http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Forum: Outdoor Video - Recent Posts en Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:49:30 +0000 http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/filming-from-an-aircraft#post-74856 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:22:10 +0000 jroode 74856@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I will be shooting;</p> <p>1) In good light during the day</p> <p>2) Mostly landscape "planet" shots</p> <p>3) From the backseat of the light aircraft through large opne windows</p> <p>4) Handheld</p> <p>5) Not enough room for large broadcast cameras. A medium sized camera can be used.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/filming-from-an-aircraft#post-74849 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:11:32 +0000 Don 74849@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>also with a helicopter... there is such a thing as Balancing the rotors... that can be done before shooting.. and makes a huge difference in vibrations!</p> <p><a href="http://www.aviationpros.com/article/10389059/helicopter-track-and-balance-theory" rel="nofollow">http://www.aviationpros.com/article/10389059/helicopter-track-and-balance-theory</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/filming-from-an-aircraft#post-74845 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:44:20 +0000 composite1 74845@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Jrode,</p> <p>Having cut my teeth in the business as an Aerial Photo/Videographer, the first question you need to ask is; 'What type of aircraft will I shoot from?' The aircraft (or platform) you'll be gathering images in will decide what your options are for getting smooth aerial footage. </p> <p>If you have a certain degree of room to shoot (like out of a helicopter door) it may be possible to rig up an impromptu bungee cradle for your camera. If you have much less like out the window of a Cessna, you'll have to use long straps securing the camera to you so it can be held out the window. </p> <p>First thing to remember is you cannot rest your arms or any part of the camera array on the aircraft. Whether a prop, jet or glider, there will be vibrations causing camera shake.</p> <p>As for what camera to use? Again, it depends on how much room you'll have in the aircraft. I've shot with big broadcast cameras in helo's and palm-sized rigs in the back of a fighter.</p> <p>Whatever you shoot with make sure you have medium to telephoto length lenses. You can shoot with wide lenses if you're looking for 'Planet Shots'. But if you're looking to highlight a specific area or structure, you'll need those longer lenses.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/filming-from-an-aircraft#post-74823 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:59:17 +0000 Don 74823@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>how you intend to shoot doesn't help as much as what you intend to shoot... lens focal lengths are critical here... the longer the lens, the greater the challenges regarding image stabilization........ also affects things like depth of field...</p> <p>so as for sensor type,, you'll be shooting during the day? good light? ANY sensor ought to be fine (read up on rolling shutter effects if you're including moving subjects from a moving vehicle) in good light.. make sure the lens can take filters as a polarizer may be needed for some shooting..</p> <p>anything that shoots to hdv or memory card... memory cards being preferable... will do.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/filming-from-an-aircraft#post-74820 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:43:01 +0000 jroode 74820@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Ok, maybe need to have given more info. I am the pilot and my partner<br /> sits at the back (handheld) and films through large open windows. We<br /> film landscape scenic shots. It is a light aircraft that can fly slowly.<br /> <br /> 1) Is a CMOS sensor a problem?<br /> 2) Will a card based camcorder work?</p> <p>Any other advice?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/filming-from-an-aircraft#post-74809 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:42:56 +0000 Don 74809@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>also depends on the type of footage you want... lens selection and focal length etc...</p> <p>I'd shoot go-pro cams as you can do a multi angle multi-cam shoot cheap and get cutaways with the wing, or tail or inside of the aircraft, as well as the ground and sky.. but go=pros are ALL fish-eye ultrawide lenses... </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/filming-from-an-aircraft#post-74801 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:45:54 +0000 MediaFish 74801@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>The first question that comes to mind for me is - how do you plan to steady or stabilize your camera during the flight while shooting footage? Handheld will be too shaky.  Resting on a pillow - maybe.  Gyros - mostly way out of budget. Glidecam - possible.  Tripod or monopod - no.  Camera or lens stabilization - yes, it worked for me on a helicopter should produce footage that can be worked with in post fairly easily (warp stabilizer). I have used the on camera and on lens stabilization filming on board a high speed boat that had a great deal of bouncing going on and was able to capture acceptable footage.</p> <p>I would think writing to disc could be problematic but I do not have any experience recording directly to disc (moving drive head).  However, writing to a card should be fine - there are no real drive mechanisms writing to the card just 1's and 0's.  </p> <p>For what it's worth - now you have my two cents.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/filming-from-an-aircraft#post-74792 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:00:14 +0000 jroode 74792@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi,</p> <p> </p> <p>I want to start doing aerial filming i.e. taking video from a light aircraft of the landscape. Hi,</p> <p>I want to do HD video from an airplane, but need advice on<br /> which type of camcorder. I have been told that becuase of the vibration<br /> in the aircraft I must be careful which medium the camcorder writes to<br /> (i.e. disc, card etc). Any advice on what specs a camcorder must have to<br /> take high quality footage from an aircraft.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hiker-backpack-for-hdv-and-laptop#post-72598 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:01:32 +0000 Don 72598@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>tripod yes, the inside is configurable... I can get a sony sr12, and hdr hc1 and two pentax dslrs in mine pluse some accessories and lenses...  and a macbook pro 13 inch ...so I think maybe you could make it fit hvr z1u, i don't know for sure..</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hiker-backpack-for-hdv-and-laptop#post-72584 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:50:58 +0000 mfish653 72584@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks for those replies. Kata has some really nice backpacks but they are higher priced then some of the other companies you mentioned. Don I checked out that pack and I really like the price point on it. It says its for DSLRs. It looks like a big enough pack to fit everything in it I need but I didnt find any inside measurements. Will it fit a XH-A1? Its about the same size as say the sony HVR-Z1U. And is there anywhere to strap my tripod to the outside of it? I figure I can rig something up if not but I was just checking. Thanks</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hiker-backpack-for-hdv-and-laptop#post-72566 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:54:17 +0000 Don 72566@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I've been very happy with my lowepro computreker all weather...</p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hiker-backpack-for-hdv-and-laptop#post-72558 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:02:11 +0000 composite1 72558@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Check B&amp;H Photo-Video, Adorama, etc. Look at brands like Kata, Lowepro and Porta Brace which make tried and true gear.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hiker-backpack-for-hdv-and-laptop#post-72501 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 21:08:18 +0000 mfish653 72501@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hey I own a Canon XH-A1 mini dv camcorder and I want to buy a backpack for it. Since I do alot of flying it can be a pain to take my camera on carry-on luggage and my 15 inch laptop. I wouldnt think of putting my cam in the check-in as its critical that it gets there with me so I can begin shooting pretty much as soon as I arrive. I also do a lot of outdoor shooting and it would be nice if it would be in a backpack so it would free up my hands. Im on a limited budget but im willing to pay out several hundred on good bag. Any suggestions? Thanks</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/light-professional-camcorder-for-uav#post-72468 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:08:57 +0000 Don 72468@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>contour or gopro are the closest I can think of</p> <p>add an eye-fi card to the gopro.... forget about zooming.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/light-professional-camcorder-for-uav#post-72466 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 17:47:37 +0000 Luis 72466@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I am putting together an UAV to shoot HD video. I want the camera to have many professional qualities but unfortunately I have a weight limit. Therefore I have to settle with what is completely required. These specs are:</p> <p>Full HD resolution, preferably with interchangeable lenses</p> <p>10X Optical Zoom minimum</p> <p>Finally, a way to control the zoom remotely and wirelessly and if possible other camera functions.</p> <p>Audio is needed or even a recorder which I can plug externally.</p> <p>The tough part is that the camera, including the lenses and<br /> battery, has to be under 500 gr (18oz). Please, does anyone have any suggestions?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/go-pro-vs-replay-xd1080-vs-other-options#post-71919 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:21:53 +0000 composite1 71919@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Psuedo,</p> <p>It's AVCHD MPEG 4 (MOV) with this model. However, with others I've seen AVI versions. Yes. Long as you have the codecs in your NLE and a setup that can push it. No, however with a separate recorder you can use it as reference sound for sync audio. Here's a couple of good choices;</p> <p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/753779-REG/Canon_4924B001_Powershot_100_HS_Digital.html">Canon Powershot 100 HS</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/753773-REG/Canon_5096B001_Powershot_300_HS_Digital.html">Canon Powershot 300 HS</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/go-pro-vs-replay-xd1080-vs-other-options#post-71918 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:29:40 +0000 pseudosafari 71918@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>that's an interesting suggestion.  