Messages

1

Software Dev / Re: Updating the UI: Input Methods Edition

« on: April 02, 2018, 12:05:35 AM »

Some comments I will make:  I find pressing and scrolling the scrollknob while on a tripod especially is tricky. Plus you can't 'press and spin' for more than about 3/4 of a turn without having a rotatable wrist.
While I have no problems with this as an input method for changing numbers, it's the main reason I never use that to scroll through stuff on the playback window.

I'd also avoid 'press to select next field' as it's too easy to bump and change random things.  'Tap to edit' and the currently selected number is the one that changes and no number of presses changes that would make for less errors.

I like the keyboards, no complaints or comments beyond that the current one is nice enough to use so improvements can only be good.

2

Software Dev / Re: Updating the UI: Record Settings Edition

« on: March 12, 2018, 12:23:40 AM »

Just keep the spot for the 'save preset' button (Maybe add it and grey it out so it's part of the final design?)
But otherwise, that looks very good.

I'm guessing it feels at least as good/easy as the original firmware to actually use?  (I like the idea of the button active areas being larger. Gives it a nicer look while still making the buttons 'feel' large.

3

Software Dev / Re: Updating the UI: Play & Save Edition

« on: February 28, 2018, 09:27:22 AM »

You could always average a stripe of pixels from the center and make it into a single colour.
That way any activity near the center of shot will change the 'preview's colour.  I can't imagine too many events that wouldn't change at least colour or brightness.
I actually think it would be less useful for handheld footage compared to tripod where you'd get 'static-background' for most then 'orangeandredexplosion' then back to 'new-static-background'.
This is another feature that might be worth taking some footage, some python and making up some 'real' bars to see the effect rather than pure mockups before depending on this feature being in the camera.

4

Software Dev / Re: Updating the UI: Main Screen Edition

« on: February 27, 2018, 11:12:38 PM »

I would have zero issue with it being *in addition to* zoom in/out buttons. It's a great short cut that many people seem comfortable with or want it.
(I don't really like it myself, having dealt with the frustration of old/damaged/dirty(or heavily protected) gear not registering the second finger/dropping touches/etc. Trying to hold a large/heavy device in two hands while doing multi-tap is a pain. If it's set up on a light tripod or balanced atop something to set up the shot.)

One thought: Mentioned in another thread is that someone would like the ability to use the camera with an external HDMI screen and a mouse. I can imagine this being a very useful feature(Much like being able to plug a mouse into an android smartphone and having it bring up a cursor).

You suggested 'tap to zoom'.  That alone might be enough. Set it so if you tap the image, wherever you tap would zoom in to a magnified view on that spot.(With big 'zoomed in' text)  Tap again returns to normal view. So you can quickly tap-zoom/tap-unzoom a few spots. It would simplify the interaction and also do the same thing.

The final designs would need to be tested though for what 'feels right' as you said.  These are all just ideas.

And I keep forgetting to mention it. I like the 'exposure changed' reminder. That is a nice(if unrelated) touch.

5

Chronos User Discussion / Re: speed booster for the chronos to reduce crop on full frame lenses

« on: February 27, 2018, 02:58:05 PM »

Any details on the prototype CS to MFT?  Something we can 3d print or laser cut to play with and test?
The biggest thing stopping me playing with any of the better lenses is that I'd have to buy them and they are not worth it for the quality improvement alone if it means a dramatic rise in F-stop.

6

Software Dev / Re: Updating the UI: Main Screen Edition

« on: February 27, 2018, 04:51:13 AM »

I like the slider along the bottom and the 'auto' button.  It's exact height would depend on how the 'playback' screen was done, as the viewport and menu sizes are the same, it would be no disadvantage to leave the exposure slider the same size..

One way around pinch to zoom, assuming there is room to add them, would be a 'zoom in/out' button pair then 'drag' to pan around would work.
Maybe, depending on what others think, you can have 'focus aids' and that would invert/depress the button and replace recording settings/play+save with 'zoom in/out'  'zebra toggle' 'focus aid level'   etc. and show that your in a different viewing mode?   Would adding this extra step get in the way of other's workflow?

(And for the record, while I'd rather not have pinch-to-zoom or other things that are not completely obvious due to a dislike of hard to discover features, I'd accept it if there is no other sane way.  A 'zoom to check focus' feature would be very handy indeed.)

