Mark Romero 2

Two cameras

About four lenses with some overlap between them. Nothing being a true backup though.

A gimbal (my primary weapon of choice), a motorized slider, a tripod with a so-so manfrotto fluid head.

Takstar shotgun mic, wired cheap lav mic, Zoom h1

A couple of led panels and a small youngnuo led hair light (pretty bright on its own actually), a whole bunch of light stands, a mic stand.

But for most of my (real estate) videos it is just two cameras and the Zhiyun Crane and a GVM motroized slider and a tripod, plus the 10-18 f/4 and 16-55 kit lens and the 30m Sigma f/2.8.

6 minutes ago, seanzzxx said:

The P4K will actually be better for small-budgeted crews in that regard because Prores runs much, much smoother than h.264 (because your computer doesn't have to do as much decompression in real-time). My old laptop tore through Ursa 4K Prores 444 files but stuttered with a7s II 4k footage.

True that. (XAVC S is a rather tough codec to work with).

But - to me, anyway - the whole point of the P4K would be to use it for RAW, which unfortunately is going to be more time consuming than working with ProRes

8 minutes ago, mercer said:

Well, the GH5 has only been on the market for a year and a half, so this idea that it’s dead is just silly. And the P4K just doesn’t offer enough of an upgraded image to let go of the GH5 features, IMO.

The X-T3 is VERY interesting. The IQ is superb and very cinematic.

The problem with all of these cameras are the files. You need a very competent computer/storage solutions to wrangle in the file sizes and compression... which is the only benefit of the P4K IMO... the ProRes files should get along better with modest computer specs.

Yeah, when they designed the P4K, I guess they were just thinking that the camera operator would hand off the SSD to the editing team and that the camera operator wouldn't have to worry about the workflow from there.

Going to be more difficult for us one-man band operators...

That 13 stops of Dynamic Range and the gentle highlight rolloff sure is nice though for us shooters who are at the mercy of available light.

On 10/9/2018 at 11:38 AM, TheRenaissanceMan said:

My only real complaint with the files is that highlight detail is VERY brittle. Desaturating and other tricks for reigning in highlights help, but anything remotely close to clipping is going to fight manipulation hard, even in LOG. Such is the nature of 8-bit files.

Yeah, I always go into curves, saturation v luminance, and desaturate the highlights and blacks. It seems to cut down on the monkey business a little bit.

And as @Deadcode has reminded me, set the data levels to full (instead of auto), and in RCM make sure that you have your monitor's nits levels set to above 200 or so.

Late to the party here...

the X-T3 has a 1.9X crop in 120p???

crap... just when I thought i was going to switch from Sony to Fuji.

Is Sony the only player who does 120p with autofocus and minnimal / no crop???

4 hours ago, wolf33d said:

Seriously, who is gonna spend $2000 in a GH5 now? 

Well...

It is still tempting to me, in a way, although the X-T3 is a lot more tempting.

IBIS, waveforms, vectorscope, zebras that go past 100 (I think), flip-out screen, timecode, xlr inputs ability... can't remember... does the GH5 have false color? Does it have a full size hdmi out?

2 hours ago, Jimmy G said:

Also, I can only recommend 6300/6500 for tripod work as the bodies are too small for field work IMHO and in my usage (handheld) the pad of my palm invariably presses the rear wheel and/or rear buttons causing unintended (and extremely annoying) settings changes mid-shoot. YMMV.

While certainly a lot of people find the ergonomics / handling of the a6300 / a6500 to be frustrating, they do balance quite well on inexpensive gimbals (I use mind on an original Zhiyun Crane) or they can be rigged out pretty easily with a cage and handles.

1 hour ago, IronFilm said:

If a lack of 4K is not a deal breaker for you (maaaaaaaybe? You're shooting with a FS5 after all, not a FS7 which is what I'd go with if 4K was really important) then perhaps consider even the a6000 which is dirt cheap but shoots nice 1080 XAVC-S (better actually than the a6500/a6300!). Or even the a7Smk1 is cheap on eBay now (and if you've got a recorder already, you'll have your 4K as a bonus). 

