Picture quality issue with sony HDR-CX450

dosdan

115. Check p70 of its manual under "Other Rec Set":

https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/res/manuals/4170/41708931M.pdf

dosdan

CX450
http://helpguide.sony.net/cam/1610/v1/en/print.pdf

Section 106:

How to Use Menu operations Camera/Mic Digital Zoom

You can select the maximum zoom level. Note that the image quality decreases when you use the digital zoom.
1. - [Camera/Mic] - [ Camera Settings] - [Digital Zoom] - desired setting.

Descriptions of menu items

Off: Digital zoom cannot be used.
350: Up to 350 zoom is performed digitally


Section 205:

Zoom magnifications HDR-CX450/CX455/CX485
When recording a movie with SteadyShot set to [Active] 60 timesWhen recording a movie with SteadyShot set to [Intelligent Active] 59 timesWhen recording a movie or photo with SteadyShot set to [Standard] or [Off] 30 timesWhen [Digital Zoom] is set to [350x] 350 times

Mike West

Yes I think I've cracked it, it seems to be SteadyShot (Active and Intelligent Active) that is causing the pixelation with the cx450. when it's set to standard or off there is much less pixelation, though the zoom is much less. Actually doesn't seem like it's zooming in enough.  Anyway thank you very much for your help.

dosdan

You can test this. Set the camera up on a tripod.  Set it at a distance from a tape measure, of say 1m or 10m, running L->R. Have it at a distance so that the 1m or 10m just fills the frame at 1x. Then as, you zoom in, compare the captured length of the tape measure (Right minus Left cm values at the frame edges). This will give you the zoom ratio achieved.

Dan.

12harry

CX450 is a Budget camcorder and that zoom range includes "digital" which should only be a last resort ( and done in EDIT !).  If you restrict yr zoom to something nearer 20x ( using the tape-measure idea already posted), this should be perfectly good enough for getting the Story over.
To get a closer image, "Use your legs" is a good maxim, - except when you are on a train/ship/etc.

If you pay 10x this, then you get lots more features   a bigger Sensor and the larger glass that implies ( which is where the costs escalate).
The cost of image quality is the main reason IMHO why 4K camcorders have such a poor Zoom range.... it's as though they expect you to "waste pixels" to zoom-in . . . which rather defeats the point of a 4K sensor.... although in HD-mode and shown on a large screen it's surprising what can be achieved.

A tripod is essential for any "Tests" so as to eliminate at least one variable... the Operator.

Cheers.

Mike West

thanks 12harry. I haven't been able to do the test as I don't currently have a tripod but i'm certain the CX450 does not zoom in as much as the CX115e. Even though it's supposed to have more optical zoom.


I've been thinking about buying this 4k camcorder https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B078XX5P8V/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&psc=1
It apparently has the highest 4k zoom at 24x optical, but I wonder if quality is lost at full zoom.

Terfyn

Its a Leica lens - what do you expect? The optical zoom is up to 24x but the intelligent zoom will take you to 32x or 48x without any loss of picture quality.

chrishull3

Specs - DC-FZ82 LUMIX Camera | Bridge Camera Case | Panasonic UK & Ireland
4k 60X Optical 120x izoom 3330mm

Pretty good quality.

12harry

Optical zoom "should" be the limit for quality image stakes... as any addition effects must lose pixels, even though the various "boosts" are retaining all those needed for HD ( hence the claims that image-quality remains ). However, fewer sensor pixs-per-pixel must introduce some additional noise ( or some downgrade)...otherwise they wouldn't use the sensor with all pixels present  That's my take, FWIW.

Terfyn, that VX1 Pana looks like a further improvement for moving-making, as you will know - I like the Active Contrast and Dolly-Zoom features and whilst "more Zoom" would be nice, what it really lacks is a built-in ND filter - even a  x4 would be better than having to remove the sunshade and then screw-in a filter.
- There is a Sony with this.... but it's a lot more money. . . and lacks some "Umph" -er, IMHO.
A 24x Zoom isn't too much of a downside... since it's way more than most SLRs ever had - and modern Bridge-Cameras are less convenient for movie-making; although they do offer long zooms and the Pana 2000 (DYOR) has ND filters - odd that, when in Stills-Mode you can have a short exposure.

Cheers