Re: Tentative step into DSLR filming - some advice please?
 

I think the Zacuto Z-finder is extremely good for helping with focus, though I've also been using it less and less as time goes on (something to do with the less buried in the camera you are, the more people can see your face, and the better the reactions you get from them).

If you press the "Info" button between takes, you get some idea of how much recording time you have left on the card. But, yep, card, battery and recording times are pains that never end with DSLRs. The MkII is particularly painful in the absence of warning it gives you when the 12 minutes are up.

Re: Tentative step into DSLR filming - some advice please?
 

Adrian when cameras started having LCD screens I stopped using the CRT viewfinder for convenience
(love being able to swivel an LCD screen for odd angles) - I also don't like to become faceless behind a camera - in fact I quite often have conversations with people around me while filming - less easy with your face buried in your camera - for the 5D however as focus is so critical I've just (this morning) received my Swivi VF-3 that fits like a glove on the MK3 - I've 2 weddings between xmas and new year - can't wait!

I'm not too worried about filming time as the Mk3 will go for 29 minutes but I'm still going to use traditional cams for the ceremonies and speeches so I won't need it it run for so long

Pete

Re: Tentative step into DSLR filming - some advice please?
 

Peter where did you get your Cheetah stand? I've been trying unsuccessfully to source one from the UK - the postage from the US doubles the cost to nearly $170!

Re: Tentative step into DSLR filming - some advice please?
 

Shooting DSLR does mean changing a lot of your habbits. Zooming is pretty much out of the question unless your using a follow focus rig connected to the zoom barrel. But then you also need to refocus as you adjust the zoom. The question to ask yourself is... Why do you show a zoom? Do you ever see them doing that on TV or in the movies? Usually... no. A zoom is something the human eye cannot do so for us to see it on screen it can leave the viewer feeling somewhat uncomfortable. If you want to use a subtle zoom then do it in post, you have a lot of pixels to play with at 1080p.

Also consider shooing at 25p for a really pleasing look. While you may be partial to a slow mo shot, the DSLR shooting could be a chance to try something new.

Other things to be aware of with DSLRs is never let the recording stop unexpectedly. Running out of time is fine but if you loose power either through a dead battery, popping off a lens, opening the battery compartment during recording then you will corrupt the clip you are currently recording.

Another suggestion is to change cards after each major part of the day. While you can cram a lot onto them you have to play it safe. What if the card becomes corrupt, damaged or lost? Thats a lot of the day to loose but if you change cards then you limit your loss. You also avoid the situation of the card filling up.

Eventually you get pretty quick at manual focus, you will rarely see myself or Julie with our hands off the barrel as best men tend to sway during their speech. Without peaking the best thing to use for focus is hair and why we dont turn our sharpness all the way down. Leave it up a couple of notches and you can see the hair clearly which aids focus.

Re: Tentative step into DSLR filming - some advice please?
 

Peter, I got my 5 Cheetahs from a UK seller who no longer does them. 3 x C12 Air and 2 x C8.

I noticed that with the smaller C8 stand the shipping cost drops per item as you increase the quantity. But with the larger C12 Air - which is in many ways better than using a tripod when with a large cam - the shipping cost does not drop. Maybe best to contact Cheetah for a personalised quote if you are looking to get several.

My monopod of choice is the Gitzo GM5561T. Its beefy but lightweight and it collapses very short. I use it with either a Manfrotto 701 head - the arm of which can be used as a brace against the body for extra stability - or a quick release plate. Its pricey though at nearly £300.

Gitzo GM5561T Mountaineer Monopod - Carbon Fibre

Pete