Matt Y

20 hours ago, OliKMIA said:

Video:  shoot in 4K, 8 bit, in Vlog and in 23.976 fps

>> If you are going for the GH5 why don't shoot in 10 bits ? Kind of strange that your editor asked for V-LOG and 8 bits. Just double check on that. Basically the you should film in 10 bits if you can, especially for V-LOG

+++++ Good question.  He said that 10 bit takes up a ton of memory for me.  Is that true?  Is it a lot more than 8 bit?

From what I have read the "24fps" for the GH5 is actually 23.976 fps in 4K shooting at 59.95Hz.  Is that what you all see too?

>> Correct, in 59.95Hz the 24 mode will give you 23.976 but you can film in real 24p if you select the 24Hz mode.

The V log is something I have to purchase correct?  Is there another flat or V-log in the camera that I am missing already in camera?  

>> Yes, it cost $100 I think, it's just a code to enter in your camera to unlock the feature

If I shoot in 4K at 60fps and indicate to editor, that is good room to slow things down for dramatics?  I am only shooting this fps for B-roll and special effects

>> Yes, the editor can slow down in post but you should ask him first how he/she wants to handle that.

Audio:He states that the ideal audio quality is 48K and speed of 23.976.

>> I don t know but 48k is very good already, seems logic

+++++ This is where I am getting confused too.  He said the audio quality, ideally, should be at 48K and the speed of the audio at the fps speed.  What I was wondering is if the GH5 records to that internally and also if the zoom H1 records at those specificiation.

I was going to use two sources of audio:  Rode Vidpro Mic feeding into camera and Lavier into a Zoom H1.  Do either or both or none fit the requirement?  I also have access to a zoom H4nsp.

>> Not sure about the question, but yes, the Rhode Video Mic Pro can be plugged directly to the camera.

Hello everyone!  Since I have last wrote this train is slowly leaving the station and we are ready to role.  I have lighting, audio, and camera gear purchased and have been practicing.  The editor now has chimed in and provided his requirements which I THINK I am covered.  Here is what he asked if I can shoot in but seems to be some flexibility:

• Video:  shoot in 4K, 8 bit, in Vlog and in 23.976 fps
  • From what I have read the "24fps" for the GH5 is actually 23.976 fps in 4K shooting at 59.95Hz.  Is that what you all see too?  Just want to make sure.
  • The V log is something I have to purchase correct?  Is there another flat or V-log in the camera that I am missing already in camera?  
  • If I shoot in 4K at 60fps and indicate to editor, that is good room to slow things down for dramatics?  I am only shooting this fps for B-roll and special effects
• Audio:
  • He states that the ideal audio quality is 48K and speed of 23.976. 
    • I was going to use two sources of audio:  Rode Vidpro Mic feeding into camera and Lavier into a Zoom H1.  Do either or both or none fit the requirement?  I also have access to a zoom H4nsp.

Thanks a ton for the help.  will keep you updated as things go.  This project is a whopper but a ton of fun!  

Matt

7 hours ago, meanwhile said:

..Assuming E5 wasn't a typo, it was an Oly DSLR that existed before the m43 mirrorless cameras but had the same size sensor. Some people still use them for the same reasons as the Fuji S5 - not a lot of megapixels, but they love the tonality...

(I almost bought one a few weeks ago!)

 It actually was the EM5. That was a typo. Although I did have an E5 to which I loved. I agree on tonality if the Fuji S5. Fuji has colors nailed down

8 hours ago, fuzzynormal said:

This is going to sound counter intuitive to someone new to the process of making docs, but I would advise that you consider shooting your entire production with one 25mm prime lens.

A singular lens choice will limit your bad judgment regarding grabbing variable focal range shots (rookie mistake) and keep everything looking cohesive.

Again, maybe it sounds like a bad idea, but really consider it.  That simple choice can do wonders for the style and look of your film.

Also, someone posted a "cliff-notes" kind of video yesterday about all the fundamentals needed to make shots look cinematic... here it is:

https://youtu.be/rk6Cpe3KG8M

The info is brief, but it really is kinda all there.

First of all, your YouTube videos are awesome. I subscribed to you about a month ago when this idea was being bumped around.  I have learned a lot and practiced on my kids with your techniques.

I love the prime idea and was actually thinking it would be easier. One bc zooms seem overwhelming and two, bc I have primes and prefer to shoot stills with them. To the group and to fuzzynormal, I have an Oly 12mm f/2, Oly 17 f/1.8, panaleica 25 f1.4 (love it), and Oly 45 f/1.8.  Also have the Oly 12-40 f/2.8. To the people familiar with these, are they good enough? Wanted to add the voigtlander 17 f/.95 for photos and now an excuse for this?  Just thinking of sticking with these. If you had to add one, what would it be?  I would dip into my own funds for this. 

10 hours ago, OliKMIA said:

Hi Matt,

Check 180 shutter angle/rule on internet. There are plenty of tutorials on youtube too. In the case of the GH5 there is an option to switch from shutter speed to shutter angle.

 

But honestly, try to be as close as the general rule (double your shutter speed in relation to FPS) and be careful of the artificial light sync (that's very important otherwise you may ruin your shot).

