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More Canon video from Vince
Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 2:47 PM on 12.16.08 |
->> check this out:
blog.vincentlaforet.com/2008/12/03/behind-the-scenes-footage-steadicam/ |
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Myung Chun, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | USA | Posted: 9:27 PM on 12.16.08 |
| ->> The steadicam footage is sweeeet! |
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Jim Colburn, Photo Editor, Photographer
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McAllen | TX | USA | Posted: 9:36 PM on 12.16.08 |
->> This is getting very silly. He's taking a tiny little still camera and attaching it to all sorts of video crap in order to prove a point not worth proving.
It's not a video camera. It's a still camera with a few interesting built-in "toys".
Come on. No manual exposure control. No decent built-in audio. A very small view finder (on the back of the camera).
What LaForet is doing may well be interesting but it's like paddling across the Atlantic in a row boat and then proclaiming that, because you've sailed from New York to Southampton, your dinghy is a freakin' ocean liner... |
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Adam Bettcher, Photographer
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Bloomington | MN | USA | Posted: 10:06 PM on 12.16.08 |
->> Jim, I really struggle to understand why you are wasting space with your slam of the information that some of us are interested in reading. There are lots of threads on here that I am not interested in... I simple don't read them. I wish that you would do the same. I have waited a long time putting up with your useless banter on threads that you obviously have no interest in. I don't mean to make this personal, but I wish that you would focus on positive contributions on Sportsshooter. Enough!
I am done with my rant. |
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Steven E. Frischling, Photographer
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Live HVN : Work SFO-NYC | | | Posted: 10:08 PM on 12.16.08 |
->> Jim,
I whole heartedly agree. Bruce Dorn is making all sorts of custom video accessories for the 5D MkII. Honestly, I just want my camera to have really clean high ISO, a decent frame rate and be reliable.
.....video, it does nothing for me. If I need video, I'll get a video camera. |
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Jeffrey Furticella, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Charlotte | NC | US | Posted: 10:11 PM on 12.16.08 |
->> "This is getting very silly. He's taking a tiny little still camera and attaching it to all sorts of video crap in order to prove a point not worth proving."
Yeah you're totally right. Proving that you can produce high quality video with an inexpensive, dynamic camera that has a lot of the capabilities of a camera that costs thousands of dollars more is totally useless. I mean, why would you want to push the limits of a $3,000 camera to see what you can do with some planning and imagination? Totally stupid.
Photographers go on assignment and rent lights, grip equipment, assistants, lenses, camera bodies, location space, talent, vehicles, backdrops, whatever. Why? To produce a look, to see what you can get out of your equipment, to create a high end product. How is that any different from renting or buying or modifying video equipment to work with a video shooting still camera?
Say what you want to say, but everyone complains about how the industry is dying and there's no work and freelance is drying up and editorial is drying up and there's no work to be had. Laforet's doing it man, he's doing something about it. He's taking a camera that costs less than a D3, less than a Mark III, and is using it with high end video rigs to produce a high end product, and he's getting paid to do it. He's exploring the limits of a camera that has the power to change everything, and has the promise to create work for a lot of photographers that are ambitious enough to go after it.
To you he might being sailing the waters in a dinghy, but at least he's not in trouble of drowning any time soon.
- furt |
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Adam Bettcher, Photographer
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Bloomington | MN | USA | Posted: 10:33 PM on 12.16.08 |
| ->> AMEN!!! |
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Corey Perrine, Photographer
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Hudson | NH | USA | Posted: 10:45 PM on 12.16.08 |
->> Jim,
I just talked to Santa Clause he said for me to tell you
that you're getting coal in your stocking this year.
