one chip camera
 

Hi there.Please provide the correct settings on brightness & Contrast and also Hue & Saturation to create a deep black image similar to images on music videos and commercials on tv.

Thanks.

I'm using ulead mediastudio pro 6.0 VE

how do I create strong colors? here is an example of strong colors--- the color of the image on www.lighthousefamily.com. I think I can create similar strong colors utilizing hue & saturation and also brightness and contrast. I have tried sliding the hue & saturation/ Brightness and contrast controls on ulead media studio pro--- as of this moment, I am still tweaking the sliders to create a similar strong color. My current video results/outputs are only low quality and has lots of color noise. While some video results/outputs lost detail because it has too much black on it.

Once again, Thank you.

Ellis

Re: one chip camera
 

I hope you realize that most music videos are shot on 35mm film, some on 16mm and a very few on video (usually the ones that are supposed to look trashy and documentary). Your example is very typicqal of that you would get if shooting 35mm film (shallow focus) and then crushing the blacks in telecine. Trust me; there is no way on earth you can get this with a one chip DV camcorder and Ulead.

BUT you can get very good looking video if you are using a 3 chip camcorder, know how to light, have a decent color corrector, an After Effects plugin like Magic Bullet SD. And if you have the buck you can even get shallow focus mounting a Mini 35 Digital from P+S Technik on XL1, PD150, VX2000 or VX1000. But I don't think video will ever look like film. It will not look worse but diffrent. One chip will never look better than the Dogma movie "The Celebration".

Here are my own examples of "one chip to the max":
http://www.operafilm.com/eba.html
http://www.operafilm.com/trio.html

Mind you that this was shot with a pretty large chip (1/2").

one chip camera
 

Hi Martin. I just read your message. Thank you for your reply.
I tried viewing the mov videos on my browser but unfortunately the mov doesn't load on the quicktimeplugin.

You can send still images taken from the videos via e-mail.

mindbox@mozcom.com

And please feel free to include some tips and hints on one chip camera (settings), shooting on available light and nle editing (saturation) (Brightness and contrast).

Any help would be appreciated.

Once again, Thank you.

Sincerely yours,
Ellis

Re: one chip camera
 

Hi,

You probably do not have the QT5 browser plugin installed. It's at www.quicktime.com.

Which camera???
 

I just saw a high quality trailer for Tadpole and I have to say it looks fantastic (image quality wise)!! I've been planning on buying a PAL XL1S for a while now but have not seen any "real" footage shot with it other than a trailer for an indie film called Idleheist which does look very good (quality wise). Being Tadpole was shot on PAL PD-150's is it safe to say that the PAL XL1S is right on par with it image quality wise?


Revolver1010.

The biggest difference between the XL1S and PD150 has more to do with the overall look of the video. Sony video tends to be more towards the blue, cool, and sharper. Canon video tends to be more towards the red, warm, and softer. It's a personal preference, like flavors of ice cream. It can get confusing because both cameras allow you to tweak the image one way or the other.

The XL1S is a larger, modular system which can be configured in a variety of different ways through interchangeable components. The PD150 is a compact, all-in-one camcorder with a flip-out LCD. You can add to it with accessories.

The right camera for you is the one which feels best in your hands, and whose video most appeals to your eye when viewed on a pro video monitor. Everything else, and I mean everything, is secondary.

If you can't try out both cams at a local dealer, try to get to a major tradeshow (next one is WEVA in Las Vegas, last week of Aug.) and play with 'em, to your heart's content.

And, you can always browse our forum archives here as this question does get asked a lot. Hope this helps,

Thank you very much Chris for the info! :-)

Revolver1010.

By the way I just noticed you're in Brooklyn... take the train into Manhattan and go to B&H at 34th & 9th Ave. They have all of these cameras set up and cabled to monitors. Spend an hour in there and try them out... pick the one you like best. Forget the specs and all the rest... the one which feels best in your hands and which looks right to you on the monitor is the one you need to buy.

Oh yeah I forgot about that. I've never personally been to B&H but have seen the website numerous times. I didn't realize they'd have all those cameras hooked up for viewing. Guess I need to wake up or something :-) Thanks again for your help!


