UKAirscapeThis is a reload of a video I uploaded back in May. After almost 14,000 views of the original I suddenly spotted an erroneous shot (or an erroneous caption, it can be seen whichever way you like). This version is corrected. My apologies. Not that anyone noticed...
Here's the original description:
Testing the Sony HDR CX900 in low light conditions, versus the Panasonic x920 and Canon's HF-G30 (XA20 / XA25). Using fully-open iris and then adding gain.
If you buy the Sony CX900 in our Amazon shop, it helps us keep the reviews going: http://amzn.to/15NUhVk
To all intents and purposes, these tests should also be applicable to Sony's FDR-AX100 4K camcorder too as it's identical to the CX900 apart from also being able to shoot in 4K!
Low Light: Sony CX900 (re-upload) vs Canon XA20 / HF-G30 & Panasonic x920UKAirscape2014-12-27 | This is a reload of a video I uploaded back in May. After almost 14,000 views of the original I suddenly spotted an erroneous shot (or an erroneous caption, it can be seen whichever way you like). This version is corrected. My apologies. Not that anyone noticed...
Here's the original description:
Testing the Sony HDR CX900 in low light conditions, versus the Panasonic x920 and Canon's HF-G30 (XA20 / XA25). Using fully-open iris and then adding gain.
If you buy the Sony CX900 in our Amazon shop, it helps us keep the reviews going: http://amzn.to/15NUhVk
To all intents and purposes, these tests should also be applicable to Sony's FDR-AX100 4K camcorder too as it's identical to the CX900 apart from also being able to shoot in 4K!
Published by Tubeshooter magazine: www.tubeshooter.co.uk www.twitter.com/tubeshootermag www.facebook.com/tubeshootermag4-camera live stream setup for YouTube with OBS / AVMatrix mixer / Macbook AirUKAirscape2022-09-26 | A quick video showing how I configured a four-camera (including one wireless camera) setup for live streaming from the side of a canal. There were some technical glitches, (mostly audio) but it basically worked, sort of.
It'll be better next time because a) I'll ensure the Wireless Go doesn't overload the camcorder input (which spoiled the first live; turns out it's ever so easy to prod the button on the receiver which changes the output gain) and b) I'll know to use the mixer output for monitoring so I can actually hear what's going on!
After a handful of requests from viewers wondering how I edit, here's a video showing my process using a recent campervan video as the example. Yes, it's a bit long but that's because editing takes many hours. Possibly best viewed at double speed then...
Watch the finished campervan video here: youtube.com/watch?v=Xpy_HANRC8UThe video filming set-up on my narrowboat. Not a tutorial.UKAirscape2020-12-19 | Not sure if anyone will even be interested but this is a quick overview of how I now set up the narrowboat for webcasts or piece-to-camera recordings.
It's hardly a "pro" TV studio but I have gone live on YouTube (via Streamyard, a laptop and a cheap HDMI capture card) with this setup, as well as recording various bits so I thought it might be of interest.
Not a tutorial, and far from perfect; just how I do it.
Gear used (affiliate links) Sony ZV1 video camera: geni.us/Airscape_SonyZV1 Sony AX53 camcorder: geni.us/Airscape_SonyAX53 Rode Videomicro microphone: geni.us/Airscape_VideoMicro Godox ML60 LED light: geni.us/Airscape_GodoxML60 Aputure Amaran AL-F7 LED light (newer version of the one I have): geni.us/Airscape_AputureALF7 Zhiyou Mini Magic Arm with Ballheads: geni.us/Airscape_ZhiyouArm Andoer Crab Pliers Super Clamp: geni.us/Airscape_AndoerClampDeity V-Mic D4 Duo: the perfect vlogging mic?UKAirscape2020-08-22 | This is my review and tests of the Deity V Mic D4 Duo, an innovative compact microphone for camcorders, small mirrorless cameras and so on, aimed at vloggers I think. It has two tiny shotgun capsules, one facing forwards and the other facing backwards, so that you can pick up sound from in front of you as well as any commentary from behind as you film.
Buy the Deity V-Mic here: geni.us/UKA_DeityVMic4DuoSony ZV-1 vlogging camera review (inc VPT2BT wireless tripod handle)UKAirscape2020-07-25 | After a short time using and evaluating my new Sony ZV-1 vlogging camera, these are my impressions. I've only had it for a short time and used it a little but enough to know what I like and don't like about it.