Best,
Corey |
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Rodrigo Pena, Photographer
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Palm Desert | CA | USA | Posted: 10:49 PM on 12.16.08 |
->> I personally applaud Vince's efforts. Maybe Canon will take notice and see that there really is a higher demand for a still camera with great video tools. I hope the next generation of the 5D Mark II addresses the issues that this model has and will develop a better tool in the future. I love the low-light, high quality of this camera. I hope Canon can match the quality and full control in the daylight. I hope they give us more than 1/125th shutter speed and hope they come out with quality audio. I hope they fix the problem with the live view and hope they give us a screen that swivels like their point-and-shoot cameras (i.e.Powershot A650) Most importantly, I hope they can give us all the tools for a low price, as with today's 5D Mark II.
Many of us still photographers can't afford to spend money on high-end video equipment. The fact that we can use our still lenses with a video camera, is huge. |
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Mike Brice, Photographer
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Toledo | OH | USA | Posted: 10:59 PM on 12.16.08 |
->> One interesting thing I noticed is that Vincent wasn't the one staffing the stedicam in the clip. Maybe he did during other parts.
I think it shows what I have heard that a good stedicam operator is valuable - its not something you pick up and do with a 5-minute lesson.
So while the gear is changing and making more options available, there is nothing like a talented operator to get the most out of the equipment.
One other point - he is spending a lot of time and money to produce quality clips. Unfortunately, there are a lot of copycats buying up 5D II putting out a lot of crap and calling it the best thing since sliced bread. |
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Daniel Bates, Photographer
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Fayetteville | NC | | Posted: 11:04 PM on 12.16.08 |
->> Thanks for the link, Chuck.
Jim, I disagree with your assessment of the 5D Mark II as a "tiny little still camera". That description puts several unmerited constraits on the camera; besides the dimensional dimunitives, it most certainly is not merely a "still" camera. It is a device that records light on electronic media, and the task is ours as photographers, videographers, and visual communicators alike to make use of it. Vince is making use of it. What are the rest of us doing? Hiding our heads in the sand and hoping that technological advances are merely passing fads?
Allow me to comment on some of the faults you have found with the camera:
"No manual exposure control." True. But there are workarounds, and this is version one of a very new concept. I think I shall wait for versions two or three before I pass judgment on the whole race of video-capable DSLRs.
"No decent built-in audio." This is a convenience, not a necessity. How do you define 'decent'? I happen to think the 5D2 does have 'decent' built-in audio. If I want feature film sound, I would use a feature film audio solution, like a separate digital audio system.
"A very small view finder (on the back of the camera)" What would make you happier? A built-in ten inch LCD on the back? I don't know about you, but I like the 5D's relatively svelte dimensions just the way they are.
I now return you to your previously scheduled programming. |
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David Harpe, Photographer
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Louisville | KY | USA | Posted: 1:40 AM on 12.17.08 |
->> Jim, if you're not into the technology, how about just accepting the work for what it is? (Back me up here, Walter!) It's cool looking work.
Anyone who has ever wanted to tinker with high quality, cinema-like moving picture visuals can now do so without getting into six figure gear. Vince is proving that it can hold up to that standard. It's pretty cool to watch and learn from someone very talented who has the time and resources to play with this new (from a TECHNOLOGY standpoint) approach to shooting moving picture visuals. It's given me some ideas for a few projects. |
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Myung Chun, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | USA | Posted: 2:43 AM on 12.17.08 |
->> I applaud Vince for his efforts and for sharing his videos. These recent SS posts show what else can be done with that little camera.
http://www.davidstephenson.com/rocky_906.mov
and
http://www.vimeo.com/2327058
It's a great tool and I enjoy seeing how different photographers use this tool. I'm impressed with everything I've seen. |
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Walter Calahan, Photographer
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Westminster | MD | USA | Posted: 8:02 AM on 12.17.08 |
->> Vince is extremely talented.
I can only imagine what he'd produce with a high end video camera.
I hope Canon is paying him well for making these wonderful promotions that help sell this camera.
