sanveer

I got the GH2, long before most people in India even heard about it. It was grossly over-priced, since it was a collector's item here [thanks to lousy demand for Panasonic DSLRs (DSLMs, actually)]. Also, the choice of lenses was lousy, since most lenses had to be brought from abroad. I haven't really used it as much as I would have liked to, but, even then,I must say, a few things, about it: 1. The colour profile on the Panasonic is strange. Far too much contrast. 2. The green, is a green, unique, to Panasonic. 3. I like the AVCHD codec to H.264, any day. Though it uses more processing power (presumably), it does save a lot on disc space. Also, it does have sharper video, for the same bitrate. 4. The quality of stills sucked. I could take better pics with most Sony point-and-shoot cameras. 5. The articulated touch-screen was a superb feature, which they should have worked on. Also, the LCD has very low resolution, and the colours are far from accurate. 6. It cannot handle the shutter, while taking pics. It vibrates on tripods, as well. Especially, if the shutter speed isn't too fast. 7. Even though its all plastic, I liked the fact,that its light and compact in size Having said this, I noticed a few strange quirks, about the GH3. 1. It was only a marginal improvement on the GH2. Most of the improvements, were with regard to hardware, only. 2. The whole bit about better colour science, higher dynamic range, and higher ISO were so exaggerated. And the all-i. 3. The sensor, was not really worth writing home about. 4. Taking pictures is Still very difficult. I have taken some amazing pics, with the GH2. But,the chances of getting them right, is not too high. 5. Its nice to have a mic out, to monitor sound. 6. The 2.5mm to 3.5mm mic input, though minor, was a good change. But, the 5D Mark iii, in comparison to the Mark ii, is a Far better camera. It has almost completely removed the moire and the aliasing. The resolution has also gone up, substantially, by atleast 200+ lines. The picture profile are also better. Though, I still feel, that Canon adds an unnecessary premium to its higher end cameras. This is something, which they can, and should, consciously address.

I believe, that Magic Lantern, brings a certain degree of finesse, and noticeable quality difference, with their hacks. Even before their RAW for video, ML had some amazing profiles, for shooting Seriously Flat video, on Canon cameras. Something, that made grading a pleasure.   Unfortunately, this seems to missing, with other hackers ... 

Without a doubt, the whole Film World (Indie Filmmakers included) has just witnessed, a group night fall.    F%$king Insane. What are these guys on?   Please throw the original BMCC into the sea, and deliver these, within the coming year.   R.I.P. RED, Canon C Range, Alexa, all DSLRs used for video, Sony's entire 'F' range etc. Maybe, people can dump them, into the sea ... ;-)

I did see the Tascam DR60 info a few days ago. I thought it seems extremely promising. Though, I found all the extra functionality a little intimidating. 

I guess, more than anything else, it has got to do with Numbers. According to Vimeo, they have 14mn registered users. Even if just 1% of those buy movies, it will be a big thing.   http://www.iac.com/brand/vimeo     I feel, many things will govern, whether an artist looks to Vimeo as an Alternative to regular Film Selling. IMHO, it may include: 1. Right Pricing. Most iTunes movies cost    2. It advertises enough. Even Right now, shockingly, a lot of youtube users, haven't still heard of Vimeo.   3. It removes restrictions (buying and selling) regarding jurisdictions. This whole US Only thing stinks of regressive colonial hangovers. Especially, considering, that everyone is moving towards the BRIC.   4. The payment gateways are flexible (I don't really know about the present ones. I am not a Plus Member).   5. They create something on the lines of the Google Play Store or iTunes Store, where the interface is both Intuitive, as well as (Purchase) Inviting.   6. If some Big Directors (Atleast 5) go the Vimeo way.    cont .... got to run. late for dinner.

    Axel, i Completely agree with you.          I feel, Full HD resolution on a mobile device is a waste of technology, since you cannot possibly tell the difference between something with even half that resolution, and full HD. Though, for people who wanna create Projectors, out of their devices, it would be gr8 to have a Full HD resolution Mobile or Phablet. Especially, if it is Exceptionally bright.