Revolver1010.

The PD150 does have higher resolution than the XL1s. But the XL1s has better audio and frame mode.

With the XL1s, you can change lenses, the PD150, you have to go with adaptors. But there are 16:9 adaptors available for the PD150; and as far as I know, there are no 16:9 lenses or adaptors available fot the XL1s.

Every cam has its strengths and weaknesses. Pick one that will suit your needs the best. Though the GL2 has smaller CCDs, its video effective pixel count is higher than both the XL1s and PD150. Personally, I think the new GL2 is a dream come true. It's not perfect, but d_mn near.

ZGC has an OpTex Anamorphic adapter for the XL1. However, with the 16x lens you can't zoon through the entire range. Details are on ZGC site http://www.zgc.com/html/anamorphic_attachment.html#xl1 Anamorphic Adapters are available for the GL1/2, PD150 that allow the full zoom range, as Frank said.

let get more specific with the optex 16x9 on the XL .. it only works on a short range of the lens .. they claim 10mm to 25mm ( i say more like 12-20mm) you loose your wide angle and telephoto of the lens .. but if you can work within this range then you have a 16x9 image ...

the BEST anamorphic i've seen on the XL is using the P&S mini 35 adaptor with 35mm anamorphic lens ...

<<<on the XL .. it only works on a short range of the lens .. they claim 10mm to 25mm ( i say more like 12-20mm)<<<

Is this only on the XL1S and not the PD150?



Revolver1010.

The member is writing about the adaptor fot the XL1(s). One has more choices with the PD150 regarding 16:9 adaptors.

I'm sorry, let me re-word that. Is the limited zoom range with the widescreen adaptor only effect the XL1S or does it also affect the PD150? Thanks for all the replies by the way!


Revolver1010.

There are 16:9 anamorphic adapters that zoom through the entire zoom range for the sony PD150, Canon GL1/2 and others. Follow the links and you'll see. Both Century Precision and OpTex have adapters. The adapters are available from 2 of the sponsors, ZGC and Zotz.

Jeff

<<<-- Originally posted by jtdonald : There are 16:9 anamorphic adapters that zoom through the entire zoom range for the sony PD150, Canon GL1/2 and others. >>>


Cool! Thanks again for the info :-)

Newbie...I need help picking a camera
 

Hi all,

I am going to purchase a digital camera for a youth group that I work with. I simply would like some input on what to look for in a digital camera. The kids have raised $1000 and I have to keep it around there. I know we won't be able to purchase a great camera for that but I am looking for a camera that will hook up to a brand new comp I built for them and will make little movies. That's another thing. Software? Any suggestions that wouldn't put me out of my budget.

Thanks
B

You might look into the Sony TRV900 (3 chip).

As far as software...Premiere 6.5 was just released. You can buy an ADS Pyro card and Premiere for around $350 bucks.

Or $ 299 for academic version of Final Cut Pro 3, as long as one of your kids is a student of any sort.

<<<-- Originally posted by elusive_kudo : Or $ 299 for academic version of Final Cut Pro 3, as long as one of your kids is a student of any sort. -->>>

This is the way that I was able to get FCP 3. Thank HCC for the assist with this one.

Thanks a ton for the info on the software. I will check both of those out.

Regarding a camera: If I drop $300ish on software that leaves me only $700 bucks or so. I know it's tight but I need to get a camera. I could wait a few more months but maybe the better question would be to ask what I should look for in a camera.

Thanks for being kind to newbie.

B

I would seriously consider a solid, reliable 1-chip camcorder. Currently the best-selling DV camcorder in the U.S. is the Canon ZR45MC.

See http://www.canondv.com/zr02/index.html

For what you're doing, I really doubt that you need a three-chip camcorder. The Canon ZR45MC is easy to use, intuitive, feature packed, and relatively inexpensive, making it perfect for student use. Plus, it offers full manual control of exposure, focus, shutter and white balance which is often a requirement in a learning environment.

