This Is Kind Of Funky!! Record 2/3ccd Cam To Dvx

[imgentertainment@mac]

Ok guys here is what I got. I am doing a jib shot for this short film that I am helping dp for. The film is being shot with a DVX100A in 24fps (F5), since we are going for the look but are keeping it on video, no film blow up. The problem that I have is there is about 3 complex jib shots in the film. So we have a full size jimmy jib that we use for live events and full size cameras. Since the shots require pulling focus from one shot to the next, we can't use DVX because the controller gear for focus,zoom,and iris are for a manual IF lens. So here is what we are doing. We are going to use a full size 2/3 CCD Hitachi SK888, it is their high end 16x9 digital SD camera. It has a Triax back on it and is used for big production shoots with a production truck. So the camera has no deck. It puts out an SDI and analog out puts from the camera. So what I was thinking, taking that out put from the SK888 and adapting it to go into the RCA ins on the DVX and recording using the DVX. But and here is my question. is there a setting to tell the DVX to record using 24p (F5) pre set. or are there any settings in VTR mode that let you control any color or anything? or is it just a hit record and what you give it it records in 29.97? any help on this one would defiantly help. or do I just shoot it to a regular deck and color correct it to give it that 24p look we are going for? Thanks For you help.

 

[Barry_Green]

Nope. What you will get is 60i interlaced video. If you want to do what you're speculating, you'll have to process the footage in post to try to match the look.

Is focus your main question? You can get a focus ring from 16x9 or Century that adds gear teeth to the focus ring that would let it mate to the Jimmy Jib's focus motor. Call Century and discuss, but that might solve your quandary and let you keep consistent footage throughout the shoot.

Barring that, if shot consistency is vital, you might look into renting an SDX900 for the jib days; it'll cost some bucks but at least it'll be 24p and with similar gamma/color characteristics.

 

[imgentertainment@mac]

Thanks Barry that is what I thought. Yeah I did look into the focus gear and as it adds the teath for the other gear to grab on to there is no screw hole to screw in the motor mount. Now with some thinking and gaf tape I am shure you could rig something with a mini rod set up kind of like the follow focus mounts but I don't have time considering we are doing the shot towmarow. yes renting a camra would be a good option but budget can't handel it. so I gess I will get it as close as I can in post. any idea's on filter set ups in FCPHD or just twick till I get what looks close to matching the 24fps video.

 

[Neil Rowe]

..also intstead of converting to the composite analog signal, you should get a signal converter that converts to 1394. run analog out from the big cam (if possible use SDI.. if you can find a converter) , and convert to 1394 for the DVX. i think that will give you the best image overall. because the signal will only be as good as the weakest link.. the analog outs of the big cam will likely be alot better than the rca input on the DVX. so converting them or if possible, the SDI signal to 1394 to try and preserve that quality might be the best way to go.

..ive only seen converters from muliple of types of analog signals to 1394, but if you can find one from SDI ...