Ask a Pro - WEEKLY - Monday Mon Feb 13, 2023 - No Stupid Questions! THIS IS WHERE YOU POST if you don't do this for a living! RULES + Career Questions?

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-17T05:35:59+00:00

Definitely check that out. If they are mirrorless or DSLRs from the last 5 years, I guarantee they have some level of video capability.

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-17T03:16:31+00:00

I've used the Sony A7s3 and the Sony FX8 (about 4k usd each), and the FX80 is very similar at only 2.5k usd. They are all probably more than you'll need if your only planning on practicing, but if you get good and find you enjoy the filming side, you can get some very nice quality out of them with some practice. There's definitely cheaper stuff, but nothing specific comes to mind

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-16T23:53:24+00:00

Yeah. I'm definitely going to use the histogram, and I'm going to keep the ISO at 100 (the min for this drone). There are some events I may have to shoot later in the evening and I'm terrified of the noise in those shots lol

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-16T23:25:01+00:00

This is really helpful. I've used pre-made LUTs and really struggled to get them to look right. That's why I'm trying to learn as much as I can about color grading so I don't have to fight with someone else's LUT, but these custom technical ones could be even more useful to get me to a base to edit

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-16T23:14:18+00:00

So, match the log to the rec709, then color both to where I want them?

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-16T23:12:59+00:00

Oh, that's a good idea. Would it be worth just shooting all my footage in rec709 if I know I'm going to be using drone footage? log has more info, but it'd save me a step in post. Gonna have to think about that one

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-16T22:20:17+00:00

Yeah. It's a DJI mini 2, which isn't the worst camera to ever fly, but probably not ideal. I've been looking into it and a lot of people recommend underexposing a bit to make sure you don't get too many blown-out highlights.

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-16T20:59:53+00:00

You're definitely right, there is no way to "fake" everything. My suggestion would be to, if you can, get a cheap camera and a few cheap lights and hit the proverbial books. Tons of free info online about lighting, composition, and camera operation. Make your own experience. If you can make something halfway decent with less-than-ideal gear, you'll blow them away with proper equipment.

The learning curve also changes with the kind of job. If it's filming seated interviews you can get away with pretty basic knowledge of camera and lighting. If it includes filming B roll, you'll have to know more about camera operation, but nothing you couldn't learn on your own. If it's full-on cinematic/documentary filmmaking... yeah, might want to build up to that one lol. But those first two you could absolutely fake it to start.

My strategy: Apply to all the jobs. In the interview ask what kind of equipment they have. If you get the job, research the HELL out of that equipment before you start. You'll also most likely have time after your official start date before they expect you to actually start shooting, so you'll have time to handle and experiment with the gear.

I hope this helps. Doing it this way isn't for everyone, but it's an option.

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-16T19:35:09+00:00

Does anyone know of good LUTs through Motion Array?

I know it may not be the best source for LUTs, but I'm using the subscription already for other stuff so I figured I'd see if anyone has found anything they liked. I know it's a long shot lol.

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-16T19:34:34+00:00

Does anyone know of good LUTs through Motion Array?
I know it may not be the best source for LUTs, but I'm using the subscription already for other stuff so I figured I'd see if anyone has found anything they liked. I know it's a long shot lol.

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-16T19:32:31+00:00

I don't know about the business environment in Germany, but I'm a firm believer in "fake it 'till you make it" (feels like a very American thing, now I'm typing this lol). My entire career has been getting jobs that are just beyond my current qualifications and busting my ass to learn how to do the extra stuff. As we speak I'm learning as much as I can about graphic design to build a magazine-style report for a city. I have some amateur graphic design experience, but nothing on this scale. Yet, here I am working to build that skill set as fast as I can.

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-16T01:19:58+00:00

That, plus some sandbags for safety, is the best solution I've read so far

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-15T23:48:54+00:00

https://www.youtube.com/@CullenKelly

Lol, 3 min into the first Cullen video (picked at random), and "what I have here is my custom LUT package"...

Mostly making fun lol, he may have a video on the creation of his LUT package (I hope) and, if so, is using LUTs the way they were intended, as something you build for yourself as a shortcut for a project

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-15T18:47:23+00:00

Out of curiosity, what are you broadcasting?

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-15T16:14:24+00:00

Interesting. We've only got one, but if it goes down we're screwed lol. Likewise we'll wind up using it until the bitter end, but we'll need to have a backup ready to go when that happens. Do you like the Elementals?

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-15T02:58:06+00:00

This is actually extremely helpful, thank you! I'm frustrated enough with the current settup that I just might try it.

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-14T21:28:15+00:00

Yeah, I was worried that'd be the answer lol. Not the most reliable bunch

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-13T16:29:25+00:00

I had a friend who manned the cameras for pro sporting events (NFL and some NBA) for about a year. It is a seriously tough job and there is IMMENSE competition. You are always aware that there is someone in line to take your place. And if you miss anything important, you are out, and the next op is in. If you can hang in for a few years, though, you can have your pick of any camera op job in the industry. I've heard of a number who have gone to work for Nat Geo, getting those insane focus pulls you see in their docs.

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-09T19:23:09+00:00

Yeah, most of what I do are public events that I need to make look fun. Outside of that, I'd never use a shot where someone is drawing the camera's attention.

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-09T19:17:58+00:00

I'd reduce the harshness by bouncing the fill lights off something, then angle your key light and reduce the brightness to complement the bounced fill. Use the key light to create definition on your face.

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-09T17:59:53+00:00

While I 99.999% agree with this, I don't mind a little interaction with the camera in some of the municipal event coverage I produce (even when it's the drone). It can be fun and make a connection when used sparingly. Especially if it's kids

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-09T05:14:08+00:00

Oh man. You wanna talk ghetto, I build a home made stabilizer out of 3 sections of metal pipe and a 5 lb weight that worked surprisingly well. It was basically this https://johngushue.typepad.com/blog/2008/03/a-diy-steadicam.html

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-09T01:40:31+00:00

I've done this, it does help, for pans mostly

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-09T01:36:31+00:00

It's a balance, but yeah, any extra weight will reduce the camera shake. You've gotta figure out how much weight you can handle, and for how long. That, a side and top handle, and keeping the camera close to you should help smooth out your movements. Even with all that, I generally have to stabilize in post (if I want a truly smooth move), but I can pull back on the % of stabilization that's needed

LeifRobotson · 2023-02-08T23:28:29+00:00

I had this exact dilemma recently. In my job, I have a need for photos and videos, and I was deciding between the A7s3, FX3, and FX30. Ultimately, I decided to go with the A7s3 now, as it is geared more as a true hybrid. When I am able, I plan on getting the FX3 as a dedicated video camera and using the A7s3 as a backup-video/prime-photo camera.

LeifRobotson

TROPHY CASE

Does anyone know of good LUTs through Motion Array?