thanks for that.  i'll give it a look-see.  what codec?  (can you edit native in Premiere Pro?)</p> <p>also, can you turn the sound off?</p> <p>thanks again!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/go-pro-vs-replay-xd1080-vs-other-options#post-71904 Thu, 27 Oct 2011 23:22:48 +0000 composite1 71904@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Pseudo,</p> <p>I wrote an upcoming article dealing with sports cameras. I like the GoPros however, have you given any thought to a Point-n-Shoot? Now before anyone flips out, I've been using a Canon SD1400IS for a year now as a crashcam to back up my Pro JVC rig. Not only does it have a zoom so I can do wide and tight shots, it has a surprising amount of exposure controls and even color profiles like a 'flat' setting which works well when I want to color-grade in post. Mine is 720p which I like but the latest gen is 1080p and I believe has 60p for slowmo. Above all else, it's got a pretty durable body (dropped it once, minimal scratch) and unlike the GoPro, I can view the scene before shooting and review the shot after on location. Cost half the price of the GP and it mounts on standard Photo and video mounts. Only drawback if I want a waterproof housing I have to buy one separate and it costs more than the camera. Except for that, I can mount it to nearly anything and not sweat whether it gets wrecked. Unless it gets run over by something significantly heavy, odds are good my SDHC card will survive. Something to think about anyway.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/go-pro-vs-replay-xd1080-vs-other-options#post-71899 Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:13:48 +0000 Don 71899@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>no it does not, there is an inexpensive tripod mount adaptor available though. I have one, works great...</p> <p> </p> <p>also, you can invert the video in the camera, so you can mount the camera upside down! Don't laugh but I've actually mounted my go pro upside down on a rechargable 12 volt flashlight for run and gun video shooting in low light...!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/go-pro-vs-replay-xd1080-vs-other-options#post-71898 Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:00:43 +0000 pseudosafari 71898@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>The Go Pro website was very helpful.  It's H.264 codec so no problemo with Premiere Pro.  Plus, it's only 3.3 oz., so not much heavier than the Replay. So far, so good!</p> <p>Big question is mounting--does the Go Pro have a tripod mounting hole on the bottom?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/go-pro-vs-replay-xd1080-vs-other-options#post-71897 Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:36:33 +0000 pseudosafari 71897@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks, Don!   It appears the Replay just vibrates to tell you it's on or off--no beeps.  But from what I can tell the picture quality isn't quite as good as the Go Pro.  Still looking though.  I will check out Go Pro's site now.</p> <p>What codec do they record in?  Is it Motion JPG or AVCHD or something different (if you know)?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/go-pro-vs-replay-xd1080-vs-other-options#post-71896 Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:25:40 +0000 Don 71896@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>You can really do a lot of customizing with the go pros including turning off beeps... should go check out htier site...I can't speak for the other system...</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/go-pro-vs-replay-xd1080-vs-other-options#post-71895 Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:19:20 +0000 pseudosafari 71895@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I am interested in the Go Pro series of cameras after seeing another post in this forum. I also saw the XD1080 Replay camera mentioned in the new issue of Videomaker, and although it's new and I know nothing about it, at 3 ounces it looks pretty interesting, too.  Anyone have experience with either of these who can comment on:</p> <p>1.  what codec do they record files with?</p> <p>2.  can i edit them natively with premiere pro?</p> <p>3.  do they have the tripod mounting hole on the bottom?  i suspect the replay does not.</p> <p>4.  (important)  can i turn off all beeps and sounds eminating from the camera?  (i shoot a lot around wildlife and beeps are a no-no)</p> <p>any other thoughts?  i'll be strapping them to four wheelers, tractors, guns, bows, crossbows, animals, helmets, hoods of cars, sides of boats... pretty much anything i want to strap cameras to.  if you can suggest other cameras for this sort of application, i'm all ears.</p> <p>Thanks!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/capturing-africa#post-71636 Sat, 15 Oct 2011 10:26:35 +0000 grinner 71636@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I'd swap the dolly for a glidecam and call it done.</p> <p>Toting sticks just isn't feasible in all documentary sitiations and I can't think of a time where a dolly would add anything but frustration, hours, and loss of shots. Even the glidecam will be used little to nada but it's easier hauled than the other stuff and better used in reality situations. Being that it's an African trip, you may elect to leave the glidecam behind as well. Less is more in these situations. You just need a good camera, a pocket full of batteries and a pocket full of discs. Lighting can be handled by simple mobile LEDs. You can get everything you need audio-wise with a simple Rode shotgun. Remaining mobile at all times is what will gain you shots galore.