The trouble I have with the 5D mk II and the Nikon D90 is when you are shooting video, you are not making still images with the camera. You become a videographer, not a photographer. You can't shoot video and shoot stills with another camera body at the same time. Or at least I can't. Which begs the question, how do you view your work? Are you a still photographer willing to sacrifice a large chunk of time not making single images? Or are you a videographer, who when you are not filming, likes to make still images?
I guess I'm not the guy who can chew gum and walk at the same time. My limited talents are showing. |
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Walter Calahan, Photographer
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Westminster | MD | USA | Posted: 8:08 AM on 12.17.08 |
->> And remember, Vince is not making these videos without a team of talented support people working with him.
Still photography on the high end commercial work usually has a large production team as well.
A still photographer can make wonderful images working alone. I scratch my head wondering how wonderful a video from a Nikon D90 or a Canon 5D mk II would be from a person working alone. The video could be great, but it'd probably take much longer to produce with a production crew of one person, instead of the traditional team approach that Vince is using. |
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Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 8:22 AM on 12.17.08 |
->> come on walter...you don't have five or six sherpas carting your stuff around during a daily shoot. you must be slippin'!
8) |
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Richard Denham, Photographer
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Toronto/Buffalo/Niagara | On | Canada | Posted: 9:03 AM on 12.17.08 |
->> After spending 5 days with a 5DMKII I have come to the following conclusions.
1. The iso is is amazing, but it won't help for any sports photographers as the AF is slower than anything I have ever shot on.
2. This is simply a full frame camera that can shoot video. However to make that video look any good, you need to invest a lot of money.
3. I would rather keep my MKIII's and buy a XH-A1 camcorder with a Cinevate Brevis35 to get the film look.
Here is my reasoning behind the last statement. To do anything like what Vincent and others have done with the 5D takes too many extras, to much time, and too much effort. Give me a camcorder and let me start recording.
I will give credit where credit is due though, and this would definitely be a great "paper" camera. being able to capture still and hi-def in one body is nice. Just keep in mind you video's will look nothing like Vincent's, but rather like those taken by dad on the sidelines of you last soccer game.
To see more on my recent 5Dmkii experience, check out my blog at http://rickdenhamphoto.blogspot.com/ |
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Scott Utterback, Photographer
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Louisville | Ky | USA | Posted: 9:30 AM on 12.17.08 |
->> Walter and Richard...
Did you guys see David Stephenson's piece from the other thread? He works alone and didn't spend an arm and a leg for extras. Shooting like a soccer dad is more of a mind set than an equipment issue. |
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Walter Calahan, Photographer
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Westminster | MD | USA | Posted: 9:43 AM on 12.17.08 |
->> Scott, no I haven't, you have a link?
One more thing about Vince's work and blog.
The work is not geared towards us, his adoring crowd, it is targeted to the young art directors at the major advertising agencies. This is about Vince getting hired to do major advertising work for big bucks. I wish him extremely well in this effort. |
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Richard Denham, Photographer
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Toronto/Buffalo/Niagara | On | Canada | Posted: 9:46 AM on 12.17.08 |
| ->> Scott yes I did, and David did an absolutely fantastic job, however you may notice that in the majority of his video the subject is station and camera are stationary (feet not body). My thoughts are that what if you have to move, or follow a subject that is moving very rapidly, then what happens. |
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Scott Utterback, Photographer
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Louisville | Ky | USA | Posted: 9:53 AM on 12.17.08 |
->> Walter... here is the link.
http://www.mophojo.com/2008/12/first-take-on-the-canon-5d-mark-ii-2/
Richard... I honestly don't know and I'm not saying this is greatest thing since sliced bread... I was just responding to your thought that it would take a lot of people and time to produce quality with this camera. |
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Richard Denham, Photographer
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Toronto/Buffalo/Niagara | On | Canada | Posted: 10:06 AM on 12.17.08 |
->> Scott, I understand what you are saying so let me revise my statement to the following
"To do anything like what Vincent has done with the 5D takes too many extras, to much time, and too much effort." |
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Bob Ford, Photographer
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Lehighton | Pa | USA | Posted: 10:12 AM on 12.17.08 |
->> I'm also impressed with the work that Vincent is producing with this camera.
