Alt Shoo

I was contracted to do a small Look Book for a popular “Influencer” son’s YouTube channel. It was filmed with a JVC-GYLS300 and a 7 Artisans 25mm lens. It was very difficult pulling focus with this rambunctious child moving about lol, but I got some decent shots. 

They also released a global shutter version which looks pretty promising!

Most definitely there is an awareness of the countless factors that involve camera choices and its image as I mentioned, but to me the whole idea of why I choose cameras is specifically the sensor used. I like the idea of custom made sensors and each company’s concept of quality. For instance the AltaSens sensor used in the GYLS300 and the image created with it, to me is one of the most beautiful thing.   My thoughts are that most modern cameras are like different film stock. I wouldn’t like to use the same “stock”. The reason I purchased the Z-Cams is because it uses the same sensor as the GH4, which sensor produces lovely images and since the E1s were a fraction of the g4 cost, I opted for it.......

I’m very curious about the MAVO LF and I understand there are other aspects to a cinema camera’s “worthiness”,  but if it uses the same sensor as the Sony full frame DSLR offerings, I’ll pass. I won’t, but rather get the Sony and kit it out. 

I think I want one. 

I am prepping for a shoot so I can’t respond exactly to how I feel about the recent comments, but I will like to share a clip that was posted recently. It’s a video recorded on the E1 with its new Zlog refinements and graded by one of their company’s “suits”. 

It’s funny the amount of contradictory remarks on this forum. I remember reading more than a few times that users are pleased that companies update their older products, even while new products are in the market. Yet it’s laughable by those sharing that same sentiment because of a fix that took a while to complete. 

I respect companies, big or small, that can provide continuous support for their users. It shows a level of commitment that creates brand loyalty and quality interactions, which brings better products to the market. These E1’s have been the most incredible supplementary cinema cameras in my tool box and I’m stoked that Z-Cam users still get the support for it!

Also the predecessor has a new update!!! Awesome that they are still updating!! 

On 10/24/2018 at 2:21 AM, IronFilm said:

So it seems if you're focused (ha!) on AC work then the Tilta Nucleus-M makes more sense instead.

Lol love that!!

This article about the PD Movie is an incredible review and find! Thanks a lot! Regarding the information, surprisingly the aspect of drone flying is an aspect I overlooked and with some thought on it, I think I would contract off that side of production for now. Still I very much enjoy the fact of me being able to handle all aspects of a production , so this will be an ongoing consideration. 

Regarding the device reviewed here this isn’t the exact version, but it’s safe to assume that some of the specs, especially the motor’s torque and the sad auto calibration may be a carryover from the PD version I’m discussing about. The version I’m familiar with the batteries are built inside the motors and the focus grip has a built in iOS device holder with zoom/iris controls on the underside and a standard size focus ring. 

Just freaking ridiculous. That’s all I have to say. Smfh

9 hours ago, AaronChicago said:

You’re right. Just checked out your link and that’s way more advanced.

Exactly why I’m on the fence because that version has tons of pro features and what makes it more tempting is the iOS connectivity with its ease of use interface for setting points of focus and zoom. There are ways you can even automate these features. 

2 hours ago, AaronChicago said:

Yeah the PD is more for single operator controls on either a gimbal or shoulder/easy rig. It’s super small but really strong. The Tilta looks to be more of a pro option and expandable. 

I cant wait to try the DJI mini focus for the Ronin S.

I think the PD you’re talking about is different from the one I’m interested in. 

@DBounce @IronFilm this is the PD wireless I’m talking about. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1334504-REG/ikan_pd3_s3_remote_air_pro_wireless.html

@AaronChicago how is the torque and the delay? @DBounceI would go crazy if my lens broke! It’s good to know that yours was safe. The Tilta seems mighty powerful. Did you purchase with theee motors? How is the delay? Is there an app for it as well? I can’t seem to find that information regarding iOS integration. The reason I’ve been thinking about the Ikan is their instructional video they have on it is so concise on its operations and the installation seems very simple. Also the app is really an awesome addition. @IronFilm I truly am on the fence between the two, but I always like newer tech!!!

48 minutes ago, DBounce said:

I have the Tilta Nucleus M. It's a mighty system. The only complaint I have of Tilta... and this will sound strange, is that they would allow more granular control of the torque of the motors. Currently the lowest setting is 30% torque. If this number were half it would still be high enough for a maximum setting. I honestly believe this system would be fine with only 10% of its current power, and high, med and low setting within that 10%. But that said, if this setup cannot drive your lens, you might be SOL.

