[Max Reid]

I have noticed that QuickTime 10 doesn’t play EX files. I was able to dig out the older QT 7 and it does the job just fine.

[Max Reid]

Okay– something I don’t understand. Maybe I’m missing something, but–
1) I create an new project in fcp.
2) Into the virgin timeline I drop a original clip from my EX3 shot at 30p.
3) I check the Sequence settings and get the following Sequence Settings–

4) I add clips from my edited movie. Sequence settings above stay. Problem solved? Running progressive HD 30p? Not sure–

The Sequence Settings you posted is different. Your sequence setting says HDTV 1080i (16×9). And you said if it’s not that what you have shown, what I have is wrong. But what you have posted is 1080i — doesn’t that mean interlaced?

I’m sure you are right, I am bonehead and missing something. But how did your clip become interlaced in the Sequence Settings without shooting interlaced?

Much Thanks.

[Max Reid]

Best I find out now. I’ll go back and fix it. Thanks for the help.

[Max Reid]

Thanks for the response.

So when I do as you suggested, drop a shot in a new sequence, I get the “for best performance your sequence and external video should be set to format of the clips you are editing” I press yes. I get HDTV 1080i, even though the clips were shot in 1080 30p.

My default settings are from a couple of years when I was cutting SD on a PowerMac. My bad– I should have changed them. I am hesident to reset them now with an edited show on the FCP.

While working, I have always set the Sequence Setting for HDTV interlaced, as shown above, BEFORE I put anything in the sequence. If I goofed up and forgot to reset the sequence I could tell immediately because the aspect ratio changed. At times I got a green line render indicator in the timeline just below the tabs, other times no green line.

I thought I was fine until the colorist started having problems playing the footage through his Kona card to his studio monitor. The pic was behind the sound, and there was occasional stuttering of the picture.

My question is– what do I do now? Is there a button to push or a reset to do? I could start all over again, reset the FCP and drop the 30p into a new timeline, but would rather avoid all that labor on a 55minute film.

I’m sure someone else has been in this situation. What do I do? Take it to a good video lab and see if they can lay it to tape? Any and all suggestions welcome. Thanks.

[Max Reid]

After using the Sony 0.8 wide adaptor for six months without ever taking it off, I got the 4-32 WA zoom. It’s a lot wider than the standard lens with the adaptor. Very handy when you work close.

I shot some tests. Blew the images up 100x. They showed a very slight difference. The standard lens is slightly sharper, probably undetectable in regular production.

Also tested the 0.8 adaptor on the standard zoom, and there is difference in sharpness. The adaptor results are still very good, but the WA zoom is better.

If there is a major difference between standard and WA zooms, it seems like the WA, or at least the one I have, has less contrast then the standard. This might make it seem less sharp, but the difference is easily adjusted in post.

The WA zoom is also a front heavy lens, a problem for some. I have had no problems with halos or unusual flare in even the most contrasty situations. I’m happy to have it. It’s on the camera most of the time.

[Max Reid]

Latest Firmware for the EX3 is 1.5, I believe. I am told that it will now be upgradable via memory card.

[Max Reid]

Don’t use the built-in mic. It just has no presence. The only time I have used it and liked the effect was when i shot a funk band reversal while surrounded by the musicians. It is truly lousy for recording voice unless you are right on top the person talking. And even then it’s marginal.

When you’re on the water, it’s actually rather noisy. The sound of the waves, the hull smacking them, motors running, and the wind. And yes, use as much protection from wind as you can afford. Even if you have to cut a hole in a sponge and stick it on with rubber bands. I recommend you use a good quality directional microphone like a Sennheiseer 416 with a big furry thing on it (like a Rycote Winshield). And to be safe, put a wireless lav with windscreen on your subject too.

Use a headset and you might find it useful to go below, out of the wind, and playback bits, just to monitor what you are getting, Of course you might get drop dead beautiful day with no wind and fantastic sound with no effort, but every time I’ve been shooting on the water in a “boat” (as apposed to a “ship”) it was, shall we say, “challenging”.

[Max Reid]

I’ve the SONY .8 quite a bit. It’s excellent for working close to the subject. Under most circumstances it’s fine; it’s sharp, reasonably flair resistant, goes on quickly.

Cons: –Some barrel distortion, but usually not objectionable. –Heavy at the front of the camera but I’ve gotten used to it. — depth of field is so great that dust and dirt on the lens show up in the picture, specially when shooting into the light. You have to keep it clean –Goofy lens protection, sort of a built in lens shade, makes it impossible to use a matt box or filters.

If I anticipated using it all the time I would suggest buying the wide angle Fujinon that’s made for the EX3.

[Max Reid]

Chris–

I thought this shoulder brace you pointed out on ebay seemed worth a try– I got it for $21 and $20 shipping. It’s pretty good. Made of high impact plastic, it looks like it will take a lot of banging around. The chest pad can rest on the side of my chest, which pretty much seems to eliminate breathing movement. It’s made in India by Sonia.

https://cgi.ebay.com/Hands-Free-Camcorder-Video-Camera-Shoulder-PAD-Support_W0QQitemZ110291289179QQcmdZViewItemQQptZBags_Cases_Straps?hash=item110291289179&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1234%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Looks like they are catching on– the other prices for the same thing went all the way up to $60.

Max Reid

[Max Reid]

Well, I’m 6 ft 4 in tall, so getting the camera lower is good. I’ve often put the brace under my arm pit to get even lower.