Canon C100 Camera Review
The Canon C100 was a weapon of choice for a project I shot nearly a year ago in Guatemala (documenting poverty and the impact on children & families by charitable giving) and then recently in Peru where small form factor and a filmic image were desired. Also, shooting with a documentary format would require both location sound via a shotgun mic and interview sound from a couple lapel mics. For those who have done run-and-gun work with a DSLR, they know that it can be a struggle double-checking to be sure that the sound recorder is functioning properly and that the resulting separate audio and video files stay organized. Likewise, constantly changing locations can have a significant impact on the ability to set the correct aperture, shutter speed and ISO for accurate imaging on a DSLR in extended lighting ranges. While still of concern on the C100, the 4K imager provides the shooter with a broader range, allowing significantly more flexibility to record images that will be adjusted and color corrected in post. Here are some of my thoughts on the gear and how it performed.
UK ‘Priest’ Trailer Editor Headed to Hollywood, Courtesy of Sony Pictures
A few months ago, Sony followed three film students from the United Kingdom as they competed for the best edit of a trailer for the film, “Priest.” Of these, Mr.…
RED’s New Epic Camera
See Rick Young’s (Mac Video.tv) interview of RED’s Ted Schilowitz presenting the new Epic camera while at NAB 2010 here. It’s small and allows for a great 5K video on a reconfigurable body with interchangeable lenses and a high-end remote control. A bit expensive for the general video guy at $28,000, it is certainly a great option for big film companies transitioning to digital filmmaking.
Video Interviews: Keeping Your Subject Comfortable
A friend recently asked me if I had some advice for ways to make people comfortable in interview situations. I thought to share some of that with you…
Honestly, until professional cameras get to the point where they are pinhole cameras mounted on an interviewers tie, and even then, interviewing can be a really difficult task. Many people simply get nervous when they see the large glass of the lens pointed toward them, and there is likely the basic fear of being captured on a permanent visual record for “the rest of the world” to see. Individuals who are otherwise fluent speakers can be rendered as bumbling fools when they sit themselves down amidst the recording situation. You, as the videographer, can have an impact on the situation, though, and it is important to do your part to make the interview as successful as possible. Here are some items for your checklist: