Is there any reason to keep my 1.4 lens?

Sure I'll do that. If I can't get it to work I'll see about using after effects to change the color to tone down. I'm going to make the light blue in post probably too.
 
My friend, it sounds like you need a new DP. Stop down! A good DP can light your scene with a 10k and make it look like he did it with a flashlight.
 
dsphotography said:
My friend, it sounds like you need a new DP. Stop down! A good DP can light your scene with a 10k and make it look like he did it with a flashlight.
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Good point! It's not the equipment used that makes the shot successful, but the technique, knowledge and how you're using it.
 
ironpony said:
So when you are shooting a fight/chase scene, how do I keep it in focus, when the actors are moving every two feet very fast? There is a scene where one actor shoves another against a wall, and I had to refocus in less than a fraction of second, before the actors hit the wall from the time of the shove. How does one do that? Are their any books that are good teachers on how to use one?
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Block the scene out. Give your actors marks. Place markers on the ground (with gaffers tape, for example) if you need to. Rehearse. Mark your focus points (you can put a rubber band around your focus ring and mark it with a permanent marker, rather than drawing on your lens).

Then simply focus using the marks on your lens, and make sure your actors hit their marks too.
 
Well as good as that sounds, unfortunately the people I am working with are not disciplined to do that. I need a camera that's in focus all the time, for inexperienced people unfortunately. I'm working sound and stuff, so I can't be behind it.
 
What focal length are you working at? 50mm? The "longer" your focal length (the more telephoto) the harder it is to keep things in focus. Why not use a wider lens? Something like a 35mm 1.8? Or even wider with a cheap 2nd hand Nikon manual lens?

I'm guessing you're using existing light for your chase scenes? If so you're gonna find it very hard to get a decent looking frame. Though times are a changing.

btw, you're putting one too many "o"s in your "loose". These handcuffs are too loose...vs...did you lose the keys to my handcuffs!?
 
Well I tried a 35mm before and it seems to have the same problem as the 50. I shot two people walking down a hallway, one, further behind, then the other. The person was out of focus, and was only a few feet behind. I then switched to my 18-55 mm zoom lense and there was no problem. So the 35mm is not for me either at this level. I think I will shoot with the 18-55 and just use the money on more lights. I already took the 50mm back, and got a refund.
 
Wow, i feel like tons of information is being passed onto deaf ears.
Firstly, for your needs... I think you are using the wrong camera. You shooting action scene with loads of movement, without a proper rig, follow focus, or actor talent (blocking out the scenes and rehearsing focus points/markers).

You should look into using a proper camera and not a DSLR at the moment. The DSLR can give you amazing results, but from the sound of it, you dont have time to familiarize yourself with it's abilities. A proper video camera wont get you the low light and DoF prowess of an DSLR, but it is more apt with capturing action sequences (3 CCD verse rolling shutter), has easier controls, better image stabilization, more stable focus controls on board, and is probably better suited for your needs in general at this point.

If your filming action, at night, without good lighting, rehearsed movements, and in a small time frame.... you have to re-think your entire approach to filming this, if you want to continue working with these hurdles.
 
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We shot this action scene with f1.4 30mm at night. Worked awesomely, no problems in doing focus. http://vimeo.com/7713444

Also no problems in doing action. The canon 7d at 720p has actually less rolling shutter than a lot of regular cmos-cams. In 1080p it has more but then you just compensate.

I would never film anything like this with regular camcorders that use 1/3 inch sensors. Just not possible.
 
Youre right. I am just not experienced enough with the dop lower than f4, focus wise. Next action scenes, I will shoot in the day time, substituted for night, till I get the hang out 1.4. But I took the lens back and will use the money to buy more lights anyway.
 
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