Advice on shooting a boat parade
 

This weekend we are having our annual boat parade. This night event is really pretty. Last year, I shot this with my Canon GL 2. Obviously, it will shot in HD with the EX1 and I know that will require more light. If you were shooting this event, how would your set your camera? I will be between 50 to 150 feet away from the boats. I am attaching a little video invite I created for this years event (shot with GL2).
Thanks in advance for your input. I only get one shot at this until next year!

Phil

Invite to Boat Parade Party 2008 on Vimeo

Phil I would shoot 1080p 24p or 30p which ever you like then have shutter at 48 or 60 to match. Then keep the gain at -3 and use a Cine4 setting. These are the same setting I use when shooting night time aerials and the picture is clean and crisp. Since you are so close it should be easy to stay full wide to get all the way up the rigs which will help with light.

I am sure a few will tell you to go 0 or positive on the gain but you should test this first. I have never been happy with positive gain results with moving objects at night.

Thanks, Paul
 

I will give that a try tonight and see how lights around the water look. I would rather test it now and now when Saturday comes.
Thanks again,

Phil

Let me know what you find Phil? I am always looking to improve my night time footage with out gain.

Paul, why not STD4 - what would be the advantage on Cine4 in the night shoot?

Thanks

Alex STD4 could work well I have not used STD4 at all so I can't answer that question.

Thanks, Paul
 

Wow. The settings were great and the footage is very crisp and the color is great.
I am editing the boat parade clips now and will post them when I am complete. Thanks again, Paul.

Phil

Excellent glad I was able to help. Look forward to seeing the boat parade clips.

Boat Parade Video Complete
 

Hi Paul:

Well, it is converting now so click on the link below to view the boat parade.
I think the color and clarity are excellent. Friends that have seen it can't believe the quality and especially at night using only existing light. Thanks again for taking your time to set me up, it worked great.

Phil Hanna

Here is the link: 2008 Indian Rocks Beach Boat Parade on Vimeo

Phil, Vimeo says video convert has failed, so nothing is showing...