HDSLR Solution

HDSLR Solution

I really want the next version of the 5D Mark II but I don't think I can afford to wait for it. This Canon 7D is just awesome. I played around with one at HD Expo and it definitely planted its little seed of desire in me. I'm most likely going to have to buy something camera-wise this year so what's it going to be? An EX1 definitely fits the mold for most of the work I do but this setup may just work:

Canon 7D Body $1699 @ Amazon

That's just the body. Would need a few cards, extra batts, case, etc. but those are relatively inexpensive. Also, Canon has a battery extender/hand grip for this camera that I'm going to guess will be a necessity for use in an actual production environment. Not sure the price on that.

Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens $1379 @ B&H

This wide angle lens will magically transform into a 38.4-112 on your 7D. A good range but really not quite wide enough. I would probably pick up the 17-40 as well which is another $1549 at our good friends, B&H.

and the most expensive item ;) but without it, I can't imagine the back, shoulder, and neck pain.

Zacuto DSLR Marksman $2216

I don't know anything about these Zacuto SLR Rigs but this one looks like it would actually be pretty comfortable to operate. Their plate and rod system for lens adapters is the sh** so I imagine this guy gets the job done.

TOTAL BASE COST: $5294

Not comparing the DoF to a naked EX1 here but this 7D setup is still cheaper than a new camera alone which is $6099. For a real basis of DoF comparison, to go the lens adapter route you could effectively triple that. So we'll say about $20,000 for an EX-1, Letus Ultimate, Zacuto setup, and a handful of used primes (not a fancy ZF set).

So in my crude and hurried assessment, both camera packages do the same thing: create beautiful filmic images with all that sexy depth of field. Both solutions are far from perfect. Each has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages but comparing 5,200 to 20,000 is one point that can't be argued.

David Mullen, ASC - Production Journals

David Mullen, ASC - Production Journals

Just came across David Mullen's journals from the production of Jennifer's Body and they're great. Mr. Mullens is one of the most generous guys in the business with both his time and sharing his wealth of knowledge. There are all sort of insights to be gleaned from these. Enjoy.

Getting the call: http://www.cinematography.com/index.php?showtopic=28929

During Prep and Production: http://www.cinematography.com/index.php?showtopic=29595

Nearing Release: http://www.cinematography.com/index.php?showtopic=40041

HD EXPO NYC

HD EXPO NYC

Or actually, Createasphere, as it's now known as.

I'm heading to the New Yorker Hotel right now to attend this year's conference. It's going to be a jam packed day and if my brain isn't too overwhelmed I'll be sure to do some live blogging. I'm especially excited to take Gamma & Density's Color Management and Data Workflow Workshop. Here's the write-up:

3cP - Gamma & Density Co.'s Cinematographers and DIT's Data Management and Color Correction Program which also allows the production of dailies on-the-set Digital Image Management for Arri, Panasonic, Panavision, Red, Viper, Canon Cameras and Silicon Imaging Digital Cameras.

Attendees will leave with a practical understanding of data-based image capture, data management, image and color management throughout the production/post- production process, how to communicate color and "look" information to post-production, and how to smoothly move and transform the large volumes of image data from the raw camera capture through dailies to editorial and on to final delivery.

Gamma & Density Co. (www.gammadensity.com) is a pioneering world known company specializing in manufacturing and management of digital and film cameras workflows, tools and applications for cinematographers, helping them to preserve and manage the uniqueness of their vision technically and artistically. The seminar will be conducted by the Gamma & Density Co. Team.

Topics to be discussed and hands-on demonstrated are:

Data and Color management and on-set color control via Gamma & Density's 3cP fully integrated into workflow
Data Management (From CF card to drive – Back Up – Import [RED files])
Color Consistency throughout the pipeline
GD Charts
Live on set color corrected previewing
Accurate color representation from ingestion to final projection
Communicating with Post
Reports
CDLs and LUTs
File Generation

Pretty cool right? I'll let you know how it goes.