Those of you who say he should just buy a video camera, probably haven't read deep enough into his blog. In an earlier post he said that the camera produces better video at low light than cameras costing more than $100,000.
You can read that, and other reason he uses the 5d in this blog posting...
http://tinyurl.com/4oc8je
The one thing that does surprise me about this latest project is his music choice. Why would a photographer choose Kanye West for background music? As many remember West has a history of assaulting photographers. |
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Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 10:33 AM on 12.17.08 |
| ->> Richard, with all due respect, most of us who are interested in this camera aren't wanting it to make an oscar nominated film or a television commercial. we want a camera that will shoot great quality stills and make video CLIPS that will make our bosses happy. this camera does that and not to bash nikon but canon got it right by adding the external mic jack. the whole point is NOT to have to carry around another piece of equipment, like a real video camera. now you can go out on assignment and shoot everything with one camera on the same disc....and then there's the whole price thing....it's basically a two for one deal. sure if you want to go out and spend a lot of money on a video camera you should knock yourself out and spend the money, it's good for the economy. I dare say our video cameras don't shoot low light video as good at this new canon does (except maybe our one high end video camera which shoots crappy frame grabs) but the point of these threads is a discussion on a piece of equipment that may make our jobs easier. sure it's not going to work for some people...maybe you're one of those folks. |
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Richard Denham, Photographer
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Toronto/Buffalo/Niagara | On | Canada | Posted: 10:40 AM on 12.17.08 |
->> Chuck, with all due respect, I said the same thing in my very first post.
Quote
"I will give credit where credit is due though, and this would definitely be a great "paper" camera. being able to capture still and hi-def in one body is nice." |
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Richard Denham, Photographer
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Toronto/Buffalo/Niagara | On | Canada | Posted: 10:43 AM on 12.17.08 |
| ->> Another note of interest, I know when I shoot video, I usually shoot with my camcorder right between my chest and belly. With the 5Dmkii, you have to hold it at eye level, this felt very uncomfortable to me. Just something else to think about. |
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Jim Colburn, Photo Editor, Photographer
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McAllen | TX | USA | Posted: 12:15 PM on 12.17.08 |
->> Of course LaForet's work is impressive but adding $12K of additional gear to get good results defeats the purpose.
When Canon take the technology in the 5DMk2 (1080p sensor, CF card recording, interchangeable EF lenses) and put it into a video camera with good sound, XLR inputs, a manual exposure option and a form factor better suited to getting steady video footage they'll have a world beater. |
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Doug Thompson, Photographer
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Floyd | VA | | Posted: 10:46 AM on 12.18.08 |
->> Chuck, your comments are spot on and focus on the ways the 5D MKII will help shooters who do multimedia for newspapers and web sites. It also extends the video capabilities for those of us who shoot video for other uses.
I had a chance to borrow a friends 5D MKII last week to help finish up a video we were shooting. This was a hour-long documentary for our local public TV station, not a web site project, and for such jobs I use a Sony HVR-V1U HD videocam, which shoots 1080p/24p. It's a great HD camera in good light but unacceptable noise in low light. The 5D MKII footage gave me great low light detail and as I edit this week I find it fits well into the footage shot with the Sony.
The 5D MKII also recorded good sound with a Sony UWP-V6 wireless mike setup. The receiver has input cables for both XLR and mini plugs and it tired right into the 5D. We also recorded sound off camera and had no trouble with sync.
