5D workflow in FCP

[Jason Brown]

Not just cheap – SMALL…we’re going to Morroco and I anticipate customs issues bringing cases and cases of camera equipment. Also, I’ve not experienced the capabilities to get the kind of cinematic DOF that I have with still lenses that can open to F1.8-F1.2 … the DOF is really nice for portrait stuff. The expense isn’t that much of a factor…

Thanks for your input though, I’ll let you know how it turns out.

-Jason

[Jason Brown]

Audio we’re bringing – Boom pole (in tripod cases) – Shotgun mic – along with lectro wireless system (lav). Will be in a pelican case along with 2 5D bodies – lenses – batteries – should fit fine in a 1500 series case.

We’ve just run a test – 2x Samson H4n (one for redundancy) records wav at 48khz – 16bit.

Syncs up beautifully with a 5D source h264 flip @ 30 – converted to ProRes LT – 29.97 in compressor.

I think I figured out a solution on match framing 2 cameras – create a multicam clip based on an in point (set at the clapboard) – Then edit off camera one…edit in cam 2 where needed.

I think this is a great solution and its working so far based on my tests.

Thanks for the input…my biggest concern was match framing the cams…but it seems like Multicam is a great solution for that. (only issue – the Multicam clip is green above it in the SEQ which is set to match the settings of the source clip) If I drop the source clip into the timeline by itself…it’s grey and doesn’t need rendered.

-Jason

[Jeremy Garchow]

[Tim Kolb] “Hmmm… Have you guys ever seen the latitude on these cameras?”

Yes, edited a couple things with these cameras so I know it decently but not intimately.

[Tim Kolb] “there isn’t a conventional video camera that will get you the image latitude that the 5D, and lesser so, the 7D will get you.”

I don’t know, man. I really don’t know if the amount of sheer greif you have to go through for a 5D edit is worth, it. A rented 2700 or even a lesser camera will get your very very close.[Tim Kolb] “A prime adapter on a video camera will lose you a stop or two, not manufacture an additional 2…”

Not on newer ones. 1/2 stop is the latest and greatest.

[Tim Kolb] “but I can see the appeal of these cameras.”

The ONLY appeal I see is dof. Take that away and you have a piece of crap. Have you ever color corrected this camera and looked at it on a 1080 monitor? It is noisy and thin.

[Jeremy Garchow]

[Bouke Vahl] “Dual sound is normal with video cams as well.”

Normal? I doubt it. Does it happen? Yes. Dual system is definitely not the norm, except on features.

[Bouke Vahl] “But if you think that two ‘real’ HD cams with DOF adapters will be cheaper in the end, think again, and go back to school to learn math.”

Come on, you think I’m that dim? I am talking rental, not purchase.

[Bouke Vahl] “Cost of rendering? Just time. Perhaps a few extra CPU’s at a value of 10K.
Still 80k difference.

Software? You need my stuff, that’s nothing in comparison.

Dual audio?
A BWF recorder is some 2K. Do it with a laptop and slave to LTC, it’s the price of a laptop and input board. Also close to nothing.”

Put all that money together and you can rent and pocket the savings.

Jeremy

[Jeremy Garchow]

[Jason Brown] ”
Not just cheap – SMALL…we’re going to Morroco and I anticipate customs issues bringing cases and cases of camera equipment.”

Three words. Carnet, my man. Try getting wireless audio equipment into China without one. You go from Video Dude to Spy in no time flat.

Hope you have a local production contact in Morocco.

Jeremy

[Jeremy Garchow]

[Jason Brown] “(only issue – the Multicam clip is green above it in the SEQ which is set to match the settings of the source clip)”

That’s because it’s a multiclip. Once collapsed after your edit, you’re all good.

[Jason Brown] “Thanks for the input…my biggest concern was match framing the cams…but it seems like Multicam is a great solution for that.”

No stretch that out times 2000 clips or whatever you’re going to shoot.

Look, I just reread my posts and I sound snippy. I don’t mean to be that way, but seriously, you’re going to a land far away and dealing with equipment hassles is going to be one of the last things you are going to want to deal with. Just trying to look out for you. And I’ll add what I said before, what you propose can be done, just be prepared.

Jeremy

[Jason Brown]

Thanks Jeremy…

I appreciate that…I’m just looking for thoughts. And I appreciate everyone’s feedback.

I did collapse multicam…but it’s still green. Using ProRes LT media in a ProRes LT sequence compressor…matching frame rate…dimensions, etc.

We’re shooting headshots (5) … maybe 15-30 minutes each…cut all 5 down to a 3-5 minute video. So the number of clips isn’t going to get out of hand for this shoot.

-Jason

[Jeremy Garchow]

Right click on the clip and choose remove attributes. Is there any check boxes that are available in the video section?

Jeremy

[Tim Kolb]

[Jeremy Garchow] “The ONLY appeal I see is dof. Take that away and you have a piece of crap. Have you ever color corrected this camera and looked at it on a 1080 monitor? It is noisy and thin.”

I’m with you there… But that’s only a better codec away from changing.

I still can’t fault someone for wanting to use these cameras…now if the idea is that they’re getting a RED workflow for $2K…well, then I’d have to shake my head and laugh piteously. However if this is the difference between being able to do something and not doing it at all…or shooting on HDV or AVCHD consumer gear, I still think I can feel a little sympathy for wanting to endure the PITA associated with the workflow.

My opinion…subject to change.

TimK,
Director, Consultant
Kolb Productions,

[Jason Brown]

Thanks guys for all the input.

It seems that at this point…we are going to go with a 5D and P2 HPX model camera. We’ve decided to scrap the 2 camera option to go with a single 1 camera 5D. The P2 will be for backup shooting the same frame. I like the look with the 5D and I’ve never been able to have the capabilities with the lens options that I’ll have with a 5D and the lenses we’re taking.

The P2 will be our option if you guys are right and this becomes a cluster! I’ll post our results…it’s in a couple weeks.

Thanks again!

-Jason