http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Forum: Production Gear - Recent Topics en Sat, 18 Feb 2012 04:01:53 +0000 http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/tripod-help-suggestions#post-69993 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 17:28:31 +0000 Tasana Studios 69993@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello all; Long time no post. I have had a life changeover so to speak. My parents at law are aging and along with that comes changes with all lives that are in orbit.</p> <p>Anyway my 22nd anniversary is up and coming (I am getting the wife her first "real" camera. It seems I have peaked her interest.) Anyway she asked what I wanted and  I need a tripod replacement. I currently use a Ravelli AVT, but I have had to have done something serious to it in the last two years because the pan is rough now. I have disassembled it and put lithium grease in the internal, it did help but is sticks really bad.</p> <p>So when the wife asked me what I wanted a tripod came to mind. However I need to keep the budget real, under $300.00 with tax, but I do not want something so-and-so looks up and reads the reviews, I have come to trust many here at their "real experience" word. So based on what you use and have experience with what do you suggest? I am using a Canon Vixia HF21 and when I shoot in 24FPS I need this thing to be smooth as silk. It is a heavier camera as it has an aluminum body, but it is still light. </p> <p>So suggest and post links away. I would like to buy it through B&amp;H if I can (Account there).</p> <p>So there it is.</p> <p>Thanks</p> <p>Greg</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-professional-quality-camera-for-under-3000#post-74370 Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:17:53 +0000 Kong 74370@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I make videos on YouTube and need a professional quality camera for 3 different kinds of filming:</p> <p>1. Filming interactions from far away (30-50 ft).  I need about 4 hrs of battery life for  this.</p> <p>2. Interviews from medium range (5-10 ft).  I also need about 3-4 hours of continuous filming for this one.</p> <p>3. Vlogs from close range (3-6 ft).  I would like this to have an effect where the background is blurred and the picture is focused only on the person talking.</p> <p>Since I have such a wide variety of uses for it, I was thinking of getting a DSLR but the battery life on those are not too long so I'd have to buy multiple batteries.  Each battery only lasts about 30 minutes so even with a a battery extender (where you can put in 2 batteries at a time), I'd have to end up buying 8 batteries and keep switching them out.</p> <p>Another option would be to get a camcorder with an interchangeable lens (like the Sony NEX VG20) but these have worse reviews.  </p> <p>Any other suggestions you guys can help me with?  Thanks in advance.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/laptop-upgrade-question#post-74247 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:02:09 +0000 jk 74247@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I am currently editing on a HP Laptop:</p> <p>2.20GHz AMD Processor<br />3GB of RAM<br />320GB 7200 RPM Hard Drive</p> <p>with Premiere Pro CS5.5. How much would a memory upgrade to 8GB help my performance?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/tripod-mid-level-vs-bottom-spreaders#post-74287 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:52:54 +0000 peachydingo 74287@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi,</p> <p>Finally investing in a new tripod for video work. Looking at the Manfrotto 504HD,546GBK Kit With 546GB Tripod  and it comes either as a mid-level or bottom spreader.</p> <p>I am a photo guy and this arrangement is foreign to me, so what are the pluses/minuses of each?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-cheap-headphones#post-65608 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:37:49 +0000 unknownbluray 65608@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I have been into video editing for awhile, it wa snothing professional of even close to good. It was more or less for my personal collection. But now I have an Canon HF R100 HD camcorder with external mic and headphone jack. My problem is headsets, I wont a good heaset that I can use for audio monitoring through the Camcorder. I dont have a lot of money and looking for a cheap but decent set. If you have any ideas let me know.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/buying-mac-pro-used#post-73989 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:24:49 +0000 jk 73989@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I am looking into a Mac Pro, and am interested in possibly buying used. I am looking at possibly the 2008 Quad Core 2.8GHz. My question is, is the processor fast enough for running Production Premium CS5.5 with HD video, or would I need a faster processor.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/shoulder-support-for-sony-nex-vg10#post-73929 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:23:20 +0000 charly 73929@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>&nbsp;any ideas of a good shoulder pod (not too expensive) for this camera?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/is-this-macbook-pro-good-for-premiere-final-cut-and-after-effects#post-73623 Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:54:31 +0000 tony P 73623@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello,</p> <p> </p> <p>I'm about to buy a Macbook Pro and wanted to know if the specs are good for - Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects, and Cinema 4d.