100B/computer/editing combo?

E

evenkiehl

Member
Am about to purchase a 100B, learning curve very steep, so any advice given a hearty thank you in advance.

First, is the 35 mm adapter a tele extender AND a grain adding device? Am confused as to whether this reduces depth of field by being an extender and/or is adding grain in some way to more resemble a film look.
If one shoots in 24p, does that not give a film like look and can you not do a lot in post.

Secondly, my mac, 10.3.9, has final cut 3 and I have supervised tons of editing sessions, but never learned how to push the buttons myself.
If I get this camera, do I have to get/need the Magic editing?
Is that a complete editing system I can use, maybe having to upgrade my computer for more speed?
Am a bit confused as to camera/computer/editing combo needs.
And, will, of course get the book. Great board!

Any help on these issues greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Stuart
 
A 35mm adapter doesn't add grain on purpose, grain is just a side-effect. Several adapter have a moving mechanism that virtually eliminates grain.

The camera shoots 24p, which emulates a film look...but the depth of field doesn't match that of a film camera. So the 35mm adapter allows the use of film camera lenses to give that shallow depth of field.

I don't own a mac, so I don't know if FC3 has 24p support. But you can always edit your footage in a 29.97 timeline. Of course a faster computer is always better, especially when doing effects and color grading and correction.

Hope this help
-Kevin
 
Kevin,
Thanks for the reply. So, a 35mm adapter is basically a mount for lenses other than what is provided with the camera? 35mm still lenses or 35mm motion picture lenses? (I have shot features on 35mm and cannot imagine those heavy lenses on this camera body...?).
Are they all upside down and backwards and do you lose light with these adapters and other lenses?
Thanks, Stuart
 
Stuart,

Tell us wich mac you're using, as it will be more useful than just telling us your software.

BUT, you can already start thinking about upgrading to at least FCP HD (4.5) since it has cinema tools built in, and much better support for 24p editing. If you can't and have to use FCP3 you'll have to 1) Shoot 24p normal (not advanced) and edit in your regular 60i timeline, or 2) get cinema tools.

Second, don't think about a 35mm adapter just yet. There's a ton to learn and hours of great footage to get from your DVX just the way it comes from the factory.

I never get the question about editing. "If I get the camera should I learn about editing?"

Well, it has nothing to do with the camera you use. What are you going to use it for? Do you want to be a filmaker? Do you want to make money? Do you have an editor to pay? It's really weird without knowing what your goals are.

For me, if you want to be a filmaker you will have to learn computer editing. Nothing fancy, but enough to pull a couple of small paying projects off. That will teach you the fundamentals of editing, as in theory. So that will only help you. And if you hate computers you can stop there and start hiring editors for the toughest projects.

If you want to make money, then you most definately need to learn how to edit if you are starting in the business, because paying editors to do the job will whack your profit margin for the smaller jobs that you should be getitng.

I take you don't have an editor in your payroll, otherwise you wouldn't be asking this. But don't worry, FCP is so easy, a couple of weeks using it you'll be an expert.
 
A 35mm adapter attaches to the front of the DVX. You attach a 35mm lens, most likely a still camera lens. The image from the lens is projected onto a focus screen inside the adapter...and the DVX records that image. It is upside down, but some newer versions do flip the image. There is light loss, more or less depending on the adapter. Support rods are recommended depending on the size and weight of the lens' being used. Check out the DIY forums...it's 35mm adapter crazy.
-Kevin
 
Thanks for input and adapter info, though I have gotten two different responses. One, is using still lenses ( I have entire Nikon line), and the other said cine lenses on a private post.....
But in either event, I agree with Taubkin, above, that emphasis should first know how to use the camera. But, a purchase consideration definitely includes the possibility of a real lens, as I have never shot with auto focus or perpetuity lenses.

My Mac is a Titanium Powerbook, 512 MB, with fcp 3, which I have never used. Either I supervise all the stuff I have shot, or I farm it out with instructions as to style, etc if not of great importance.
Certainly, profits are not as great, but the trade off has been OK for me.

Now, though, I would like to do fairly basic editing on a series of 15 and 30 sec spec spots in 16:9 with the possibility that some of them might be picked up. For that reason, it seems to me that this aspect ratio should be the choice. There is no agency, producer or client involved in this. Just me presenting it to some people who could possibly say yes to the entire concept.
Hope that shed a bit more light on the reasons behind my questions.
Stuart
 
You might be able to RUN FCP on on your TiPowerbook, but it will work wicked slow. I'd your going to invest in a $3000+ digital camcorder, you'll want the editing station that will keep up.

For a lot of reason's you'll want to upgrade to at least FCP 4.5 which I don't even think will run on the old Ti books. If you're really strapped for cash, look into the fastest used G4, that's what i'm using right now and while it's not impressivly fast, it gets me there. Or look into a PC and vegas, which I hear you can get for pretty cheap
 
Hey stuart, a Titanium, huh? pretty cool, I lusted for them when they were out.