What do you mean by “torque-ing” in regards to the motors? Are you saying that the motor is too powerful for the lens? Is that just something you’re concerned about or should that be a general issue for other users?

Interesting that there aren’t any individuals experienced with these products on this forum. 

I’ve seen a post relating to an affordable wireless follow focus in an unrelated thread and it coincides with my recent goals. I’m looking to finally complete a rig and would like to know if any cinematographer in this group is experienced with either or both of these wireless follow focus systems? Would like to know the pros and cons of each system and if possible why is one preferred over the other. 

Personally I’m leaning towards the Ikan PD movie because it seems more intuitive, maybe because of the iOS connectivity and looks to be more reliable. The Tilta seems like it would be easier to control more than one aspect of the lens at one time because of the multiple controllers that it ships with. So as of now I’m indecisive. As mentioned, maybe someone with more user experience could chime in. 

On 10/18/2018 at 10:16 PM, IronFilm said:

Oh wow, kinda impressed/surprised you're choosing the JVC LS300 so often over the EVA1!

Yea me too! The reason for this is that I bought the Eva1 with the Atomos Shogun Inferno Kit and an 1tb SSD. I didn’t have any expendable extra cash to buy the required SD cards for the Eva1 and the cards I do own doesn’t support the recommendations for recording in the resolution that I want to record in. Plus the mount I had felt flimsy and didn’t want to risk the monitor falling off of the camera. So in order for me to record with the Eva, I would have to rig it up with the Inferno, which didn’t feel secure and the projects i were doing didn’t require such a setup.

With the GYLS300 I can just pick it up with my dual loaded card slots (very long recording time and sloooow battery drain) and capture very lovely looking DCI 4k for hours, without lugging such a cumbersome setup, especially for mostly handheld filming. I would monitor through the GYLS300’s screen (not at all great, but I have a VA 4k specifically for it) using its rather good (Great!) focus assist and exposure features. 

With the Eva1 and the gear I had for it at the time, I would need to carry at least 6-8 batteries and tripod. I wasn’t ready to commit to that yet. Now I’m ready because I streamlined my power needs and even though I’m still recording with the Atomos, I have a sturdier mounting solution for it! 

 As an aside, regarding my equipment I’m usually a tripod type of person and have tools that are used mostly stationary, but I’ve been doing a lot more handheld work, that’s why I purchased the two E1’s, which are wonderful by the way and use them with Zhiyun Crane M’s, but the monitoring on it sucks, so I also use the VA 4k with it. I haven’t used the E1’s in a while because it doesn’t do 4k externally, only 1080 and I’m trying to keep all of my original files in 4k or higher now. The 4k internal is only 60mb and that’s not really enough for me. For my needs 4K 150mb is acceptable!

@meudig whoa that’s impressive! Was this posted in this forum? Also do you know the filming specs?

19 hours ago, meudig said:

Does this have clean hdmi out?

The e-m5 II was pretty impressive through the BM VA ?

I may be mistaken, but I don’t recall any em5ll footage posted mentioning filmed through a BM VA. 

It was shot in Zlog at 60 p and I recorded internally but monitored through a BlackMagic Video Assist 4K on a Zhiyun M gimbal.  

The ZCam E1 has all the components a cinematographer needs (besides IBIS). Actually the BBC used the E1 for three years as an in the vehicle camera for “Top Gear”. Truly impressive! I’ll be using two of the E1’s I own for some other projects, but I’m going to start shooting more with the Eva1. I’ve  had it for months and only filmed with it once. I’ve been using the LS300 because it’s just so easy to pick up and go, plus the images I get out of it is one of the best!

1 hour ago, mnewxcv said:

thanks. Video file says 1080p/30. Is that how you shot it? Shutter speed looks faster than 180*, do you recall what it was?

No problem! It was shot at 60p and I converted it to 30p. It was just an oversight I was trying to correct. 

@mnewxcv @Mattias Burling Here’s a clip of the comedy scene without noise reduction and without sound. 

3 hours ago, mnewxcv said:

That is what I was referring to as well. I think it may be the denoising in post, not an in camera setting. 

Yes this is in post with Neat. It can most definitely be reduced.