Buy the Sony ZV-1 at: geni.us/Airscape_SonyZV1 Buy the bluetooth handle: geni.us/Airscape_SonyCamHandleSony ZV-1 vlogging camera & VPT2BT wireless handle unboxingUKAirscape2020-07-23 | I've been looking for a compact camcorder to take on my campervan trips and this "vlogging camera" from Sony should fit the bill; compact enough to take anywhere but with good quality and enough features to enable some decent shooting. This is the unboxing; my first impressions video will follow soon.
Buy the ZV-1: geni.us/Airscape_SonyZV1 Buy the handle: geni.us/Airscape_SonyCamHandleSony HXR-NX80 (PXW-Z90) camcorder audio fault (XLR handle white noise)UKAirscape2019-03-22 | Quick video describing a fault that developed on the XLR audio handle of my Sony HXR NX80 camcorder, resulting in a white noise on both channels when anything was plugged into channel 1 (even just an XLR connector with no mic!) with phantom power turned on.
Now fixed by Sony under the two year Prime Support warranty.Updating the firmware on a Tascam DR-10 digital audio recorder, v1 to v2UKAirscape2019-02-01 | About a year ago I bought two of these great little Tascam digital audio recorders and about six months ago Tascam updated the firmware to provide new functionality but I've only just got around to updating mine and this is the recording of me doing so, plus I explain what the new features are.
Buy one (or two!): geni.us/TS_TascamDR10C (affiliate link)Sony HXR-NX80 4K 25p test shots (also relevant to PXW-Z90 / AX700)UKAirscape2018-02-25 | A brief compilation of some test shots taken on my Sony HXR-NX80 at the Canal & River Trust's workshop near Birmingham. See the final video edited from this footage at youtube.com/watch?v=UGucbWhD5s8
This was done the day after I bought the camera so it was very much an early experiment - apologies for any wonky camerawork!
I detail the settings used at the start of the video. No color corrections at all were applied in editing. The camcorder's stabilisation was switched on to "standard" mode, if I recall correctly.
The finished compilation was rendered to Sony XAVC-S in Sony Vegas Pro 13 for upload, whereupon YouTube will have recompressed it for your viewing so bear that in mind while watching.Sony HXR-NX80 4K camcorder unboxingUKAirscape2018-02-09 | After a dearth of new compact entry-level / semi-pro camcorders over the last couple of years, Canon have just brought out the XF400/XF405 and Sony have released the AX700 / NX80 / Z90 so I've bought the HXR-NX80 and here is my unboxing of it, with test videos to come later and perhaps a "first impressions" video after I've done a bit of filming with it.Aputure Deity shotgun microphone vocal tests vs Sennheiser ME66 & Rode NTG2UKAirscape2017-01-02 | A simple vocal test recording of the Aputure Deity shotgun microphone then a comparison against the Sennheiser ME66 and the Rode NTG2. For my full destruction-test review, look at youtu.be/POawJfj21g4
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeReview: Panasonic AG-UX90 4K camcorder (vs UX180 and HC-X1)UKAirscape2016-11-13 | A review of Panasonic's AG UX90 4K-capable camcorder, the little brother to the AG-UX180.
Video includes an extensive tour and appraisal of the camcorder plus sample 4K footage, low light, zoom and OIS stabilisation tests.
(The piece to camera was filmed on a Sony AX53)
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeReview: Aputure AL-M9 LED camera lightUKAirscape2016-09-08 | A review of Aputure's tiny on-camera LED light, the AL-M9.
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeReview: IK Multimedia iKlip A/VUKAirscape2016-07-11 | Taking a look at the iKlip A/V audio interface / filming grip for mobile phone video which provides not only a solid handle in which to mount your phone when filming but also a low-noise balanced XLR audio interface so you can attach pro microphones to your phone.
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeReview: Sony AX53 4K camcorderUKAirscape2016-06-30 | My review of Sony's FDR-AX53 4K camcorder, successor to the AX33.
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeSony FDR-AX53 low light test in 4K mode vs AX33UKAirscape2016-06-11 | Testing the Sony AX53 camcorder for low light abilities in 4K mode, examining its noise at various gain levels. Also comparing it with the older AX33 under the same conditions.
If you'd like to buy either camcorder, I'd be grateful if you'd go via my Amazon links as that way I get a small commission to keep the videos coming:
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeSony AX53 low light test vs AX33 (HD mode)UKAirscape2016-06-08 | Testing how the Sony AX53 camcorder holds up in low light and how it compares to the prior model, the AX33. This test shot in HD mode (XAVC-S). See the 4K test here: youtu.be/8-df1F6ykUs
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeSony AX53 vs AX33 wide angle and zoomUKAirscape2016-05-24 | Very quick comparison of the wide angle of Sony's AX53 camcorder against its predecessor the AX33. Also a test of their zooms, the AX53 going to 20x optical, the AX33 only managing 10x.
