[Peter Ralph]

With a lav I normally leave it on auto and set mic sensitivity to low. Set to record in mono for double the recording time. Set the control lock-out if you have one. When using an MD to record music I set levels manually.

[Peter Ralph]

Here in Colorado I have had Catholic weddings extend to 60-75 minutes 3 times. Two of those times I was told the wedding would last for 45 minutes, 60 minutes max! If a wedding is scheduled to go over 45 minutes I run 83 minute tapes. Cheap insurance

[Peter Ralph]

I would try carefully cleaning the surfaces where the extender mates to the camera body and the lens.

Also check for obstructions where the small pin from the camera goes in to the extender and the pin from the extender goes in to the lens.

[Peter Ralph]

I have an me66, it’s a decent mic but doesn’t stand comparison with the mkh416. I’ve never heard the 418 – I imagine its close to the 416. But you can buy 2 or 3 me66s for the price of one mkh418.
If you are recording more than 1 person you would often be better off with 2 cheaper mics than 1 really good one. Of course the cost of windscreens, mixers etc. can change the pricing equation dramatically.

Micing close is the key to good sound.

[Peter Ralph]

there are more features for network monitoring etc. in later units – but the basic technology is the same. Replacement batteries saves $$$ over new.

I run everything through either UPS or power conditioner, fluctuating voltage reduces equipment life.

[Peter Ralph]

I’ve used a mono-pod (bogen 3245) as a doggie cam by flipping the footage in post. The monopod is great for taking on hikes etc.

For weddings I prefer a very small tripod with a telescoping neck (bogen 3211). A little heavier, but very versatile, scoot the legs together and it works like a monopod, spread them and its rock solid as long as you don’t need to pan or tilt. I don’t find the extra weight to be a problem at events.

getting a quickrelease plate that works with both tripod and monopod is a big help.

[Peter Ralph]

glad to help Chris – always confident recommending Vinten

[Peter Ralph]

[Leo Ticheli] “the effect tends to draw immediate attention to itself and takes the viewer out of the story.”

zooms are way over-used by home movie makers, no argument. It is much safer to avoid zooms 100% of the time.

But on a purely aesthetic level – is that pont about meta-awareness really valid? Many years ago people fled movie houses because a train on the screen was about to run them over . But today? Does obvious artifice really detract from the experience? With certain movies yes – just as a Picasso profile would look out of place in a Rembrandt canvas.

the Irish movie “Intermission” is testament to the notion that turning awareness towards the camera can enhance dramatic impact. The artifice is registered on a conscious level, it is not subliminal.

“Jimi – turn the volume down. No-one wants to listen to feedback and distortion”

[Peter Ralph]

FWIW my FCP4.5 dropped frame problems were solved when I moved the timeline(!) from my console lcd to my secondary CRT monitor. I suspect it has something to do with insufficient (128mb) VRAM.

[Peter Ralph]

check TriVision in San Francisco – Keith 510.614.1068

large Vinten dealer sometimes have demo specials. Vinten service is A++