Getting rid of the documentary look

Anthonyb

Anthonyb

Well-known member
Okay a lot of footage has been released. I've seen what the camera can do first hand. It looks very video-e, even at 24P. A solution I used on the HVX200 was a Tiffen Soft FX 1/2 4x4 glass filter.

I'm wondering if anyone has any solutions in getting a look similar to the 5D, or at least something that doesn't look like a documentary. Clearly I cannot use a filter this time as the image on the 7D is already soft. It would be better if it was sharper and we could diffuse it down with filters, but I'm open to suggestions.

Basically want to get rid of the "video" look.

:Drogar-Angry(DBG):
 
Last edited:
That's what color grading in post is for. Figure out what you want to change- saturation, softness, whatnot- and apply the necessary filters in your editing program.
 
Just got my 7D - don't trust what you see online. I was expected a letdown but I have not been this excited about a cam since getting the 6th DVX100 in the US years ago.

Do get a Canon 50mm 1.4 - Stu at Prolost calls it a "must-have" lens. I could not agree more. Just shot with it last night for the first time. I've never shot more cinematic footage ever and I was totally fumbling with unfamiliar camera trying to film one song with a band.
 
This topic confuses the hell out of me. You're attributing the "Documentary" look to lenses?
 
No, attributing it to the sensor... but looking for solutions to make it look as sharp as the 5D.
 
How do you attribute "documentary" look to anything but cinematography or "shooting style"?

Bourney Identity is documentary style. It has NOTHING to do with the lenses or because it's not Full frame.
 
Kholi said:
How do you attribute "documentary" look to anything but cinematography or "shooting style"?

Bourney Identity is documentary style. It has NOTHING to do with the lenses or because it's not Full frame.
Click to expand...


I'm just going to give up on you.
 
Anthony, I think you should replace the word "documentary" with "video" and you'll be back on track.

There's several things you can do inside the camera to adjust custom scene files for contrast, sharpness, etc. I'm not a super tech guy, but the footage from my last 5D shoot looks pretty much like my last 7D shoot, I don't see there being a huge difference between the two when using the same lenses.
 
chris f said:
Anthony, I think you should replace the word "documentary" with "video" and you'll be back on track.

There's several things you can do inside the camera to adjust custom scene files for contrast, sharpness, etc. I'm not a super tech guy, but the footage from my last 5D shoot looks pretty much like my last 7D shoot, I don't see there being a huge difference between the two when using the same lenses.
Click to expand...


Thanks Chris, would love to hear about those settings.
 
chris f said:
Anthony, I think you should replace the word "documentary" with "video" and you'll be back on track.

There's several things you can do inside the camera to adjust custom scene files for contrast, sharpness, etc. I'm not a super tech guy, but the footage from my last 5D shoot looks pretty much like my last 7D shoot, I don't see there being a huge difference between the two when using the same lenses.
Click to expand...

Oh so THAT'S what he meant. He means how do you stop your footage from looking "video" which is really another term that we all use to say "Cheap" or "Not Cinematic."

Anthony, now that we're on the same page, can you post some footage to show what you're having trouble with?
 
Kholi said:
Oh so THAT'S what he meant. He means how do you stop your footage from looking "video" which is really another term that we all use to say "Cheap" or "Not Cinematic."

Anthony, now that we're on the same page, can you post some footage to show what you're having trouble with?
Click to expand...


Pretty much 95% of the footage in the 7D Footage Forum. Maybe I should just buy the 5D.
 
Are you sure you don't have a problem with the "look" of Vimeo and Youtube? HTTP is a unique display medium and will "massage" content in unique ways.
 
I've shot with the 5D and I own a 7D. The 30fps on the 5D always felt video to me, no matter how pretty the image was. The 7D looks great (aside from the known aliasing and moire which is present in the 5D too). I've shot stuff that is just as cinematic as stuff I've shot on my RED. Personally, I'm not too used to full frame in motion pictures. It doesn't feel cinematic. It feels hyper-real. It's definitely artistic, but the S35 size sensor of the 7D is what I'm familiar with shooting RED, or 35mm film. The DOF is predictable based on my lens choice and aperture.

I use Neutral with Sharpness all the way down and Contrast all the way down. When the sharpness is not all the way down, the artificial edges are too sharp and ugly. You can always add some slight sharpening in post that looks nicer. The 5D wasn't any sharper to me than the 7D. 5D was slightly less noisy, but nothing major.
 
mhood said:
Are you sure you don't have a problem with the "look" of Vimeo and Youtube? HTTP is a unique display medium and will "massage" content in unique ways.
Click to expand...

I wish that were the case, but check out Camille's page on vimeo:

http://www.vimeo.com/7118904


I realize there is color correcting done, but I have yet to see a single clip shot on the 7D that looks close to the quality of Camille's work.

If you have any examples of 7D Footage looking that good, please post. I would love to buy the 7D and save myself some cash, but the quality of the 5D in video mode is outstanding.
 
There's a LOT of creative grading on that piece.

But you're sold on the 5D, so go get it and do some great work with it! :)
 
kenn michael said:
There's a LOT of creative grading on that piece.

But you're sold on the 5D, so go get it and do some great work with it! :)
Click to expand...

Hahaha I guess you're right.... but I just wish I could see something this nice shot with the 7D. I love the capabilities of that camera, but ya... Would love to see some footage this beautiful shot with the 7D.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top