (Highest Quality on MDH2)

Allow Slow Shutter - ON (This will allow shutter speed 1/25 to be used) But where possible always increase external lighting for better results.

SW &DISP SETUP Menu

Zebra - ON (see explanation below) This should be used in conjunction with IRIS control. Use IRIS control to adjust for correct exposure. (just below zebra visual point). Note: for cameras that offer choice of 70% zebra, then adjust until zebra is just showing. (The 70% setting is primarily to compensate for Caucasian skin tone)

Guid Lines - YES

Histogram - ON (see explanation below)



Best practice is to use the zebra setting to compensate for correct iris setting, and /or brightness of light.

SCENE mode (Night Scenery) delivers better quality over Colour Night Mode so I have not mentioned this setting above as it is unlikely that it will be utilised.

Night Scenery produced acceptable low light results during indoor recording without additional lighting and very good results with additional lighting.

Low Light (Candle) produced noisy images during indoor filming, acceptable with additional lighting, better results were achieved with  night scenery setting.





Remember when using the IRIS control, the rule of thumb is,

SET YOUR EXPOSURE FOR THE SUBJECT - EVERYTHING ELSE IS SECONDARY.

Note: When using iA mode, reverting back to manual will retain the last Ai mode setting, so you will need to re-set iris, shutter manually. 

Best Indoor Low Light DSLR Video Setting

The following is the result of tests carried out to determine the best settings for indoor filming. All screenshots were taken from the original footage with no post adjustments.

The following was shot on a Nikon D3300 using a Manfrotto 12 LED video light mounted on the camera.

F5, 1/30, ISO 1600.


F5, 1/30, ISO 800


Although the second screen shot using ISO 800 is darker, very little noise was picked up in playback.

The screenshot using ISO 1600 is noticeably brighter but during the test did pick up visible noise during playback. In this indoor test, filming without a light was not producing a satisfactory result.

DSLR Summary
Close up shots are clearer on both settings, and very little noise is picked up, however, an adequate light source will make or break the shot. Using a dimmable LED light will give you full control over the shot.  
My preference would be to use the lower ISO setting, i.e. 800 along with a good lighting rig.

But how does the Nikon D3300 compare against a dedicated video camera? Read on my friends...

The following screenshots was taken from the Panasonic HC-VX870 in iA (intelligent Auto) mode, using the built in light.
As you will notice the image appears to be washed, slightly over exposed and lacks depth compared to the DSLR footage. These automatic settings are determined by the camera which is why you should always use manual mode and be in full control of the settings you need to achieve your desired results.


The next screenshot was shot in manual mode with the built in video light, IRIS setting used was 0db.
Better result were achieved but the onboard light tends to over expose parts of the shot.
















And finally the last screenshot was shot in manual mode with the built in video light, IRIS setting used was F2.0. Noticeably improved results over iA mode filming.


HC-VX870 Summary
Where possible use manual mode and do not exceed 0db IRIS setting. Again use of adequate lighting is a must if you want to avoid introducing noise into your footage, especially in low light situations.

Best tip - Know your camera. Happy shooting - #parm_rai