Settings for Africa ?

[Cortex]

Hey guys,

Just got my HVX200 and my first project is to shoot a doco for a charity in Uganda Africa. Am hoping to shoot 720/25P onto P2 cards ( if I can afford a secound card before I go otherwise may have to resort to DV being complemented by the odd sexy shots from the card :-/ )

I don't want to give it a standard doco video look and will prob use CINE D but was wondering if any guys had been over to Africa or any ideas what in camera tweaks would benefit the African landscape ?

:dankk2:

Chris

[Capt Quirk]

I can't help you, but could you maybe help me? If'n you're going to be there shooting anyways, could you maybe pick up a shot or two for me?

[Cortex]

Sure if it's nothing too labourious, will see what I can do. Am off on 17th Aug for 3 weeks.

[Capt Quirk]

PM sent.

[MediaCrafter]

Hey guys,

Just got my HVX200 and my first project is to shoot a doco for a charity in Uganda Africa. Am hoping to shoot 720/25P onto P2 cards ( if I can afford a secound card before I go otherwise may have to resort to DV being complemented by the odd sexy shots from the card :-/ )

I don't want to give it a standard doco video look and will prob use CINE D but was wondering if any guys had been over to Africa or any ideas what in camera tweaks would benefit the African landscape ?

:dankk2:

Chris

While not Africa, I just got back from a shoot in Honduras and was pleased with the Cine D in outdoor, close to the Equator locales. I shot 720/24pn and wanted a warmer look, so white balanced with Warm Cards #1.

Shoot HD with P2 cards...You'll kick yourself if you shoot DV.

[THoff]

I would also consider using a polarizer to get richer colors and deeper skies.

[Jim Carswell]

You may also want to consider a graduated neutral density filter. They are really indespensible when dealing with extremely bright skies. Add that to a polarizer and you will get some incredible material. You can also spin the grad ND upside down in the event it's the ground/sand/water that is causing your contrast issues.
Jim

[MediaCrafter]

I would also consider using a polarizer to get richer colors and deeper skies.

Absolutely right! I forgot I shot all exteriors with a polarizer...

[Cortex]

Thanks so far guys...... looks like i need to get some cash quick and get an extra P2 card ( I have 1 x 16GB) and a polarizer filter.

[SAujla]

You may also want to consider a graduated neutral density filter. They are really indespensible when dealing with extremely bright skies. Add that to a polarizer and you will get some incredible material. You can also spin the grad ND upside down in the event it's the ground/sand/water that is causing your contrast issues.
Jim

How many stops do you usually need to cover in a bright sky scenario?

[Jim Carswell]

SAujla,

It really depends on the sky conditions. I keep the following 4x4s in my kit and use which ever is best suited to the situation.

.3= one stop
.6= two stops
.9= three stops

Jim

[THoff]

You can also stack them and might be able to get away with just the .3 and .6, which can be combined to get .9

[Jim Carswell]

THoff,
Good point. The only drawback would be if you are using a two stage mattebox and needed to add a polarizer to the mix.

But, good idea and it saves quite a few bucks.
Jim

[Media Productions Canada]

I have shot a bunch in South Africa and the idea that Jim Carswell gave with the graduated Neutral Density filter and Polarizer lens sounds really good wish I know about that.
Here is a link to some footage that was all shot 720p 24p all settings normal but had the detail up to +2 and used a polarizing filter for some of the surfing clips.
Best if you right click to download the file DOWNLOAD VIDEO HERE (http://www.brianhunt.dreamhosters.com/video/hi-res/SA_H.264_640x360.mov)