Nick Hughes

Wow, my bad. I see enough shitty footage on here that sometimes it's hard to tell who's doing it on purpose and who doesn't know any better. Now that I know you're in the former group, I'll be sure to leave you to your own devices from now on.

Wow, my bad. I see enough shitty footage on here that sometimes it's hard to tell who's doing it on purpose and who doesn't know any better. Now that I know you're in the former group, I'll be sure to leave you to your own devices from now on.

Here's a film I shot in 2013 with the Sony F35 using Cineon colorspace with some impulz luts that I just went back in and graded.
 
 
Here's the original grade I did a year ago:
 
 
And here's the full short film - grade I wasn't able to help with due to my schedule.
 
It's subtle but the difference is big when going into Cineon camera space to work - what tectures one can get in.Also I worked more this time on vignette, on playing with sharpness and making grain and noise more subtle.Also adding a blur to the outside of the footage.  
It's amazing how much you can change an image based on the grade - how important it all is.  And how I have developed my sensibilities in color since 2013.  How it comes from exposure to films that are shot very well - to learn to see with color and light - it's all trained experience that one gets from just watching more and more films.  How more and more I learned to care about the grade - to now want to be there to help with the grade.
We can really get into cameras, lenses, and more, but in the end, the edit and the grade are the gate keepers of image.  And image is very important for a story - it's a visual medium.  So much comes from the look of a film.  This isn't just radio.  Visuals are much of what a film is, and can help make or break the narrative.  Sometimes films can break out with poor narrative and poor acting and good cinematography, but it's a giant package.  
 
Just as in photography, a compelling photo could be framed poorly or well - and usually if it's framed better, it will overall be a more compelling experience.
The right angle, the right shot is so fascinating to chase - to be creative of where to put your camera to tell the story.
And more and more I think we cinematographers need to be there to help with the grade, to make sure we can help translate and get the final image to where we want it to be.  I saw this brought up in American Cinematographer and more and more I agree with this.  We need to be involved with the entire process.

Wow, my bad. I see enough shitty footage on here that sometimes it's hard to tell who's doing it on purpose and who doesn't know any better. Now that I know you're in the former group, I'll be sure to leave you to your own devices from now on.

No shit there's halos. That's a side effect of maximizing every stop.
And no, I didn't ask for someone to comment on personal footage that I purposely shot handheld on horrible, cheap lenses, I solely uploaded to get an opinion on high dynamic range image sensors.
Let's get the obvious stuff out of the way too: the grade is over-saturated, WB is completely off, footage is clearly over-sharpened, there's vignetting, there's fringing and the highlights suffer from magenta tearing.
Thanks anyways though, I'll treasure your post.

Check it out guys - Red loaned me a Red Weapon.  It was amaing.  For director Anh Vu.

​If you're doing the kind of kind of work that demands a log style, you probably shouldn't be looking at $800 cameras in the first place. As far as I know, the cheapest log available is in Sony's RX100IV for $1k, which is pretty groundbreaking already. Complaining that the G7 doesn't have log is pointless because there is 0 precedent of a camera in this price range having it. We'll get there soon, but at the current moment we may as well be complaining that the G7 doesn't shoot 6k internal or that it doesn't have XLR inputs.

​The new firmware allows it to do automatic restarting I believe. Which for many people can at least overcome most of the annoyance with the 30 minute limit for B cam usage. 

​While it's not impossible (I'm sure we'll have plenty of high MP low light monsters in a few short years), if the A7rii bested the A7s in low-light performance, I'm sure they would be plastering it all over their their marketing. 

​Better low-light, high frame rates in 4k, ANY log options.
 
Looks like the A7Rii still has that awful record button placement. Still, can't wait to see more images from it.

"S-Log2 Gamma setting:
This proprietary Sony setting featured in professional camcorders creates a 1300% wider dynamic range for smooth gradation with reduced whiteout and blackout. Use color grading in post-production to make the most of low-noise images and super-rich detail to express footage in various ways. ISO 800 or higher is available when S-Log2 Gamma is selected"
There is some plastering for the DR at least  
 

​No, I'm sure it will be decent, or even quite good, but won't be close to the same level as A7s.

