XHA1 Footage Playback (on set)

KyleProhaska

KyleProhaska

Veteran
Here's my situation,

I'll be shooting my first feature this summer...in which I must act besides do other things. Thats a problem in itself but disregard that in your answer. Even if a cameraman I trust, I can't afford to go back and shoot things many times over...for everyones sake including cost. I'm a bit worried of rewinding the tape to check the previous takes...for risk of causing dropouts later.

Should I worry about this much? There will be many times during the film where I'll be in front of the camera but even more time when I wont be (so I'm not worried about those times). After we finish a scene, I'll be nervous to not know FOR SURE we got what we need until later when I log. NOT sure if there are options around it like tethering to the camera (need of an extra crew member to do comp capture control).

Am I worrying too much about takes I actually want to review? If not I'm gonna spring for the HVX but if there is a way I can save my money and just keep the A1...

Any advice on what you guys do to playback your stuff (obviously tape but do you guys have any concerns when you do so?) is appreciated.
 
Kyle:

Canon makes the Console image software that will capture DV or HDV as MPEG 2 files to a Windows OS Laptop or PC. Unfortunitely it costs $600.00. I noted that your equipment list includes a Mac Book Pro laptop. There are capture programs out there for Mac that would probably do what the Console Software does on PC.

Cheap solution is to connect to an old VCR by the camera's composite out but it will likely record in 4:3 mode. However, this may be good enough to see how the acting and dialogue flowed.

S Cannon
 
Building on scannon's suggestion, you might replace the vcr with a standalone dvd recorder. They are about $200 and since they are non-linear it might speed your workflow. Since some of them can use DVD-RAM disks, you could reuse the media which might save a couple of bucks over using bunch of DVD-Rs.
 
My advice, get a camera man/ DOP who can get the job done.

you are obviously experienced if you use an A1 and you are shooting a feature. Think about people you've helped in the past, or people that you know can help you. Just talk with them in advance about the style you're going for, and work something out.

In a big project you can't do everything yourself. Even with short films its impossible. Just find a reliable competent person, and it will save you time, pain, and struggle.
 
yommytacoe said:
My advice, get a camera man/ DOP who can get the job done.
Click to expand...

Best advice you've gotten so far. Especially since you're acting as well as DP or whatever, and it's a feature no less. That's just a recipe for disaster unless you have a professional and experienced crew to back you up.

Wear one hat at a time. If you're acting, forget about directing or DP and vice versa. Find people who know what they're doing and have them fill in those positions. I never rewind the tape to check the takes unless it's absolutely necessary. You're always running the risks of taping over materials, and having broken timecode which can cause problems in post; plus it eats up time on set. The best thing to do would be to find someone else to direct, and trust them to tell you if a take is good or not. If you really don't have anyone that you trust that much, then don't act in the film and direct it yourself.
 
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