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varicam for short film
Hello,
First, I would like to thank in advance for any and all responses.
I’m DP’ing a short film this weekend and they just decided to use the varicam and I was hoping for a quick crash course. I’ve worked with the hvx 200 (with Redrock M2 35mm adapter) a half dozen times shooting short films, but I’ve never used the Varicam. Can anybody tell me what the biggest differences are between the two cameras when it comes to menus and setup? Also, we will be shooting at nighttime for a scene with a rain machine. Anybody have any experiences shooting in this environment. Thanks. -
2 Replies
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The cameras are totally different.
Other than some general operator skills, I don’t think experience with the 200 will help at all with setting up the VariCam.
I urge you to go to the rental house or an owner/operator and spend all the time you can with the camera before the shoot.
Even if you do this, you should consider having the camera set up by someone skilled for the shooting you will be doing and don’t touch anything on the shoot! If you play with the setting on the shoot, it’s very possible to get into a great deal of trouble with the VariCam or any camera with so many user-defined parameters.
Of course having a skilled VariCam assistant on the shoot is a great idea, but leaving the camera setting alone is the next best thing. Getting a good rich “negative” will allow you some latitude in post.
Good shooting!
Leo
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Hire a qualified DIT to aid you in your educational process would be key.
But most likely the producers can’t afford this key person so instead pray for the best and hope that the worst does not happen.
Get yourself the Goodman Varicam Guide which is a great book for getting up to speed on the Varicam for the basic stuff.
Tony Salgado
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