Action Ski Footage and Frame Rate Question

G

gogglegurf

Member
Newbie question here. I'm an old school industrial SVHS/Hi-8mm/VideoToaster guy getting back into it in the not so new digital age. This forum is a huge help.

Started a doc. project on the Hot Dog era of freestyle skiing with this wonderful camera and am learning much by doing but would love some advice. I'm shooting interviews with former freestyle ski legends and setting the camera at 1080/30p, Shutter speed 1/60, everything else manual. Using FCP 7 for edits. On the hill, I was using 1080/60i and after reading some posts, I am thinking I should be shooting 720/60p for better slow motion images.

So here's my basic questions. Want best image of course and final production will be donated to ski museums on dvd, submitted to mountain film festivals, and I would like to be ready for broadcast if I have the good fortune. Any arguments for using a different frame rate and shutter speed for my interviews? Is 720/60p best for action shots on the hill? What's the best shutter speed on the hill? What's the best way to stabilize the camera when capturing action footage (I've been holding the handle and racing after these old farts who still ski like the wind/ pretty bumpy footage)? Any other tips?

A huge thanks to any replies. This project has been a blast and a huge learning experience.
 
My vote would be 720P60 with a 1/60 shutter for 'natural' looking shots on the hill. A faster shutter (1/125 or 1/250) will give a 'high energy' look that you see used a lot, but I don't like it personally.

There's some PC-centric discussion here about how to convert 720p60 to 30P or 60i SD for DVD: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=199692

I assume you are 'racing after' them on skis? I have had some success with the following: legs well apart, knees bent a lot to help cushion bumps, camera held level with upper thighs. Hunch down so your elbows are bent, then press your elbows in against the side of your ribs so your whole upper body is helping dampen the bumps.
 
i'd suggest a shutter of high, i always use 1/2000 when i shoot action sports and use 60p if i'm going to slow it down in post. it's not for the "look" but rather because it gives a much sharper image, which becomes very apparent when it's slowed down. so yeah 720/60p with a 1/2000 would be my suggestion
 
Thanks so much for the advice Ryan & Graham. I feel confirmed that 720/60p is the way to go out on the mountain for my action shots w/a higher shutter speed when I know I might do slow-mo in post. I should do some shutter speed tests if I get the chance. I'll try the suggested stance to steady the cam. My handle holding shots looked pretty jerky. I'm guessing wide angle and stay on them is better to smooth things out as well.

I'd be curious if anybody uses a more affordable stabilization system on the mountain and what they think.

Thanks Again! Shooting in Sun Valley in less than 2 weeks.
 
I've been shooting skiing since the day I picked up a camera, and I will say that I prefer 1080/30p with a 1/120 shutter. It creates the most 16mm-looking mild slow motion. For super slow motion, I'd recommend 720/60p, but I would use 60p conservatively if I didn't want to bore audiences. As for 60p shutter speed, I feel you need to find the proper amount of motion blending instead of just cranking it up really high. Doing so makes every frame really sharp, but I find it unnatural looking. Try experimenting and see what works best for you.
For interviews, I recommend 1080/24p with shutter of at least 1/48. I actually prefer 1/60 shutter speed for 24p footage, but this is really a matter of taste.

As for stabilization, the Glidecam 4000 works great for skiing! Going handheld is a lost cause if you're skiing fast, period.
 
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