Basic, Basic Help for a Dummie?

evolvnyc

evolvnyc

Well-known member
Hi,

I just got my new dvx last week. I am a still photographer professionally and am undertaking my first video project ever. Aside from skills taken from shooting stills, I know nothing at all about video. I got the dvx user book thinking it would set me up, but I find taht I don't even have the basic vocabulary to use it as the great resource it is (ie: what's gamma?)...
So my resaon for this post:
I have to start shooting in 2 weeks as a major event in the documentary is occuring then, and I want to make sure I have my settings down for consistency. Of course I want to look as close to film as possible and the film will be very visual. So I like the way 24p looks and I think everything seems to be working fine, but I wonder is there a site or book for idiots who have no clue so I don't shoot half of the film and then realize i had 60i on when I shouldn't have, or if i use cine gamma vs. cinne gamma d there's a big difference and I shoul dhave used one or the other? Just super basic hand holding information for someone who knows how to focus, white balance, set 24p and go... or is it just that simple?

ie: is slowing the shutter in 24 p to get more light going to change the look so significantly that it won't work with the rest of the film shot at 1/60th, or does one gamma setting need to be used from beginning to end, or what's the best way to switch from auto iris back to manual on the fly? Stuff of this nature...

I feel like buying a dvx brought me into a family, and I really appreciate this resource. Thanks in advance for any guidance!

Brad
 
Heres' the deal; principals of photography still apply; you say you are a still photographer? Then you will (should) have no problems.

1. Shoot 24p Default settings; or refer to Barry's manual regarding suggestions on Scene Files

2. Expose properly using IRIS

3. Use a Shutter Speed at Default or Off

4. Turn AUTO IRIS OFF

There is a button alled IRIS on the LEFT; press for ON/OFF AUTO

Use your ZEBRAS to check hotspots; open the LCD and press ZEBRA; dial down IRIS (Or UP depending on your set-up) to remove ZEBRAS from the LCD; ZEBRAS on a Chrome Bumper glaring of the SUN is cool; ZEBRAS on a WHite TSHIRT is not. Try and keep your skies in check.

Good luck; you have 2 weeks? Shoot every day.
 
Thanks for the replies guys, I appreciate it! I assume the zebras okay on the chrome but not on white t's is @ zebra 100 as opposed to 80? and in terms of whitebalance, ias it generally safe to just hit and hold the auto button each time and go with it?

Also has anyone tried the batterries taht advertise on this site (objective opinions only please) I assume they're accaptable and can use same charger as teh panasonics? Last as long?

Thanks again for the crash course, going to go shoot right now...

Brad
 
The WB must be balanced on something White; foam core for example. Press and hold. You can use PRST as well if you lock onto a balance you want (tungsten or daylgiht) but getting a pure WB everytime the lighting conditions change is beneficial.

The batteries on this site are the way to go; if you need one ORDER TODAY as Jarred is in and out of Vancouver working (Damn bastard world traveller); sometime batteries take a week sometimes they take a few. But yes; they rock and are cost effective.

Feel free to post grabs if you have questions or concerns and we'll glady make suggestions.
 
Yup! I have to agree with John. Jarred's batteries rock!

AND like John already said, shoot every day. Even when you think ya got it... shoot some more. You will never have too much practice. Like your still photography, you have to train yourself to be intinctual with the DVX (you said it was an event) so I assume you are covering something "live" that can't easily be repeated. Practice, practice, practice! :)
 
And another thing...

And another thing...

I now there are thousands of posts and opinions about the squeeze vs. ana adapter; but this is my question: I would like to use the adapter, eventually when I can afford it and have time to get used to it, but for next week, I have to make do with what I have (and I plan to have the final cut be 16:9) so it is really bad to have some of it shot in squeeze and some with the adapter? will there be a ver noticible difference that will give the audience pause? Again thanks so much for all of the advice, feel free to fwd and stills issues over here and I'll try to give back as much as I can!

Brad
 
Depends, what is your display medium? It won't be so noticable on DVD but it will probably be visible on a large screen projection.
 
if you are a pro-photographer you are already far.

differences:
- as John said AVOID any auto-setting. i know photographers rely heavily on autofocus and even auto-iris (after the set the shutter). video is different, because you capture longer moments the light might change during a take (in the pan etc). so either compromise which aperature you want or make sure you got the light you need.
- autofocus is a no-no IMO. you don´t want the lens to trace a focus during your shot.
- whitebalance is easy to do, but you need to force yourself to do it at the correct times. you can go with the preset settings , but then be aware that your in-camera coloursettings might get overruled.
- treat the video like a middle-format hasselblad. only shoot when you think it is worth it. shooting hours of useless footage will only frustrate you in the editing room. always know what to do with the shot afterwards.
 
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