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>MacBook Pro 2.0GHz quad-core Intel i7</strong></p> <p>Originally released February 2011<br />15.4-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen display, 1440-by-900 resolution<br />4GB (2 x 2GB) of 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM<br />500GB Serial ATA @ 5400 rpm<br />8x double-layer SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)<br />Intel HD Graphics 3000 and AMD Radeon HD 6490M</p> <p> </p> <p>Priced at under $1,400 US dollars.</p> <p> </p> <p>I've edited a digital film using Adobe Premiere before, but since I am getting back into the game and want the option of using both FCpro and Premiere as well as learning After Effects and Cinema 4d, I'd like to know if the above is good enough to work with without having any issues using the above listed programs.</p> <p> </p> <p>Thanks for your help!</p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/portable-media-player#post-73673 Sat, 31 Dec 2011 07:59:27 +0000 matt 73673@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I'm looking for a lightweight portable media player for audio and video. My budget is $250. It needs to have a minimum 20GB of storage, a good-size screen for video, and easy-to-use buttons or controls. Any suggestions?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hardwire-led-lighting-to-meet-nyc-building-codes#post-73546 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:45:49 +0000 sswiller 73546@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I want to hang four 1K IKAN LED lights from the ceiling of an office building in NYC.  I spoke with the electrician about it, and he said that the lights had to be hardwired or they would violate NYC Building Codes.  I searched the Internet and can't find any LED lights that are hardwired.  Wondering if anybody had experience with this.  </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/antennas-on-back-of-camcorder-on-side-of-battery#post-73300 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:15:10 +0000 John 73300@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Does any one know what the antennas are on the side of the battery they look like 2 transmitters or receivers with 4 antennas each side I see them with mostly reality tv camera I know it can be the A/V transmitter or the receivers from the audio mixer but It seems to be more than that</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/two-camera-shooting-questions-from-newbie#post-73066 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 15:07:09 +0000 Mike 73066@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I want to shoot an educational video with two cameras, one main camera on the subject, and another bullet/lipstick camera for closeup shots.  While considering this type of shoot, I'm thinking of a lot of problems that need to be solved.  For example, does some device exist that will allow me to start (and stop) recording both cameras at the same time? I've read a little on multicam shoots where people talk about using video mixers and all kinds of complex equipment, but I really don't want anything too complicated..  Or maybe both cameras recording to some media and the ability to switch from one camera to another. For example, when the subject says "show the closeup," I can press a button and the bullet cam's picture gets recorded instead of the main camera.. Does any of what I'm saying make sense?  Please ask if you need me to clarify?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-with-lighting-in-room-with-off-white-walls#post-72847 Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:07:41 +0000 Mike 72847@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Beginner here so go easy on me.  I have a 12'x12.5' room and will be using it to shoot basically talking head for instructional videos for online viewing, or on the computer, but not DVD.  The walls in the room are not white, they're kind of a creamish color. I took a photo of the wall with a piece of white paper against it so you can see:</p> <p><img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/296g461.jpg" /></p> <p>As for lights, I have two of these (although I'm not sure of the wattage)<br /><a href="http://www.dpciwholesale.com/250W-Work-Lamp-with-Clamp.html">http://www.dpciwholesale.com/250W-Work-Lamp-with-Clamp.html</a></p> <p>and two of these:<br /><a href="http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100664505/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&amp;storeId=10051&amp;catalogId=10053">http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100664505/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&amp;storeId=10051&amp;catalogId=10053</a></p> <p>I also have an 8.5" clamp light like above, with a halogen bulb, and dimmer for a back light.</p> <p>What would be the best way to utilize what I have in this room in order to light the subject for talking head instructional video?  Or, what should I GET in order to properly light the subject (what kind of bulbs, wattage, etc?) and how to deal with the not-white colored walls/ceiling?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/best-fabric-for-green-screen-paint#post-33832 Fri, 23 Nov 2007 12:42:24 +0000 rl 33832@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I've got a gallon of Rosco Chroma Key Green paint and now I just need the fabric to put it on.</p> <p> I was planning for a green screen about eight feet tall and fifteen feet wide that would be freestanding outdoors in a soft curve. So I need to know what kind of fabric is good to paint for that.</p> <p> It's for general green screen applications but for now I was thinking of wide shots of a on-location still car that would be composited into a moving background using all that green screen like a giant back-projection unit. Imagine a giant curve of green screen around a parked vehicle so that everything other then the vehicle is green. Now imagine the green replaced with a moving background image. That's what I'm moving for.</p> <p>I don't even know where I could get bolts of cloth that big not ot mention if I should use shower curtain style eyelets and rings or what. Advice appreciated.