http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community Forums » Tag: wildlife - Recent Posts en Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:22:48 +0000 http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/short-film-the-gator-the-grasshopper-with-canon-vixia-hf-s-21#post-72832 Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:16:49 +0000 EarlC 72832@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I actually enjoyed watching The Gator &amp; the Grasshopper Mark. Great sequences and footage. My only comment would be to have ended it shortly after the crossing, as the rest seemed a bit long or even anticlimactic. Enjoyed the credits treatments though, so glad I watched it all the way. I do understand the "journey" and transition from its beginning and on to the sunset. Bet you had a lot of fun shooting and editing. Good music accompaniment.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/short-film-the-gator-the-grasshopper-with-canon-vixia-hf-s-21#post-72831 Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:03:30 +0000 Mark O'Byrne 72831@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Ok I am an ass lol. http://vimeo.com/32648609</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/short-film-the-gator-the-grasshopper-with-canon-vixia-hf-s-21#post-72827 Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:13:01 +0000 doublehamm 72827@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>And?  Where is it?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/short-film-the-gator-the-grasshopper-with-canon-vixia-hf-s-21#post-72822 Fri, 25 Nov 2011 07:50:11 +0000 Mark O'Byrne 72822@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Just completed a 6 minute short "the Gator &amp; The Grasshopper" that I filmed using my trusty Canon HF S21. I'm also using it for a feature length doc next year...love this little camera!</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-vs-sd-for-wildlifeshort-films#post-68312 Tue, 31 May 2011 18:34:58 +0000 vid-e-o-man 68312@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> jbetz, I don't know if you are still monitoring this thread but my suggestions for your situation would be the Sony nex 5 or nex 10. I don't have any experience with them but I have seen some excellent footage. They take interchangeable lenses. They have a few proprietary lenses and some shooters are using other lenses but without using the autofocus. Adaptors make almost an infinite variety to be used, maybe some old prime lenses from previous 35mm days. Keep shooting. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-vs-sd-for-wildlifeshort-films#post-68301 Mon, 30 May 2011 20:08:11 +0000 Ian James Smith 68301@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I have the same problem, with a HD camera approaching the top of my wish-list. I also have another problem, namely that it will be used for filming portions of a documentary series which I commenced in October 2005. Recently, we capitulated, at last, to the 'obvious' and bought a modern flat-screen TV and video/recorder-player. Our initial recordings were of the BBC 'Life' series of Natural History docos. A copy could only be downloaded from the video-recorder in mpg2, because of DVD limitations and so I did so. Seeing that the camcorder I intend to buy shortly is also 'Panasonic' and fully compatible, I intend to shoot in HD, but allow the recorder to do the mpg2 transcoding, which it does brilliantly on our example. I will have the advantage, as I see it, of first-rate Standard definition, which at 720 x 576 will be a breeze to edit without 'proxies' and by downloading and storing my 'Hi-Def' footage for possible future use, options for the future, should I need them. I have excellent mpg2 codecs of my own, installed, and that way I can ensure continuity of what I am doing, and enjoy all of the advantages.</p> <p>I prefer mpg2 currently to many of the more modern formats. It has had a huge amount of research/development, go into it and avoids the pixel-clustering tendencies of many contemporary formats, when they are not set up optimally.</p> <p> One more note, it is all in 16:9 widescreen, which I have used exclusively since 1975, using in those days, a 16mm Bolex reflex and anamorphic lens. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-vs-sd-for-wildlifeshort-films#post-63732 Thu, 25 Nov 2010 08:34:30 +0000 adddibrux 63732@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Using two Panny GH1's here. Every lens I try, is like a new gift. Even with the GH2's big advantage of HDME direct out, the apparent cheaper build quality, and button re-design, will keep me with the GH1.