Unfortunately... Yeah, they are kind of old... Editing on a laptop means you need a fast machine. The good news, is that you can upgrade to a refurb G4 Powerbook for near 1500 dollars, or just get a Macbook Pro (those are BLAZING fast).

BUT before we start that, why not use what we have?

Learning how to edit in FCP3 on a Ti Powerbook is all you need to start using FCP, as the interface hasn't changed at all. And what's even better, for broadcast television, you can do 24p normal (as in F5) and still edt naturally, as you would with any other DV camera. So that's what I recommend you, before you start spending more money.

Shoot some thing, family home video, who cares, in F5, and learn how to proceed from capture to editing, to applying some basic text, soundtracks, and finally to mastering. It's an easy process, and there are millions of tutorials or books, or articles on the web to help you.

Great site: www.kenstone.net

Good luck, and edit away!
 
Don't think it's been mentioned (though I might have brushed right over it...), but right now Apple is offering an upgrade for FCP. Since you have FCP 3, you can upgrade to Final Cut Studio (FCP 5.1, DVD Studio Pro, Soundtrack, and Motion) for $699, which isn't too bad considering you'd be down $1200 if you bought it usually. Here's the link in case you're interested. I was able to track down a standalone version of Motion, so now I can upgrade to FC Studio for a measly $199 (!).
 
Yeah, crawl, walk, run.
Sorry, don't know what F5 means. Can I shoot 24p normal in 16:9, if that is the correect terminology,?( Will obviously get the book and DVD to ask the right questions and learn how to operate everything). If so, will learn fcp3, knowing it is slow, but getting my feet wet and me physically doing the editing myself.

Last question (for now): Is the Magic thing a complete editing system or extra goodies?

Final (today, I promise) question: For correct protocol, where can I post the REAL story of Cinco de Mayo?

Great site: www.vineyardvideo.com

Thanks, Stuart
 
There's a dial in the back of your camera, it carries different presets called scene files, that can contain all sorts of adustments such as framerates. That way you can have six different presets saved in your camera for six different situations. F5 is the preset number five, that is already adjusted for 24p normal. Yeah, you can do 16:9 and 24p normal at the same time.

Wow Stallone AND Ronald Regan? Cool combination. :D

You can post any story you like (real or not, I guess) in the Cafe forum. Just scroll down on the main page. (I hope that was your question!) :)
 
What do you mean by "magic"? I assume you're talking about Magic Bullet. magic Bullet is (to my knowledge, I don't own it but plan on purchasing it soon) is a plug in. I know for sure it's a plug in, but I'm unsure if they sell a stand alone version. basically it's a plug in that will work with FCP, Premiere, After Effects, etc. I don't know if your version of FCP will be able to run it or not, however, but check the website for info:

http://www.redgiantsoftware.com/

There are many video examples and explainations that will give you a better idea of exactly what Magic Bullet does on the website as well.

Hope that helps a little!
 
Thanks for the optimistic comment "your camera"
-have not gotten it yet, seems 99% sure the 100B will be the bride. THEN, expect some real doozies as questions from this corner..
-yes, I meant Magic Bullet, thank you and will look it up. Appreciation for all the URLs included in responses.
-no, my computer cannot be upgraded to 4.5, thus the original Subject heading, trying to figure out what I can do to get my toe in the water with what I currently have and a new camera.
QUES: can I do 16:9 editing on FCP 3??

AND, thank you for the directions, please go to the Cafe Forum and read about the REAL story behind the Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Sorta a big deal out in this neck of the woods...
 
On the subject of editing combos....I am a new playa in this game. I hope to purchase the 100B or HD100U [Dont get me started] within the week. I am leaning towards the B and need a few basic tips on capture. My Dell laptop has a small 1394 input and has a 64MB video card. Do I need a different type of capture card? Also PC editing software..Vegas or ?
 
Edit on you laptop, it is just fine for editing. I use a 12in powerbook with 1.25gigs of ram. I just adapt a little bit to my system...
I watch the footage on a TV and then compose the timecode into a capture log.
Then i just do an offline edit, with lower resolution footage. The powerbook renders really fast that way. When youre done, do the online edit, and your good to go.
 
RYoshino said:
On the subject of editing combos....I am a new playa in this game. I hope to purchase the 100B or HD100U [Dont get me started] within the week. I am leaning towards the B and need a few basic tips on capture. My Dell laptop has a small 1394 input and has a 64MB video card. Do I need a different type of capture card? Also PC editing software. Vegas or ?
Click to expand...
You should be fine with you laptop. I personally edit on both my laptop an on my desktop. I would say that RAM will be your best friend. IMHO i would recommend at least a 1024Mb aka 1Gb of ram. Now, don't be too off put by this large amount, as it is affordable. I would expect a single 1024 stick of ram to be in the 90-100 dollar price range. Look at sites such as www.newegg.com or www.crucial.com, as they will have good deals and an equally large selection.

Your video card is sufficient, since your not aiming to do gaming.

Finally, software, this is an area of contention for many people, because of the cost. My advice, use what is available to you. If you feel the need, programs such as Vegas, Premiere, Avid are all wonderful utilities.
 
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