Advice for shooting interviews on DVX

M

mikeymac22

New member
I am purchasing a DVX100a and primarily want to use it for run and gun interviews for my company at Film Festivals, trade shows, etc. The goal is to then edit them on Final Cut Pro, and post them on our website and hope they go viral on YouTube, other video sites- pretty standard.

I was hoping you could offer your 2 cents on a view things:

1.) Since we will store all videos on our server, is there any use to recording to tape other than perhaps as a backup? Would I be better off buying a portable recorder and just plugging that into my computer to do the editing? What are the pros and cons?

2.) Has anyone used mounted camera lights on the DVX? What wattage, any diffusion, barndoors, etc? How were the results?

3.) Any overall advice for what i am doing from tripod reccommendations to run and gun lighting either for standup or sitdown interviews. Most convenient way to go from shoot to final product, anything.

Thank you, it is very much appreciated.

Michael McNamara
 
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1) well, yes, there's pros and cons to each. Personally, I'd record to tape, at LEAST as a backup. I don't have much experience with the portable drive's, so I'm gonna leave this one open for someone else.

2) For interviews, VIDLEDS all the way (click on the link)

3) GET A GOOD SHOTGUN MIC FOR AUDIO! - - Tripod with a quick release plate, practice your handheld till it's steady, make sure there's enough light, get release forms if needed... can't think of anything else right now. I'll come back if I do.

-brown
 
I'd get a good pair of wireless lavs, and a white balance card.

I've done some run and gun interviews without any light on the camera, just make sure you use the natural light available as your source, and change the settings on your camera to suit that color temperature.
 
Wireless lavs (in my opinion), are too much to fuss with when shooting "run and gun" style. Maybe if you had a buttplug and wireless microphone it'd be easier...
 
much better idea. Wireless lavs are not realistic for run and gun. If you have a little more money check out LitePanels for an on camera light. Works nicely but is more expensive than the vidleds. I've heard nothing but good things about the vidleds, but I've never seen them in person.
 
mikeymac22 said:
1.) Since we will store all videos on our server, is there any use to recording to tape other than perhaps as a backup? Would I be better off buying a portable recorder and just plugging that into my computer to do the editing? What are the pros and cons?
Click to expand...

Use at least Pana MQ tapes - and use the extra $ to beef the audio

mikeymac22 said:
2.) Has anyone used mounted camera lights on the DVX? What wattage, any diffusion, barndoors, etc? How were the results?
Click to expand...

Vidleds seem most popular here. I think that would do you.

mikeymac22 said:
3.) Any overall advice for what i am doing from tripod reccommendations to run and gun lighting either for standup or sitdown interviews. Most convenient way to go from shoot to final product, anything.
Click to expand...

That depends on your locale. Be careful as sometimes in a run and gun interview theres no place for a tripod anyway. Look at some shoulder mounts. For sit downs, tripod is staple. Dont look below Manfrotto 503 head at a minimum. I do a lot of event coverage here in Japan professionally. A shoulder mount cam is usually a must. Carrying anything extra is just painful unless your a two man crew. Usually my second carries tripod and audio. Keep it light. No tripod carry bags often. Its just bare bones what two can carry in and out. For indoor events, often means no tripod allowed. Run and gun lighting? Vidleds.

And Ill agree and disagree with David J. A lot of my indoor events are in large areas with noise coming from all directions. A shotgun in that case is a must.

Im guessing a bit here as you didnt really say where these would take place.
 
Here is a helpful tip from my news photog days:
If you are running and gunning and a tripod is not at hand, make sure you can lean up against a post using it to support your weight. It will steady you for the handheld shots.
To minimize camera shake during an interview, stand approx 3 ft away from your subject and zoom all the way out. Frame on the right side of the view finder, and you get a decent workable shake free interview.
 
Thank you everyone for all your help, and please keep the tips coming. After I have edited a few videos, i will post them and greatly welcome more feedback and suggestions.
 
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