After looking at the footage, I called Jeff Snyder and got on the waiting list at Adorama. I look forward to using it not only for multimedia projects but as a valuable tool in other video work. |
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Bob Ford, Photographer
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Lehighton | Pa | USA | Posted: 11:04 AM on 12.18.08 |
->> Jim, Vince addressed some of your concerns, and others, in his most recent blog entry...
http://tinyurl.com/3ocpeh |
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Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 11:35 AM on 12.18.08 |
->> yeah bob, I love that last paragraph..in fact I'm actually laughing because sometimes vince makes statements that are actually pretty funny.this totally cracked me up:
"For the die-hard Canon users, or people who think I’m leaving the non-hollywood-budget filmmakers/videographers/photographers behind - don’t fret - we’re going out with FOUR 5D MKII cameras… and I’d be a fool not to leverage the small size, price and weight of the 5D MKII - not to mention it’s incredible performance in low light - on this production. THAT PART IS COOL AND YOU THINK HEH, VINCE IS LOOKING AT US POOR SAPS OUT IN THE REAL WORLD....THEN THE PART THAT MADE ME GIGGLE: "We’re having a custom underwater housing built for it by Ikelite (OH THAT'LL BE CHEAP) - as well as bringing in a radio-controlled helicopter that can carry the camera and control it as it flies hundreds of feet above - or just feet above the ground… this is going to be exciting. (YUP, EXITING AND GOING TO COST ABOUT AS MUCH AS REGULAR JOE PHOTO MAKES IN TWO MONTHS)I’ll be detailing every step of the way as we go - as well as all of the gear / software / workflow as best I can."
I actually look forward to seeing this production because it does nothing but push the envelope on what regular gear can do...albeit with a huge bankroll behind it.and I guess this is kind of what ole jim was griping about BUT I say more power to ya if you can get the dough. |
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Vincent Laforet, Photographer
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New York | NY | USA | Posted: 3:08 AM on 12.19.08 |
| ->> Chuck - custom UW housing... $750... cheap. |
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Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 8:38 AM on 12.19.08 |
| ->> man THAT is cheap! thanks, vince! |
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Greg Ferguson, Photographer
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Scottsdale | Az | USA | Posted: 12:55 AM on 12.20.08 |
->> "Chuck - custom UW housing... $750... cheap."
...pushing the envelope, priceless. |
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Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 11:16 AM on 12.20.08 |
| ->> greg, that WAS "priceless"! maybe you should use that in some kind of ad campaign...oh wait.......nevermind... |
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Richard Uhlhorn, Photographer
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Chelan Falls | WA | USA | Posted: 12:12 PM on 12.20.08 |
->> I remember when digital came to play in the photography world and I said, "Nope, it isn't going to work as well as film."
I remember my first digital camera (still have it actually); a Canon G2 P&S which I had to purchase for an extreme golf tournament sponsored by Ford Motor Company. They needed the ability to ship digital images by computer to New Yord immediately.
I continued to shoot film and not really believe in digital until it became apparent that digital was going to take over the world of photography, which it did.
Today, Canon continues to push the envelope by adding the ability to shoot high quality video with a still camera. Are there uses for us regular photographers who shoot high school sports, a little commercial work, weddings, senior portraits and the like?
My guess is that there is and time will tell the real story as more and more photographers start seeing the new capability as an opportunity to add to their bottom line.
Thanks to Vince, and a few others, who have already pushed the envelope and given us a view of what this camera can really do along with adding to the bottom line of their work.
To the naysayers, watch for the next chapter in this saga.
Happy Holidays everyone
Rich |
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Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 12:17 PM on 12.20.08 |
->> rich, nice, concise post. I'm sure it's the way most of us felt when the first (digital)cameras hit the scene...quality sucked, yada yada yada. I would add something to your closing sentence though:
"To the naysayers, watch for the next chapter in this saga, from the sidelines, cause you won't be in the game.
HHBA!
(Happy Holidays Back Atcha) |
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Walter Calahan, Photographer
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Westminster | MD | USA | Posted: 12:30 PM on 12.20.08 |
->> Where is my Super 8 camera? It's here on the sidelines somewhere.
