The evolution of a VDSLR "ENG/documentary style" rig

Johnnie,
Thanks for sharing your video. Nice to see the options you are showing.

Also I've seen your National Geographic work on the Earth Explore backpack. That was a great video that inspired me to get the 7d.
 
draven4,
Thank you for taking the time watching the video and commenting.

I probably did a bad job, the NG video was suppose to inspire you to buy the bag :) :)

Cheers mate and thank you again!

Johnnie
 
Hey Johnnie,
great setup and nice looking video!
I was wondering which lens you are using?
Also shooting mainly run´n gun style I like to use zoom lenses - is this the Canon 2.8 17-55 IS you´re using?

And I´m also fine focusing without a FF, as long as the lens "feels good" when focusing manually...
 
as long as the lens "feels good" when focusing manually...

feels-good-head-0-292x300.png

Sorry, had to.
 
is this the Canon 2.8 17-55 IS you´re using?

Hi Spartacus. Indeed it is that lens. I am also using the Tokina 11-16. It is wide enough that you don't need a stabilizer and freely move around. Also, the hard focus stop and the ability to stay wide and not worries about too deep focus at times, makes this lens great for run'n gun too.

Thanks for watching the video!

Johnnie
 
Thanks Johnnie,
I have been looking at this lens for a while, but when it comes to glass I´m always thinking, the MarkIII is on the horizon and may make me go fullframe...

Do you have online examples of things you shot with the 2,8 IS ? And/or the Tokina?
 
Do you have online examples of things you shot with the 2,8 IS ? And/or the Tokina?

Hi Spartacus.

Sure, here are some samples:
BBC (17-55, Tokina 11-16)
http://www.vimeo.com/13802161
BBC (17-55, Tokina 11-16)
http://www.vimeo.com/10444417

Short commercial-(17-55)
http://www.vimeo.com/14495718
National Geographic marketing- (17-55, 1 shot 70-200 f.4)
http://www.vimeo.com/13085681
National Geographic marketing-(17-55, 11-16, 1 shot 8mm, few 70-200 f2.8)
http://www.vimeo.com/9978386


If you need to see more, please let me know... :)

Thanks!

Johnnie
 
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Johnnie

You mention that this work is for the BBC

I thought they were totally against DSLRs and their 'soft' image

whats the score?

SMM
 
Hi SMM. what you did last summer?.... :)

As you know, the BBC is a huge organization with many different filming departments. Officially there is NO VDSLR support within the BBC (support in the meaning of accepting the format+workflow and publish a "white paper" securing it).
Nevertheless, the good people there are fully aware of the revolution and are very interested getting feedback and opinion form people like me who are working for them and exploring the new technology.
Our thoughts, experience and feedback is sent to the relevant people/department.
We all know the revolution will not stop here and the future is brighter then ever (equipment and evolving shooting technics).
If one day the advantages of the "format" will be clear and technically approved, you maybe (but only maybe) see some official usage of VDSLR too.

Thanks.

Johnnie
 
Hi Spartacus.

Sure, here are some samples:
BBC (17-55, Tokina 11-16)
http://www.vimeo.com/13802161
BBC (17-55, Tokina 11-16)
http://www.vimeo.com/10444417

Short commercial-(17-55)
http://www.vimeo.com/14495718
National Geographic marketing- (17-55, 1 shot 70-200 f.4)
http://www.vimeo.com/13085681
National Geographic marketing-(17-55, 11-16, 1 shot 8mm, few 70-200 f2.8)
http://www.vimeo.com/9978386


If you need to see more, please let me know... :)

Thanks!

Johnnie

Really nice work!
Since you seem to also do the editing: I still hate the syncing part of DSLR shooting. On a short commercial it´s not a problem, but for longer stuff...
How was your post workflow on the BBC vids? Eg. do you sync everything or just the final edit? Ever used just the sound from the 7D for the non-interview parts or always Tascam?

If not shooting an ENG style camera like a DigiBeta, will you always shoot DSLR now? Or would there be gigs, where you´d favor a HPX or EX1 etc. ?

Thanks, mate!
 
Hi Mate, sorry for my late response.

I sync everything. Before without any additional software and now with "dual eyes" which is a stand alone windows platform program (in oppose to "plural eyes" which is more like a "plug-in"). You can take a look at the software here: http://www.singularsoftware.com/dualeyes.html

Sure I use the camera sound only, there is nothing wrong with it. We all know its limitations and its very basic quality but it is better then mute....Now I use the Que mic from Hosa technology (when connected directly) as the "camera mic" so camera sound (again, with limits) is much better.

It is always the right tool for the job. The job is a combination of the subject of shooting, budget and (sometimes) a specific request from the broadcaster for a certain technical requirement (like 50Mb/s data rate and up).
I will choose working with a VDSLR as long as I don't feel limited. I am so used to the workflow by now that sometimes when using a "normal" camera I am "shocked" how easy or better say boring it is :). Shooting with a VDSLR keeps you (me) aware of many things otherwise you will take for granted.

All the best and sorry for the long answer...

Johnnie
 
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