why dont just do it in a camera?

V

Voytek_Stitko

Well-known member
I am going to skip anamorphic lens adapter for my next shot.
Guys who shot without adapter usually shoot 4:3 and then add black bars in post production. My question is: why not shoot already with black bars (in camera)?

Thanks,
voytek
 
Hey Voytek,

If you add the black bars in post then you have the option of moving the image up and down within the black bars, whereas if you shoot with the black bars in camera you are stuck with the image as is. The best bet is probably to turn on the black bars, put black gaffers tape over the bars on your flip out LCD screen, and then turn the bars off. That way you can frame for the bars you will add later, and still have the super cool option of tweaking the image up and down in post.

Also, there are ceratain effects (in Final Cut Pro anyway) such as wipes that just don't work properly if you shoot with "in camera" black bars, for the bars become part of the wipes and just look awkward. By adding the bars on top of the image in post they stay in place permanently, no matter what kind of transitions you do.

And that, my friend, is the power of the post added black bars. I hope this makes sense.
 
Also, if you color correct the footage, the black will also be affected if you shoot in camera.
 
Also, you could try clear (non-residue or scotch) tape, because you can still see the lines for framing, but you can also see things that are out of your letterboxed frame and adjust accordingly.
 
I have heard those thin plastic membranes made for PDA screens work really well too, and also protect your LCD from damage. Just turn on the black bars, and use a sharpie to draw lines where the black bars are, turn black bars off, and voila! Youve accomlished the same thing as the other two methods, only using a clear PDA membrane.
 
Great thread! I'm always having troubles with ratios. I usually shoot with bars in cam and add them back in post both to sharpen the lines and work around transitions. Great idea about shooting 4:3 and having room to adjust the image up or down in post.
 
EVS has something similar for half the price. Call and ask for the SSDVX. They come two to a package for $4.95. Haven't tried 'em, but been meaning to...
 
Rush.. Dude.. Remember a couple of months ago when I begged for a 1.66, 1.85, 2.35 overlays?
The Aspect Correct guy has them! You gotta get ahold of these things man! They're HOT!

:grin:
 
Why don't you shoot in squeeze? Then you can use the full geography of the LCD to frame your shot and your editor will expand it anamorphic?
 
i dont use squeeze cos i heard that it limits the quality of the image more than shooting 4:3 and adding black bars later...
 
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