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeSony FDR-AX53 Clear Image Zoom testUKAirscape2016-05-23 | Testing what effect the Clear Image Zoom has on image quality on Sony's AX53 camcorder. The Clear Image Zoom is switched on whether you want it or not as soon as you turn on Active or Intelligent Active stabilisation.
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeSony FDR-AX53 stabilisation tests (off, standard, active, intelligent active)UKAirscape2016-05-16 | Testing out the four modes of stabilisation on Sony's AX53 camcorder: off, standard, active and intelligent active (the latter only available in HD, not 4K). Shots tested static at wide angle, static at full optical zoom (20x) and walking.
Note, the 20x zoom had to be simulated in the active and intelligent active modes because they invoke Clear Image Zoom to 30x whether you want it or not, so I backed it off to approximate 20x.
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeSony FDR-AX53 sample XAVC-S HD shot, 50Mps 50pUKAirscape2016-05-15 | This is a single shot, unedited by me and uploaded directly from the camcorder's memory card to YouTube. It has therefore undergone the minimum compression I can get away with, that being YouTube's own. Nonetheless, this is still heavy compression so the original shot does look more crisp than this.
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeSony FDR-AX53 4K / 100Mbps 25p test shotUKAirscape2016-05-15 | This is a single shot, unedited by me and uploaded directly from the camcorder's memory card to YouTube. It has therefore undergone the minimum compression I can get away with, that being YouTube's own. Nonetheless, this is still heavy compression so the original shot does look more crisp than this.
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeSony FDR-AX53 4K sample shots compilationUKAirscape2016-05-14 | A quick selection of sample shots taken on Full Auto settings in 4K / 25p at 100Mbps.
As this is a compilation, the resulting video was, inevitably, compressed on render (to XAVC-S at 135Mbps) and then again by YouTube. The actual file is therefore better quality than what you'll see here.
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeSony FDR-AX53 4K camcorder: unboxingUKAirscape2016-05-13 | Unboxing the Sony AX53 camcorder, successor to the AX33. This is a brief first look; more videos to follow with various tests and comparisons with the AX33.
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeThe iRig BlueTurn as a teleprompt control?UKAirscape2016-03-24 | ik Multimedia recently released the iRig BlueTurn, a two-button foot pedal designed for musician page-turning but they asked me whether it would have any application as a teleprompter controller, so i took a look.
** The product was provided for review by ik multimedia but the video is all my own editorial, they had no say over the content at all. **
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeYouTube unboxer? Try a Manfrotto 290 Dual tripod!UKAirscape2016-02-07 | A very quick video to demonstrate a recent addition to Manfrotto's tripod range and one that could be very useful to anyone doing YouTube unboxings and product reviews.
The "290 Dual" model has an arm which extends sideways enabling the camera to point downwards away from the tripod legs, making it useful for tabletop product shots.
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeIK Multimedia iRig Lavalier microphone reviewUKAirscape2016-01-21 | Taking a look - and listen! - to the iRig Mic Lav from IK Multimedia. It's a low cost tieclip microphone to plug into tablets, phones and similar mobile devices (iOS and Android).
Part of the review was recorded with a Rode Lavalier so you can hear how the low cost iRig mic sounds against a rather more expensive one.
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeSony HXR-NX100 camcorder stabilisation testsUKAirscape2016-01-12 | Very quick video testing the stabilisation modes of Sony's HXR NX100 camcorder (off, standard, active modes) both when standing still and when moving (walking).
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeSony HXR-NX100 ReviewUKAirscape2016-01-07 | Taking a look at Sony's very low cost, entry-level NXCAM semi-pro camcorder for education, corporate and video journalism work.
Includes sample images shot in XAVC-S at 50Mbps, zoom examples and a low light comparison with the Canon XF200 / XF205.
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeReview: Aputure Easy Frost diffuser for Amaran LED lightsUKAirscape2015-12-22 | An unboxing, test and review of the Easy Frost diffuser from Aputure, designed to work with their Amaran LED lights (eg the AL-528 and the HR-672)
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeExploring Sony camcorder menus on an AXP33 (AX33 AX53)UKAirscape2015-12-14 | Grab a flask, make yourself comfortable and get set for a long old tutorial video going through the settings and configuration of my Sony AXP33 camcorder which hopefully may also be relevant to other Sony camcorders as well, as I think they have similar options.