I agree that the a6000 can be a fun camera to shoot on in Sony land (as can the a5100 for short bits of time since it has a flip up screen but is prone to overheating).

The a6000 has a less reflective screen than the a6300 / a6500 and as you mentioned has better looking 1080p than those other two cameras.

I usually set the creative style to portrait mode or autumn leaves and adjust it to -2 contrast, -2 saturation and (usually) -1 detail. Convenient, easy to grade, easy to see what you are shooting.

3 minutes ago, jonpais said:

I'd just like to be able to click on C1, have the target appear, press the center of the wheel and be done.

That would indeed be wonderful!!!

On 10/7/2018 at 3:18 PM, jonpais said:

It’s sad. How hard can it be to make proper buttons in the first place?

True. I don't really know why. How are the buttons on the a7 III? I know that Tony and Chelsea were raving about the buttons on the EOs R compared to the a7 III so I guess they haven't improved much!?!?!

3 hours ago, Liam said:

not sure about knowing your target audience... do most authors know that they're writing for men age 21-49? Or do they take whoever shows up?

MOST authors wallow in obscurity. MOST authors work 9-5 jobs, and then eat a cold sandwich for dinner, then go out and work a 6-10 job, and then maybe find a few hours on the weekend to write some stuff. Maybe someday some of it will get published in a way that they might make a few dollars. Most likely it will end up in some literature magazine or some literary competition where the author HAS TO PAY to have the work published. Is that a business model you want to follow???

Financially successful authors know ahead of time who they are writing for if they hope to get published. They may not have analyzed it in terms of demographics at a granular level, but they will have at least a good idea that they are writing for "kids who like magic" or "moms who like yoga and feel guilty about having a c section instead of vaginal birth" or some good idea of who their work is for. You can create work about stuff that YOU love but if you want other people to notice it, then you have to make sure it gets in front of their eyeballs.

3 hours ago, Liam said:

I'm trying to say I want a route where I'm not competing at all.

What does that mean??? Do you mean you want to create something and have it become popular with no effort on your part to promote it at all???

3 hours ago, Liam said:

that's a real thing, but I think anyone who's done that has had to do it on their own... not use what they were told works by a mildly successful blogger etc 

You can always just do what you like to do and hope you get lucky and maybe someone who is an influencer will start promoting your work because they think it is the dog's bollocks.

Maybe it will happen. But it should be unique AND in demand content. I don't even think quality has to be paramount. Look at starbucks; they sell fake artisan coffee to people who think that they have good taste in coffee.

10 hours ago, kye said:

Work out what you're selling, then get out there and find people that want that thing.

THIS!!!

You either have the wrong content, or you are getting your content in front of the wrong eyeballs.

19 hours ago, Liam said:

It's over a hundred dollars a year, which could be fine if it's helpful, but I can't make heads or tails of what it's even supposed to do. If it helps me send emails, I'll look at it later.

Seriously??? Your not willing to shell out $100 a year on marketing / advertising???

I am not saying that email marketing is the BEST thing for you. But you need to familiarize yourself with the various marketing / advertising / outreach options and try and figure out which one is going to most effectively reach your target audience.

And you had BETTER have a good idea of your target audience. Otherwise, if you don't have some understanding of your target audience, then you are just digging yourself a whole.

Oh, and mail chimp has a free plan as well with up to 2,000 subscribers. That might not seem like many, but it will take you a LONG TIME to reach 2,000 subscribers to an email list.

I know there are only a few X-T3 Users currently on the board, but if you have a moment, can you test out the Auto ISO feature.

Some reviewers said that the Auto ISO is "stepped" and not smooth. (The a7 III and even my a6500 - to a certain extent - have a very smooth Auto ISO function).

It seems like either 1) The X-T3 doesn't have a smooth auto ISO feature (I think this is UNlikely), or 2) the users confused Auto ISO with Auto Aperture (more likely in my opinion).

Anyway, if you can test out Auto ISO and (if possible) post it somewhere, I would be a happy boy.

Thanks in advance.

