[Patrick Bronte]

Thanks Todd!

You’ve been a fantastic help!

I think I may as well go for razor sharp focusing. One last question – what’s the optimal resolution I should be go for with this monitor?

Thanks again Todd!

[Patrick Bronte]

Cheers Todd,

Yeah the change in lighting came about due to the LCD screen being on the left therefore I needed to be on the left hence swapping over the key light. Does it really matter if I am on the left? I’ll move that light over to face the talent.

I wasn’t using a fill just a key light and a head/rim light above his head to separate him from the background. I realised straight away it was to strong. Real bugger that mistake.

As I’ve mentioned I set it up and my assistant leaves to put the vet at easy. This may have to change but this does give rise to an external monitor. Could you please help me with these links and I might ask the question in the forum so I need an HD with no less than 720 lines right?

You looked at this one (would it just cut the mustard or is it worth waiting & saving for a better grade): https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/854001-REG/Delvcam_delv_dslr_7l_Camera_Top_7_HDMI_LCD.html

There’s so many out there but could you please checked this one out and tell me if it’s worth purchasing:

[Patrick Bronte]

Hi Todd and Craig,

I”ve attached an image of the interview in question that started this conversation. Now it’s over exposed and noisy. I’m using a Falcon Fluro https://www.falconeyes.com.hk/Product.aspx?id=857 as the fill light and a small head light with soft box.

From here I need to use the soft box diffuser on the light. It’s a grunty light and I only need one or two lights on. This interview only had one on.

This interview was recorded with full manual with auto facial focus.

I’ve got my camera set to all of the specs you both have advised.

Manual Focus: Using the magnification with Peaking 1. Zooming into the eye and foucueing on that then zooming back to the desired frame.
Gain is set to zero.
Lighting metering: Spot Light
Shutter Speed setting is off.
Zebra is set for 75%
And been using manual iris control.

I’m going to break the bank and get a monitor if I can Out of these two which would work:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/813532-REG/Manhattan_LCD_HD089C2_S_8_9_HD_Professional_LCD.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/896283-REG/ikan_d5_5_6_3G_SDI_Camera_Monitor.html

If there is anything you can advise me on regarding anything to do with the look, framing lighting please hit me with them! I have another interview this Friday where I’ll be using the same

[Patrick Bronte]

Todd,

Man have you given me some exercise with all your recommendations. I’m going over all your advice/instructions and have got to the point today where I’m about to call it a night.

But from what instructions I’ve acted on I went through with the person helping me out and we’ve both got the manual focus sorted and the magnification function does help.

So with an interview with a darkened room, lights and the black screen I’ve set the camera to:

Focus: Manual Focus worked Peaking 1
Light Metering: Spot Light
Gain: 0

I will digest everything you’ve written down for me over the next day and keeping familiarising myself with these functions. I’m sure I’ll have more questions though. I think it’s a good idea to read more about how all these functions work on cameras in general.

An external monitor would be nice. One that fits onto the camera with an articulating arm would be great for it will allow me to watch all the notifications on the LCD and the other things on the monitor. If I want the best picture then a few extra tools won’t hurt but can you suggest one for it’s been hard finding the right one for the right price.

Will be in touch once I’ve tried all your tricks.

Thanks again

Pat

[Patrick Bronte]

Cheers Craig,

More helpful advice!

I’ve just been playing around with the peaking and magnification and peaking functions – very helpful. To me Peaking 1 looks good.

I’m still digesting what Todd has written down but I’ll a lot more questions I’m sure. I appreciate your help.

From yours and Todd’s advice I believe that purchasing an external monitor will help to the long run. I think a long articulating arm the attaches to the camera would work o.k. for me. If I sit next to the camera then I can monitor all the levels on the LCD screen and keep an eye on the monitor.

Craig, can you recommend an external monitor? It’s proving hard to find one within my budget.

Thanks again.

[Patrick Bronte]

Hi Todd,

What do you think of these monitors? They are in my price range and appear to meet the specs you suggested? or am I wrong and just being hopeful that I can find a monitor around this price range?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/837493-REG/Marshall_Electronics_M_CT7_CE6_7_CAMERA_TOP_MONITOR.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/837494-REG/Marshall_Electronics_M_CT7_NEL3_7_CAMERA_TOP_MONITOR.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/854001-REG/Delvcam_delv_dslr_7l_Camera_Top_7_HDMI_LCD.html

i’d like to send you a piece of New Zealand to thank you for your commitment to helping me out – how can i do that?

[Patrick Bronte]

Cheers Craig! Thats some good advice. So with the zebra – do you want the lines to appear on the talents face? I thought the lines meant that there was over exposure. I must read up on that.

Thanks again. If you have any more advice please let me have it!

[Patrick Bronte]

Todd you are a legend! Thanks for all your advice and help.

Believe it or not but my interviews can go for up to 5 hours. I interview war veterans so theres a lot to talk about. I’ve only ever used consumer grade cameras where there aren’t really any manual settings. But now it’s time to go prosumer and get a better recording that I can use for a doco of something down the line.

As for a monitor – I think if I’m going to do this properly then stuff it I’ll pay for an HD monitor with at least 720 lines. If I can’t find one to mount to my chair or camera then I’ll find a stand or something.

Your offer at looking through the XF-100 manual to help me with all these issues is really appreciated! Here’s a link to a pdf download:

https://support-sg.canon-asia.com/contents/SG/EN/0300450301.html

Now I’m going to have a good play around with the manual settings taking into account all of your advice.

I look forward to hearing back from you.

[Patrick Bronte]

When using artificial lighting would you turn the gain off or have it on low?

[Patrick Bronte]

Todd,

If I really have to use auto mode which modes would you say I could get away with? Could I get away with auto gain for example? Would it be to much trouble for you to list by priority which manual settings I should be using (i.e 1. focus, 2. shutter speed etc) for my situation in a studio setting and on location. Then I can prioritise the functions and make better sense of the auto functions.

Your help is really shinning a light on things. Thank you very much!