Handheld meter robustness testing

[joeqsmith]

Just a quick test of the new Sony camera. Using auto focus and built-in mic.  I am normally sitting next to the camera anyway.

Tend to agree, 1080p 30fps is more than enough. It's a step up from the 720p used in recent videos or the 480p I started with.  Shouldn't be too much of a problem to render. 
 

[Grandchuck]

Nice Joe.  Very sharp details.  Looks great on my 27 inch Dell screen.

[Furna]

Just a quick test of the new Sony camera. Using auto focus and built-in mic.  I am normally sitting next to the camera anyway.

Tend to agree, 1080p 30fps is more than enough. It's a step up from the 720p used in recent videos or the 480p I started with.  Shouldn't be too much of a problem to render. 
 

1080p 30fps is enough for a multimeter review but for close up to a circuit board 2160p 30fps makes the difference
Also shooting in 4K gives you the option to "zoom" in post production if anything happen (i.e. sparks, magic smokes etc)

The video you posted looks really great on my 27 inch 4K monitor

[KungFuJosh]

That looks great! Focus was excellent too.

I would guess that you can't zoom in too far because when you do, the minimum focus distance changes. Try moving the camera farther back and zoom in 100% and see how far the camera needs to be for it to be within the autofocus range.

[joeqsmith]

The camera is typically is about 2' away, parked right next to me.   Just easier to work this way.   The manual states further than 1 meter required to make full use of the zoom.   That's getting a bit too far away. 

Thought about getting a clip on mic, but I think I would need to go wireless. 

[KungFuJosh]

That makes sense. Excellent choice on the camera. Enjoy the wireless mic rabbit hole.

I bought this: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1741395-REG/saramonic_blink100_b2_blink_100_b2_2_person.html

It's good enough for me. It's even better that I got it on sale for $29. Pay attention here: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/dealZone.jsp

You can get some decent deals there.

Thanks,
Josh

[joeqsmith]

I have had a few people complain about the audio quality because the L&R channels are not well balanced.  Clip on would solve this but I can see walking off without disconnecting... dragging the camera to it's doom.   It would need to be fool proof.  Not sure about BLE or other digital communications.     

[KungFuJosh]

The one I linked is wireless. It has a base unit that connects to the camera with a wire, and the 2 mics are both wireless. Even if you only need 1 mic most of the time, a 2nd backup is nice for when you smash the first mic, or maybe if the battery runs out.

[joeqsmith]

At 2.4, I assume BLE.  Any idea?   

[KungFuJosh]

I assume the same, but I've not seen anything that specifies anything beyond 2.4.

[joeqsmith]

Quote from Google AI.  So how reliable is it?  Lag? Dropouts?  Connection problems? 

No, wireless microphones do not typically use Bluetooth (BLE), but
many use the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which is also used by Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other devices. This band is popular for budget-friendly microphones due to its accessibility, but it can lead to interference.
What to know about 2.4 GHz vs. BLE

    2.4 GHz wireless microphones: These operate on a specific, less expensive part of the 2.4 GHz band, and use proprietary protocols optimized for audio. They are not Bluetooth, though they are in the same frequency range.
    Bluetooth (BLE): Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a separate, standardized protocol designed for short-range communication and low power consumption. While some consumer-grade audio devices might use Bluetooth for simple audio streaming, dedicated wireless microphone systems prioritize better audio quality and reliability using their own protocols in the 2.4 GHz band.
    Interference: Because the 2.4 GHz band is so crowded, wireless microphones operating in this range are more susceptible to signal interference from other devices like Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, and other electronics. This can cause audio dropouts or other disruptions.

[KungFuJosh]

I've had no connection issues, but I haven't used it a ton yet. I do have lots of 2.4G WiFi IoT stuff, and didn't see any interference with that.

I made a very lazy/silly video with the mic here:


I put no effort into that, but the quality is decent anyway.

[EEVblog]

1080p 30fps is enough for a multimeter review but for close up to a circuit board 2160p 30fps makes the difference
Also shooting in 4K gives you the option to "zoom" in post production if anything happen (i.e. sparks, magic smokes etc)

I get a lot of people saying the 4k teardowns are great, super detailed over the 1080p ones.

[EEVblog]

The camera is typically is about 2' away, parked right next to me.   Just easier to work this way.   The manual states further than 1 meter required to make full use of the zoom.   That's getting a bit too far away. 
Thought about getting a clip on mic, but I think I would need to go wireless.

For all my behind camera stuff I use a Rode NT55 with omni directional capsule so it sounds consistent wherever I am around the camera. As long as I'm within half a meter or so of the camera it sounds consistent.
Yes, 1m away from any mic is getting too far.
And yes, a wired mic for behind camera work is just too annoying.
Down in the dungeon I use a Rode Wireless Go.

[joeqsmith]

The Klein Tools MM400, 4000 count DMM

[Fungus]

I think the audio got worse in that video.

[joeqsmith]

The built-in mic on this camera seems more sensitive than my old camera.  I've had people complain about background noise from the test equipment. 

[EEVblog]

The built-in mic on this camera seems more sensitive than my old camera.  I've had people complain about background noise from the test equipment.

I just watched a random old video, and the background noise is WAY worse.
It's like it's got auto-gain and will gain up when you aren't talking.
I think the voice on the new camera is fine.

[2N3055]

The built-in mic on this camera seems more sensitive than my old camera.  I've had people complain about background noise from the test equipment.

I just watched a random old video, and the background noise is WAY worse.
It's like it's got auto-gain and will gain up when you aren't talking.
I think the voice on the new camera is fine.

I agree. Sound is better. Resolution is also better. There is a bit of focus hunting. I would personally like a tad bit brighter picture.
But definitely step forward. And pretty good for first video with new camera you didn't have time to get used to.

[joeqsmith]

The camera's LCD viewer is on the left and is dead stopped perpendicular to the camera's body.   I bumped it a couple of times making that video but did not have the camera locked down but can see where this will need some sort of protection.   That, or maybe the HDMI port can be used for a remote display.  I need to look into it.  Outside of that, I really like the camera.   

[KungFuJosh]

You got the AX43A, right? Can you flip the screen and leave it pressed into the body with the LCD display still visible? I would assume you're right about HDMI working for an external monitor.

[joeqsmith]

Yes, you can flip it as you suggested.  Of course, now you are having to look to the side to view it.   Better than snapping it off.  Small HDMI monitor could be mounted anywhere and would solve it.  The manual doesn't dive into the details but it seems to suggest its for viewing pre-recorded data and limited.   I just need to try it. 

[Fungus]

The built-in mic on this camera seems more sensitive than my old camera.  I've had people complain about background noise from the test equipment.

It's the auto level control that's doing it. You can hear the microphone gain ramping up during every pause.

Can you disable that and set the level manually?

[joeqsmith]

Yes, the audio gain was on auto, and can be manually set.  Sometimes I have to move away from the camera to make adjustments to the equipment.  This is why I was thinking about using a remote wireless mic.

[Fungus]

Yes, the audio gain was on auto, and can be manually set.  Sometimes I have to move away from the camera to make adjustments to the equipment.  This is why I was thinking about using a remote wireless mic.

Can your camera mix internal and external microphones? Maybe better to set up a fixed microphone near the equipment and mix them together.