Steve Crow
Forum Replies Created
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What a great overview, thanks Bill!
Although it would be nice to have the option to film longer – it’s not a deal breaker for me since I mainly film interviews and short sequences. Also the overheating issue comes into play the longer you record. Speaking of overheating I think I am going to start a new thread on a related topic, thanks for reminding me!
Steve Crow
Crow Digital Media
http://www.CrowDigitalMedia.com -
Hi Bill,
I’m not 100% sure of this but my understanding that the file size/time limit is different across the globe like in Great Britain since it also has a lot to do with taxes and government regulation in addition to the technical aspects which you brought up.Steve Crow
Crow Digital Media
http://www.CrowDigitalMedia.com -
I think its the T3i or 660? That has a swivel screen similar to what you are talking about. I dont see that feature as very useful for outdoors where you will need a loupe to see the screen which will lock it in place
I wouldnt be shy about choosing the 7D over the 5D M2 or 3 – full frame is nice but you have lots more to buy if you go the HD DSLR rout
Steve Crow
Crow Digital Media
http://www.CrowDigitalMedia.com -
Yes handholding a DSLR can indeed introduce shake but that’s where a tripod comes in also I’ve seen some impressive short clips accomplished without a tripod or other stabilizer just using a lens with built-in image stabilization or vibration control – not a solution for an interview, for that use a tripod.
My Canon T2i /550D allows me to view live video on the LCD at the back of the camera no problem. Can also, of course, play back previously recorded clips on the camera so I’m not sure what others told you.
Traditional videocameras do indeed have advantages over HD DSLR cameras and some filming situations are just not HD DSLR friendly. But overall, despite all the additional headaches, they are sooooooo worth it! 🙂 Budget wise you can’t beat the price and the sensor size you’ll get with a HD DSLR is HUGE compared to those found on a traditional videocamera. If you do decide on the HD DSLR route, I’d suggest buying either the T2i/550D, T3i or 7D body onlyand then for the glass buying, ideally a 50mmm 1.4 lens from Canon or their cheaper 1.8 50mm if cost becomes an issue. There’s so much other gear to buy but these bits will give you a sound, affordable foundation on which to build.
Steve Crow
Crow Digital Media
http://www.CrowDigitalMedia.com -
Thanks Scott, why do you think this expense is rarely directly called out in the Kickstarter project description by the majority of doc producers?
Steve Crow
Crow Digital Media
http://www.CrowDigitalMedia.com -
Is there a wall outlet power cord that came with the camera? If you plug it in, does it work?
I’ve had this happen but each time it was because I was using AA batteries for power and one or more were turned the wrong way – but this sounds like it may be a different problem. Still, the test above will tell us if its the battery or the camera that is failing.
Steve Crow
Crow Digital Media
http://www.CrowDigitalMedia.com -
Hey Damein – ….I guess one aspect to consider is that if the other crew members are “work for hire” and don’t share in any backend profits the film makes (DVD sales, distribution fees etc) then the core filmmakers would have an opportunity to make back their living expenses money that way. However, since I don’t think most of the films make any money really at all – that’s a thin thread to hang onto plus, of course, you have to front money you may not have while at the same time paying others who are working on the film for you
Steve Crow
Crow Digital Media
http://www.CrowDigitalMedia.com -
No worries, glad it worked out for you.
Steve Crow
Crow Digital Media
http://www.CrowDigitalMedia.com -
Yes, I would recommend either prores 422 or prores LT – since your computer has limited RAM, I think the ProRes 4444 is too much for it to handle efficiently. In terms of how to transcode – I would try a test with a ver short clip to see which works better, exporting out of FCP or using the free MPEG Streamclip application – however for MPEG Streamclip to work you would have first to export the ProRes 4444 video out to a new clip and that may not be worth the time.
In order to avoid rendering so much, make sure that the first clip you drag into the timeline is the size and format you want to edit in – that will tell FCP to automatically set the timeline sequence settings to be the exact same parameters as the clip, meaning no rendering. Clips that you place on the timeline that are of a different format will still have to be rendered unfortunately. For instance, a choice you could make is to decide that you want your final video to be exported out at 720p. When you place 1080 material on the timeline each clip will be automatically scaled down to something like 66% of its original size. This can be a good thing because it allows you to “reframe” your shot without losing any resolution and even “zoom in” all without exceeding 100% of the clip’s original size.
ProRes files can be as much as 10x larger than the clips you start out with however the Mac has a much easier time editing the material. H.264 is designed as a delivery format, to try and edit H.264 clips natively in the timeline will be a very frustrating experience for you as I am sure you already know.
Steve Crow
Crow Digital Media
http://www.CrowDigitalMedia.com -