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeRode Video Micro review / Videomic Me reviewUKAirscape2015-12-02 | Testing the new tiny shotgun mic from Rode, designed for camcorders, cameras and (with the Videomic Me version) mobile phones.
The microphone was provided to me by Rode for review but please be assured that the opinions herein are my own, validly held and not influenced by said supply.
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeAputure A-Lav tieclip microphone reviewUKAirscape2015-11-14 | A review of a new, low cost lavalier microphone from Aputure, the A-Lav. Includes comparison with the Audio Technica ATR3350, Rode Lavalier and a Sony ECM77 for good measure.
Filmed on a Sony AXP33. Some tests recorded on a Canon XF200.
If you'd like to buy any of the kit featured in this review, please consider using my Amazon affiliate links as I get a small commission that way, to keep the channel going. Thanks!
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeQuick Test: Rode Videomic Pro R (2015 update)UKAirscape2015-07-19 | A quick look over and test of the revised Rode Videomic Pro, the Videomic Pro R (stands for Rycote, as this model uses the Rycote Lyre suspension system), as it might be used for a typical Vlogging application.
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeReview: JVC GY-HM170 / GY-HM200 4K camcorderUKAirscape2015-05-20 | My thoughts on the JVC GY HM170 and HM200 4K camcorders after having one on loan from JVC Professional Europe to test for a couple of weeks.
PLEASE NOTE: this video has been recompressed extensively, first by me as a master file to XAVC-S 60Mb, then through Handbrake to a smaller (3GB!) mp4 for upload, then by YouTube. Thus the video quality is NOT representative of the camcorder files. There's nothing I can do about this.
No, there is no sound on this video as the recording is mostly wind noise on the built-in mic or me chatting to myself about what I'm doing. If the quiet disturbs you, I suggest you put on a CD / mp3 of sounds of the sea.
The shots were edited in Sony Vegas Pro and rendered to Sony's XAVC-S 60Mbps format for upload to YouTube wherepon YT re-rendered them for delivery to you. In other words, they're squished to hell. There's nothing I can do about this.
I am of course an idiot with regard to the self-levelling feature: you turn it off with one of the few physical buttons on the camcorder, which I completely overlooked as they're otherwise so limited in use!
PLEASE, PLEASE NOTE: this video has been *extensively* recompressed not only by me so as to make the upload a manageable size - it was still 4GB! - but also then by YouTube, so the video samples shown inherently do not reflect the camcorder's ability. There's no way round this other than me buying a 100Gb-upload leased line (that ain't gonna happen).
Don't miss these individual test videos which are of higher quality as they were a lot shorter (and therefore smaller):
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeJVC GY-HM170 (GY-HM200) unboxing & first lookUKAirscape2015-04-28 | Unboxing and taking a first look around JVC's compact 4K professional camcorder, the GY HM170. It's almost identical to the more expensive GY HM200 but the HM200 adds an XLR audio handle, SDI output and live streaming capabilities.
Filmed on the Panasonic HC-VX870 in 4K and rendered to HD so that I could crop into the 4K image without losing resolution in the HD render, hence giving me close-up cutaways without two cameras.
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeLow light: Sony AXP33 (AX33) vs Panasonic VX870 gain tests HD modeUKAirscape2015-04-25 | Testing how the Sony FDR-AXP33 (AX33) and Panasonic HC-VX870 (WX970) compare when the light's dim and you need to start adding in gain - THIS TEST IN HD MODE. See my other video, link below, for the equivalent 4K test.
And yes - there are differences between the 4K and HD tests! You'll have to watch to find out what they are :-)
NOTE: the Sony has weirdly limited manual exposure controls which means I can't absolutely guarantee that this test is precisely like-for-like. Sorry, it's the way Sony have implemented their Auto / Manual function.
Specifically, I fixed shutter at 1/50 to match the Panasonic, then could only use the Auto Gain Limit control to gently allow the camcorder to bring the gain up from 0. This was done on the basis that it was so dark that the lens would already have to be at maximum aperture but sadly the Sony doesn't actually confirm the aperture to you when it's on Auto (which it has to be if you set the shutter speed to manual! Yes, it's peculiar. You can only have *either* Shutter or Iris or "Exposure" (the don't define this anywhere) on manual, at which point the others change to Auto)
******* If anyone watching has a better way of ensuring the two are matched and controlled equally, I'd be delighted to hear it *************
For updates, follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/UKAirscapeLow light: Sony AXP33 (AX33) vs Panasonic VX870 gain test 4K modeUKAirscape2015-04-22 | Testing how the Sony FDR-AXP33 (AX33) and Panasonic HC-VX870 (WX970) compare when the light's dim and you need to start adding in gain.
