Working with DSLR Video with Adobe CS5 Production Premium
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010, 10-11:30
Thanks to their exceptional image quality, low-light capabilities, and the fact that you can shoot using standard 35mm DSLR lenses that give your footage the look of expensive film-based cameras, DSLRs are finding their way into video productions at all levels.
Join Richard Harrington, co-author of From Still to Motion: A photographer's guide to creating video with your DSLR. He'll explore the options for creating and working with DSLR video in CS5 Production Premium which includes Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Adobe After Effects. You’ll learn everything from practical shooting techniques and essential lighting to easy editing strategies and online sharing. You’ll also be introduced to the latest Dell Precision workstation and NVIDIA Quadro graphic solutions to help you make the best decision to outfit your editing needs – including taking advantage of the latest performance improving updates in CS5.
Camera manufactures like Canon seem to have new camera models every few months. As we grow into our hobbies, there are times where we may outgrow our cameras and need to upgrade, or maybe purchase a new camera. If selling off your old camera is part of your plan to afford something else, there's a few tricks i've learned to keep your resale value up. First, keep the boxes, software, and manuals. You might think this isn't important stuff because you're a seasoned veteran, but the next guy who wants your gently used camera, will find it handy. It also shows that you really care enough about your gear to keep these things in OEM condition.
Most important thing i've learned? Camera bodies will have scuff, scratches, and wear marks. Most people are fine with that. The one thing that can really make or break a sale are LCD screens. They might function perfectly, but if there's a slight scratch on it, the buying market might look for other options. The first thing I always do is purchase some of those Generic screen protectors used mainly on Mobile devices like iPhones and stuff. I cover the top LCD and the back LCD to prevent any scratches. When it's time to sell a camera, pull off the screen protector, and you'll get better response from a buyer if the LCD looks completely un-scratched. Available for pretty much any camera model you can think of, you'll find these products through the links below.
Just wanted to give a big thanks to ForeverWild.com for the huge huge donation to support this website, and want to re-thank the others who have donated as well. I'm flattered there are so many readers from different places of the world, and also at different levels of where they choose to take Videography and Photography.
As some of you might already know, I do share alot of things on this blog. Then again there are some things I'll surprise you with later at some point, such as my DIY Skater Dolly a.k.a. SpiderTraxDolly, which will be shipping very very very soon. I'll have an order of my new (secret) little thingies hopefully next month that have been manufactured in bulk, and i'll be giving one away to each person for their donations as a special thanks from Cheesycam. If anyone is looking for it, the donation button is at the top right column of this blog.....hint hint..nudge nudge...
Not long ago shooting video with a consumer camera in low light would be a waste of time. The footage would be pretty much unusable unless you went for a more higher end $2,000.00 + pro-sumer camera with 3CCD. Once you start getting into these larger video cameras, it's probably something you won't be able to bring into most casual public venues. DSLR's are quickly changing that mindset, shooting great quality HD video under low light environments and yet coming at way under pro-sumer prices. The Canon EOS 550D / T2i is one of those cameras changing the world of video as we know it. Sure the Canon 5D Mark II was the first and recognized as the 'Game Changer' for video producers, but I strongly believe that the 550D / T2i is going to be part of a bigger wave this year.
Justin has only been a registered member of the Vimeo video community for about a month. I found Justin talking about the use of the Cheesycam Bodypod, so I thought i'd share his video. Thanks Justin for allowing me to post your video and share with others the great quality the Canon 550D / T2i can provide.
This thing makes your DSLR camera look like a point-and-shoot model. It's not a true Camera lens, it's actually a modified Telescope + Camera mount. This is nothing new, there have been several mods done in the past mounting cameras to Telescopes, but this China company seems to have made things much more simple. The 2000mm is not actual, but it's estimated from cropped cameras such as the Canon 7D and 550D / T2i. I'm not sure what the real quality of the lens is, I don't always believe the marketing material, but it would be interesting to really see one of these things at work. You can find more information on these lenses at eBay. Click Here.
There's no doubt that camera manufacturers are pushing new product lines to get into the latest trends. They are set to ride this wave of HD Video capabale - interchangeable lens cameras. In the past Size did matter on a camera. I remember shooting my first wedding on a Canon 5D Mark II and hearing one of the guests whispering 'Why are they shooting with such small cameras?". Yeah we really didn't look very professional compared to the cousin with a 7 year old Sony VX2000.