7

Software Dev / Re: Updating the UI: Main Screen Edition

« on: February 26, 2018, 05:27:05 PM »

Please no 'pinch to zoom' for any settings changes. Using a single finger to scroll around the image and manipulate controls is easy enough to work out but multi-touch becomes hard to discover and I don't believe are needed on a screen like this.
As far as I know, the shutter speed is quite important to most users of the camera, so having it along the bottom would make it visually match the playback screen, give you more control and would only be further aided by the scroll knob to do fine tweaks.
It's been one of the most fiddly controls after the playback scroll, at least to me(I use it on a tripod 95% of the time, so everything is done with an index finger).  But at the end, I'll listen to those who use it every day.

8

Software Dev / Re: Updating the UI: Record Settings Edition

« on: February 26, 2018, 05:06:09 PM »

The 'fat finger' effect will need to be tested, but if the buttons are chunkier then I'm happy to hold off judgement until it's tested.
Please never use scrolling on any of the major windows, it really disrupts both look and ease of use.

I like the latest version.  It presents everything in a nice easy to understand way. It also gives space on the right for more buttons as needed.

And I don't know if this is the right place for it, but would a 'save as preset' button be out of place here?  Edit/remove/reset presets can be elsewhere, but being able to set everything up then 'save' them might be handy.

9

Software Dev / Re: Updating the UI: Main Screen Edition

« on: February 24, 2018, 06:25:28 PM »

C also works for me, based on a quick glance and think.
I'm hoping that the new playback screen will move the position slider to the bottom of the screen to give both more space and keep fingers out of the way.
So I'm wondering if doing the same for the Shutter would also be a good idea as the imagines tend to be long and narrow rather than tall and thin.

10

Software Dev / Re: Updating the UI: Record Settings Edition

« on: February 24, 2018, 06:21:11 PM »

While 'B' looks better, I'd be a little worried about fat-fingering the other controls when changing a setting, but if this is not a problem in the real world then go for that.
You also have a bit more space to work with: move the 'trigger delay' button to the 'trigger' menu/page where it belongs. Not on the recording screen.

11

Software Dev / Re: Saving setting across reboots is BAD

« on: December 30, 2017, 10:10:37 PM »

I find the save settings to be very handy, I keep forgetting to change the save setting back to 30fps and the shutter to 50% for example.
So to make a 'disable save settings' option useful, you might want to want a 'save as defaults' option, to allow someone to pre-configure their camera and then have it revert to that every time it's powered up might be a useful compromise.

For now, under Utils -> Settings  is  'Revert to Defaults'  5 taps from power on to back in shooting mode.

12

Chronos User Discussion / Re: Chronos 1.4 Footage Thread

« on: December 18, 2017, 09:12:31 PM »

Crash testing lego cars. Had some settings wrong and we need a longer runup but it shows promise. (And editing mistakes at the end)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yQ6KYem8z8

The car is pulled along by a kilo wight and spectra fishing line over nearly a meter. Surprisingly realistic results.
Next time we've got a space that will allow 2.8m of runup. So we can go from scale speeds to insane speeds.

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Chronos User Discussion / Re: Chronos 1.4 Footage Thread

« on: November 04, 2017, 08:12:34 PM »

Sand and paint on a drum.  Mostly testing using realtime and high speed footage together and sound.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxgAgZQ3WZM

There is a series with electrical arcs coming up soon.

14

Software Dev / Re: Improving the Jog Wheel, ideas.

« on: October 14, 2017, 05:36:47 AM »

Depending on the final feature set, 'velocity control on/off' could be a UI option, and on the same page allow the user to pick their 'fast' and 'slow' fixed amount if they wish?
I know I'm likely to find having to press the button, select my 'speed' then advance and then click to change it and advance closer each time to be quite annoying. However if velocity control turns out to be hated or hard to implement, I could likely adapt and live with it.

15

Software Dev / Re: Improving the Jog Wheel, ideas.

« on: October 14, 2017, 03:06:32 AM »

I'd be happy with a simple 'click to change between fast and slow jog' however if you want to be more fancy, implement 'acceleration'.

Turn the knob fast. It moves a lot. Give it a flick and it may jump several thousands of frames. Turn the knob slow, it advances a single frame at time.
No need to select how many big you want your jump to be. I know a number of DSOs impliment theis on their control knobs and it's extremely intuitive to
use to the point where you only notice it when it's missing.
Edit: 'velocity control' is another name for this.