How To Prepare Youself For Working With An External Recorder

So how do knock off $10,000 from the price of a a $16,000 camera? By using an external recorder like the Atomos Ninja and buying a C100 instead. When recording externally to the ProRes codec you get a higher quality codec then what you can get out of the the more expensive C300 natively. And while I welcome the ability to save a chunk of cash and still get the same, if not better quality images from a more affordable camera, it's not all a bed of roses, as I experienced recently on a shoot. Continue reading to find out what happened, and how you can prepare yourself for working with an external recorder.

How To Properly Add Life Back Into Your Digital Footage

(Before: Log/After: Grade w/Film Convert)

If you have been following my blog for any length of time, you probably know that one of my biggest frustrations with digital imagery today is how pristine it is. Digital images are just too good, and too clean. When great digital cameras are coupled with great modern glass, the resulting image is one that is technically "perfect," but lacks the "life," "character," & "personality" that film brought with it in years past. I have developed a three step process to reintroduce life into my footage: 1. Proper lens selection, 2. Proper in camera filtration, & 3. Proper post processing. Recently I have added FilmConvert to the post processing step of my footage. But I've wondered... When is the proper time to apply FilmConvert? Since the online documentation is lacking, I set out to test a couple of workflows for myself. Here is what I've found.

Cinematography Apps You Should Be Using

Over the last several months as I have shared various behind the scenes photos on twitter and facebook I have routinely been asked "what app is that?" So I thought it was time to detail out what apps I regularly use as a cinematographer. I have broken them down into three categories: Must Haves, Nice To Have, and Don't Need, But Fun To Use.

2+ Hours Of Exclusive Interviews

Over the last couple of months I have been honored to be the guest on several podcasts, as well as a videocast. I encourage you to not only listen as I stumble my way through the interview process (There is a reason I am behind the camera, not infront of it.), but to subscribe to them as I have. There is a wealth of knowledge and expertise from many people more talented and experienced then myself.

Why You Should Be Using ND Filters For Interior Work

Last week I talked about the importance of in camera filtration, and this week I am going to address why you should be using ND for interior work. Typically, ND filters are thought of as exposure tools that are only used for scenes that take place outside. While they may have started out as a tool that was primarily used for exteriors, that is no longer the case. As camera technology continues to advance, the ND filter is playing a bigger role when shooting indoors.