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New project – which format? camera stabilizers?
Hi all…
I’m trying to decide what format to shoot in. It is a TV pilot; however, it is also a thesis film that I would expect to show projected on a big screen, so I’m thinking 24P since I want a film look. But there’s so many options – I’m confused about the native vs. the other settings, etc. I will be editing in FCP 5 with the new studio package.
Also, I found the P2’s a bit hard to wrangle off the tripod. We’re shooting with 2 cameras in a documentary style. I’m going for long-lens throws with a small field of focus and a slightly hand-held look, but not a lot! Any recommendations on stabilizing devices, jibs, etc.?
The first two of many questions to come…
Thanks so much!
Liz -
10 Replies
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Ask this in a more general camera forum. This board is focused on P2 cameras so you’re not going to get the widest range of responses.
Noah
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The reason I have posted in this forum is because I will be using the P2 camera, specifically. So I’m asking about particular opinions or experiences folks have had with using this camera, not cameras in general. I’m curious about what people have used to stabilize the P2 since it is definetly a different feel than most other small cameras. I’m also looking for advice on format as it pertains to the options available on the P2 and to see if anyone has had particularly good results with this camera in a particular mode.
Thanks,
Liz -
You might look into getting a shoulder mount I think that porta brace probably has one that will work with the hvx or here is one from anton bauer https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=283268&is=REG&addedTroughType=search that might work. Basically if you are going to use a stabilizer, you’re going to want to get a should brace if you still want your shots to look handheld. If you get a steadicam and try to use it with a really long lens (for your shallow depth of field) it’s going to be a nightmare. Basically, I’d look for something that will go over your shoulder and use a standard tripod mount to hook on the bottom of the camera.
something like this https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=206346&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation
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Exactly- if you want the long len, shallow DOF, “handheld” look they have on shows like CSI and L&O, etc those are often shot on tripods with loose heads.
Noah
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Really? Wow, that makes things much easier, relatively. That’s exactly the look I’m going for – mainly like “24”.
In terms of format – can anyone explain the difference between 24pA, 24p, and 24pN?
Thank you!!!
Liz
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I’d be happy to explain this to you liz, but first tell me, which format (standard definition or high definition) are you trying to work with. 24pN with the HVX200 can mean two different things, unfortunately, but it depends on which format you are planning on shooting.
Jeremy
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I’m trying to work in HD.
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Sorry, one more question, 720p or 1080i HD?
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For SD & 1080i:
24pN = 24p Normal, meaning that the footage is 24p, but has a 3:2 pulldown added so that the motion looks as good as it can while watching in interlaced television sets. You will edit in a 29.97 timeline.
24pA = 24p Advanced. The footage is still 24p, but has a different pulldown cadence, 2:3:3:2. This is was designed so that if you remove the pulldown frame, you are left with true 24p media. Once you remove the pulldown, you will edit in a 23.98 timeline.
In these format 24p really has no bearing as you will either be shooting 24pN or 24pA as the footage is recorded 29.97.
The problem with shooitng 1080i 24pA with the HVX200 is that it is not exactly easy to remove the advanced pulldown at this time. It is possible, but not easy. Hopefully, an update to FCP/Cinema Tools will fix this problem soon.
For 720p:
24pN = 24p Native. This means that only the 24 discreet progressive frames are recorded to the P2 card. You will edit in a 23.98 timeline in FCP.
24pA = is not applicable in this format (720p)
24p = 720p60 (the SMPTE standard) with 24 flagged frames recorded in the 60p cadence. This is akin to the 24p Normal standard from above. This will give you the film look, but you will be editing in a 59.94 sequence (aka 60p). This is good if you are planning to shoot for TV as 60p is more “broadcast friendly” but will will still achieve the ‘film look’ of 24p.
Read these here:
https://www.adamwilt.com/24p/index.html#24pRecording
https://www.adamwilt.com/24p/index.html#When_to_shoot
Even though this was written for the DVX100 camera, the same knowledge still applies in terms of pulldown. There’s pictures as well to help you get a sense of what is happening.
Jeremy
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My favorite mode with the HVX is the 720p24pN- The vFPS are available and the is no messing with flaged frames. You also get the most use of p2 time per card. 10 min per 4 gig card.
One of the techniques I like is shooting with myleft hand on the top of the stix and resting the cam on top of it. I can control the amount “handheld” look to desired amount. Another option is one of the soft mounts like cinesaddle or a sand bag to brace the cam.
JP
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