DVX100a for film: need prof. advice

[Guest]

Hello,

I will be shooting a feature with my DVX100a. The film will, apparently, be transferred in the final stages to film.

Film is predominantly interior, day. Very little night stuff.

As I've never shot video for film (ie., for theatre projection per se) before, need some advice:

1. I've heard it's not a good idea to use diffusion filtration when shooting for film/theatrical; generally I'll only use a 1/8 or maximum 1/4 Fog or SoftFX to soften the highs. If true, this is a bummer. What's the word on this? Why?

2. I prefer the gamma "Cine-Like V" on my Panasonic for the contrast; is it a good idea to use an adapted gamma like this when foreseeing larger screen projection/film transfer, or is it better to shoot a more "safe" or neutral gamma (if indeed there is one) to avoid any possible picture noise or colour correction issues down the road?

3. I understand that FinalCutPro 4 can work with 24ap (advanced progressive), is this the best way to go when a final film transfer is in the cards?

4. We'll be shooting 16:9, and I've had good results with the "squeeze" function in order to be able to use my wide +telephoto lens adapters: any thoughts on using the camera digital squeeze as opposed to the anamorphic lens add-on?

Any other useful tips are appreciated.

Thanks

Bill
roomonsturbain@yahoo.com

 

[Scottdvx100]

Re: DVX100a for film: need prof. advice

First check with the company that will be doing your film blowup. There can be different recommendations for different companies.
You can start here: http://www.dvfilm.com/index.htm
They also publish a book specifically for this.

1. You usually avoid filtration on the camera to start with something as clean as possible. What appears good on your video monitor may not very good on the big screen. Once you've lost detail or built in some filter effect you can't remove it. Better to add as a post effect if needed and possible.

2. CineLike settings are probably your best bet since they try to give you a wide dynamic range and expect to pick up some contrast going to film. See film transfer house.

3. 24pa is usually recommended since it doesn't involved de-interlacing some frames to make a whole frame.

4. The anamorphic lens will produce better quality since you're using the full resolution of the CCD. It will also take more work when shooting. There's a lot info on this board regarding the anamorphic. Once again check with the film transfer house. It's all a question of degrees of quality and if it's worth it to you.

 

[TylerGred]

Re: DVX100a for film: need prof. advice

I believe someone told me that if you are going to film from the DVX you have to use the anamorphic adaptor... although I might have mis understood him.

 

[scharky]

Re: DVX100a for film: need prof. advice

YOu don't "need" to, you can shoot squeezed or croped, or 4x3 and crop in post. It is "best" to use the animorphic adaptor because it gives you the most resolution.