Focus Chart & White Balance Cards?

[Norm Sanders]

This is actually directed towards Barry, as I've seen his use of the focus chart. I'm wondering where to pick one up that I can use when setting up the camera, focus, etc. Also, if the flip side is a perfect white (not too reflective), I could have it on hand for my white balance as well.

Anyone know a good place online?

Lastly, on a different note, I'm wanting a cheap way to upload my miniDV (i.e. low cost player), but all the miniDV decks I'm coming across seem to be at least $1K or higher. I'm tempted to just buy a crap miniDV camcorder (so I don't put the extra wear on my DVX), but there must be a simpler way. I even checked EVSonline, but they only seem to have the higher end decks, more than I need to just firewire to the PC & upload footage.

Ideas?

 

[Joe Tamboli]

I'm tempted to just buy a crap miniDV camcorder (so I don't put the extra wear on my DVX), but there must be a simpler way.

That is exactly what I did, picked up a JVC GR-D72U at best buy for $300. When it wears out, just like Doritos, they'll make more.... Just make sure the one you get works bi- directionally, meaning it will record from the fire wire input / output port.
Joe

 

[PDX_DVX]

Get a cheapo canon mini dv camera, about 300 bucks. Lots of people do it, and it works just fine.

 

[10s]

Try this: just print it out & use. It works great....get elaborate, put it in a plastic sleeve.

http://www.rondexter.com/intermediate/equipment/focus_pattern.htm

 

[GenJerDan]

Get a cheapo canon mini dv camera, about 300 bucks. Lots of people do it, and it works just fine.

Nah...better to get a Panasonic that uses the same batteries so not only will you have a "deck" for transfers, you'll have a little cam for behind-the-scenes footage without having to lug around different power sources.

Dan

 

[Joe Tamboli]

Good point....

 

[Barry_Green]

For a focus/wb card/chart, DV Rack includes sone with the program. For a resolution chart, I just downloaded the one from www.bealecorner.com

 

[Norm Sanders]

Thanks Barry & 10s for the patterns. Does anyone know if it matters as to whether you white balance against a matt or gloss surface? I'm guessing matt would be best, but if/when I laminate my pattern cards, it will add a gloss/reflective surface.

Also, thanks to all on the cheap pani miniDV advice for a deck.

 

[j]

Matte would be best.

Barry, where are the focus charts at bealscorner.com?

-j

 

[Norm Sanders]

Yeah, I ALMOST broke down & asked Barry where in Bealscorner they were as well ... then finally found it:

Here's the direct link to the page that has several resolutions for the test patter, of which I chose the PDF & printed nicely: http://www.bealecorner.com/trv900/respat/index.html#EIA1956

 

[verde]

You can also find cheap Panasonic mini-dv cameras on Ebay. I got mine (PV-DV702) through Ritz via ebay, shipped for around $90. It's great so far. Heck for under $100, you can't beat it.