On-Set Usage (480i and all that)

KyleProhaska

KyleProhaska

Veteran
I've been caught between using the 5D and the AF100 for an upcoming feature I'm shooting. Low-budget, but they have some money to throw around. I probably could afford a higher end system, but for the sake of argument lets just stick to these two.

Both camera's offer their own strengths, and I own both. AF100 would require me to use my older Nikon Glass which is still very sharp to my eye and works well. 5D would have me using L series glass, which we all know is good stuff. The real reason I've been going to the AF100 as my likely choice is because of the video-village issues and the annoying 480i output when recording. On this flick, I just don't want people waiting on me because I blew the focus. On my AF100 it'll give me a nice 1080pSDI signal all the time, with peaking that'll make focus a breeze.

How has the 480i been handled on any sets you've been on? Any horror stories? I mean these DSLRs are soft to begin with, and not having critical focus just makes things even worse.

Thoughts?
 
I run a dual monitor system (when practical). I have a DP-6 mounted to the rails for focus (and people argue either way, but to my and my DP's eyes it's PLENTY sharp for focus, though on occasion we will use the monitor's focus assist) then a splitter sends the signal to a 26" in the video village for the scripty.
 
I worry about focusing during a shot, unless it is planned. I even saw a movie recently that had that in a scene, rewound and saw it again( EDIT: they were in focus, then went OOF, then came back quickly, like ut-oh!). I was amazed because it was unnecessary to begin with since the scene was a enter right exit left @ 35' at least outside in diffuse light.

My point is this. If I had my preference and sometime's I do, I'd shoot at f/8 and prefocus at the near end of the DOF, or the hyperfocal distance if that was an effect I wanted: no real DOF.

I did something similar recently inside a dance studio, prefocusing and following the talent around. it worked.

EDIT deux: Also meant to say Congrats on the Baby front!
 
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Thanks Tom :)

Yea I'm going to try to push for something other then the DSLRs if I can. Still weighing things out. I'm just not sure regardless of what I like about them that I want to fiddle with the workarounds so much on-set...regardless of how well they can handle some things.

Thanks for the comments.
 
Oh! Most definitely push for what you want! And holler up if/when you need a helping hand...I'm just down the road.~
 
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