​Better low-light, high frame rates in 4k, ANY log options.
 
Looks like the A7Rii still has that awful record button placement. Still, can't wait to see more images from it.

Well said. Have the Sennheiser HD-25 SP II myself, great choice as well.

yes I used it on this piece I shot - all flares are fake.
 
 

Waiting to see how the Sigma 18-35 performs. Also waiting to see how long it takes Aputure to get a speedbooster version of their DEC wireless adapter. Lots of exciting things right now.

I recommend piecing together your own rig. It is often cheaper and allows you to customize everything exactly as you like it. Of course, it's hard to know exactly what you need until you're able to actually use it, but a modular rig will allow you to add and change everything as you go. I'm a big fan of SmallRig - they do have complete rigs available, but they also have every individual part you'd ever need (mostly). 
The key to building a good rig is making sure it's balanced well. You'll need a counterweight at the back, otherwise it'll hurt your arms almost as much as handholding the camera. Those big brick batteries are great for this because they can also power your whole system, but a normal weight will work fine. There are many available with 15mm connections. 
If you have an external monitor/EVF, it's best to position the camera on your shoulder (for good balance) and have the monitor in front of you. If not, you should be able to position the EVF of your A7s right up to your eye. You'll need some sort of offset to do this.
Here's a list that could get you a simple, but versatile rig:
A few different sections of rods (length is definitely subject to personal liking):
http://smallrig.com/2pcs-black-15mm-rod-w-m12-thread-40cm.html
http://smallrig.com/2pcs-black-15mm-rod-w-m12-thread-20cm.html
http://smallrig.com/2pcs-black-15mm-rod-w-m12-thread-15cm.html
Shoulder Pad:
http://smallrig.com/shoulder-pad-1485-15mm-railblock.html
Mounting Place (best to attach some sort of quick-release to this):
http://smallrig.com/smallrig-tripod-mounting-plate-to-balance-long-length-front-heavy-camera-packages.html
Handlebar clamp:
http://smallrig.com/c90-15mm-handlebar-rail-clamp.html
2x handles:
http://smallrig.com/smallrig-15mm-rod-handle-rubber-red-ring.html
A counterweight (not sure if they'll ship to DE for cheap, but you can find all kinds on BH and Amazon by searching 15mm counterweight):
http://www.amazon.com/Flashpoint-Counter-Weight-15MM-Rods/dp/B00N5FQPN8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433427650&sr=8-1&keywords=15mm+counterweight
 
All this costs under $300 USD and is a great starting point, IMO.
 
 

I recommend piecing together your own rig. It is often cheaper and allows you to customize everything exactly as you like it. Of course, it's hard to know exactly what you need until you're able to actually use it, but a modular rig will allow you to add and change everything as you go. I'm a big fan of SmallRig - they do have complete rigs available, but they also have every individual part you'd ever need (mostly). 
The key to building a good rig is making sure it's balanced well. You'll need a counterweight at the back, otherwise it'll hurt your arms almost as much as handholding the camera. Those big brick batteries are great for this because they can also power your whole system, but a normal weight will work fine. There are many available with 15mm connections. 
If you have an external monitor/EVF, it's best to position the camera on your shoulder (for good balance) and have the monitor in front of you. If not, you should be able to position the EVF of your A7s right up to your eye. You'll need some sort of offset to do this.
Here's a list that could get you a simple, but versatile rig:
A few different sections of rods (length is definitely subject to personal liking):
http://smallrig.com/2pcs-black-15mm-rod-w-m12-thread-40cm.html
http://smallrig.com/2pcs-black-15mm-rod-w-m12-thread-20cm.html
http://smallrig.com/2pcs-black-15mm-rod-w-m12-thread-15cm.html
Shoulder Pad:
http://smallrig.com/shoulder-pad-1485-15mm-railblock.html
Mounting Place (best to attach some sort of quick-release to this):
http://smallrig.com/smallrig-tripod-mounting-plate-to-balance-long-length-front-heavy-camera-packages.html
Handlebar clamp:
http://smallrig.com/c90-15mm-handlebar-rail-clamp.html
2x handles:
http://smallrig.com/smallrig-15mm-rod-handle-rubber-red-ring.html
A counterweight (not sure if they'll ship to DE for cheap, but you can find all kinds on BH and Amazon by searching 15mm counterweight):
http://www.amazon.com/Flashpoint-Counter-Weight-15MM-Rods/dp/B00N5FQPN8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433427650&sr=8-1&keywords=15mm+counterweight
 
