ASA of the HVX and JVC HDcam...

Justyn

Justyn

Veteran
Greetings all,

I have a shoot this weekend with the HVX and JVC HD cams. Does anyone have a guess on the ASA of these two cameras. I have my light meter ready and want to "LOOK" like I know what I"m doing.. and even though we have a monitor I still like to light by foot candles and ratios. I also want to get an idea of how the HD will differ from the film as far as how everything gets reproduced. I'll also be doing some side by side comparisons for those interested. Even though I own the HVX.. i'll be giving the JVC a fair shot.. and trying to make it look as good as I can. Also it will be 95 percent JVC and the HVX will be used for speciality shots.


Thanks all.


justyn
 
People might bash me for this, but I think using a light meter with a 1/3 CCD video camera is a little silly, unless you're just trying to check your ratios. I can definitely see using it with film and professional digital still photography, but I think you're much better off using your zebras.

You're right, though --- you can look pretty cool walking around the set, measuring this and that. Do it anyway, just so you "LOOK like you know what you're doing."
 
In the HD-cam shoot-out written up in DV magazine -- featuring Adam Wilt, Barry Green, Evin Grant, etc. -- the HVX was rated at 320 and the JVC at "just under 320."
 
I would wear the light meter just to be cool but for critical shoots I like to use the waveform in FCP, it is a really easy way to check your shots ( also works great for checking lighting on a green screen ). I'd love to have one built into the camera or maybe just own the Panasonic 17" monitor... Ahh some day.
Aloha
-A
 
Justyn said:
Greetings all,
I have a shoot this weekend with the HVX and JVC HD cams. Does anyone have a guess on the ASA of these two cameras. I have my light meter ready and want to "LOOK" like I know what I"m doing..
Click to expand...

Set it for 320. Test that against your HVX first to verify, but I've found I've always shot within a stop or less on both. If you get the ASA figured out on one you'll be pretty good for the other.

The wildcard is if you're using the ND filters. The cameras have different ND's. Seems like the HVX could use one between the two provided and the JVC needs a ND.9 in addition to the two provided. So bring a set of ND's just in case.

Detail at +3 on the HVX seems about the same as detail at MIN on the JVC to me, but test that for yourself if you want the detail to match. If you've got stuff that needs the really sharp look then don't be afraid to crank up the detail on the JVC.

Also, if you've got an intimate rack focus for the JVC then focus on the far subject and use the macro ring to bring the near subject in focus with no breathing. Should take a minute of practice to get the hang of it. You'll have to hold the macro button in.
 
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Justyn said:
. . . and even though we have a monitor I still like to light by foot candles and ratios.
Click to expand...
That's the way I do it. A straight footcandle meter. I think you're on the right track. I personally don't believe in using a traditional cine meter for video. A footcandle meter and/or a waveform monitor, IMO, are far more appropriate tools.
 
Thanks all for the info. Yep, the zebras are cool.. but I like setting up a ratio as this is what I'll use for each of the subsequent shots and such. Just basic film stuff transferred over.. and yes, I like to light with footcandle readings rather than Fstop as it lends itself a lot better to expsosure ratios and all that bizness.


yes, I might be a goof and all that with a light meter, but this is a shoot for a guy who doesn't have a clue what he's doing.. but has a nice checkbook. Another medical professional who wants to be David Lynch. Well, his check cleared and I'm off to shoot a feature. Isn't it funny that anyone with money can instantly be a "director.." or whatever he wants.. just hiring people to help him along and guide the process.

Yes I'm a gig whore, but the HVX is in need of another Mrs. HVX so I'm off to ho ho ho and work work work.


Thanks all.. and anymore info and jabs at being a dork is always appreciated and entertaining..
 
Justyn said:
Thanks all for the info. Yep, the zebras are cool.. but I like setting up a ratio as this is what I'll use for each of the subsequent shots and such. .


Thanks all.. and anymore info and jabs at being a dork is always appreciated and entertaining..
Click to expand...

you might consider a director's viewfinder. they're also very impressive looking. you can make one out of pvc and spray paint it black. drill a few hole in it, wear it around your neck. the good doctor will be impressed. who cares if it doesn't function. don't forget your baseball hat. if you're under thirty years old wear it backwards, otherwise just wear it conventionally.
 
Brian.. that is true and funny. I might also opt for a riding crop and a berret.. and I'll bellittle and yell at everyone.. just like a Hollywood DP.


Really getting too silly... I recently got hired to do a rap event, a pretty big rap artist (or should I say, was a big artist).. and he wanted me to just walk around with the camera and not even shoot tape. I was just there to impress and look important and to act the part. Sometimes I wonder if I've lost my marbles doing this stuff for a living.. but then again it beats a real job
 
brianluce said:
you might consider a director's viewfinder. they're also very impressive looking. you can make one out of pvc and spray paint it black. drill a few hole in it, wear it around your neck. the good doctor will be impressed. who cares if it doesn't function. don't forget your baseball hat. if you're under thirty years old wear it backwards, otherwise just wear it conventionally.
Click to expand...

Freakin' hysterical!
 
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