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Need info about DIT differences between Varicam and F900
I’m basically an F900 guy, but I may have to work on a Varicam shoot next Tuesday. Can anyone point me to some ready reference material I can review to see how the settings and menus differ from Sony’s?
I’d appreciate the help!
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3 Replies
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[Milestone] “but I may have to work on a Varicam shoot next Tuesday. Can anyone point me to some ready reference material I can review to see how the settings and menus differ from Sony’s?”
the best reference is Robert Goodman’s guide to the Varicam.
the rental house near you should have a copy.gary adcock
Studio37
HD & Film Consultation
Post and Production Workflows
Chicago, IL
gary@studio37.com -
Milestone,
The Varicam is very different from the Cine Alta setup; namely because of the Film Rec menu which replaces knee and point settings with four presets of “dynamic range” for highlight compression. The real purpose is to create a flat or low contrast negative for filmout, but these settings can be used creatively to deal with extended range and to imitate the film look for other purposes.
To get the greatest effect the resultant video must be processed out (for editing or other WYSIWUG looks) with a Gamma Correction box. This is rarely done, although the new 1400 VTR includes this in it’s circuitry. Also the Panasonic monitors offer this option to “see” what you can get.
By invoking higher steps of dynamic range when you don’t really need it, you create a foggy, desaturated look and steal sensativity and speed. The effect can be compensated for by crushing the gamma and creating a stronger color with matrix but this definately requires a DSC chart, waveform/vectorscope and some experience.
I don’t recommend using this camera without extensive prep to learn how this feature works, and a full discussion of intended ultimate use and post production workflow is also required. If the shoot is for video presentation and there’s no budget for Da Vinci type color correction, I recommend limiting the Dynamic range to 200 or 300%. This way you get some of the benefit of the highlight compression without creating an overly flat and desaturated master. If you need more, because of the extended range of exposure included in the scene, by all means dial in more. For example a lot of sky, looking out the window, or a Chef’s white jacket.
This is both the cameras greatest feature and a potential trap, especially for the uninitiated! When in doubt (or in a hurry) consult someone skilled with this camera, but beware, not everyone who owns or uses it is so.
Good luck,
JS
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The best professional advice I can offer you is learn the camera hands on at the rental facility in advance of the shoot which will allow you the time to go over the critical camera and vtr setup menus.
Understanding why and when to use the menus is more paramount than flipping switches and menus just because you can.You will be doing yourself and the client a huge injustice by not being properly educated and prepared to professional “fly” the Varicam or any other camera for that matter under the tight time requirements on set.
Reading a manual or book is substitute for real world hands on time with the camera, EC-3 and protocol which is uniquely Panasonic. The reference material does aid in speeding up your process but having the camera in hand is the only method to fully comprehend how it all operates.
Most rental facilities encourage the DIT or AC to familarize themselves on the gear so a request to learn the camera at the rental office is not out of line (assuming the gear is in house and available). It is in the best interest of the rental house to answer all your questions prior to the shoot instead of receiving the panic phone calls from the set.
The F900 and Varicam are two completely different beasts and require learning the method and menu structures which both companies use to address different functions and settings.
Sort of like learning how to drive a Big Rig stick shift versus an automatic VW.
Good luck,
Tony Salgado
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