F717 Question

Hi guys, can help me answer a few questions?

Anyone know exactly what does the "conversion lens" setting (on/off) in the setup mode is used for?
I used the special effect filters also the wide angle, all has no effect. In fact setting this to on makes the camera unable to focus at all when the wide angle conversion is attached.

Second, Im having a big problem focusing my macro shots.
Mostly small product shots. Its metal, so chromish and reflective, and my background setup is white. Light is usually from flash.
My problem is all the pictures taken is not sharp. I forced the ISO to 100 yet the image is still noisy.
Is it because of the white seamless background that mess up the focusing system?

On a lighter side...
I was offered an XSLA filter, an infrared enhancement filter that enable Sony nightshot camera's infamous "X-RAY vision".
Wonder if anyone here has it... I swear I didnt take up the offer yet , dont even know what is it

[wormz777]

I will try.

1) The 'conversion lens' setting is to be activated when u add a wide angle/telecon so that the cam can focus properly. It does not need to be turned on when using normal filters like polarizer or closeup.

2) Can't focus macro shots? I am assuming that you are not using any additional fliters like closeup. The only possiblity I can think of is that you are too close to the subject. The 2cm specification only applies if you are using no zoom. If I am not wrong, if on full zoom, you need to be at least 90cm. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Since you are taking chrome reflective subjects, I would suggest you purchase a closeup filter or macro lens. this is because they allow you a bigger distance away from to subject to cut down on your reflection on the shiny surfaces. You don't want yourself to be included in the shot right? Pai say, I've got to use my own shots as an example.

http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthrea...threadid=23309

3) For consumer digicams, noise even at the lowest iso settings is unavoidable. Sad to say, our 717 has somewhat more distinct noise at iso100, but its still at a acceptable level for me.

4) Maybe for shiny objects, you can focus on the parts where its not that shiny.

5) I haven't heard of the XSLA filters, but I think with normal IR filters, the same effect can be obtained though not recommended I believe some 717 owners here in CS have those right?

Hope this helps

[Stevick_Lee]

XSLA filter? Wads dat? Maybe can see skeleton.

[wormz777]

Quote: Originally posted by Stevick_Lee XSLA filter? Wads dat? Maybe can see skeleton.

No Stevick, sadly our camera is not advanced enough to see through flesh yet.
So its only viewable to the skin level.

[007]

Quote: Originally posted by Takki No Stevick, sadly our camera is not advanced enough to see through flesh yet. So its only viewable to the skin level.

where to get this XSLA filter?

Wormz, thats what I thought too.
But the "conversion lens" setting does the opposite.
Im using the Sony conversion lens too. With it turned on, all your images became blurred. With it off, its ok... so I find it very strange.

I attach a macro lens for my macros, even done some without any lenses, result is the same.
I know the reflection thing is annoying thats why I made some sort of a "macro station", basically a cardboard box, opened up and layered with white paper. I would put my thing in this box and take a photo. But the focusing and noise seems out of normal. Ill try again with stronger lighting after I buy some lights.

Quote: Originally posted by 007 where to get this XSLA filter?

http://www.advanced-intelligence.com/camcorders.html
See the bottom most. Sorry its called SXIR
Very expensive there.

But my friend told me its just a regular IR Pass filter, but not all of them can do it, only certain makes. He wouldnt tell me which one unless I buy from him, which Im not going to do... my wife would kill me

[wormz777]

hmm ... the conversion lens setting works fine with my G07 wide angle ... perhaps you want to go down to the sony showroom to ask more about it

Macro box?? does it help? the surface will still show the reflection of your lens rite?

[mpenza]

Anyone know exactly what does the "conversion lens"

This was meant for the old wide angle converter if I'm not wrong and is actually equivalent to the macro mode. The old wide-angle converter requires the macro mode in order to focus.

Macro box helps of course, unless you are photographing something like a mirror.
I work in a precision plastic company, we do those plastic chrome plating thing that needs to be photographed sometimes.
So I have something the shapes of tubes, spherical, cone, etc.
You have to deal with side and top reflections as well as your lens. So I need to use a macro box unless I want to get my whole office on the surface

[Stevick_Lee]

Quote: Originally posted by Takki No Stevick, sadly our camera is not advanced enough to see through flesh yet. So its only viewable to the skin level.

Yo Takki, how much did the guy quote u for it? Juz by using any IR Pass Filters of 800nm and above, this can be achieve. I have tried out lotsa of it, but have not heard of an XSLA filter.

[Stevick_Lee]

Quote: Originally posted by Takki http://www.advanced-intelligence.com/camcorders.html See the bottom most. Sorry its called SXIR Very expensive there. But my friend told me its just a regular IR Pass filter, but not all of them can do it, only certain makes. He wouldnt tell me which one unless I buy from him, which Im not going to do... my wife would kill me

Tell ur fren that any IR filters that is about 800nm n above can achieve the effect regardless of brands.

Quote: Originally posted by Stevick_Lee Tell ur fren that any IR filters that is about 800nm n above can achieve the effect regardless of brands.

Thanks!
Now hmmm.... howd you know so much about it

[cheersjy]

Originally Posted by Takki Hi guys, can help me answer a few questions? Anyone know exactly what does the "conversion lens" setting (on/off) in the setup mode is used for? I used the special effect filters also the wide angle, all has no effect. In fact setting this to on makes the camera unable to focus at all when the wide angle conversion is attached. Second, Im having a big problem focusing my macro shots. Mostly small product shots. Its metal, so chromish and reflective, and my background setup is white. Light is usually from flash. My problem is all the pictures taken is not sharp. I forced the ISO to 100 yet the image is still noisy. Is it because of the white seamless background that mess up the focusing system? On a lighter side... I was offered an XSLA filter, an infrared enhancement filter that enable Sony nightshot camera's infamous "X-RAY vision". Wonder if anyone here has it... I swear I didnt take up the offer yet , dont even know what is it

I am using the VCL-MHG07A wide conversion lens on my 717. Actually you don't have to bother about the conversion lens setting - just turn it OFF. What you need to do is to turn on the Macro mode when you have the lens fitted on your camera. Now your 717 is 28mm at wide angle liao, and the AF works like normal.

To perform closeup shooting on some reflective objects, first turn on the Macro mode and set 717 to its widest zoom. You may like to cover your reflective object under a thin piece of cloth or paper with some black lines or patterns so that you can focus on it. Once your cam has achieved the right focus, you can turn off the autofocus function and the focusing distance of 717 will be fixed (unless you turn the zoom/focus ring). Now you remove the paper or cloth and shoot as many as you like (but don't change the distance between your cam and the object). You may like to turn to manual (M) or shuttle priority (S) mode to control the brightness of the reflective object so that your photos will not be over-exposed. A closeup filter also allow you to focus from a longer distance.

hope these help.