All this costs under $300 USD and is a great starting point, IMO.
 
 

Shot with the f35 to Odyssey 7Q - lightweight and small and battery efficient.  Shot to Pro Res HQ with Red 18-50 and 50-150 lenses.
It's very possible to use this camera now to do doc-work.  Now with variable ND options like with the Revar Cine-Tray
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUeE7s4g5F8&feature=youtu.be
 

Your opinions did really affect me and you were right - so I made shots that hold longer .
 
Thank you guys for the feedback!
 
 

Well the control board is $25 000 or something like that. They sell mixers, complete broadcast trucks, cameras, a recorder, EVFs, capture cards etc etc.
Resolve is just an application to tie it all together. 

SmallHD just announced the 501 monitor, which is a HDMI-only version of the 502, at $899. It's ability to function as an EVF with the upcoming sidefinder is what really makes it attractive to me. Plus the bluetooth joystick control that will also be coming soon.

Testing quick skin tone test - with fujifilm look on Alexa and Sony F35 - seeing if they can intercut.
So Amira was on 100mm ultra prime on sticks
Sony F35 was handheld with 85mm ultra prime.
Opps!  Should have both cameras on sticks and with same lens!  Being lazy helps no one.
Anyway, I found the cameras incredibly similar looking.
Hope this little test is useful in some small way to someone out there, anywhere.
And if not, I am so sorry I wasted your time.  I really am.
If I wasted your time, please comment that I wasted your time and I will reply and say, "I''m really sorry I wasted your time."
The other thing is that the f35 with odyssey 7q to dpx 12 bit is around a $10,000 solution right now and the Amira is about a $60k solution.  Sure the Amira is a much nicer ergonomic system and has built in NDs and has many more nice convenient options, but really - you save $50,000. Because people don't like stuff from 2008.  They need stuff from last year.  It's kind of nuts how "gear-forward" everyone is.   Especially now that most cameras are in the same ballpark of log or RGB recording and resolution and sensor size.  Oh well, gotta keep selling the latest and greatest.
So you save $50,000 - that's a lot of money.  Just by buying something that was once new and cool and expensive but is now forgotten.  
This is what you can buy with $50,000 you save.
A set of nice lenses
A house.
A really nice car
Help save the planet's infrastructure
Help save the planet's wealth discrenpancy problem.
Shoot a feature film.
Bail your friend out of jail.
It can buy a lot of great things.
Remember kids, the latest technology is nice - but the best stuff from 2008 still holds up.  Go ahead, give it a try!  It's fun to play with old things!

SmallHD just announced the 501 monitor, which is a HDMI-only version of the 502, at $899. It's ability to function as an EVF with the upcoming sidefinder is what really makes it attractive to me. Plus the bluetooth joystick control that will also be coming soon.

Here's the response from Werner, 
"I put a look on the skintone because we are trying to make the thing naturalized - and we can't if its flat - if I show you the raw image - then you have to do the work. So we are trying to save your time.  Which is very, very valuable.  I am sorry that me and my team did a bad job on the skin tones and that they look too Hollywood - we will try better next time if we don't all die very quickly by accident by a comet or something just as random as that, like getting hit by a stray bullet."