Finndependent

HDSLR Camera Comparison Chart

2010-02-23T08:14:00.000-08:00

Able CineTech has put together an HDSLR camera comparison chart . They've also made it a down-loadable PDF file too. However, I'm not sure why the Nikon D90 isn't included since they started the whole HDSLR trend.

At the time I made Rejouer, I only had the Canon 5D and GH1 to consider for making a feature movie. As you can see by the chart the GH1 provided a few advantages 24p, 1080 x 192o resolution and a disadvantage of no "live" monitor output. The chart also lists the GH1 as the only camera that can have a PL mounted cinema lense attached to it. That is because my technical consultant, Illya Friedman of Hot Rod Cameras created the adapter specifically to shoot Rejouer. This allowed us not only to capture a greater image using higher quality lenses, but also an easier work-flow on set since the lenses were designed for motion picture use, not still photography.

Canon 5D HDSLR Footage to Avid then to FCP

2010-02-22T08:50:00.000-08:00

Oliver Peters at digitalfilms has an article on cutting Canon 5D HDSLR footage in Avid because FCP can't achieve a needed effect (a speed ramp) as well as FluidMotion does in Media Composer.

Liam Finn Speaking at Entertainment Technology Expo

2010-02-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

I'll be at the Entertainment Technology Expo breakfast this Thursday, Feb. 18th. Come, let's meet up and we can discuss HDSLR moviemaking. I'd love to hear about your project and let you know what I've learned about this new format.

Createasphere/EXPLORE: Entertainment Technology Exposition
FEBRUARY 18, 2010 | Universal Hilton | Universal City, CA

DSLR Video Track
Sponsored by Carl Zeiss

Welcome to the DSLR Video Track of the February 18th Entertainment Technology Expo. The world of filmmaking and photography are merging and it is exciting to see video DSLR education added to this event.

In addition to the workshops, there will be a video DSLR breakfast meet-up and orientation with interesting guests and great door prizes. Coffee and donuts should help get the ball rolling along with a quick rundown of the days DSLR topics. The Expo includes a trade show floor with access to some of the top companies involved in video DSLR and digital cinema. If you are serious about DSLR video, this is a no brainer.

10:00 AM-11:00 AM - DSLR Breakfast MeetUp and Orientation
Thank you for your interest in the Video DSLR Breakfast Meet-up. This event is sold-out with the exception of workshop attendees who pre-register for "From the Camera to the Web - Your Files and What to Do With Them", or "Sound - An Audio Primer for DSLR and Small Crew Productions". If you are not planning on attending one of these workshops, please arrive early and sign up on the waiting list.
11:00 AM-1:00 PM - Canon Intensive Workshop - Canon EOS HD Video: New ideas. New Technologies
1:30 PM-3:30 PM - Transcoding Workshop: From the Camera to the Web - Your Files and What to Do With Them
4:00 PM-6:00 PM - Sound Workshop: An Audio Primer for DSLR and Small Crew Productions

ISO is HDSLR's Strength

2010-02-13T09:21:00.000-08:00

Gizmodo has a good technical article (Why ISO is the new Megapixel) on the importance of ISO to your HDSLR camera.

HDSLR cameras are getting me closer to my personal holy grail, to only bring actors and a camera to set. Okay, okay, I know, I know, I also need sound, props, wardrobe etc... However, the point being that a camera's dynamic range effects how much available light you can use on set, which informs how much support equipment you'll bring, how many people y0u'll need to man it and how long it'll take to set up. All of these things add up to time and money.
In low budget moviemaking you quickly learn that what is in the screenplay or director's head may not necessarily be achievable at the actual location and to create it is beyond your budget or time constraints. So you must accept it and play the environment for what it is as opposed to what was envisioned. This limitation can be a blessing because if you don't fret over making everything precious, then you can concentrate on what is necessary - good acting and enough coverage of it so the audience can emotionally connect to the characters and clearly understand their situation. You'll essentially be rewriting your movie scene by scene in the editing bay using the footage you shot on set. So the greater the camera's use of available light, the more it can reduce set up time on set. Thus, giving you more footage in the editing bay to better help shape the movie. And who among us when screening our movies for others hasn't said to themselves during a particular scene or two, "if I only had more time to get another take I would've done it differently."

Rejouer's HDSLR Camera Featured in HD Video Pro

2010-02-09T07:58:00.000-08:00

You can see the Hot Rod Cameras' PL Mount for the Panasonic GH1 we used on Rejouer in an article on HDSLR camera's in this month's (Feb. 2010) edition of HD Video Pro. It features a behind the scenes picture of the GH1 attached to a camera body rig (designed by our camera operator and additional DP, Carl Ratajski) harnessed to our lead actor, Lancer Dean Shull.

