Michael Johnston
Forum Replies Created
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I am now being forced to use FCP7 for a job. I have used just about every NLE out there and, by far, FCP ranks at the bottom with CS5 and Avid at the top. At least those two will accept various formats natively, unlike FCP. FCP is very limited in functionality and I consider it consumer level NLE software. I’ve had the same crash issue for long clips. I’ve resorted to loading cards onto my PC using the Sony content management software, then converting those clips to QuickTime using MPEG Streamclip, then transferring to a hard drive, and finally loading into FCP. It sucks and takes longer than ingesting tape. However, the blame doesn’t fall on Sony, it’s on Apple and FCP.
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Uninstall and reinstall the software. Sounds like the drivers have been deleted.
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These settings give you a higher contrast and saturation than factory default, which is very flat. The colors are more vibrant. You also get a much sharper image, which you can’t do in post. You’ll save yourself A LOT of post time by just setting your camera up to get the image you want instead of spending all that time FIXING it in post. I tweak my stuff in post to match any given look I’m going for but it’s minimal compared to the work I’d have to do if I shot factory default. My settings for the NX5 also can be easily matched up to with other model cameras. I just did a shoot where I was able to slightly tweak the picture profile settings in an EX3 and it made both cameras look identical.
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Eric,
That is why I dual record EVERYTHING I shoot onto the Flash drive. Its great to have that backup option so why not use it?
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Short answer: NO. You can feed HD-SDI and HDMI at the same time or Component and composite at the same time. It’s the one thing I hate about this camera because I can’t use my on-camera 7″ SD monitor when feeding HD-SDI to a switcher or live truck during live events.
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If you’re shooting SD, then it doesn’t matter which camera you choose, although the NX5U will be slightly better in low light situations due to the newer Exmor chips.
If you’re shooting HD, keep in mind that HDV is only 1440×1080 where the NX5U shoots 1920×1080. Also, if you shoot on HDV, you’ll need the camera to ingest the footage to the NLE. With the NX5U, you only need the SDHC cards. You said you’re using 3 cameras. Are they independent or going to a switcher? The NX5U has SDI out, the Z1U does not.
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With the NX5U, you need either Class 10 or Class UI cards. Sony claims you can use class 6 but you can’t. Class 6 only works, without errors, if capturing in SD mode. That has to be the issue. As for exposure, you do lose f stops as you zoom. Either gain up or stay wide.
Another likely cause for the shutdown is fragmented cards or FMU128 drive (if attached). Read the owners manual. Simply deleting clips and reformatting isn’t enough. Doing that over and over leaves fragmented data on the cards which, over time, degrades the cards/drive and causes errors and shutdowns. You have to regularly perform a “Media Empty” of your cards/drive. Camera must be connected to AC power to do this. Unplugging the AC while doing this will seriously ruin the camera so keep that in mind. Go to MODE-MANAGE MEDIA-FORMAT-Select the card to empty-Hold down the stop button for 5 seconds. It will ask if you want to do a Media Empty. Select yes. Once complete format the card and you’re ready to shoot.
Hope this helps.
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First, get the FMU128 Flash drive. You’ll be glad you did once you have it. Second, buy a lanc zoom controller for your tripod. Libec sells one for $89 that I have and it works great. Otherwise, operating the camera on a tripod is awkward.
As for HD monitors, I’d suggest either IKAN of LCD4Video.com. The HDMI monitors are fine but if you can afford it I’d go with one that accepts HD-SDI. Make sure to get a monitor hood for it. Keep in mind that the camera’s LCD is phenomenal and I rarely use my monitor.
Get s good COATED UV filter. I can’t stress the COATED part enough. Otherwise, you’ll get a glare ring when any light shines into the lens.
Finally, I think you’ll be very pleased once you fine tune the image by setting up your picture profiles. The image looks like crap in the default setting right out of the box. Very flat and washed out. First time I shot I was sick to my stomach and thought I had wasted $5k on a crap camera. Nothing could be further from the truth. It produces amazing images and my clients have been VERY impressed with it once I convinced them to give it a try. The 1/3″ chips and AVCHD format has been a tough sell to clients but once they’ve given it a shot, it’s become the most requested camera now.
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Jim,
Is this guy trying to negotiate after the shoot? In that case I’d say “well you didn’t hire him you hired me and agreed to my rate of $$$. Next time you can call that guy but right now you owe me $$$.”. A word of advice, make all clients sign an agreement stating you retain full copyrights until all outstanding balances are paid in full. That way they can’t use it until they pay you and if they do you have more to sue for than simple non-payment. I’ve convinced many freelancers to start doing this. It makes for a better situation for all of us in the industry.
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Either he’s lying or the person is someone with a $200 camera he she got at Best Buy with no audio inputs and probably no tripod. I would have ask the producer why he/she didn’t hire that person then? Not sure what you charged but I would have charged minimum $2000.