Some DV and DVCAM camcorders like the AG-DVX100, DSR-PD150, DSR-250 can record a video signal with “7.5% setup.” Is that OK?
The AG-DVX100, PD150 and DSR-250 have a “7.5% setup” setting in the menu. Don’t use it! It does not add setup to the analog outputs; it modifies the digital data coming from the camera head by boosting the black level, resulting in washed-out blacks, reduced precision, and nonstandard tapes as described above. As a result the analog video played back from the camcorder or viewed live has its blacks at 7.5 IRE, so the signal looks like it has setup, but what it really has is a too-high black level! The “7.5% setup” setting in these cams are really only useful if you’re: • using the camcorder as a camera only, in switched multicam shoots where the other cameras have setup; • intercutting camera footage with off-air signals recorded on a deck like the DHR-1000 that similarly does not remove setup on analog inputs, thereby creating washed-out-black footage; • intercutting camera footage in an NLE with images brought in via analog dubs to DV tapes or live E-E digitizing when such A/D is don