HDSLR Filmmaking Entry Point Lowered By Canon - Rebel 550D/T2i

2010-02-08T08:17:00.000-08:00

Canon, the company that understands the fast growing HDSLR filmmaking movement more than any other camera manufacture introduces an even more affordable HDSLR camera - the Canon EOS 550D/ Rebel T2i.

Get the full review at DP Review.

Canon HDSLR Footage Direct to FCP

2010-02-05T22:10:00.000-08:00

This unique workflow package allows the user to choose to edit in 1080p, 1080i or straight to standard definition 16x9 25fps. Custom droplets give one click access to compressor that will convert the H264 files into ProRes for editing. The user also has a choice whether to make the clip realtime (i.e. 30fps to 25fps) or timestretch so that one frame in 30fps is one frame in 25fps. This will result in a slowdown of 20% for pin-sharp results.

Compressor droplets are supplied to get the final 1080p/i self contained movie into standard definition 16x9 too. Easy to follow workflow diagrams help plot the conversions needed to get the best quality from a Canon camera’s 30fps HD files to 25fps. You can download it here.

Vimeo Adds 1080p, AVCHD Support

2010-02-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

Rejouer was shot on the Panasonic GH1 and the videos you see on this site are hosted at Vimeo. However, Vimeo did not support the AVCHD video format native to the GH1 back when I originally posted these videos. So I applaud the inclusion of the AVCHD support and see it as another sign that HDSLR cameras are changing the expectations of video quality on the web.

Here's a blog article titled, Vimeo Adds 1080p, AVCHD Support, by Scott Simmons of Studio Daily commenting on this new development.

Good Sound Directly On Your HDSLR Camera

2010-01-29T23:43:00.001-08:00

I'm still an advocate for dual system audio recording when making a movie with an HDSLR, but here's a way to get good clean sound directly onto the camera from JuicedLink. It's two separate products, a mixer and a preamp which work in concert. The video shows how the preamp will disable the automatic gain control on the camera and allow manual gain control on the preamp. You can hear the difference.

Createaspeher HDSLR Webinar - Liam Finn Speaker

2010-01-26T09:52:00.000-08:00

I'll be part of the Createasphere webinar about HDSLR moviemaking titled, SLR Video for the Web: The END of Trial and Error.

It's free. To register click here.

Join us for our next Webcast! SLR Video for the Web: The END of Trial and Error

The Createasphere webcast "SLR Video for the Web: The END of Trial and Error" is geared toward photographers who are new to shooting motion and is designed to shortcut the steep learning curve involved in this transition. Participants will be guided through camera setup and how to choose the hardware to achieve the goal of producing a great looking video for the web. This will include lens selection as well as aftermarket products needed for camera stabilization, focus control and improved sound quality. Compression, frame rates, shutter speeds, white balance, and recording codecs will also be discussed. This will be followed by an editing demonstration showing how to optimally get your movie into an editing program and start manipulating scenes. Color correction strategies will be talked about with industry experts followed up by an in-depth look at exporting options and uploading to web hosting services. Hosted by Michael Britt.

Neil Smith from Hdi RAWworks is going to be my co-host for the webcast. He also hosted a Canon Intensive Workshop at the last HD Expo and will be doing so again at the Entertainment Technology Event February 18th .

Liam Finn, writer, producer and director of Rejouer, the first HDSLR feature length movie will talk about the realities of using this new format for making movies.

More Information

When:
Wednesday, January 27th
11:00 AM PST
Limited to 500 - Register Now - its FREE!

Canon 7D PL Mount HDSLR unvailed at Sundance 2010

2010-01-24T11:25:00.000-08:00

Director of Photography Arlene Muller uses the prototype Hot Rod 7D-PL to shoot Director of Photography Marcin Nadolny in front of the Egyptian theater during Sundance 2010

HDSLR 7D PL Mount Camera

2010-01-21T20:09:00.001-08:00

Rejouer technical consultant, Illya Friedman of Hot Rod Cameras , who invented the first HDSLR PL mount adapter for the Panasonic GH1 has successfully modified a Canon 7D to a permanent PL mount, that should accept nearly every PL mount lens under the sun.

See it in person at Sundance, read on....

ILLYA'S POST BELOW:

I know many of you were waiting for my click in-click out PL to EOS adapter, that project has been put on hold for the time being. The reason is because of a wall I “hit” with the design, really what it was coming down to is that selling that adapter would cost more than buying a custom modified PL mount 7D, and it would have inferior performance.

