18 September 2010

SLR video and 'one-touch' zooms


I'm thinking that the rather primitive nature of current dSLR video will be best served with an old-fashioned push-pull zoom lens. When shooting in real time the left hand is required to zoom and focus during hand-held clips, and shifting from zoom ring to focus ring will more likely wiggle the camera. With a bit of practice, the 35-135 Rikenon could serve well as the 'video lens' when wide-angle shooting isn't vital. Since I've only taken one short clip since late June, and video wasn't my reason for picking up a K-7, this isn't a huge concern.. but it's an interesting and valid reason to keep one of these old designs in the bag!