Video before film: which camera at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > Special Interest Areas > Techniques for Independent Production

Techniques for Independent Production
The challenges of creating Digital Cinema and other narrative forms.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old September 22nd, 2005, 04:40 PM   #1
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Sandy, OR USA
Posts: 31
Video before film: which camera

There are numerous discussions on this board about what cameras, settings, and techniques produce the most film-like result. Here's a different take on that question:

I'm in pre-production of a feature film that will be shot on digital video. It is my intention for this movie to eventually be transfered to film for general theater release. What camera(s) should I use and what settings? 60i? 24i? I assume I'll be shooting in 16:9.

Just FYI, I'm a big fan of Canon products (a GL2 is my primary cam).
__________________
Steve Williamson
www.RuckerWorks.com
( RuckerWorks Media )
Web, Video, Photography, Audio
Steve Williamson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 22nd, 2005, 10:38 PM   #2
Trustee
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Tulsa, OK
Posts: 1,689
For film out the recommended camera is the XL2 shot in 16:9 in 24PA mode. The DVX-100A will work as well but most would recommend an anamorphic adapter as it does not shoot true 16:9.



ash =o)
Ash Greyson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 26th, 2005, 10:12 PM   #3
Major Player
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Seattle
Posts: 427
That would depend on your budget, too. I agree with Ash if you're wanting to stay in the 10k and under club. The XL2 will get the job done in this price range.
Moving up the food chain a bit there is also the SDX-900, which looks really nice. They use it as their main camera on Laguna Beach on MTV. (yes, I admit, I watched it..but just to see the SDX images..I swear..)
I think American Cinematographer did a review on the XL2 and said it looks great in a film out.
And yes, the DVX will work too, I just prefer true 16:9.
Eric Brown is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 28th, 2005, 08:12 AM   #4
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 103
Is DV resolution suitable for the big screen?
__________________
AMD Athalon 2800 (2.08ghz) running Windows XP sp2
1GB of RAM Vegas 6.0 NLE 300+ GB hard drive space
running SATA RAID 0 With an NVIDEA Geforce FX 5600XT
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/search.php?searchid=149990
Kevin Red is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 28th, 2005, 09:44 PM   #5
Major Player
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 277
Take a look at my two favorite examples.

1) 24 Hour Party People. This is, at most points, indistinguishable from film. I find it frankly amazing. And it was shot interlaced and converted ex post facto. Double plus.

2) 28 Days Later. Duh. A given. People complain that it's a little too video-y, but I think that's intentional on the part of the director to give it immediacy and a little rawness.

So the answer is yes. And it these aren't even DV. Of course there are bad examples too. Dancer in the Dark was weirdly processed, to be kind, and looks like a digital movie. And then there's Figgis' Timecode which wasn't processed at all. So it looks pretty much like a digital home video. Well...four digital home videos.
DJ Kinney is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > Special Interest Areas > Techniques for Independent Production

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:02 AM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network