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/monitors-for-pc#post-72133 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:25:13 +0000 ophelia 72133@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hopefully this is the correct location for this question: if money was not a factor in your decision, which brand of monitor, which size and how many would you choose for your PC / workstation?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-long-cables-for-live-broadcast#post-70837 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:05:57 +0000 sneal88 70837@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Hello,</p> <p>I'm a first time post(er). I wanted to ask for alittle advice before I upgrade.</p> <p>I broadcast live games, and events with 4 Canon HV30s. Their connected to my PC via firewire. Firewire gives me excellent quality, but its short! My longest cable it 25'</p> <p>What should I use for long distances? My camera outputs composite, component, and HDMI.</p> <p>Is anyone using 100' component cable? HDMI? Am I overlooking a better way? I will need to buy capture cards as well (possibly Intensity Pro) but I want to figure out what cable I should go with while keeping my great quality. HELP! lol</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/video-splitting#post-71515 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:45:30 +0000 eighty6 71515@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello,<br /> I have an upcoming project (business wise), and I am trying to figure something out.<br /> Someone will be giving a presentation while having a separate laptop with material relevant to the presentation; my duty is to film the presentation and also bring in the laptop feed and juxtapose it live.<br /> What hardware is needed?<br /> I will be using a laptop with FCP 5 to capture the footage live.<br /> Here is a link to what I have in mind.<br /> <a href="http://bit.ly/oSQD0e" rel="nofollow">http://bit.ly/oSQD0e</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/upgrading-a-1960-tripod#post-71069 Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:23:53 +0000 SargeHero 71069@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello Videomaker community</p> <p>A little back story; my current tripod (which is at least 20 years older than me) was a gift from my grandfather. Is super tough, I accidentally hit my head with it and it hurt a lot :-}</p> <p><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6155/6172670392_6bd1604cc2.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></p> <p>Anyway, when recording is very difficult to attach the camcorder to the tripod because you can't see exactly what you are attaching it (at least with my AX2000, which is kind of big) and it takes some time to screw the camcorder correctly. </p> <p><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6170/6172672372_060186ba72.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></p> <p>If there a way to add a quick release to this tripod, so I can easily detach the camcorder? What possibilities do I have? </p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/tripod-tricks-cineskates#post-70560 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:40:38 +0000 composite1 70560@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>One of things tripods are always missing when you buy them is a means of horizontal movement. Either you have to buy or build a set of stable wheels for your 'pod or get an elaborate dolly setup with tracks and so on. Here's a concept by Justin Jensen of 'Cinetics' and his innovative compact version of a wheeled tripod. </p> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/27895941">CineSkates Camera Sliders</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/cinetics">Cinetics</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/canon-5dmkii-bye-bye-moire-and-aliasing#post-70562 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 10:01:06 +0000 composite1 70562@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Awesome a camera as the 5DmkII is, two main problems come from converting the the CMOS sensor image from stills to video are; Moire and Aliasing. Moire is the 'rainbow effect' when shooting video of fine detailed surfaces like certain rug and clothing patterns, brick walls, etc. Aliasing is those lovely jagged edges in the images when they should be smooth.</p> <p>However, there's a solid fix for that now with the Mosaic Engineering Optical Anti-Aliasing Filter. Here's a vid by cinematographer Glenn Przyborski giving a rundown on what the filter can do in the MkII.</p> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/27331732">Optical Anti-Aliasing Filter for the Canon 5Dmk2</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/przyborski">Glenn Przyborski</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/motorized-slider#post-69874 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 09:00:48 +0000 Fadly Hussin 69874@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Is there anyone out there who can recommend a motorized slider that's relatively cheap? would appreciate it. thanks</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/lighting-for-green-screen-studio#post-69685 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 03:31:09 +0000 Tas Underwood 69685@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I am currently researching into what equipment to purchase to build a small (approx 5m x 3m x 3m) studio that will have green screen setup. I was just wondering what lighting people would suggest for a studio of this size. I have used Photon beard dimmable fluorescents and arri fresnels in a studio of this size that work well but they are very expensive. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/wellfirst-big-endeavor#post-69535 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:16:29 +0000 Cory Dinkel 69535@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Alright, firstly i'm going to start by saying I know this is difficult. But I've been making short little youtube "skits" for about 2 years now. I want to move up. I found out I don't have the money to go to film school, and now I want to prove to myself this is still a dream worth pursuing. </p> <p>  Now, I can't afford a really really nice camera..the one I have is HD but in lowlight is kinda grainy. What kinds of lighting equipment is affordable?</p> <p>  Also, External audio...it's something I've been wanting..a boom mic and the lot. But I'm not sure if my camera supports that.</p> <p>  I need tips on must have gear for making a 15-20 short film. Kind of a dramedy thing. No explosions or anything like that. But I really just want to try this. And see if i'm worth anything in this field.</p> <p>  I happened upon this site while googling...I hope you can help.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/the-great-shootout-2011#post-69202 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:59:04 +0000 composite1 69202@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>It's that time of year again and the folks at Zacuto have pulled out all the stops this time! Now they've added the top digital video formats used by the pros for making cinematic films to the test. So for those of you who wanted to know how the RED and other top-flight cameras stacked up against 35mm film, you'll get your wish. Also still in the pool of cameras are the Canon and Nikon HDSLRs for those of you thinking about making your next film with either brand. There's some pretty eye-opening stuff and you'll be surprised at how the different cameras stack up against each other.</p> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/23177384">The Great Camera Shootout 2011 ~ Trailer</a></p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/my-perfect-tripod-wish-listdoes-it-exist#post-58689 Mon, 17 May 2010 19:35:23 +0000 oc6088 58689@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Light- I am only 5'2 and 119 lbs.  </p> <p>Not cumbersome- I did a video home tour today and almost knocked over a lamp because I needed to move the tripod and the one I have takes a muscle man to set up and tear down.</p> <p>Up to $550</p> <p>Center post as well as adjustable head (the self leveling type like the 501 HDV Manfrotto, but I also like a center post but not sure if it's an either/or..I would like people's input on this.  Which is better? )</p> <p>Using mostly for weddings and home video tours so I am moving around a lot</p> <p>I like a spreader bar, but would also like opinions on that also</p> <p>Camcorder is a prosumer Sony. model #DCR-VX2000</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/shooting-pov-iphone-app-commercial#post-68080 Wed, 18 May 2011 11:03:17 +0000 Cut To Create 68080@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hey Everyone,</p> <p> </p> <p>I've been hired to shoot a commercial for an iPhone app and the client would like it to be shot from a POV perspective. this sounds easy but its turning out to be quite hard. One thing that we're trying it putting a green matt on the phone and replacing it in post with screen shots from the app. Thus we need a camera without a rolling shutter in order to do the tracking. We've tried out the GoPro Helmet cam but without a preview monitor it becomes difficult to get the framing right. Right now we're rigging a Canon 60D on a helmet but one, its very unstable and two, its very difficult to look like a normal sized human because the camera makes me look so tall. </p> <p> </p> <p>Has anyone out there shot POV and know of a good method?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hdsd-video-mixers#post-67945 Fri, 13 May 2011 07:34:19 +0000 Stands4now 67945@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Anyone using multiple camera's during an event?&nbsp; I have an old Panisonic two source mixer that is in its last days and I am wondering if there is anyone here who can offer advice on what is good and cheap out there?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/external-drives#post-67569 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 23:59:27 +0000 3nityXcel Infoimaging 67569@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>My G-TECH external drive though is working would just not connect to any system. All connecting interface ie firewire, e-sata and usb would just not work. Any experience with effective solutions?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/auto-tracking-tripod-tripod-head#post-67550 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 06:28:03 +0000 CutterJohn 67550@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I'm a newbie, so this may be a stupid question.  However, years ago I saw a tripod that had an electronic head that would track a person wearing a clip-on tracking device in front of the camera.  As the presenter moved, the camera would follow him.</p> <p>Tis would be great for when I'm alone but want a more dynamic shot as I shoot field reports.</p> <p>Do these tripods still exist?  I haven't had any luck trying to find one.  Thx.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/crane-steadycam-dolly-aerial-all-in-one#post-66865 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:06:00 +0000 Fred Fryer 66865@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Found this is another forum...pretty amazing rig I'm impressed. Hardly any setup time with this tool. I want one!</p> <p><a title="vim" href="http://vimeo.com/21145605"><img alt="pic" src="http://tiny.cc/md11l" width="463" height="262" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>&lt;p style="position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 0px; width: 1px; height: 1px; overflow: hidden;" id="_mcePaste"&gt;Found this is another forum...pretty amazing rig for b-roll DSLR video...I'm impressed!</p> <p>[URL="http://vimeo.com/21145605"][IMG]http://tiny.cc/md11l[/IMG][/URL]</p>