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Setup files
Are there sources for setup files for Variam model H?
JR Allen –
from the heart of the Mississippi Sound -
4 Replies
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JR,
Obviously it would be preferred that by now ( more than 10 weeks since first deliveries) that there was the promised software to convert “F” files to the “H” camera. There has been considerable sharing of these files, both amoungst various users and even on several websites (check archives).
In addition, one of the best things about the Goodman Varicam guide is the many “looks” that are exemplified and explained therein which can be codified and entered into your own file card.
But to be completely frank about it; there are so many settings and many of them user-specific that it’s incombant on any serious Varicam operator to know and learn the menu structure and the many components available for custom settings. Granted that some settings like flare and matrix require sophisticated test equipment (waveform, vectorscope and DSC chart) to personalize, optimize and customize; but in addition there are so many others that are dependent on the particular task at hand (frame rate, dynamic range or knee settings, black stretch or press, aspect ratio markers, battery type, color bar preferance, etc. etc. that someone who plans to get the most out of their Varicam should invest some time (and maybe even some money with an engineer) to create there own settings.
That’s not to say that I wouldn’t share my settings, and I’ve studied many others settings in the process of learning how I want to setup my cameras, but my point is that by learning the many permutations available in the menu you’ll ultimately be in better control of the camera! I’d be the first to admit that it takes time, and the process is never ending, but in many ways that’s the opportunity of using such a tool!
Finally, I have to tell you that the settings I understand, value and use most are the ones I’ve discovered and learned about myself, through trial and error and experimentation and it will probably be the same for you!
JS
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Thanks John and I am planning to invest a great deal of time to learn the menu. It would be helpful though (since there doesnt seem to be an outlet for model h settings) if some of the folks here wouldnt mind sharing some of their favorite basic modifications. Maybe not share the whole setup file but share some of the more important aspects and why it is prefered to modify these settings.
JR Allen –
from the heart of the Mississippi Sound -
JR,
Where on the Mississippi Sound are you located?I mostly work out of Atlanta but am rebuilding a home on Dauphin Island which has a Northside on the Mississippi Sound.
Marion
mlaney@ideawercs.netMarion Laney
Director-DP-sometimes Editor
ideaWercs, inc.
Atlanta, Ga. USA
Producing in HD&35mm&SD
Food Network series “Good Eats” and others. -
Keep one major item in mind.
Just because you can change a menu item does not imply you should.
Before you change anything you should educate yourself on what exactly the menu item effects, what the end result will be, and if you change something will it improve the camera performance.
When in doubt always have a fallback to “undo” whatever you may have screwed up.
Tony Salgado
Tony Salgado
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