So I’m planning an announcement for 2-14-2010 (yes ,Valentine’s day) with all the details (including price) for a custom Hot Rod 7D PL. I’m really, really, (really) happy with the quality of this conversion so I’m certain you will too.

Also…. if you are going to be at Sundance 2010 and want a hands-on preview of the 7D PL send me an email here, and I’ll let you know my schedule. If you bring a Compact Flash card you are welcome to take some pics with with the fully functional prototype 7D PL.

I want want to apologizing I couldn’t post this sooner, and for the delay in replying to all the emails that have piled up in the past week or so. I’ve been really busy with this project and hopefully this bit of news was worth the wait.

Illya Friedman

Top 20 Limited Release Specialty Films of 2009

2010-01-05T14:26:00.000-08:00

Real box office figures are always good to use in your business plans. Per Indie Wire article:

The Top 20 Limited Release Specialty Films of 2009*

1. Precious: Based on the novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire, Lionsgate $41,778,920
2. (500) Days of Summer, Fox Searchlight $32,391,374
3. Capitalism: A Love Story, Overture Films $14,363,397
4. The Hurt Locker, Summit Entertainment $12,671,105
5. Sunshine Cleaning, Overture Films $12,062,558
6. The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day, Apparition $9,744,417
7. Away We Go, Focus Features $9,451,946
8. A Serious Man, Focus Features $9,042,760
9. An Education, Sony Pictures Classics $7,437,144
10. Coco Before Chanel, Sony Pictures Classics $5,964,683
11. The Road, The Weinstein Company $5,879,604
12. Whatever Works, Sony Pictures Classics $5,306,706
13. Moon, Sony Pictures Classics $5,010,163
14. Bright Star, Apparition $4,444,637
15. Food, Inc, Magnolia Pictures $4,417,674
16. Good Hair, Roadside Attractions $4,144,599
17. The September Issue, Roadside Attractions $3,817,787
18. The Class, Sony Pictures Classics $3,766,810
19. The Brothers Bloom, Summit Entertainment $3,531,756
20. Two Lovers, Magnolia Pictures $3,149,034

Wired Lists Canon 5D Mark II HDSLR Camera as Top Ten Gadgets of Decade

2010-01-02T21:16:00.000-08:00

Nothing you don't already know, but it's great to see more recognition for the notion that HDSLR cameras are great for indie filmmakers. Check out the Wired article here.

HDSLR USERS UNITE IN SAN FRAN

2009-12-30T23:59:00.000-08:00

The Final Cut Pro User Group Network is gathering in San Francisco on Friday, February 5th for the largest gathering of FCP, Avid and Adobe editors, HDSLR filmmakers and digital content creators and Gurus on the planet. The all day event will offer free workshops, a Digital Showcase for filmmakers and the SuperMeet itself. This sounds like a great meeting of the minds and I suspect HDSLR content creation and it's technical aspects will be a center focus of the event. To learn more or attend, visit their website.

Top Grossing Indie Movies of the 2000's

2009-12-30T15:44:00.000-08:00

As an independent moviemaker, it's always good to know what movies audiences are willing to pay their hard earned money to see in the theaters. Peter Knegt of Indie Wire reports the following:

1. The Passion of the Christ, 2004 (Newmarket) $370,274,604
2. My Big Fat Greek Wedding, 2003 (IFC Films) $241,438,208
3. Juno, 2007 (Fox Searchlight) $143,395,265
4. Slumdog Millionaire, 2008 (Fox Searchlight) $141,319,928
5. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, 2000 (Sony Pictures Classics) $128,078,872
6. Traffic, 2000 (USA) $124,115,725
7. Fahrenheit 9/11, 2004 (Lionsgate) $119,194,771
8. Paranormal Activity, 2009 (Paramount) $107,753,000
9. Brokeback Mountain, 2005 (Focus Features) $83,043,761
10. March of the Penguins, 2005 (Warner Independent) $77,437,223
11. Coraline, 2009 (Focus Features) $75,286,229
12. Sideways, 2004 (Fox Searchlight) $71,503,593
13. Burn After Reading, 2008 (Focus Features) $60,355,347
14. Little Miss Sunshine, 2006 (Fox Searchlight) $59,891,098
15. Hero, 2004 (Miramax) $53,710,019
16. Atonement, 2007 (Focus Features) $50,927,067
17. 28 Days Later, 2003 (Fox Searchlight) $45,064,915
18. Lost In Translation, 2003 (Focus Features) $44,585,453
19. Napoleon Dynamite, 2004 (Fox Searchlight) $44,540,956
20. Precious: Based on the novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire, 2009 (Lionsgate) $42,004,270

Vincet LaForet's HDSLR Canon Contest

2009-12-29T22:42:00.000-08:00

Vincet Laforet announced a new contest with Canon and Vimeo, "The Story Behind The Still." Essentially the idea is to compile user generated HDSLR media in to a movie. The only creative guideline is that the movie will be told in seven chapters with each chapter beginning with the last still image from the previous story and ending with a new still image for the next chapter. The content of each chapter is open for interpretation by the filmmaker/photographer. Industry notables have signed on as judges, but the details of how to submit, submission timeline and ownership of media are yet to be divulged. For more information go to Vincet's blog and watch the video announcement.