I got a Note 2, and I was just checking its Video Features, and, I love some of the presets. As a matter of fact, I found that the presets are very, very interesting. I like the resolution of the video video camera, too. I only wish, it had a faster lens (it has an f2.6 lens).   Somehow, the idea of using a mobile device, to make films, or videos, seems more interesting, than using a camera, lens, mics, stands (tripods, tracks etc), external monitor etc.   I wish, that Rode would make a Mic compatible with Android Devices, too. Also, I wish Magic Lantern would create apps, much on the lines of their famous hacks.      I checked a few videos from the Note 2, and the quality, in bright light, is pretty amazing. This video is a good example of  video quality:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xRbY-MoKsA8#!     Also, I was wondering, whether anyone has used external lenses, on their iPhone or Android devices?   I found many add-ons, but, I also found this very interesting DIY project:   http://smartphones.wonderhowto.com/how-to/5-simple-ways-add-macro-lens-your-smartphone-0139123/              

I tried Magisto, and, it was quite neat. It actually did everything. I didn't really do anything, except like up the videos (in the order that I wanted them to be edited, sequentially), the music, and the look of the video. But, it has issues, since the possibilities are limited, and, the fact, that you can only save it, in some places.   I tried another editing software, VidTrim, but, I found the interface extremely complicated.    Both these apps, use the videos, which you already have, on your phone (or shoot, or download), and, I think, they both are restricted to 720p. Plus, they take quite a bit of time, to process. 

I am surprised, that none of the Canon users have mentioned DSLR Controller. It does seem to have a Whole Lot of features. I wish it would work fir Mirrorless too (Panasonic). 

Thanks for the replies, everyone. Will try some more apps this time  ;)

Canon should just give us that sensor. Mass produce it, so that they can keep prices reasonably down. I guess, they haven't done anything worth writing home about, since the 5D Mark ii. After that, only minor, cosmetic changes have taken place, across the entire Canon DSLR range. I am talking about this sensor ...  :P   http://www.canon.com/news/2013/mar04e.html

Has anyone tried their hand at filmmaking apps? If yes, which ones did you like, in particular, and, would recommend, to other filmmakers?   I have tried a clapboard app, once. It was pretty neat. I also, used the light app, where different colours of light are available, as well as light blinking, at varying speeds. It was great for creating horror effects, and carrying cheap, portable lighting, which was super portable (for super close up, though). I used it on an iPad. I tried Celtx, but, I don't particularly fancy script formatting apps, so, that wasn't for me. I've tried sound effects, and the teleprompter. The teleprompter was great.    I've wanted to try using some music making app (garage band, caustic etc), but, I am not too sure, about my ear for music. Also, since I've never really tried my hand at creating music (I learnt how to play the guitar and the synthesizer, as a kid), I am a little unsure.   Anyways, I sold my iPad, so, I wanna try apps for my android. Maybe on a smaller phone or phablet size device.   Any suggestions?

Hahaha ... I know what you're talking about. I have a lot of old gizmos too. But, not all of them are in great shape. I have the spotless, for 6-12 months. Once they fall, then they start falling, every few days, flying out of moving cars, down staircases, etc etc. They still work, perfectly we;;, but, they just don't look, that good, aesthetically ...  :P

Wow. That's really nice of you. And, the links are really informative.   I usually let the over-smart people, on film sets (and in Life, otherwise, as well), shoot themselves, in the foot. At times, I even instigate them, to try and push their confidence, on subjects they have absolutely no idea about. Sometimes, people don't notice, but, when they do, its a dirty laugh riot ...  :P   Thanks again 

  I tried, but, couldn't find the topic there. Also, I found the juvenile policing by Vitaly extremely weird. Its like one is back in kindergarden. Also, his views regarding a lot of products are strange, considering, from the views, which are contrary to user reviews, and his admissions, that he has never really used them. He dismisses a lot of products, he has absolute no idea about.  

Here:   https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.dslrcontroller&feature=related_apps   There are, apparently, quite a few apps, which help monitor photos and video for Canon and Nikon DSLRs. Unfortunately, except Panasonic's own (for the GH3), I didn't really find one, for Panasonic.   Also, you should check out the right stand, wire/ cable and other accessories.

  I am guessing, that, if you use a retina resolution display, then, you would need a reasonably fast processor, so, that, there isn't too much,or any lag, and, that, the video doesn't hang. Something, probably, as fast, if not faster, than the Google Nexus 10, or faster. I am only guessing, especially, after I read about the i5 based Panasonic 4k Tablet's video hanging, during one of those electronic shows.

