Bamboopictures
Senior Member
In a hypothetical contest between an event photographer and an event videographer for most number of different compositions (stills vs clips) captured in a given time, the event photographer will likely win hands down. In a reasonably well lit arena,a good photographer only needs to frame the shot and squeeze the shutter at the decisive moment. Conversely the videographer- if only rudimentarily equipped - needs to perform a longer routine of framing the shot, steadying the camera, focusing, check exposure and roll. Rinse and repeat.
Good and well, if the event is long and the deliverable is short, but woe to the editor if the brief dictates a fast cut highlight reel of a very short event. A music bed of 100 beats per minute will require about 100 odd clips for a 3 minute timeline.
In a finite short time with finite photo/video op, the Frame-Steady-Focus-Roll cycle will need to be blended into a sweet flurry.
Faster Framing
Primes are suicidal if you need to change composition rapidly. Zooming with fingers beats zooming with the feet by a mile.
The fastest framing cameras are camcorders with a varispeed zoom rocker. By using cameras with smaller sensors, and superzoom range, the videographer can do away lens change completely.
Instant Steadying
Three legs is slower than one leg which is slower than no legs. Shoot with a rock steady IBIS system or a gimbal and save time adjusting the height and the horizon of tripods/monopods. A gimbal can simulate a fluid head, a slider, a jib and a steadicam with zero time between different set-ups. Heck, just walking around with a gimbal might land you a few good fluke shots.
Rapid Focusing
Dual Pixel Autofocus with a touchscreen is a killer combo for rapid and reliable autofocus. Sony's hybrid AF is a close second if paired with capacitive touchscreen (WARNING: some very current Sony models are still using pressure-activated resistive touchscreen)
Combine the ability to continuously focus-track moving subject with the freedom to move your camera smoothly, and you will have a set up that once required a dolly grip, DOP and a focus puller.
Exposure shortcuts
Simplify your exposure triangle by using/assigning an exposure compensation dial. Preferably, the compensation should come by way of ISO adjustments. Turn on the zebra function to monitor blown highlights or use Highlight Priority mode. Use internal ND or a variable ND throttle adapter for quick adjustments.
Rapid Rolling
Finally, what could be easier then hitting the record button? Unfortunately, the video button placement on many camera models are incredibly ill-conceived. One workaround is to assign the movie record button to a more accessible location, or use an external LANC type trigger or simply stick a small wad of red Sugru on your otherwise unembossed movie record button. Putting your camera on pre-record mode can also buy you a 3-5 seconds issurance if you are late to pull the trigger.
Mini Machine-gun
With the announcement of the Sony RX100 Mark 6, there is an opportunity to build the Uzi-equivalent of a camcorder by pairing it with the lightweight Spry gimbal from Came-TV.
The Spry is a diminutively sized gimbal specially designed for the RX100 line. It comes with zoom rocker control and record button on the gimbal handle just for the RX100. But before you rush out to purchase one, it's best to do a compatibility check with the new RX100 mk 6 after the camera ships.
In this one single package, you will have a 24-200mm zoom lens floating on a gimbal that also operates the zoom and the record function of the camera remotely. Simply touch the screen to select the subject to track and focus.
Extend the gimbal with a sturdy monopod, and you have a jib. Paired with a smartphone remote control app and you have an eye in the sky perfect for scrum situations.
Finally, the freedom to shoot at the speed of thought!
Good and well, if the event is long and the deliverable is short, but woe to the editor if the brief dictates a fast cut highlight reel of a very short event. A music bed of 100 beats per minute will require about 100 odd clips for a 3 minute timeline.
In a finite short time with finite photo/video op, the Frame-Steady-Focus-Roll cycle will need to be blended into a sweet flurry.
Faster Framing
Primes are suicidal if you need to change composition rapidly. Zooming with fingers beats zooming with the feet by a mile.
The fastest framing cameras are camcorders with a varispeed zoom rocker. By using cameras with smaller sensors, and superzoom range, the videographer can do away lens change completely.
Instant Steadying
Three legs is slower than one leg which is slower than no legs. Shoot with a rock steady IBIS system or a gimbal and save time adjusting the height and the horizon of tripods/monopods. A gimbal can simulate a fluid head, a slider, a jib and a steadicam with zero time between different set-ups. Heck, just walking around with a gimbal might land you a few good fluke shots.
Rapid Focusing
Dual Pixel Autofocus with a touchscreen is a killer combo for rapid and reliable autofocus. Sony's hybrid AF is a close second if paired with capacitive touchscreen (WARNING: some very current Sony models are still using pressure-activated resistive touchscreen)
Combine the ability to continuously focus-track moving subject with the freedom to move your camera smoothly, and you will have a set up that once required a dolly grip, DOP and a focus puller.
Exposure shortcuts
Simplify your exposure triangle by using/assigning an exposure compensation dial. Preferably, the compensation should come by way of ISO adjustments. Turn on the zebra function to monitor blown highlights or use Highlight Priority mode. Use internal ND or a variable ND throttle adapter for quick adjustments.
Rapid Rolling
Finally, what could be easier then hitting the record button? Unfortunately, the video button placement on many camera models are incredibly ill-conceived. One workaround is to assign the movie record button to a more accessible location, or use an external LANC type trigger or simply stick a small wad of red Sugru on your otherwise unembossed movie record button. Putting your camera on pre-record mode can also buy you a 3-5 seconds issurance if you are late to pull the trigger.
Mini Machine-gun
With the announcement of the Sony RX100 Mark 6, there is an opportunity to build the Uzi-equivalent of a camcorder by pairing it with the lightweight Spry gimbal from Came-TV.
The Spry is a diminutively sized gimbal specially designed for the RX100 line. It comes with zoom rocker control and record button on the gimbal handle just for the RX100. But before you rush out to purchase one, it's best to do a compatibility check with the new RX100 mk 6 after the camera ships.
In this one single package, you will have a 24-200mm zoom lens floating on a gimbal that also operates the zoom and the record function of the camera remotely. Simply touch the screen to select the subject to track and focus.
Extend the gimbal with a sturdy monopod, and you have a jib. Paired with a smartphone remote control app and you have an eye in the sky perfect for scrum situations.
Finally, the freedom to shoot at the speed of thought!
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