Mixing DSLR and camcorder footage
 

Boy, I'm on a roll today! Questions, questions questions.

How do you feel about mixing footage in a wedding video from, for example, a Canon 7D and a Panasonic HM150? Is the difference unavoidably noticeable in the final product? Does it generally require a lot more work in post, such as color correction? Or do you feel a video project should be either all camcorder, or all DSLR ?

(I am planning to buy a Panasonic AC 130, but I didn't site that as an example since nobody has one yet!)

Re: Mixing DSLR and camcorder footage
 

It depends on the camcorder. HDV footage from a Canon XH-A1 or Sony Z1 is very difficult to match with Canon DSLR but I find more modern cameras like XF100 or XF300 are OK.

Re: Mixing DSLR and camcorder footage
 

We do mix Canon DSLR footage with Canon XF100 footage and don't usually have too much problem.

Mixing DSLR with our older Panasonic HMC-151 was a BIG problem. We sold all the 151s and went all DSLR for a while, then reality came back and we realised that DSLRs were not the right tool for all the jobs in hand. Example: Stood at the front looking at the Bride & Groom, you could have one perfectly in focus (take your pick) but not both without going to ridiculously high ISO to stop down further, whereas a smaller sensor camcorder dos this with ease (without all the extra noise). OTOH, DSLR with the 70-200 and an ND filter blows the Camcorder away outside :)

So, if you plan on doing it with the Panasonic 150, good luck, but I do't recommend it. Their interpretations of colour are so different that I can't understand what the engineers were thinking!

Re: Mixing DSLR and camcorder footage
 

I shoot with four cameras. Of the four the lowest resolution is 720p. So I edit in a 720p environment using FCP7. I convert all imported video to prores422. Works wonderfully.

Re: Mixing DSLR and camcorder footage
 

I've been wondering the same thing about mixing camcorder footage.

My wife is going to use an HV30 to fill in some of what I miss. She's not fully up ot speed on the DSLR.

Re: Mixing DSLR and camcorder footage
 

When we were first experimenting with DSLRs we used them with the Panny HMC150. They do not match, but in good light it's not too bad. A lot of it comes down to personal preference and the preferences of your clients.

Here is an example of using HMC150s and a DSLR in a highlight. The Prep and Ceremony was HMC150s while the Reception was a mix of the Canon T2i (before the 60d came out) and the HMC150. Hope this helps to visually see the differences.

Re: Mixing DSLR and camcorder footage
 

We mix DSLR and camcorder as well as different brands!! Sounds crazy I know but I like the versatility of the Sony EX1, the shallow DOF of the 5D and the added flexibility over DSLR of the Pani AF101. Here's an example of the 3.

Re: Mixing DSLR and camcorder footage
 

We shoot with 2 Canon 60Ds, a 5D Mark II and Canon Vixia HG10 all and generally have good results matching all the colours in post...our DSLR colour setting is on neutral which works well with Vixia's highest setting..we just tweek the saturation and sharpness on Vixia footages and they turn out perfect..here's a sample and if you can guess which footage is from the video cam ..you are good !!


Kren

Re: Mixing DSLR and camcorder footage
 

For those curious about a T3i 600D and XF300 mix, here it is (all footage DSLR except toast on XF300):

Re: Mixing DSLR and camcorder footage
 

Wow, some great examples are being shared and all are great work. It looks like mixing footage works out just fine.

Re: Mixing DSLR and camcorder footage
 

I've been mixing 7D, EX1 and HMC150 together for most of this season. it works, but for the most part, the 7d almost looks oversharpened in some cases. I find using Color Finesse on the HMC150 gives it the pop to match up with the DSLR. Somedays, I don't feel like lugging the 7D around at all and stick with the video cameras. content is king, although I do enjoy the close focusing of the 7D for details.

Re: Mixing DSLR and camcorder footage
 

I mix the HMC150 with the GH1 and GH2 and it works well. Generally I have to use the 3 way color corrector in final cut pro on the HMC150 footage to get it to match, I crush the blacks and bump up the saturation and then they blend wonderfully!

Re: Mixing DSLR and camcorder footage
 

we mix the 5dmk2, 7d, and hmc150 as well. its not perfect to match in post, however we find it very close. the typical audience out there doesnt seem to mind it, although our trained eye does. its just so crucial to having a true video camera in events that are happening so quick. we do however stop using the hmc150 in reception where the lights are very dark.