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Newbie needs to learn the Varicam fast
Long time Beta and film shooter who hase been on a three year sabatical living under a rock needs to learn the Varicam for a June 12th shoot. Aside from shooting tests, are there any good books or DVDS that might speed up the learning curve?
Exterior shoot, lots of cars and metalic objects, pretty much run and gun. Broadcast TV final venue. Plan to use a field monitor, need quick set ups on the monitor. Won’t have a lot of time to check playback.
I need advise about the following issues:
1. Proper camera set up. Menu Set up for interviews. Menu Set up for cars. Filter recommendations.
2. Confirming proper exposure. Tips on using Zebras.
3. Checking focus, how critical is it compaired to Beta?
3. Artifact issues. -
6 Replies
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Perhaps hire an experienced Varicam shooter for an AC?
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I believe you can do a lot more with the VariCam if you do not use the factory default settings, but arriving at a good setup for what you want is beyond the scope that can be practically provided by forum posts.
Call me on Tuesday and I’ll help you.
Leo
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Leo:
Thank you. Creative Cow is amazing.
Jim -
You’re welcome, Jim.
I do love the spirit of helpfulness here at the Cow; I’m very proud to be one of the volunteers. Get my number from my web page and we’ll go over the camera.
Good shooting!
Leo
Director/Cinematographer
Southeast USA -
Leo,
I’m suprised you didn’t mention the Goodman book (Goodman’s Guide to the Panasonic Varicam) as a source of information about this great camera. It is certainly better than the manufacturer’s instruction book, although I recomend that as well.
Neither book however is as good as a hands on demo from an experience Varicam user, but the books do become more valuable once you have a basic understanding of the unit, it’s software and various switches and controls.
This is not to say that an experienced betacam shooter can not just pick up a Varicam and make pretty pictures, but it is true that the many settings and features can definately be used to a cameraperson’s advantage if they devote some time and energy in learning about them!
JS
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Shame on me! And, Robert Goodman please forgive me!
Robert’s book is an absolute must-have and should be issued with every VariCam sold.
Thanks, John; hope to see you again soon.
Good shooting!
Leo
Director/Cinematographer
Southeast USA
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