4k options in night cinematography

[Goran Safarek]

I will have to film some scenes in the dark (otters etc.) so what are options for 4k night cinematography, for broadcasting. RAW would be handy.

Any experience is appreciated.

Thanks, Goran

[Noa Put]

I think your best option would be to use a camera that can deal with very high iso's like a sony a7sII.

[Cees van Kempen]

I am using infrared converted GH4's. If infrared (black/white) pictures are acceptable it is a good option. You can either shoot internally in camera or have an 10 bit 422 output to a Shogun or so.

[James Ewen]

Agree with Cees. Its either the A7s or a converted stills camera with the IR cut removed, the other option is the Varicam 35 and Varicam LT where you can remove the IR cut filter and shoot clean at 5000 ISO. The new EVA 1 will also offer this option when it is released.

Best regards,

James

[Bo Skelmose]

Hi
I also use converted GH4s with IR light. I will try the EVA-1 when its available.

[Paul Kellett]

Panasonic HC-X1 Pure Infrared Test Footage (1) - YouTube

HC-X1 night vision, infra red.

[Mark Watson]

The AX100 has a night shot mode (IR). What you'd want to make it work really well, is an external IR floodlight to illuminate the scene. I have an old Panasonic AG-DV30 that has three modes of IR operation and it can do it in color, rather than the green or black and white modes. I don't know what current crop of 4K cameras can do night shots in color mode.

Mark

[Bo Skelmose]

Here is a shot off frogs made with the GH4 in IR - Not everyting goes as expected!

But-Kat on Vimeo

[Alastair Traill]

Hi Bo,
Interesting! Was there any illumination apart from the Infrared?

[Rainer Listing]

Maybe add a warning that some viewers may find these images distressing.

[Bo Skelmose]

Yes I put IR lamps on my objects- I light it in the same way as I would do if it was in a studio with a keylight, soft light and backlight - but with IR lights. There is quite a lot of different lamps to get.

[Alastair Traill]

Thanks Bo,
I do not think I made myself clear. I am assuming that the cat could not see with infrared alone and I was wondering whether there was any visible light available such as moonlight or other sources of light? Some of the infrared lamps that I use emit a little visible light, in fact I prefer those that do because I can tell if they are working.

[Bo Skelmose]

Do not remember if there was any visible light. Without the IR filter, the GH4 gets much more light sensitive. With a mix of daylight and IR with different wavelength - the focus gets fucked up.
I use 840-850nm IR light and yes you can se them glow. It is a problem with some mammals that react to the red lamps. The fox react to the light.

[Andrew Smith]

Darned if we really need warning messages about a cat. Unless you are a frog. :-)

Andrew