If you had to make a show like... at DVinfo.net

Spike Spiegel · August 18th, 2007, 08:02 PM

If you had to make a show like Top Gear... What gear would you use?

I know that the talent and experience of the producers/cameramen account for the shows aesthetics, but I'm gunning for sheer hardware here. What cameras/filters/setup, stabilization, tripod, would you use ? Would you tweak the image on the field or would you rather tweak it in post? PS, this is probably key but lets say the delivery was in HD too. Lets see you tech gurus out there discuss your weapons of choice, workflow, etc.

I figure this thread can turn into a how-to infobase for other shows as well.

Dean Sensui · August 19th, 2007, 03:46 AM

Never try to "fix it in post". That's been discussed elsewhere an uncounted number of times.

As for hardware and technique: To get good results you need to do everything well from start to finish. It's the same with any other process, whether it's building a house, overhauling an engine or playing a guitar. The best guitar won't do a darn thing unless you learn to play. And the best guitarists can't sound good if the instrument is missing strings and is out of tune.

In terms of how to make things look good, optics are important. Lights and related gear are also essential.

Exactly what to use depends upon the situation you find yourself in and the nature of your work. Panavision cameras can do wonderful things but not if you're trying to get a POV shot from a sea otter.

Mark Kenfield · August 25th, 2007, 07:04 AM

Some solid car-mounted camera rigs, creative camera work, properly exposed and sharply focussed HD footage, then a heavy duty means of colour-correcting all of that beautifully shot footage.

August 18th, 2007, 08:02 PM	#1
Spike Spiegel Major Player Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 429	If you had to make a show like... If you had to make a show like Top Gear... What gear would you use? I know that the talent and experience of the producers/cameramen account for the shows aesthetics, but I'm gunning for sheer hardware here. What cameras/filters/setup, stabilization, tripod, would you use ? Would you tweak the image on the field or would you rather tweak it in post? PS, this is probably key but lets say the delivery was in HD too. Lets see you tech gurus out there discuss your weapons of choice, workflow, etc. I figure this thread can turn into a how-to infobase for other shows as well.

August 19th, 2007, 03:46 AM	#2
Dean Sensui Inner Circle Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 2,054	Never try to "fix it in post". That's been discussed elsewhere an uncounted number of times. As for hardware and technique: To get good results you need to do everything well from start to finish. It's the same with any other process, whether it's building a house, overhauling an engine or playing a guitar. The best guitar won't do a darn thing unless you learn to play. And the best guitarists can't sound good if the instrument is missing strings and is out of tune. In terms of how to make things look good, optics are important. Lights and related gear are also essential. Exactly what to use depends upon the situation you find yourself in and the nature of your work. Panavision cameras can do wonderful things but not if you're trying to get a POV shot from a sea otter. __________________ Dean Sensui Exec Producer, Hawaii Goes Fishing

August 25th, 2007, 07:04 AM	#3
Mark Kenfield Major Player Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 470	Some solid car-mounted camera rigs, creative camera work, properly exposed and sharply focussed HD footage, then a heavy duty means of colour-correcting all of that beautifully shot footage.