Two DSLRs needed for Short Film?

[ricland]

Since I have the money I've been thinking about buying another GH2 -- used -- to video a short film.

It's it necessary and how much should I spend?

 

[Kegan]

You mean for multi-cam setups? From my experience, it's always slowed things down...so we just don't do it. Put that money into the film (either in renting lights, paying crew/actors, production design, audio post, etc).

Best of luck with your short,

Kegan

 

[maarek]

If it slows you down, then think about what you're doing, why it's slowing and how you can improve it. Two cams are a huge boon in editing and they shouldn't slow you down at all.

 

[ricland]

If it slows you down, then think about what you're doing, why it's slowing and how you can improve it. Two cams are a huge boon in editing and they shouldn't slow you down at all.

So you recommend it.

How are they a "huge boon" in editting. I think I know, but I'd like to hear your version.

 

[Sunk99]

I've heard such before about multicams slowing down the production. We've shot many films with five cameras and operators. It just takes a bit of advanced planning. I hated the old days shooting a basic two person conversation with one camera which required two OTS and one wide shot to provide basic coverage. That's three usable takes needed, which meant plan for nine takes. Three cameras - one shot and plan for three takes - done. But, to each their own.

 

[Andy Olson]

Yes, a two camera setup can slow down shooting because you have to light for multiple angles, actors etc and then you have more talent on screen and camera operators that can mess up. You then need more lights, more power (depending on the lights), multiple microphones and possibly more crew to setup and operate.

BUT, shooting two camera can save a lot of time too and might improve the quality of the takes. Once you are setup, bang, you are knocking two angles out at once. Your actors will probably thank you too because there are no wasted takes of the actor that is not on camera because they are both on camera. This will keep up actor energy because you can get the stuff you need in less overall takes than with just one camera.

So each have it's advantages and disadvantages. I'd say if you have the resources (camera, accessories, lights, mics, crew) to back up having a two camera setup then you should do it. If you have just enough to have a 2nd camera and none of the support, it might slow you down unless you are just shooting a second angle of the same subject the 1st camera is shooting ie a MCU and a ECU with the 2nd.

Best,
Andy

 

[steve4505]

I agree with the right crew, gear, and experience a 2 matching camera shoot can speed things up. I have worked on several. However, I get a feeling this is like saying "we are shooting on a Red" and frequently is not justified. In my experience if you carefully look at the shot list (if there even is one) you may be able to save some time with 2 camera's but on a lot of project a lot more time is taken moving from scene to scene, location to location. I was on a shoot where the director wanted a 2 camera shoot and I only found 2 shots out of 120 where 2 cameras would save time. The (very inexperienced) director's main reason for 2 cameras was the bragging rights. Of course every shoot is different, but the skill levels and complexities of correctly lighting for 2 cameras in most situations out-weighs the time savings. My main cautions are derived from the OP shooting on a GH2, which presumes less experienced crews. I agree with Kegan and money (even a small amount) should be given to the crew if they are already unpaid. On the other hand, if you are trying to learn how to do 2 camera shoots, it really does take quite a lot experience to get to that level and you may have fun learning.

 

[ricland]

Oh, boy -- now you're telling me I need Three cameras.

Can't I wing it with a gh3 and a gh2?

 

[ricland]

Thanks,

Might you know of a clip that shows 2 cameras being used effectively?

 

[blazer003]

Here's my breakdown from my experience.

Advantages:
-Two cameras are shooting the exact same scene. No continuity issues WHEN you can cut between the two cameras of the same take. In practice, that doesn't happen as often as you would like.
-Less takes potentially needed. Multicam is a near must for stunts that cost a lot of time and potentially money to replicate (even someone falling, it's one less time they have to fall if you get a good take).

Disadvantages:
-Possibly set up time, could restrict some camera angles.
-Keeps your cameras more locked down and takes more planning, especially if you're cameras are not locked down, so you don't get the 2nd camera in the shot.

Must haves:
Two people who really know how to operate their camera. You can't have you being the only person that knows how to operate both cameras and expecting your friend who knows a thing or two about the camera to take the 2nd one. Someone will end up spending WAY too much time going back and forth between cameras. Trust me, that's a voice of experience.

Conclusion:
I think if I had to make a choice, like said before, if I don't already have the 2nd camera, I'd go with other gear long before a 2nd camera. The advantages are marginal, and the potential hassles are great. That said, if you have the 2nd camera and the people to operate both, it's not a bad idea, and sometimes it creates some bit of continuity that is nearly impossible get with one camera.

 

[maarek]

Two people who really know how to operate their camera. You can't have you being the only person that knows how to operate both cameras and expecting your friend who knows a thing or two about the camera to take the 2nd one. Someone will end up spending WAY too much time going back and forth between cameras. Trust me, that's a voice of experience.

Yup. I go with the "Talented b-cam"- way in which I have a buddy who can shoot stuff without me constantly checking everything and just let him go wild and get b-cam stuff. I try not to micromanage too much and instead let him get shots which he thinks would be awesome. Just make sure I'm not shooting the exact same stuff.

Works very well. This does depend on your second shooter though.

 

[ricland]

Say, everyone, thanks a lot.

I've decided to buy lenses and stuff instead of a second camera.

 

[TheDingo]

Outdoors with natural light multi-camera is a treat, but indoor lighting is a pain with multi-camera shoots, unless you can hang everything from the ceiling so that the cameras have free reign of the space you are shooting in.