The ZR45MC can be purchased from our DV Info Net sponsors (see www.dvinfo.net/sponsors) who are authorized Canon dealers, such as Pro-Tape, ZGC and Zotz Digital. At less than $700, you'll have enough left over for editing software. Hope this helps,

I have a ZR25 that I use for casual and vacation shooting. I can attest to Chris' remarks on the ZR's general value. I don't know how old the "kids" in your group are. But, if they are small children they will find the ZR's light weight and nice industrial more comfortable in their hands than some heavier cameras. The camera's controls are also designed in a very self-evident manner.

Seriously, my ZR does a fine job with most scenes, particularly considering that it's only a small-chip/single-chip camera. It's really a great value.

I don't see why you would need FCP, or Premiere. There are lots of $100 firewire cards that come with simple but efficient video editing software. By no means professional, but the learning curve is probably much eaiser.
I don't know much about software at this level, but I'm sure someone here can recommend something on the entry level scale.
This way would probably be much easier on your budget, and make your life simpler too. Do you really want, or have the time, to learn a professional level editing program?

I also agree a 3-chip camera would be overkill for what you seem to need. Stick with a Canon ZR. Good value for the $$.

Most importantly, if you get a ZR and entry level editing software, you should have $200 left over. Then you have a bit of money for other gear, like the #1 most important piece of equiptment you need, a tripod! And maybe an external mic.

Thanks again.

Dylan...I do appreciate your advice. I will have to check out some of the lower end programs. That said, I have used premier before (while back) and I own my own home recording studio which uses high end recording software (Pro tools, Cubase, etc). Audio is different but it will be easier for me anyway to get it. But, it all might be a mute point. I actually was given Vegas Video 2 last year (buddy of mine loves it for audio/video). I will have to check it out and see if it will do the trick.

You all have been a ton of help.

I'll let ya know what route I will go...

B

Open question for all re: camera type
 

NTSC or PAL

Which of the two did you chose, and why. I know the differences, but why you bought it and what you do with it, I would REALLY like to know.


My projects are personally funded, so keeping things away from film transfer is ideal for me. So, NTSC is much more suited for my needs (and being in North America, it's the standard). I hate American having their own standards that differ from the rest of the world (an engineer's nightmare :D )

I chose NTSC because I didn't want to have any hassles with transferring from PAL, or any other "issues" creep up on me and kick me in the wallet later.
I'm not transferring to film, so the 25fps doesn't mean much to me. Also, my final format is VHS, so the extra resolution doesn't offer me much either.
ANd as I was buying a used camera, NTSC was much easier to find localy.

Unless your going to film at some point, it doesn't make sense to use PAL in North America. The slight resolution gain is lost when PAL is converted to NTSC. Most of my work is corporate and even with international sales units, if the company is in NA they want it to play in the boardroom. The other work I do is documentary (North American wildlife, mostly birds) that is intended for either broadcast or sales in NA. Match your format to your market.

Film is an entirely different beast. I think that post house that does the tranfer from DV to film should dictate what video format you use. some prefer PAL, some prefer NTSC.

Jeff

For now, NTSC is probably less hassle over all. In the future as HD starts making inroads, I suspect that HD will become the worldwide standard.

Nathan Gifford

P.S. It has been rumored that when Canon introduces this prosumer cam it will be called the XL_1$

I'd go with NTSC.

I am currently using my PAL XL1 in Japan(NTSC) and it is more trouble than it is worth.

I'm Australian and bought my camera before even considering I would end up in Japan. I missout on a bit of work as my camera is PAL and it is not woth the cost of conversion.

Whether you need PAL or NTSC depends where you live and what you want to do with your footage. I own both types of cams and use both, depending which one's best for what I want to do.

picking a camera, need advice
 

hi,


Im new here. I've been researching this site and others for a little while now to try and find a camera for myself. I plan on making a trilogy of shorts next summer, and I was wondering if people could give me thier opinions on good cameras to go for. Im currently looking at the Pd150 , the Canon XL1s, and maybe the GL-2. I know all the pros and cons of each camera . I just would like some opinions on these cameras from people who are experienced. From stills i have seen i probably enjoy the Pd150's the most, but I also like the way the XL1 looks as well. I basically am looking for a camera i could use for awhile and one that could give me the most options and be able to do the most things when i am filming. I plan on testing all these cams out in a couple of weeks. Thanks a lot,