Canon HDSLR Firmware Updates

2009-12-20T23:53:00.000-08:00

Updates. Updates. Always good to keep up with the ever changing HDSLR format. Click a picture to link to the Canon firmware update page.

HDSLR Contest - The Can Do Film Fest & Competition

2009-12-19T09:04:00.000-08:00

Canon Inc. and RAWworks have created an HDSLR festival and competition offering prizes of HDSLR cameras, lenses, camera support rigs, software, video hosting, color correction and sound mixes. Submissions are limited to four minutes and must be shot on one of the Canon HDSLR cameras: EOS 1D Mk IV, EOS 5D Mk II, EOS 7D, EOS Rebel T1i. There are many categories to win in: Creative Inspiration, Popular Choice, Narrative, Documentary, Music Video, Movie Trailer, Spec Commercial, Sports Event, Wedding Event, TV Show Teaser, VFX & Animation and Military Services. What's smart is that Canon and RAWworks know this is a fledgling format and these categories cover what most people have used the camera for to date. The submission deadline is March 2oth with winners being announced in April. Get more info here.

Slow Motion HDSLR Horse Racing Footage

2009-12-16T06:59:00.000-08:00

News shooter Dan Chung shoots some slow motion footage at the Singapore Turf Club with the Canon 1D Mark IV. Another example of what the next incarnation of HDSLR camera's can do.

Canon 5D Underwater HDSLR Footage

2009-12-15T23:55:00.000-08:00

Underwater HDSLR video isn't the norm, so I thought I'd post this. It's from Backscatter, a company providing professional housing units for underwater video and still photography. They have a unit for the Canon 5D for (GULP!) $2,899. For my underwater shot in Rejouer, I used an underwater camera bag. It proved to be very buoyant and my DP struggled to keep it submerged, but it was only for one shot. Here's a tip my DP gave me, before shooting place a roll of toilet paper in the underwater housing unit then submerge it. If the toilet paper is wet you've got a leak in the housing unit.

HDSLR Glide Track Rig

2009-12-14T22:25:00.000-08:00

I've used sliders before on some car commercials and corporate videos so I know how handy they can be when moving a camera in small spaces. I haven't used this particular product, but to me it seems that 20 inches is not long enough of a run. I'm also unsure how much weight it could support with a fully loaded HDSLR camera rig. Cameratown offers this in depth review of the product. Look at the video I think you'll see some good example of how effective it can be for a short move, but some of the moves in my opinion would have benefited from a longer run. Check it out here.

Paramount Studios wants in on Microbudge Movies

2009-12-13T08:26:00.000-08:00

Variety announced Paramount Studios is launching an effort to spend $1 million annually to develop and produce microbudget films due to the success of "Paranormal Activity." The goal is to have between 10 to 20 projects budgeted at no more than $100,000 each targeting unknown and established filmmakers. Paramount Film Group's Adam Goodman is the proponent for the initiative. Union affiliations and theatrical release issues were not mentioned.

Low Light HDSLR Subaru Spec Commercial by Enki Studios

2009-12-10T07:42:00.000-08:00

Here's a nice example of low light work using the Canon 7D HDSLR camera by Enki Studios. More proof that you can make a big image with a little camera. Check it out here.

A short spec commercial we (enkistudios.com) shot for fun this week for Chris's Subari STI.

Directed by Chris Bolarinho
DP/Steadicam Operator - Jeff Melanson
Equipment: Canon 7d, Canon 28-70mm f2.8 L, Marshall 7" Monitor, Zacuto rods/letus rods, Bartech wireless focus/ m-one motor, Steadicam Flyer LE , FCP, Magic Bullet Mojo
Music : Royksopp - Triumphant

WIN AN HDSLR Canon 7D from Scott Bourne

2009-12-09T14:57:00.000-08:00

Only a few more days until Scott Bourne announces the winner of a Canon 7D on December 15th. I suggest you go to his blog and follow the directions to enter. It seems he is looking to build his twitter following. Click here for details. Thanks Scott for the chance.