high definition
« Previous EntriesRedRock, Letus35, and P+S Technik 35mm DOF Adapters, Ground Glass, and Lenses Explained
Wednesday, June 4th, 2008Some friends were asking questions about why their Nikon zoom lens was getting vignetting with their new 35mm DOF Adapter (a RedRock Micro35 M2 unit) and Panasonic HVX200 (actually its an HVX200a).
First, we need to talk about frame sizes, for everyone to properly understand the playing field:
The Academy 35mm frame (the standard 35mm Cinema frame) [...]
Low End High Definition or High End Standard Definition?
Thursday, December 13th, 2007A friend recently asked whether he should get a somewhat older Professional Sony Standard Definition camera (shoots DVCam) that was offered to him for under $1000. He wants to try to put some stuff on mainstream TV, etc. Below is my response:
DVCam is basically a more robust version of minidv. You won’t need a capture [...]
Lighting A Film Or High Definition Set: Discussing The Reasons
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007From time to time I talk to someone that claims to be a Director of Photography (cinematographer). But once I get into the conversation with them, it becomes apparent, rather quickly, that the person has no idea about the art and science of lighting a film set (or High Definition/video set). There seems to be [...]
Think Shooting Film Costs More Than High Definition? Tried Super8 Lately?
Sunday, November 18th, 2007So you think shooting on film costs more money than High Definition with a 35mm DOF Adapter? Are you sure? Have you looked at super8? No? Then let’s do the math!
Let’s figure this - the average film maker may, if he or she is lucky, make about 3 to 4 short films a year. It’s [...]
Buying A High Definition Editing System But Don’t Know Where To Start?
Monday, September 3rd, 2007Editing High Definition is not for the faint of heart. It takes a big machine to cut together High Definition, slightly bigger for 2k, and the biggest, baddest machine money can buy for 4k (as a side note, a $15000 Mac or Dell probably isn’t going to be cutting 4k stuff very easily).
Although editing [...]
Film Versus High Definition: The Debate Is Dead
Wednesday, August 8th, 2007Film versus High Definition debates should NOT be happening anymore (at least by people that actually work in the industry). It’s not worth the breath or time, because we as Cinematographers use the tool that gets our work finished, not the tool that everyone tells us we will need because they have a one-track mind. [...]
Quick Rant: Wide Angle Lenses on Prosumer Fixed Lens Cameras
Monday, July 9th, 2007This is just a quick rant on the overuse of wide angle lenses on prosumer High Definition and MiniDV Cameras. If you partake in this practice, please go to an WAA meeting (Wide-Angle’s Anonymous) and/or seek other professional help.
Seriously, here’s the deal - if you have a Camera with a fixed lens, be it a [...]
Shooting Day For Night?
Wednesday, June 27th, 2007If you are shooting day for night, here’s how to do it, and make it look more realistic:
With Film:
1. Shoot exteriors with Tungsten film (or use a tungsten filter on your daylight film). This gives a slightly bluer image, but doesn’t go overboard. Too much blue (pretty much anything more than tungsten) doesn’t look real.
2. [...]
The Life of a Film Maker
Sunday, June 24th, 2007How many times have you been in a conversation with a new face and then the question comes up, “What do you do for a living?”
This is always asked in a conversation with someone that’s never been around film before. When someone asks me what I do for a living, I tell them I am [...]
Video Interviewer Needed in Maryland
Thursday, June 21st, 2007I’m not sure how this works, but I figured I’d post it here to let people know about it:
“Dear Videographer, SAGAS is a new and exiting company that offers customers the ability to record personal history video interviews with individuals and small groups anywhere in America. We are
Interested in Film Making in Maryland? Then subscribe [...]
Blu-Ray High Definition Format Now Backed By Blockbuster
Tuesday, June 19th, 2007Blockbuster has announced it will solely carry the Blu-Ray High Definition Format and not the HD-DVD format! This is big news, people. Really big news.
Why? The big question for the past few years has been whether to buy an HD-DVD player or a Blu-Ray player. Last year, they were released and people started buying them [...]
So You Want to Buy A Film or Video Camera, But Don’t Know What to Get
Thursday, June 7th, 2007Not sure whether to get a film or video camera? Are the choices straining your brain and making you look at your wallet with disdain? Has the term “24p” been written on various walls in your sleep? Have you daydreamed about locking in your PL mounted lens?
I’ve been there too. Choosing a new camera is [...]