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-vs-sd-for-wildlifeshort-films#post-63460 Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:32:10 +0000 bbi bogdao 63460@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Both HD and DSLR are good. Just consider buying from a good producer. I'd go with Sony.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-make-wildlife-yotube-videos#post-62406 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 18:09:01 +0000 wtzup 62406@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Nice stuff but intro lasts too long. about 16 seconds till any info about what you are showing. For a demo video on Nature the demo one you gave did not show nature. Remember in Video and all productions you have a few seconds to keep someone's attention. Quality looks good. Just work on the speed of telling the story. Will really increase the viewers.</p> <p> </p> <p>GL</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-make-wildlife-yotube-videos#post-62108 Wed, 15 Sep 2010 19:57:33 +0000 Omar Ghanem 62108@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I'd like to introduce myself, my name is Omar Ghanem,iam an Egyptian and the creator of Natural Geo-Team.</p> <p>if you are wondering what is Natural Geo-Team?</p> <p> </p> <p> <br /> Natural Geo-team© is a group known for making short Wildlife Documentaries and Vlogs on Youtube. <br />We film anything concerning Nature and we have some webs series's that we are working on:<br />-Herping with Omar.<br />-Travel and Adventure.<br />-Graden Lovers.<br />-Sea madness.<br />-Nature Short Clips.<br />-Ant's empire.&lt;/span&gt;</p> <p> </p> <p>We started the real work on youtube on june 2009 and we made a group of loyal audience till now.</p> <p>i want you guys to check my videos out, i will be very thankful.</p> <p>this is my <a href="http://www.naturalgeo-team.jimdo.com">websiteÃ? </a></p> <p>and this is my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/natgeoteam">Youtube pageÃ?  </a></p> <p>Thank you,</p> <p>Omar Ghanem</p> <p> </p> <p>btw this is one of our videos</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUZRmPv9Fdw">Owls stuck in a Tunnel!!!(A wildlife YT video)</a></p> <p> </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/african-wildlife-big-small-footage-a-need#post-55259 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 05:17:17 +0000 Tigger 55259@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Thanks Derek. Are there many people out there supplying good HD african wildlife scenes??? I've googled a lot, but I want to get peoples opinions.....</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/african-wildlife-big-small-footage-a-need#post-55000 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:56:36 +0000 Derek Sine 55000@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>HD. Stock footage is a huge market. If they look exotic it could work. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/african-wildlife-big-small-footage-a-need#post-54955 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:47:41 +0000 Tigger 54955@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I have the fortunate opporunity and experience to be able to pursue and get footage of a wide variety of African Mammals/Birds/Insects/Reptiles/Amphibians/Plants etc. </p> <p>Is there a market for the 'out-of-the-ordinary' animal scenes, like Bushpig, Aardvark, endangered Karkloof Blue Butterfly, Narina Trogon etc? or is it just the big and nasties like Elephant/Buffalo/Lion/Rhino etc that sell?? Is it worthwhile to pursue???</p> <p>If so, what formats are recommended? What do you guys think?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-vs-sd-for-wildlifeshort-films#post-50874 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:37:21 +0000 jbetz 50874@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks for all the info. I'm definitely considering a DSLR but since I need to save up a bit more money before I buy anything, I'll wait to see what happens in the coming months. I read a rumor that Canon may be releasing a new camera at the end of the month, perhaps something like the 7D but in camcorder form. We'll see. Until then, I have a lot to think over.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-vs-sd-for-wildlifeshort-films#post-50872 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:58:02 +0000 composite1 50872@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Jbetz,</p> <p>Glad to be of assistance. As for my comment 'You'll probably pay as much to outfit an XL2 kit...' goes, I base that on my own purchase and rigging of our XL1s kit. I got the cam for the same reasons you're eyeballing the XL2. I ended up doing a full pro-rig for it including; MA200 4-audio input and shoulder mount, FU-1000 monochrome viewfinder, 16xs, 16xm and 3x lenses, Nightvision lens and adapter, portable dual battery charger, 8 batteries, lens filters, Kata camerabag not including accessories like tripod, etc. 75% of that list was bought at the same time and it came out to just under $11k. </p> <p>Now, you're probably not going to 'pro rig' your initial choice as cam's are so much further along, but if you get an XL2 some of that stuff will be essential if you're serious. So my point is; if you're going to have to hork up the money anyway, why not take the next step up front?