The rest is be more important: good composition, white balance, correct exposure in V-LOG, lighting. If you nail all that but are a little bit off on shutter you will be fine. The contrary is not true.

So a question of Vlog. Is that like shooting In RAW?  Is there a particular one I should use?  Just use the histogram for exposure and also not blow highlights?  Also syncing with artifical lights, any recommended videos or websites?  You people are great!!!

What is shutter angle?  this is a new term...

IS the shutter angle easy to set?

One more question for the group.  Thinking about the metabones XL adaptor for the GH5.  I know if vignettes on the 18-35 sigma b/c you need the ultra.  but for other FF lenses, do you see the vignetting too?  Thanks a ton...

Mercer.  And to the group.  Since you all are experts, regarding the camera dilemma, here is more insight and questions regarding the EM1.2 and GH5

• This documentary is going to be shopped around to a bunch of different places.  PBS, HBO, etc.  My uncle has a publishing agency behind this, he has been in the music industry for 40 years and he knows how to promote and well connected.  The sentence before is NOT(NOT NOT NOT) meant to brag but to state the point that I don't want the video quality to be the determining factor between this getting picked up or not.  This project freaks me out and excites.
• Regarding the camera:
  • I am doing long interviews.  Hours.  Would prefer to do it in 4K so the editor has a lot of head room.  The EM1.2 is limited to 30 mins.  It seems to me a distraction but you all know best.  If there is an easy/fluid way to get around this, let me know.
  • From what I have read and seen on youtube (my only source) the quality at 4K 30fps out of GH5 is better than OMD.  Also, if the requirements from editor changes to just HD, I understand that the HD quality out of GH5 is better too.

The EM1.2 was purchased 2 weeks ago from the Oly refurbished store. I can get a full refund.  I do really like the camera and it fits well in hand compared to the GH5.  But, the GH5 is an excellent video camera and a very good stills camera.  Thanks again for the great input!!!

OK.  Everyone's input has been 100% fantastic.  I have a couple more questions for the group. You guys are AWESOME!  Here is what I am doing:

• I am purchasing Open box GH5.  My Em1.2, I can take back.  The GH5 is really good for stills (not quite there with EM1.2) but close enough and I can use all my lenses.
• A few questions:
  • Should I use Lexar UHS II cards or sandisk UHS I cards?  Have used Sandisk in the past but there is a deal on Lexar
  • I am going to shoot in 4K 30fps.  I understand the shutter speed rule of 2x FPS.  How "solid" is that rule?  What i am wondering is how much latitude I have with that rule until it becomes noticeable?  1-stop?  2?  None?

Thanks again!

Mercer and Maxotics.  Thanks for the suggestion and help.  

Mercer.  For photography I shoot families and real estate.  I purchased the omd e5 years ago and never really had a reason to switch.  It is the perfect travel camera too.  Small and discrete.    The IBIS is amazing.  I would spring for the em5ii though because, compared to the em5, it has better IBIS is better and all around quicker.  There are pros and cons with all systems, it seems.  Reach out any time.

Thanks again.  Matt

This site was recommended to me by someone on Dpreview.  I was wondering if someone could help me on here.  

I am an avid photographer.  Get paid to do it but only on the side because my day job pays the big bills.   Been doing it for years and love it.  Currently shooting with and Olympus OMD E5 (first version) and have a bunch of lenses.  Recently I was asked to shoot a documentary on my Uncle who is conducting an orchestra, in Armenia, on a piece of music he wrote.  Very cool.  His story is very interesting as to how he got to this point so that is what I am going to tell.  I love new challenges and looking forward to this whole adventure both from the video side and the overall experience

My main question is "What camera do I buy?".  Before you answer, Here are the details and my thoughts:

• I do NOT have to record the symphony playing the piece.  That is done in house with their audio and video crew.  
• It is just me doing this.  No assistants, help in any way.  Simplicity is key.
• Going to do extensive interviews at home.  Tell story here.  The Armenia trip is going to be narrated after the trip with short and informal interviews on location.  
• I am being paid in gear.  Around $3 to $4K. 
• I need lights for interviews (was thinking 3 of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01934RL0U?psc=1&smid=A3TGEBV1SIMBHY).  Not married to these but figured they have good CRI and are flexible.
• Audio wise was thinking a Rode vidomic pro for the camera, and wireless lavalier (There is possibility of nice, wireless lavalier being provided by a friend).  If not, was thinking around about 2 zoom H with lavalier attached.  
• Concerning camera, leaning towards Olympus EM1.2 (b/c I am familiar with OLY) or the GH5.  I like these 2 because they have stabilization and I want avoid a gimbal.  I Armenia, I have to pack and be lightweight.  
  • I am selfishly looking at this for a reason to get a camera upgrade too.  Wondering if anyone is shooting with GH5 for stills professionally?
  • On the other hand, I am tempted by fuji XT2 and sony 6500.  Would prefer Fuji over sony for stills.  Can sell all current gear and go this way but I think a severe case of GAS maybe
• Final cut pro is being provided to me.

So in summary, without pixel peaking (in photo world), what would you do?  What is the best way to go with this?  Which camera would you buy for yourself?

Thanks in advance.  Matt