I am curious, as to whether people use their Smartphones and tablets, as external monitors, since they seem more portable, and noticeably cheaper, as monitors. Also, with Apps like DSLR Controller (and Panasonic's app for the GH3 etc) you can control your camera, externally, through wire/ or wi-fi. 

Filmmaking is a process, that, all other processes, never ends. We're all novices.           IMHO.   1. Since it is indoors, it would be a good idea, to get, another, fast lens. You already have a good 50mm 1.4, so, you could get something wider (for close-ups). An old Canon or even a second hand Samyang 35mm f1.4 would be great. It would save you the effort of lighting the place up, like a studio.Check e-bay. They have some good lenses, which are pretty cheap.     2. Pick up an onboard (shotgun) mic instead of an external recorder, unless you are alright with the idea of syncing in post. Though a lot of people are unhappy with the hissing noise on Canon cameras, I have used quite a few canon cameras, with onboard sound, and I haven't been too unhappy. You could get this, its a cheap and good mic (about $70): http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-Condenser-Microphone-Windscreen-Camcorders/dp/B005GLHK3S   3. You could use Chinese Lanterns (in white), with soft white lights (non-LED), for the Fill. Use 2-4 of those, for the fill lighting. Use bright bulbs (100 watts). 4 lanterns will be more than you need. Dirt Cheap. Maybe (I am guessing), within $20.   4. For the spot, you could use one of these. Get the mobile package (L-Shaped bracket, since the Rail Mount is, apparently, not in stock). It costs about $200. If you find a cheaper alternative, you could use that. But, for LEDs, make sure the colour temperature isn't the exact opposite of the bulbs:   http://www.fvlighting.com/store/lighting/led/r300.html?acc=c81e728d9d4c2f636f067f89cc14862c   If you don't wanna get into the whole 3-point lighting thing, and yet don't want Flat lighting, you could use String Lights in daylight colours/ soft white (either 1 very long wire, or 2-3 sets of atleast 5 feet each). You can mount them on anything, from hard metal (uncoated) wire to plastic piping, or something even more ingenious. You'll need to go to a hardware store, to get the plugs in order. They will have you save enough money, for the afterparty ....  :P   5. Get some cheap tripod. Its not a good idea to use a steadycam, for a cafe scene. It doesn't really require movement. Also, you could pick up some basic conversation shot break-down. You could try this, for the tripods:   http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/655274-REG/Induro_470_011_Adventure_AKB1_Tripod_Kit.html   or (My favourite):   http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/131427-REG/Slik_615_315_Pro_700DX_Tripod_with.html     6. For the narration, you could watch the Brit Sitcom 'Mind Your Language'. It presents some great satire on the communication gap, created by different languages, and outlines problems faced by people, trying to learn the English language. Make it a comedy. You can't go wrong.   Best of Luck

  Ok, thanks for the reply. jghading, you're in UK? How much you selling your  'mini motion cam' for? Since I asked, first, I want the first right of refusal ...  :P   I have family in the UK, so that shouldn't be an issue  :)

    I was thinking of picking up a "Hague DSLR Motion-Cam Stabilizer". But, apparently, cameras less than 900 gms would have issues with it. The site suggests using a " MMC Mini Motion-Cam". For a camera like the GH2, I am guessing, the " MMC Mini Motion-Cam" may be a better choice.    Any suggestions?

Apparently, the Rode Video Mic is slightly better than the Senheiser MKE 400. Also, since the Optika and Rode Video Mic, are, apparently, the SAME mic, with a noticeable price difference, I guess, the Optika would have been a great choice. The Senheiser, has better, built quality, though.     The Opteka costs $80, whereas, the Senheiser costs $200.    These are the links for the reviews.        http://cheesycam.com/cheap-dslr-shotgun-microphone/     http://www.testfreaks.co.uk/studio-microphones/rode-videomic/     http://www.testfreaks.co.uk/studio-microphones/sennheiser-mke-400/

  Rofl. hahaha ... wud luv to see that test. Maybe u need a black cat, who has a very shiny coat ...  :P

Things I noticed:   1. The SLR Magic seems to be sharper.  2. The Voigtlander seems to have a flatter colour profile.     Btw, I was just trying to check the SLR Magic site, and it appears to be down ...  :(

The GH2 hacks are quite over-rated. They don't really add any dynamic range, or make the picture profile flat. They just increase the bitrate, and pushed the ISO, in video, to 12800 ISO.    Thats all.