Doug Graham
Forum Replies Created
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While we’re on the subject…
Has anyone tried the Bogen 701RC2 head? It looks like a smaller version of the 503, with a fixed counterbalance spring designed for the small, VX-2000 type of camera.
I was wondering how it compares to the 501, or for that matter the more expensive Vinten or Sachtlers.
Regards,
Doug Graham -
The Epson “R” series are about your only choice for a reasonable price.
They do a great job, too. The only drawback is that they can only print on one disc at a time; there is no autoloading feature.
For large production runs, your next stop is a robotic duplicator, like the Primera Bravo II…or a DVD duplication tower and an autoloading printer that costs almost as much as the Bravo.
Other options:
– Thermal printer. These are limited in their colors.
– HP printable DVDs. HP makes a DVD drive that can burn a two-toned image onto the surface of a compatible disc.Regards,
Doug Graham -
The Sony Setup folder is a temporary folder and can be deleted once your installation is complete.
Sony has always released complete versions for its updates. I simply install over the top of my existing software. That way, I’m sure that if the installer program is looking for a previously installed and registered version, it can find it.
Regards,
Doug Graham -
You’re probably better qualified than a lot of the people currently out there selling wedding videography, Sean…with the sole exception that you haven’t done any weddings, per se.
Remedy that by calling around to the local wedding video folks and offering your services as an additional shooter. After you do three or four of these, you’ll get a much better feel for how the day flows, and what you can expect. If you can’t interest the locals, at least crash a couple of weddings to see how the ceremony and the reception run.
Borrow a friend and a second camera, for backup, and a wireless mic, and go into business for yourself. Offer to do a couple at a deep discount “to get your name out there and get material for your demo reel”. Say, at around the $500 price point. You may have good luck with this offer if you work through your own church.
Good luck!
Regards,
Doug Graham -
You have lots of audio choices, and almost all of them are better than the camcorder’s built in mic.
If you just need an interview mic for a stationary subject a few feet from the camera, you can use a lavalier on the lapel, a handheld, or a shotgun mic on a boom pole manipulated by an assistant. For longer distances, use a balanced audio cable and get an XLR adapter box to interface the three pin XLR connection to the camcorder.
If you do event video, or just need fast setup/teardown, and/or camera or subject mobility, you need a wireless solution. There are many good wireless mic systems, starting at around $400 or so. Or, get a minidisc recorder or an iRiver solid state MP3 recorder, and a lavalier mic to go with them. You can sync up the audio from these devices with your video footage in post.
In almost every case, the key to getting good audio is to get the mic element up close to the sound source. The camcorder is almost always too far away for best results. Whether you accomplish this with a hardwired mic, a wireless system, or a separate digital recorder is up to you.
Regards,
Doug Graham -
Have you tried B&H? Anything they don’t have in their enormous catalog, they can probably order. https://www.bhphotovideo.com
Regards,
Doug Graham -
Ed’s way is probably the best way to do it in Vegas.
A way that’ll work on just about ANY system is to trim off the single frame you want as a still, then simply stretch it to the desired length.
Regards,
Doug Graham -
2. No.
Regards,
Doug Graham -
I’ve seen the argument go both ways.
The 4 pin XLR is a locking connector, so it won’t accidentally come out in the middle of a shot.
On the other hand, the XLR is a locking connector, so if (for example) your cam is on the tripod and you absentmindedly step away from the rig, you can pull the whole thing down around your ears.
My personal preference is for the XLR.
Regards,
Doug Graham -
Or one of you can be the shooter, and the other the editor. If you feel that one is more work than the other, you can work out an arrangement to share the proceeds accordingly.
I’d go further than David on this one. Not only do you need some kind of agreement on who does what and for how much, you should set up a formal partnership. Or, if you really are the one who likes to be in control, you set up the business and hire your friend as an employee or use him as an independent contractor.
Regards,
Doug Graham