NOTE: the Sony has weirdly limited manual exposure controls which means I can't absolutely guarantee that this test is precisely like-for-like. Sorry, it's the way Sony have implemented their Auto / Manual function.
Specifically, I fixed shutter at 1/50 to match the Panasonic, then could only use the Auto Gain Limit control to gently allow the camcorder to bring the gain up from 0. This was done on the basis that it was so dark that the lens would already have to be at maximum aperture but sadly the Sony doesn't actually confirm the aperture to you when it's on Auto (which it has to be if you set the shutter speed to manual! Yes, it's peculiar. You can only have *either* Shutter or Iris or "Exposure" (the don't define this anywhere) on manual, at which point the others change to Auto)
******* If anyone watching has a better way of ensuring the two are matched and controlled equally, I'd be delighted to hear it *************
If you fancy buying either of these camcorders after watching, would you consider going via my Amazon link? That way I get a small commission to keep the reviews coming. Thanks:
Note: as the footage is a mixture of 4K and HD, it has all been downscaled to HD for the purposes of this video; the stabilisation capabilities are just as viewable in HD as 4K.
Tests start with walking shots in 4K mode then one in HD followed by stationary handheld shots at wide, 10x optical and 15x (Clear Image Zoom on the Sony)
If you fancy buying either of these camcorders after watching, would you consider going via my Amazon link? That way I get a small commission to keep the reviews coming. Thanks:
Tests start with walking shots in 4K mode then one in HD (NB all footage downscaled to HD because of part of the tests being HD); followed by stationary handheld shots at wide, 10x optical and 15x Clear Image Zoom.
If you fancy buying this camcorder after watching, would you consider going via my Amazon link? That way I get a small commission to keep the reviews coming. Thanks: Sony AXP33: http://amzn.to/1IwiuzP Sony AX33: http://amzn.to/1EW0YxY
It's a single continuous clip, shot in Fully Automatic settings on Sony's FDR AXP33 (aka AX33 / AX30 / AX35 depending on where in the world you live) at 60 Mbits XAVC-S 25p and uploaded directly from the camcorder.
The scene contains detail (grass, trees, feathers etc), contrast (note how the the white swan gets blown out), and some movement.
If you fancy buying this camcorder after watching, would you consider going via my Amazon link? That way I get a small commission to keep the reviews coming. Thanks:
If you fancy buying any of these camcorders after watching, would you consider going via my Amazon link? That way I get a small commission to keep the reviews coming. Thanks:
Published by http://www.tubeshooter.co.uk Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tubeshootermag Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tubeshootermagAputure DEC wireless follow focus (& Canon EF to micro four-thirds or Sony E-mount lens adapter)UKAirscape2015-04-04 | A look at an interesting prototype product from Aputure, the DEC. This enables you to put Canon EF-type lenses onto either a micro four thirds or (depending on which version of the DEC you buy) Sony E-mount camera.
More significantly, however, it provides wireless remote control of iris, focus and start/stop recording (if the camera has a remote input)
If you like the look of this camcorder and want to buy one, please go via my Amazon link so that I get a small commission to keep the videos coming. The link is: http://amzn.to/1BF8Gef
Published by http://www.tubeshooter.co.uk Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tubeshootermag Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tubeshootermagPanasonic HC-VX870: Stabilisation (OIS) / Zoom / Mic testsUKAirscape2015-03-27 | Testing the OIS (stabilisation) on the Panasonic HC-VX870 (same as the WX970 in this respect), as well as the 20x optical zoom, 25x "Intelligent Zoom" in 4K mode and 40x Intelligent Zoom in HD mode. Also a quick couple of tests using the inbuilt mic, for general atmosphere and for vlog-type recording.
***** This has deliberately been uploaded in quite a low bitrate to make the file smaller and quicker to render. It is NOT representative of the video quality of this camcorder as the video quality was not particularly relevant to these tests *****
If you like the look of this camcorder and want to buy one, please go via my Amazon link so that I get a small commission to keep the videos coming. The link is: http://amzn.to/1BF8Gef
The footage should be the same quality as the WX970 because the two cams are identical except for the latter having an extra tiny cam on the flip-out LCD but to all intents and purposes the 4K footage is the same.
If you like the look of this camcorder and want to buy one, please go via my Amazon link so that I get a small commission to keep the videos coming. The link is: http://amzn.to/1BF8Gef