Michael Slowe
Forum Replies Created
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I know this does not address your problem but can I suggest that you can avoid having to reacquire by importing your HD footage in the Apple ProRes HQ codec. This is amazingly economical regarding storage requirements and I’m told, loses nothing with regard to quality. I’ve been doing this for two years now and even with a large project hardly make a dent in my storage capacity, whereas previously, using the Media 100 HD codec I was always fearful of running out of storage.
Michael Slowe
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Eric, or Handbrake?
Michael Slowe
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You fellows are talking all around a very interesting question indeed. I too love my EX 1, shot three docs on it, brilliant pics, does all I want. BUT, I could do with less DOF on occasions. I don’t want to go to the EX 3 and have to change lenses, I’m often shooting under pressure and taking care of all the other stuff such as audio and direction.
My question is, how does this new 200 compare with the EX 1, the publicity doesn’t make it clear? Same chip size so presumably similar performance. What about focal length, is there a longer tele, wider aperture? I know about the 50mbps, that’s good but we have 35 with the EX, there can’t be all that much improvement. Is the 50mbps VBR or constant? The EX’s are VBR I think so you don’t really know what you’re getting at any one time anyway.
Also, the focus arrangements with the EX are great, quick pull or push if you have to go to auto for a minute, great focus and aperture rings, just like a proper camera. Is the 200 with S x S cards?
Any info would be great if you have time. I too don’t understand why the EX 1’s are not being used, are you going up market?
Michael Slowe
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Presumably the new MacPro will have ‘Thunderbolt’ capability, not that we really need more speed do we? I’ll probably upgrade to that computer and then call it a day. My current MacPro is exactly three years old so it might be worth it. What Media 100 version are you on, I have Suite 2.1 and will probably upgrade when my current project is completed just before Christmas.
Michael Slowe
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Ronnie, I agree with you and I also bought the Hoodman but, firstly it takes a bit of fixing every time and sometimes on location there isn’t always time, and secondly, if I’m using my shoulder support for hand holding I can’t get my left eye near enough to the eyepiece. Rawad, you’ll be disappointed as Doug Jensen doesn’t cover the question of screen set up. It shouldn’t need adjusting anyway, they come well set up out of the box.
Michael Slowe
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Rawad, you didn’t comment on my suggestion that you look at your side screen as a help in judging your exposure. If it looks good there chances are you’ll get a good picture. Also, as has been mentioned below, there is a system available in your camera to assist with exposure, it’s called Zebra. Why don’t you get hold of the wonderful DVD by Doug Jensen of Vortex Media who does a great workshop on this (and other) cameras?
Michael Slowe
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Very fair Marcus, just when I thought that you were going all ‘flaky’ on Media 100! Of course the damage done over the whole Optibase fiasco will never be made good but Boris has done well considering all that. I know editors who, though mainly working with FCP, still use Media 100 and admire it. For me, I’ll never change at my advanced time of life, whatever version I’m on when (if) it all stops should keep me going.
A greater concern surely is Apple? What are they playing at? Rumours of the demise of the MacPro computer are disturbing. A flimsy laptop surely would not be good enough to do our job. All Apple seem to be interested in is selling stupid i products to kids. Sure they make money, for now, but they aren’t going to let down all the graphic houses throughout the world using MacPros are they?
Michael Slowe
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Yes but Ian, you know in your heart of hearts how useless the EVF is for anything other than framing the shot. Would that Sony had fitted a good quality finder, even if it was in black and white as the old DSR 300 had. I know it would increase the price but this compromise is doing no one any favours.
Michael Slowe
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Rawad, I endorse what has been written here about this camera, I’ve now shot four documentaries on my EX 1 in varied circumstances and found it produces great quality pictures (and audio). I tend to rely on the picture shown on the side screen when setting exposure and find it to be very accurate. I have not altered any settings for the screen since I got the camera new. Surely you are looking at the screen, did it show over exposure? Also, I often set my colour temperature (Kelvin figure) by looking at the screen and I have a number of Kelvin settings in various Picture Profiles, but the best way is to do a manual ‘white card’ balance if you have time.
Did you notice zebra markings on your screen which should have warned of over exposure? If you have to use manual iris due to lack of time when in ‘run & gun’ mode I find it to be pretty accurate but, as others have written, it’s best to set iris manually, but look at your screen and try and get a good picture, that will be your best indication of what you’ll get on your video.
Michael Slowe
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Ian, I’m in the UK and have been trying to improve the image of the screen on my EX 1. Ideally I’d like the EX 3 with the Loupe but I prefer the EX 1, Can I purchase a Loupe and is there a way to fix it on to the screen as with the EX 3?
Michael Slowe