I for one am glad Canon followed Nikon's first step into video by one upping the D90's video.
Can't wait till I get to wear an Al Frankin satellite dish on my head, as long as there are no black spots in my vision. Grin. |
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Greg Ferguson, Photographer
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Scottsdale | Az | USA | Posted: 1:42 PM on 12.21.08 |
->> I am not sure why there is so much grumbling about the differences in a 5D vs a standard video camera.
The differences are there and grumbling won't make them go away. Maybe they will go away over time as Canon improves or changes the design of the body, or maybe they're in place on purpose.
What I see that is important is that people are stepping up to make some very nice use of the body as is.
It shouldn't be a given that merely having the body will guarantee "art". Vince and others are proving that, even with the "flaws", it is very possible to step past a still image with the body and create something that is very visually appealing and creative, which is my definition of art.
Vince's first pass at it had a few rough edges, but considering how fast he created it I think it was a monumental piece of work. It was a heck of a lot better than I could have done... probably a lot better than 90% of us could have done.
The goal of an image, or video, is to take us someplace else and make us think or feel something. Basically, it's to "sell" an idea, and Vince did that on many levels.
We now know that body can capture some sweet video images, and that with some standard editing and audio overlay a nice little movie can be made, and, most of all, Vince showed the world why he's a go-to guy and someone we should be learning from and watching.
Walter said, "Can't wait till I get to wear an Al Frankin satellite dish on my head[...]". I agree. And, better to wear a satellite dish than wrap my head with tin foil. |
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David Harpe, Photographer
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Louisville | KY | USA | Posted: 6:00 PM on 12.21.08 |
| ->> I have a feeling we're all going to get really sick of shallow DOF footage... :-) |
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Bob Ford, Photographer
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Lehighton | Pa | USA | Posted: 9:50 PM on 12.21.08 |
->> Myung, I think you nailed it..."déja vu".
I have a feeling I saw that before.
Incredible! |
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Kevin Seale, Photographer
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Crawfordsville | IN | United States | Posted: 12:16 AM on 12.22.08 |
->> "It's like paddling across the Atlantic in a row boat and then proclaiming that, because you've sailed from New York to Southampton, your dinghy is a freakin' ocean liner..."
I view it more like sailing across the flat Atlantic with some other crazy cats and proclaiming you discovered the new world.
While maybe that is a bit overdramatic, my point is it is a new direction into a brand new potential market that has HUGE potential already waiting - Commercial multimedia. The other similarity is that the concept is being aggressively discounted by many who are capable of making the same voyage.
Yes it requires extra money for gadgets to do the level of stuff Mr Laforet is doing but it is a fraction of the current costs for production of a similar product. The original video if I remember correctly was done in only a few days with a brand new device and no manual. It may not be the absolute top of the line product but it makes an very impressive entry into the game.
This is from basically generation 1 of this type of device. When have electronic products not only improved but became cheaper over time? I view a product that is entering an industry at 1/50 the cost yet can deliver a finished product even 1/2 as good is going to offer lots of potential.
Watch virtually any retail commercial on TV. It is a collection of short clips, stills and video, with overlaid sound and graphics generated using professional level software. How many of you are already doing similar types of work on daily basis for a newspaper? How much less do you think you make than the people who made that last 30 second shampoo commercial on TV? How many weeks do you think it took them to make it? How many people? What type of budget?
I view this as a ground floor opportunity. It is a chance to be a frontrunner in the changes coming to commercial content market. Just like with still photography, technology rapidly changed an industry. Video media is next. Given that multifunction devices have dominated the technology world recently it seems more likely to me the future will develop from the lower cost base technology which is still camera technology.
Who better to be the first players than people who already have a lot of base equipment and required skill sets, can expand with very little additional cost, can produce a finished product at a significantly lower rate than current market conditions yet at a substantially higher market value than their existing career?
