Composing shots in viewfinder for letterboxed 16:9

D

dodongo

Member
I'm buing a DVX soon, and plan on shooting in 4:3, then letterboxing in post to get 16:9.

Stupid Question:
Does the viewfinder have guides that show you where the 16:9 area is within the 4:3 area, so that you can compose your shots for 16:9?

If not, do you just rig up some tape guides?

Thanks!
 
Re: Composing shots in viewfinder for letterboxed

Re: Composing shots in viewfinder for letterboxed

Use a piece of acetate with the 16:9 marked off in felt pen...dotted lines.

Don't hard mask the area (with tape), then you'll still be able to see the surrounding area to help with composing.
 
Re: Composing shots in viewfinder for letterboxed

Re: Composing shots in viewfinder for letterboxed

And, if you hard-mask it, you'll also cover up all the VF info like timecode, battery status, etc...
 
Re: Composing shots in viewfinder for letterboxed

Re: Composing shots in viewfinder for letterboxed

Or use clear tape (but GOOD clear tape, not cheap stuff which will leave all sorts of gunk on it).
 
Re: Composing shots in viewfinder for letterboxed

Re: Composing shots in viewfinder for letterboxed

Or you could call Rush at EVS and order a pack of Screen Skins. Under 5 bucks and saves a lot of hassle.
I used one on my 100A for a long shoot before I even considered packaging them for sale. You can leave it on the finder (even when closed) and it peels off easily without leaving any residue.
Just my (prejudiced) .02
Ken
 
Re: Composing shots in viewfinder for letterboxed

Re: Composing shots in viewfinder for letterboxed

Guys, I want to thank you for all the great advice you give on this forum. For someone like me who's just starting out, this place is an amazing resource. You guys put in a lot of time helping people like me out, and I really appreciate it.
 
Re: Composing shots in viewfinder for letterboxed

Re: Composing shots in viewfinder for letterboxed

i use these little clear sticky rectangles they sell to protect palm pilot screens on my flip out lcd.

it lets me mark the center and the 1/3rd markings.

i keep thinking about doing it to the eyepiece but so far i just use the lcd for framing.

matthew
 
Re: Composing shots in viewfinder for letterboxed

Re: Composing shots in viewfinder for letterboxed

Just to let you guys know, the 16:9 Screen Skin code is SSDVX, in case you call or email a request. They are $4.95 ;D
 
Re: Composing shots in viewfinder for letterboxed

Re: Composing shots in viewfinder for letterboxed

is it possible to see a picture of what it looks like?
 
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