What if?

Evolve said:
Beyond that, amazing how much time y'all have to discuss when you should be writing, shooting, editing....one love
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I love this end all phrase. It seems to be the most popular on this board. This or possibly "a better camera doesn't make you a better filmmaker" must be the most abused.

1. You must have taken a comparable amount of your own time away from writing scripts and shooting to both scan and post a response to this thread. So we're all even, and you can't call us out on a message board for discussing things. It's both the point of message boards and the reason we're both here posting and reading.

2. I am not trying to discourage him from doing the mod, just pointing out he would probably be better off buying the exact camera he needs, or if he has the money or skills to do it then he should go for it. And then post a blog about how he did it. :grin:
 
donatello-


The most recent project is a Lions Gate documentary film called: "RIZE". It's up for best doc. David Lachapelle directed it... he's an artist that came up through Andy Warhol's. Additional Cinematography is the credit I have. Much of the footage I shot ended up in the movie. We shot with the DVX and 35mm.
Recently I also shot a lot of behind the scenes for "Memoirs of a Geisha" which is now in theatres.

I do talk to the camera techs @ the rental houses. Truth be told, many of those guys might not be able to pull it off. Sure they know a ton about gear and are extremely knowledgeable but it's going to take a certain breed of cat to do this (if anyone ever does it). I’ve got to find the right people.

Someone asked why not rent a Varicam instead? Well sometimes I do. I love the Varicam. The first narrative short I shot digitally was on the Varicam with the PS-Technik converter. However, for the project at hand it’s not the right tool.

These are my reasons.

1. Self conscious factor: People who are NOT accustomed to being on camera (or near a camera for that matter) become EXTREMELY uptight when you point any camera at them. When you point a 15-20 lb turret mounted “bazooka” at their face it becomes worse. Granted the Varicam isn't a HUGE camera in comparison to some... but in this instance (in my experience) the difference is big. I like to use smaller cameras because it doesn't scare the animals! For documentary type work that fact is PRICELESS.

2. Low profile and maneuverability: Try keeping a low profile with a Varicam on your shoulder. Try not attracting attention in public places. Try moving as quickly as your subjects without slowing them down or affecting them in such a way that completely takes them out of the moment. It’s hard enough to do with a small camera!



I’ve seen footage from the HVX on a big screen. I have a good idea of what it’s capable of and I’m really excited! Seems like Panasonic has just produced yet another sort of revolutionary camera. Having said that, if I can make it better with some modifications that translate in a way that would justify my financial risk then I’ll do it. If not, I won’t. It’s a simple as that.

Happy Holidays everyone.
 
doondoon said:
Recently I also shot a lot of behind the scenes for "Memoirs of a Geisha" which is now in theatres.
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doondoon, did you shoot an interview with a sumo wrestler? It was all in Japanese, so I don't know who/what it was exactly.
 
By the aforementioned logic, I'm inspired by Jim's comments to go out and get TWO of the HVX's, and to hack into one of them. What better camera to hack into for the price, right? I could even share the P2 cards between the two cameras. Panasonic will be stoked for the sales on 2 cameras, the geeks are stoked, and the hummingbirds are ready for their closeup, Mr. DeMille...
 
"most recent project is a Lions Gate documentary film called: "RIZE"."

i liked that movie - some amazing dancers
doondoon and others did excellent work on it ...

the few attempts that i heard on trying to put super speeds on video cameras work only on 1 chip camera's .. something about the 3 chip back focus just doesn't work with super speeds or other cine lens ... most of the film camera manufactureres are using single chip on their digital movie camera's and they work with cine lens ... i'm hoping the kinetta camera gets into production

www.kinetta.com
 
Jim Arthurs said:
all at quite tight telephoto focal lengths.
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You can find lots of lenses that are as wide as fx1's lens (starting from 4.5mm).
That's the beaty of interchangeable lens; you've got options.
 
toke lahti said:
You can find lots of lenses that are as wide as fx1's lens (starting from 4.5mm).
That's the beaty of interchangeable lens; you've got options.
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Really? I'm curious which one's you are refering to. And what mounts they require, and if those mounts will be interchangable with mounts for other lenses you would be interested in hooking up.

All I'm aware of are the Canon manual lenses for the XL series... and those are not HD lenses, but lenses designed for SD cameras.

I'm truly curious, not being a smarty here, as I'm not aware of a wealth of zooms or wides other than C-mount machine vision lenses that will properly target a 1/3" CCD and provide the kind of sharpness needed for HD...

Look, I'm not against DIY things... I made a Super8 camera (with pin registration) for animation work when I was in high school, and have built all kinds of wild film crap; 35mm single frame process projectors, 35mm optical printers, rotoscope lamp housings for my 2709, built stepper motor animation controls for all my cameras, etc. BUT, here's the difference... the HVX is a fine balance of high technology and lens/firmware integration that makes it somewhat suicidal to do these hacks.

All the energy and effort aimed at this just seems mis-directed, since there are other tried and true avenues to get the kinds of shots folks are after. I'm sorry guys, I'll back down on this and draw back.

To each his own... but I can garantee my HVX isn't going anywhere near a hacksaw. :)

Jim Arthurs
 
Off-topic... (or maybe not)
doondoon said:
I’ve seen footage from the HVX on a big screen.
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...and what do you think about 35mm film-out HVX properties? Did you see any 35mm screening test from HVX footage?
 
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