Hi Splangy,

Welcome. If your looking for flexability and the most options, the XL1s is the winner in my book. But, without knowing the shorts you'll be working on it is really hard to recommend one over the other. Flexability and options come at a price (what doesn't?). Namely, size, weight and cost of support accessories, lights, tripods, cases, additional lenses, adapters, filters, you name it, it costs more for the XL1s. Smaller size and weight may be an advantage in your productions. Interchangable lenses may be an advantage. However, for the things that I do, I'll never consider a camera that does not have interchangable lenses. At times I need ultra wide (1.5mm) to super telephoto (5000mm). The GL2 and the PD150 can't deliver.

Jeff

Hello:

Recently, I was in the same boat as you. I finally decided that the Canon was my favorite over the Sony. Still, one thing I had ruled out during my research was using an old XL1. However, logic eventually hit me. I suddenly realized that I could get an old XL1 and save tons of dough. I could use this dough to enhance my projects. In your case, you'll improve your shorts. If you get an old, good XL1, you can take the extra money and get good lights or props or other things (filters, etc). Remember, its all about story and screen composition. Some extra cash to help your screen composition to look better can go a long way. So, I bought an old, used XL1 from someone (not-so-ironically, from someone on this site). And, I certainly DO NOT regret my decision. Oh yeah, I've looked through the PD150 and XL1. They're both great cameras. The XL1 is flexible for my use (I shoot action, kung-fu-like projects with people). The PD150 looks the same. However, I do like the skin-tones with the XL1. But thats all personal-preference. It depends on your subject. What do your shorts contain/require? That will help you make you're decision.

Regards,

Kyle "Doc" Mitchell

I will back up what Doconomus said about buying an older XL1 and saving tons of dough.

They're all good with pros and cons. Personally, I like the GL2, and VX2000/PD150...for beefy hand-held cams. At this point in time, I'd choose the GL2. But everyone's needs are different.

Hate to be a me-too-er, but I'm in the same position in regards to choosing a new camera. I have had Canon slrs for many years, plus Sony camcorders. I'm making the move from a Sony TRV820 and I've decided to go with the GL-2. There are many options, of course, including (gasp) going with a digital slr but at this stage of my life I think the GL-2 will fit my needs best.
Sandy

you doing the RIGHT thing by testing out all 3 camera's. IMO you can't go wrong with any of the 3. IMAGES are very good on all.
IMO you could shoot a separate scene on each, assemeble the 3 scenes and on a TV i don't think anybody would notice.
you'll have to decide on if you like the layout , handling, image, of one better and of course $$ will come into play at some point.

keep in mind that you are buying more then just a camera. will you be needing extra batt?, tripod?, external mic? , XLR box? , XLR cable?, windscreen ? , filters ? camera case?

Splangy

You want opinions?

As an owner of the xl1s and gl2...I'll tell you that the bigger brother isn't getting much use these days...It's not that the gl2 has rendered the xl1s irrelavant...It's just that the image quality has more "integrity" than the xl1s...excellent detail without having to turn up the sharpness, (in fact I turn it down a little), lower contrast and less glaring highlights. The gl2 is where DV is heading (including future versions of the xl1) and I personally wouldn't invest now in a new xl1s knowing what is probably coming down the pike within a year or so. The lower cost of the gl2 would allow you to get a nice shotgun mic or a wireless system plus a few other accessories that will make a very nice package.

Getting an older xl1 for the same price as a gl2 makes no sense to me whatsoever..the image quality isn't in the same league, and for the most part the level of controls on the gl2 exceeds or equals those on the xl1.

Don't get me wrong, I love my xl1s...It's larger size makes for better hand held work, and it's zoom control is superior...and it's great for interviews and other close-up work. Great sound circuits and controls. Yes, you can change lenses...but honestly the vast majority of us never will. If you were going to be a professional videographer using the camera day-in day-out, I would say go with the xl1s as it simply has a level of control and expandability that is unmatched in prosumer level.

The PD150 is an outstanding camera...but for me the canon frame mode is the deciding factor.

there's my opinions.

Barry