Steve Crow
Forum Replies Created
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The resolution of a DVD is actually rather low, let’s call it 720×480 ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVD-Video ) so not much more than standard definition VHS. Bottom line, any modern camera you choose is going to be up to DVD quality and then some.
It sounds like you will be “running and gunning” so while I normally recommend filming with a DSLR, unless you really know what you are doing operating a DSLR for video, you may find the experience too slow and frustrating at first for you to be efficient.
That said, I can see tons of opportunities for beautiful, moving shots filmed with a DSLR in a camp situation but maybe you employ a 2 camera process – using a traditional video camera for the majority of the filming and then the DSLR for the beauty shots…no they won’t match but no one will care – they will just be amazed.
So maybe go for a HDV camcorder for your main camera and then look at the Canon T2i for the DSLR – I would also look at renting these cameras, not buying since them is only for this one project and I gather the budget isn’t all the great.
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I am a big fan of renting but I am not sure I would rent out any equipment I really cared out. As nice as people can be, too often they don’t take care of rented equipment with the same dedication as they might their own gear.
If you go this route, definitely make sure you get insurance on the slider and it would also be a great thing to offer insurance against damage for your renters at an extra cost.
The other challenge I would see would be the constant work needed to package and ship the slider unless you would only let people pick it up in person. I do a little equipment selling from time to time and I must say shipping is the biggest pain in the process!
Sliders are a limited market so I am not sure how much you can charge and still make it worthwhile, also you wouldn’t be renting tripods or other gear related to DSLR Video production. I suggest checking out sites like BorrowLenses.com to get a feel for what rates might be reasonable for you.
Let us know what you decide, all the best
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Yes, I’d like to know the answer to this too 🙂
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As a one man band I also do both….some type of shotgun mic placed on top of the camera (cold shoe mount) which plugs directly into the camera…this is just so that I have a decent audio track to sync with later on.
Next, I use wireless lavs that transmit their signal to a receiver plugged into the Zomm H4N. I always monitor the sound live using a pair of headphones plugged into the Zoom.
To sync the sound I either use Plural Eyes or do it manually in the timeline. I rarely use a clapperboard but can sync manually just matching waveforms. To confirm that both tracks are in sync I play them back both at the same time, any echo and you know you are not in sync.
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Is there any possibility of renting a second camera and placing it on a tripod for a fixed shot, probably your widest. That can be your “A” camera.
Then use your “B” camera to move around and get a variety of medium and close up shots.
That’s about the only way. Remember you will only be able to film up to 12 minute clips on your “A” camera so someone needs to be assigned to do the whole stop/start thing. Also, you will have to be coordinating to make sure that the B camera is getting the necessary coverage during those few seconds when the A camera is restarting.
Filming at 1080p HD, I find I can easily “create” closeup shots particularly if the video is being edited for a 720p project. It doesn’t change the angle of course but it does add at least a little variety.
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I am not sure I m following your question, but my advice is to go to BorrowLenses.com and rent a Canon T2i, 7D or 5D Mark II – problem solved.
If not having enough cash is the problem it would be easier if we knew which camera(s) you might be able to borrow from friends, associates etc. Bottom line I don’t think there are a lot of options other than, artificial light or ISO adjustment, shutter speed is going to be more or less fixed depending upon your frame rate. You can boost up the shadows a bit in editing but that’s not a solution you should really rely on.
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Did you set up a new project in FCP?
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If using final cut, it’s easy. Just drag your 720p video into the timeline, final cut will ask you if you want to set up a sequence according to this clip’s properties, click on yes.
Then drag the rest of the clips onto the timeline and they will be automatically conformed to all match the 720p sequence settings. You will have to render but that’s okay.
Perhaps in Premiere Pro you don’t have to render, I’m not 100% sure on that.
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It’s a lot of fun Lisa and don’t be scared off by the cost…renting until you can afford to buy all that extra gear can make a lot of sense. People have done remarkable things with a standard T2i and kit lens (although I’d say spring the extra $300 for the Canon 50mm 1.4 lens to get more of that beautiful shallow depth of field look)
You will want a tripod too. A lot of the beautiful footage you see on Vimeo doesn’t even have synced sound – just copyrighted music! 🙂 Still a mic would be a very solid recommendation since the built-in mic is useless except as a scratch track.
Have fun becoming a filmmaker!
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I believe you to have rename the sequence before it can find it…try reading the instructions, it should be mentioned somewhere in there. I don’t have it myself but I remember seeing this in one of their instructional videos.