Again, I know a lot of this is oversimplified and has many hurdles and unmentioned negatives but I welcome the fresh, creative and positive potential of something like this much more than another thread on working for free or the death of newspapers.
Thanks to Mr. Laforet and the others who have taken the time to document their experiences. I for one greatly appreciate it and wish you the very best.
I must also admit that the thought of 120 fps with a RED and an 800mm gives me tingly feelings in my special area. |
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Mark Loundy, Photo Editor
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San Jose | CA | USA | Posted: 12:30 AM on 12.22.08 |
->> Kevin,
90% (or more) of the production costs of LaForet's video have nothing to do with the choice of camera. His superior work demonstrates that the 5D MkII can produce superb video in a very tightly controlled environment in the hands of a talented pro.
But it's simply not a good choice for general pro-level video. It's missing too many features, as mentioned in many messages in this thread. The SLR form factor is terrible for handheld video. Using a double audio system and synching it in post is an absolute nightmare for any sequences longer than a few minutes.
It's getting there, though.
--Mark |
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Kevin Seale, Photographer
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Crawfordsville | IN | United States | Posted: 1:20 AM on 12.22.08 |
->> Mark,
I agree, but for short clips like what makes up a lot of commercial advertising, which is also very tightly controlled, it already shows a lot of potential. He also did it very quickly with limited experience with the device. To me, that type of ease of transition into something that normally requires considerable expense is a interesting opportunity for lots of other talented pros in an industry being shaken up like a James Bond martini. Not necessarily tomorrow, but in the near future.
I think it is a creative new direction with lots of potential. It needs lots of things but I like new and exciting so tend to see the things with a rosy cast. I also like technology and change and the people who lead it so that also gets me excited I guess.
I am sure the technology will morph into something much more functional than a 5D MkII but what an exciting first step. I also think the morphs will end up more like a still camera than current top of the line video only cameras and hope it creates new opportunities for people like the SS community.
Kevin |
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Doug Thompson, Photographer
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Floyd | VA | | Posted: 3:03 AM on 12.22.08 |
->> Kevin, you've hit on what the 5D MKII is -- an exciting first step and a breakthrough that provides incredible video quality for just $2,700. The cost of my more option-filled production video camcorders range from $4,000 to $9,000 and none have the low light capability or detail of the 5D MKII. Vince created an incredible short film with just two nights of production, working from no script and a pre-production camera. Add to that his lack of video experience and you realize this camera is, as Vince says, a game changer.
Many of us who do video on a regular basis already have much of the extra equipment on hand. I have a Steadicam, field monitors, wireless mikes and field recorders. The 5D MKII offers something that my Sony V1U and Z1U or my Canon H1 doesn't have: A high-megapixel sensor and great high-ISO capability. More and more of my newspaper clients now want video highlights of high school sporting events for their web sites in addition to the still work. I see the 5D MKII providing a more seamless work flow for that purpose. Since such highlights usually rely on voice overs, I can record the coaches and players in post game interviews on a field recorder and use them to narrate the highlight video.
No, it's not a perfect camera but for 2700 bucks what the heck do you expect? A 21.1 megapixel box for that price would be considered a bargain without the video. IMHO, high-resolution 1080p HD makes it even more of a bargain. |
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Mike Simons, Photographer
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Tulsa | Ok | | Posted: 6:01 PM on 12.22.08 |
->> In my opinion one of our shooters demonstrated the perfect use for this camera. He went on a still assignment with the camera, should've just been a portrait. When he got there he realized it would make a good video, so he shot one. That simple. Didn't have to come back to the paper to get a different camera, or set up with the subject for a different day. Here is what he shot-
http://www.vimeo.com/2506883
James will tell you himself, it is not a perfect video. But, he was able to serve two platforms, and tell a more complete story. |
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Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 7:10 PM on 12.22.08 |
| ->> mike, thanks. that's what I'm talking about. |
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