</p> <p>You mentioned the DSLR cameras and that is a really good idea. Though I'm using JVC's GY200UB and am quite pleased with it, the MkII and the 7D are definitely in my co's acquisition future. The only drawback for a wildlife shooter is the 12-minute rule with the Canon's. I haven't heard whether the 7D is also limited by that, but you'll save a heap o' cash not having to pay for 35mm adapters. The cheapest one you can get for the XL2 is the one Canon makes for use with their 35mm lenses. You could use that money to buy a mattebox kit from Redrock Micro or Zacuto. Plus the fact is, the MkII is a 5k camera! I don't know what the 7D is rated at since the CMOS is smaller, but I'm sure it's still 2k or better.</p> <p>The money you'd spend on an XL2, you could get a DSLR kit and be at the cutting edge for a while. Something to think about. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-vs-sd-for-wildlifeshort-films#post-50871 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:57:13 +0000 TheWildlifeStudio 50871@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>The quality of the output from the DSLR's is excellent, while the longer lenses you require do not HAVE to be the 'L' class optics that the still guys need, as there is not the resolution required.</p> <p>The lenses can still be used at a later date with adaptors! :)</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-vs-sd-for-wildlifeshort-films#post-50867 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:24:12 +0000 jbetz 50867@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks for the info composite1. I just want to respond to one of your comments.</p> <blockquote><p>You'll probably pay as much to outfit an XL2 kit as you would to get an HDV kit these days.</p></blockquote> <p>I am only considering cameras with interchangeable lenses, and so that basically means I'm considering cameras like the XL2 and XLH1. Both can use 35mm lenses with adapters, and so even if I purchased a XL2, I wouldn't be wasting money on the lenses because I could always use these on a future camera. So it's the difference between a $2500-$2800 SD camera and a $5000 HD camera, which for me is a big difference.</p> <p>I just want to throw out a couple more options to consider:</p> <p>1. HD camera like the XHA1 with teleconverters. Anyone have experience or advice?</p> <p>2. DSLR like the 5d Mk II or 7D. Seems like it could be a good option as it provides interchangeable lenses and full HD video, as well as being two things at one: a temporary inexpensive (at least for the 7D) HD camcorder and a great quality still camera that will be useful even after I buy a more expensive HD camcorder later.</p> <p>Any thoughts?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-vs-sd-for-wildlifeshort-films#post-50859 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:36:46 +0000 composite1 50859@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>jbetz,</p> <p>It all boils down to what can you afford? Despite HD taking over for SD, cameras like the XL series particularly the XL2 are still great for direct to DVD and internet streaming. You'll probably pay as much to outfit an XL2 kit as you would to get an HDV kit these days. Also, what are your customers/clients asking for? Shooting wildlife footage is hard work and you should have a plan to sell stock footage in mind. If you shoot in HD, then you can downres clips to SD and offer the footage in two formats.</p> <p>Granted the XL rig will be a bit cheaper in the short run. You'll need less harddrive space to store SD footage. Shooting tape is cheaper than solid-state and SD footage is less hassle to edit than HD. In the long run, you will have invested time, cash and other resources in a format that is near the end of its run. </p> <p>Paying as you go for gear is the best way to build your kits. But you also want to pick out gear that has as long a shelf life as you can afford. If you stay with indy video production, you'll eventually have to go HD anyway. It's a tough decision, but take a hard look at your budget and what you plan to accomplish with said camera. Once you've done that, I have no doubt you will be able to make the best choice for you. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-vs-sd-for-wildlifeshort-films#post-50850 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:16:45 +0000 grinner 50850@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Sure it is. You'll upgrade to HD when paid to do it. Till then, I see no need for the expense. </p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hd-vs-sd-for-wildlifeshort-films#post-50848 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:11:44 +0000 jbetz 50848@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I am looking to purchase a camcorder, and I am wondering what others think about the HD vs SD dilemma, especially with regards to wildlife subjects. I am an aspiring wildlife filmmaker and so far have shot all of my footage in HD (on a Sony FX1 and Canon XHA1). I am happy with the quality of the footage I shot on these cameras, but for wildlife filming longer lenses would obviously be a benefit. Here is a link to my showreel if you would like to see some of my footage: <a href="http://www.vimeo.com/6371584">EXAMPLE FOOTAGE</a>. Since I just graduated from college and those cameras belonged to my school, I now find myself without a camera.</p> <p>I have done a lot of reading on choosing cameras in books and on forums, and I believe I have a pretty good handle on the costs and benefits of both HD and SD for wildlife, and in general. I know that interchangeable lenses are often considered a necessity for wildlife work, and as I have a knowledge of lenses and multi-lens setups I feel that I am ready to handle this type of setup. I know it adds a lot of cost, weight, etc, but again, for wildlife it seems like more of a necessity than perhaps in other film genres. Because of this I have been considering the Canon XL2.</p> <p>On the other hand, I know that the wildlife film industry, and all video in general, is quickly transitioning to HD. I love the quality and resolution I was able to obtain using the FX1 and XHA1, but I just didn't get the magnification I need to film many subjects. While I could get close enough to woodchucks (within 10ft) to get decent close-ups, I can't get this close to a fox, deer, bear, etc. I am working on a budget, and so I can't afford something like the Canon XLH1 at this point, and so any HD camera I purchase would not offer interchangeable lenses.</p> <p>At this point my main goal is NOT to produce lots of footage to sell to anyone, but to improve my reel with effective sequences of behavior so that I can show that I am able to shoot for sequence-editing and will subsequently be noticed by producers.</p> <p>Is a camera like the XL2 good enough for this purpose? Or do I absolutely NEED HD footage in order to compete in today's HD world, even in terms of my showreel? Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/teleconverters-for-sony-hdrfx1-advice-needed#post-47147 Sun, 24 May 2009 18:27:07 +0000 jbetz 47147@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks for the advice. For now I am recording sound separately using a minidisc recorder and shotgun mic, but I may look into these XLR adapters in the future. At the moment (since I am just trying to break into the industry) I am simply trying to improve my reel with better close-ups of wildlife. So for now I really just need to know about teleconverters with specifics on quality.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/teleconverters-for-sony-hdrfx1-advice-needed#post-47145 Sun, 24 May 2009 18:10:52 +0000 NormanWillis 47145@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>JBetz,</p> <p>I apologize.  I have no experience with teleconverters.  However, I also have an FX1, and the pre-amps are supposed to be relatively noisy.</p> <p>I do not know what your plans are for capturing sound, but if you are planning Foley sound or a shotgun microphone of any kind, juicedLink makes a screw-on/plug-in XLR adapter that might be helpful to you.  If you need phantom power, be sure to select a model with phantom power.</p> <p>BeachTek also makes these adapters, but the juicedLink is less expensive for similar quality.</p> <p>I hope that will help.</p> <p>Norman</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/teleconverters-for-sony-hdrfx1-advice-needed#post-47132 Sat, 23 May 2009 21:05:45 +0000 jbetz 47132@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I am thinking about buying this for my FX1: </p> <p><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/72mm-2-0X-Teleconverter-Telephoto-Pro-tele-Lens-2x-AF_W0QQitemZ110389380924QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamera_Lenses?hash=item19b3b8473c&amp;_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&amp;_trkparms=72%3A1205" rel="nofollow">http://cgi.ebay.com/72mm-2-0X-Teleconverter-Telephoto-Pro-tele-Lens-2x-AF_W0QQitemZ110389380924QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamera_Lenses?hash=item19b3b8473c&amp;_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&amp;_trkparms=72%3A1205</a>|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50</p> <p>I would still like to hear about others' experiences with teleconverters.