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/capturing-africa#post-71569 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:03:56 +0000 composite1 71569@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p><em>"Is there something I am forgetting? Is there something I really should know before traveling to africa?"</em></p> <p>Yeah,</p> <p> Tripod, a small camera bag in addition to your backpack, extra batteries, extra chargers, UV filters, cleaning gear, small on-camera light, small digital recorder, audio cables, a hand-held mic, a point-and-shoot digital camera that shoots video in the same format as your video cam (i.e. 720p/1080p) to use as a back-up and to get stills, lots of extra cards, a portable video storage unit like a NEXTO or similar, a small laptop capable of pushing HD video, reusable zip ties (plastic or velcro), lots of plastic bags of varying sizes, power adapters and several USB jump drives 16GB or larger to store video and stills on to provide back-up redundancy.</p> <p>Your biggest issue will come with Customs in transporting your gear out of the country and trying to bring it into an African country. In the US depending on your gear, you may be required to draw up Commercial Invoice. Many countries require you to possess a CARNET which is a Merchandise Passport. The ATA Carnet is a temporary merchandise passport that is used to cover Professional Equipment (PE). They can get pretty expensive depending on what kind of gear you're transporting.</p> <p>You need to contact your country's Customs Office <strong>before</strong> you finalize your plans and find out whether the gear you're taking will require a CARNET to get out/in your home country and the host country you plan to film in. Also, you may be required to carry insurance which is not a bad idea.</p> <p>You also have to keep in mind that wherever you go, the local customs official depending on the individual may let you pass without any fuss or go out of their way to make your life miserable. Worst case scenario, customs decides to keep your gear pending appeal. If that happens, with your current resources it's done. If you got insurance, hopefully you made sure your policy covers such a possibility. If not, either go home or do your best to enjoy your time there. Don't get bent out of shape and say something that will get you on an episode of 'Locked Up Abroad'.</p> <p>It may come down that you don't need a Carnet or Insurance, but find out from your Customs Office not at the counter at Heathrow or God forbid, in Uganda!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/capturing-africa#post-71568 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:03:53 +0000 hmueller 71568@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Hi Peter</p> <p>A very useful technique for interviews is the 5 shot method Here is a good link <a href="http://www.jou.ufl.edu/faculty/mmcadams/video/five_shot.html">http://www.jou.ufl.edu/faculty/mmcadams/video/five_shot.html</a></p> <p>Heidi</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/capturing-africa#post-71566 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:23:18 +0000 mfish653 71566@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>It would be interesting to know what kind of film you are planning on making. I am from East Africa (Kenya) but I do mostly nature filming. I use a Canon XH-A1 and really like it for the purpose. Beings you are on a tight budget you will most likely walk and travel public most of the time. A backpack to keep your camera and gear in will be priceless. I also keep a UV filter on my camera while filming outdoors because it gets so dusty here. Have you checked craigslist or ebay for gear? I bought my camera from a wedding videographer who wanted to dump his gear for $1000 I found on craigslist. You have to check everyday for weeks sometimes to find deals but they are worth it. An XA10 will work out great for you tho considering the size. Stay away from shoulder mount cams (unless you want a really good camera and have a big budget) because of the pain of transporting your gear. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/my-first-video-here#post-70072 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 17:29:23 +0000 Robert Rozbora 70072@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>All of you thanks for courageous words :)</p> <p> </p> <p>@EarlC - about skies you right, I found out one thing, crystal clear skies with dramatic clouds you can find more in northern parts of our planet than southern. I live in Slovakia (Central Europe), used to live for some time in Cyprus (Mediterranean), but never before seen so clear and amazing skies as in Norway. It is prolly given by different angle to the Sun, but skies are in north amazing.  </p> <p>@vid-e-o-man - I used no special equipment, it was just Canon 5D Mk II with "set" lens 24-105 f/4 and Manfrotto tripod. No filters, nothing extra. Not even polarizer :)</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/my-first-video-here#post-70060 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 06:51:31 +0000 MediaFish 70060@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Great stuff.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/my-first-video-here#post-70054 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 20:54:33 +0000 chamberlane altatis 70054@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I agree, great videos! keep it up!</p> <p><a href="http://videoproductiontutorial.com/">video production tutorial</a></p>