Leopard at Night (Nkorho-South Africa)
 

During my last holiday at Nkorho bush Lodge (Sabi Sands - South Africa) tested my Canon XH A1 with Gain setting - 3 during night filming under difficult light conditions. Standard Canon preset used.

http://www.vimeo.com/1378508

Comments for better settings or ideas are welcome.

Thanks,
Wil

wil,
That was amazing. what a great find, and great footage if I do say so. Who was running the spotlight, that was awesome. Really.
Bill

Hi Bill,

thanks for the positive feed back.
the spotlight was operated by the tracker in front of the jeep

Wil

Good footage... and you can't go wrong with Dire Straits (theme from "Local Hero"). :-)

I'm pretty surprised the lights didn't wig him out...

The biggest criticism I have is that you should have gotten a better angle... I think in that situation a tree climb would have totally gotten the "money shot"... : ) Just kidding...

I am really impressed at the quality... That is a great example of a quality low light video... It was amazingly clean video under less than ideal circumstances... Great job man, I was thoroughly captivated by your piece... What an awesome creature...

That video was awesome - I have always wanted to shoot in Africa, in the wild. The low light is impressive indeed. Again Great footage.

in your original post you mentioned gain - 3

was that -3? or were you just using a dash before the number - therefore +3 gain?

I didn't even think you could get away with minus 3 gain in the dark - but I guess in this situation it's spotlit

trish

Hi Trish,

my setting was -3dB GAIN which you can program.

Wil

Wil! You lucky bloke!!! - And yes the footage is amazing. I would now have a go with post colour correction/grading. I think there is more to be gained.

Truly stunning results with this £2k+ camera gives.

Grazie

Any idea what power the spotlight was, and how far away from the leopard?


Pretty awesome footage.

The power I don't know but the distance was approx. 5 meters (16FT)

Was this an organised trip? If so, who were the company? Were they geared up for photography/filming, or was it an ordinary safari holiday? Or did you just book directly to stay there? If so, can you give some contact details?

Lots of questions, but if you come back with that kind of film, I want a good chance of doing the same!! Though I don't know yet when I'll be able to afford to go.