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/teleconverters-for-sony-hdrfx1-advice-needed#post-47129 Sat, 23 May 2009 13:33:22 +0000 jbetz 47129@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks for the advice. I will definitely check ebay. I am wondering if anyone has experience using telephoto converters specifically, ideally on an HD camera. Any good results from cheap teleconverters?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/teleconverters-for-sony-hdrfx1-advice-needed#post-47128 Sat, 23 May 2009 12:18:51 +0000 birdcat 47128@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>There are lots of cheap converters out there (especially on eBay) but you do get what you pay for.  Along with a couple of these cheapies, I have a branded "Sony" wide angle adapter and it gives very good results.  It's a bit more $$$ than the cheap ones (I think I paid something like $40 for it - on eBay - it goes for about $70 at Best Buy).</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/teleconverters-for-sony-hdrfx1-advice-needed#post-47123 Sat, 23 May 2009 08:12:26 +0000 jbetz 47123@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I am interested in pursuing a career in wildlife cinematography, but I am currently unable to purchase my own equipment. I have access to a Sony HDRFX1, but for filming wildlife, I really need larger than a 12x zoom. Since I don't really have any other choice, I am considering shelling out some money for a teleconverter lens that screws on to the front of the FX1. I know that these converter lenses are not ideal, but I don't have interchangeable lenses and I think I might still benefit from one of these. </p> <p>I am wondering if anyone has had experience using teleconverters, especially on HD cameras. If there are downsides, especially to cheap conversion lenses, what are they and how will I see these disadvantages in my footage? Here are links to the two I have been considering. Obviously there is a big price difference. I can probably only afford the cheaper one myself, but may be able to get some money from elsewhere to purchase something more expensive. </p> <p><a title="2x teleconverter for $70" href="http://www.digitalfotoclub.com/sc/from-froogle.asp?id=964730502&amp;rf=froogle&amp;dfdate=5_22_2009">http://stores.channeladvisor.com/47stphoto/items/item.aspx?itemid=4398667</a></p> <p><a title="3x teleconverter for $390" href="http://www.digitalfotoclub.com/sc/from-froogle.asp?id=964730502&amp;rf=froogle&amp;dfdate=5_22_2009">http://www.digitalfotoclub.com/sc/from-froogle.asp?id=964730502&amp;rf=froogle&amp;dfdate=5_22_2009</a></p> <p>Any help would be greatly appreciated. Cheers.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/shooting-stock-footage-and-wildlife#post-37531 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:03:27 +0000 TheDVshow 37531@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I personally have not tried Pond5 but after speaking with them I'm ready to upload some underwater video footage</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/shooting-stock-footage-and-wildlife#post-37520 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 22:07:02 +0000 Aspyrider 37520@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I had this idea of trying to set up some sort of network videographers could join and share footage. They could trade with each other and have a file transfer site to share the clips. Never did anything about it though, it's just an idea.</p> <p>J.</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/shooting-stock-footage-and-wildlife#post-37518 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:32:45 +0000 cdanddvdpublisher 37518@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Have you had experience with Pond5?</p> http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/shooting-stock-footage-and-wildlife#post-37517 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:19:01 +0000 TheDVshow 37517@http://www.videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Pond5.com gives 50%</p> <p>A podcast with the founder is here as he answers many of your questions</p> <p><a href="http://www.thedvshow.com/podcasts" rel="nofollow">http://www.thedvshow.com/podcasts</a></p> <p>There is also a June 2 and 9 podcast with stock footage topics</p> <p><a href="http://www.thedvshow.com/podcasts" rel="nofollow">http://www.thedvshow.com/podcasts</a></p>