But after seeing how capable the Canon 5D Mark II was against larger format cameras, smaller is the new trend. Olymupus brought back the Pen, Panasonic is really pushing their line of DSLR style cameras, and now Sony is in with the Nex-3 and Nex-5. Great commercial, it really sells the product, but what's up with the guy taking a lens out of his pocket (with no body caps), and then the dude on the pier trying to do the Robot? LOL. Personally, I think those sections could have been left out....
Peep this review on some of the new cool features.
Since the dawn of HD Video DSLR's there's been some random and weird stabilizers being made by so many different companies. One thing is for sure, they are out to capitalize and mark up equipment from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Not to say they aren't functional. In fact many of these new DSLR cages and Fig Rig style stabilizers work well for these small cameras. You know me though, there's gotta be a way to make something cheaper, just as functional, and still look damn good.
Well i've been looking at a couple of different designs, and thought about what I needed from each one of the stabilizers above. First, I wanted a handle. Handles are a great way to get some really low shots. Secondly, my hands needed to be spaced apart. It's proven that spacing your hands further from the camera can really help stabilize your footage, even helps when walking. Third, I needed something to mount extra gear like a DSLR Cage. Finally, stay away from PVC. PVC is great, but doesn't give it that professional look or feel. After careful consideration and a trip to Home Depot, here's the latest DIY Camera Stabilizer from Cheesycam.com.
My goal was to merge a couple of different products and functionality into a very very Cheap DIY DSLR Stabilizer with Cage function. Another goal was to step up my game and make it look a bit more techy and something not so 'DIY'. I think I did well this time around for approximately $30.00. Actually it can come down much cheaper if I could find a shorter rail and cheaper handlebar grips. Unfortunately I wasn't shopping for a deal, I had this idea stuck in my head that needed to get out. It's a bit of a rush job, but I really wanted to share it with the community. I'll go back and refine it later with some hot shoe adapters and a quick release plate.
I have a ton of photos, and a parts list i'll put together later if anyone is interested. The video should explain more about what you need and how I put it together. The hardest part was cutting this rail. I have more information about this rail in my photo gallery, I was able to take a picture of the Price tag / Description from my iPhone. After cutting the rail, I was able to purchase everything for straight bolt on without any further modifications needed.
Here's a real basic parts list:
2 Hex Bolts (6" long 3/8 size)
2 carriage bolts (6" long 3/8 size) Use these for the top, they give you nice finished look
2 3/8" coupler nuts
2 - 1/2 X 12" pipe rods
1 - 1/2 X 10" pipe rod
Bike handle grips
Black flat matte paint
1 - 8-10 ft strut channel bar
Enjoy the DIY video on how I made it (below).
Update: Really good questions coming in, i'll try to answer a few. Reader: Have you thought about off setting the camera so that with the lens it's balanced front to back? CheeseyCam: Yes, this is where the quick release plate comes in. I decided on the Monfrotto 357 (found here) to give me that lateral as well as something to quickly move from the DIY cage to my 701HDV Fluid head. I wanted the camera more forward originally so that it is actually balanced with the handle (above). For shots that require using the Handle, it's much more balanced being slightly forward. Hopefully the Monfrotto 357 will help by sliding the camera either foward or back depending on what shot is being taken.
Monfrotto Quick Release 357, click image
Reader: If you were to use electrical conduit for you end pieces it might make your rig lighter. Cheesycam: Yes, I wanted to get something as close to 'off the shelf' as possible. I may try Conduit on the sides, but the top Handle I feel will work better if it remained as a Steel pipe. Conduit normally comes in super long lengths and requires additional cutting. It is lighter, and cheaper, just a little more time consuming though with the cutting. For information on the HotShoe mounts I plan on using, check out this article http://cheesycam.com/?p=723
Ok well it's getting late, i'm tired and i'll get to showing it off more later. Leave some comments, ask some questions, and please don't forget to share, twitter, facebook, digg, etc. (use the icons below).
Just after posting the video about a Motion Timelapse Slider, i've received a few comments about other rigs. Kessler, the company famous for many of it's dollies, sliders, and jibs / cranes, seems to be working on a Motion Controlled version of their slider. Not yet available on their website, you can find more information in a few forums as well as at Tom Guilmette's blog.