15 hours ago, franklin said:

The LCD is good but not great, it only dims when it goes it record so it's usable. I did notice the batteries don't last long but it's not overheating on me but I am not recording clips over 30sec. 

Thanks for the advice.

 

One thing you can do in brighter weather is set up the camera while in M mode (instead of video mode) and then when you are ready to record, just press the record button. If you are in 24fps I don't think there is any crop in. If you are in 30fps, then there will be a slight crop in when you hit the record button.

It's a pain to change batteries, but changing batteries when they are at 50% might be better than changing at 100% because - if memory serves - batteries get hotter as they get nearer to the bottom of their capacity. But that might be a myth. Either way, changing out a battery after using it for 20 minutes or so and letting it cool back down while you use a different battery isn't a bad idea.

There are little "cold packs" that you can wedge between the lcd screen and the back of the camera as well. I am looking for them and if I can find some I will let you know.

I have been meaning to buy these button bumps forever and a day now. I would use one on the record button and on the FN button and maybe the menu button to make them a bit easier to press.

https://www.amazon.com/ShutterBands-ButtonBumps-Pro-Pak/dp/B06XXFQDB4

3 hours ago, franklin said:

I got an A6300 rather than the A6500 because someone had it and let me buy it at a good price. This is the first time I've used a mirrorless camera so it's a bit of a learning curve but I have it figured out. Made a cheat sheet for the menus until I get everything to memory. The LCD is not as bad, the dimming is a pain but the zebra seems to be very accurate so you get used to it. Few questions from an experienced user if they catch the thread.

1. I watched several tutorials and they mention turning the detail down when shooting 4K. I fooled around with it a bit and can't see much difference. Have it set on -3 for now.

2. Can't find the LCD adjustment to set the screen to 16 x 9 when you are not recording. When you hit record it jumps to the crop and I though you could set the screen to stay 16 x 9.

Thanks again for the help.

To prevent overheating, you will want to make sure that your a6300 has the latest firmware update.

However... and I am about 95% sure of this but I could be wrong... once you apply the firmware it will dim the screen in 4K as much as the screen of the a6500 dims (without the firmware to prevent overheating, I could swear that my a6300 screen was a bit brighter than that of the a6500).

Also, you will want batteries. Lots of batteries. If you are going to lock down on a tripod and use a monitor, you should also seriously consider using a power bank and a dummy battery as the heating of the batteries seems to accelerate overheating. Using a power bank and dummy battery is supposed to help with this. If you just use a power bank and use the USB cable to charge the camera while still using a regular battery inside the a6300 then I think you will still generate significant heat off of the battery.

And a good quality FAST memory card is supposed to help prevent overheating... at least that is what some people say.

45 minutes ago, thebrothersthre3 said:

The XT3 has state of the art auto focus. However the low light performance isn't that great. The GH5 gives a clean image up to 6400 iso, where as the XT3 is more like 3200. Even at 12,000 iso the GH5S is nice, where as the XT3 is really noisy and soft in comparison. The XT3 isn't much better then a GH5 in regards to ISO performance. Of course I always used the GH5 with a speedbooster, so that gave it that extra stop of light.

Can you link to any tests done with X-T3 to show off the poorer low light performance?

I am surprised because it is supposed to be better than the Sony a6500 at low light / DR but I am not sure if that holds true for video as well as stills.

Thanks in advance.

I think what @DBounce mentioned about colors can be important. While the GH5S colors look nice to me (I do, after all, shoot with Sony cameras), it might be good to plan around how much time you will have for coloring / grading.

Neither camera has IBIS. Is that going to be an issue? If I had to go by "gut feeling" alone, then MAYBE the tilty screen of the X-T3 would be easier to use than the flip-out screen of the GH5 when using on a gimbal??? If you are using a small "single hand" gimbal (Crane or something similar), will the motors block the flip out screen???

You can hear some of Jordan Drake's thought on the X-T3 here:

https://youtu.be/6situ5QPf6s?t=579

It seems the AF tracking in video is not on par with the Canon (and I would assume Sony as well... not that canon or sony cameras are in the running in your decision at all, just that maybe that is one slightly less advantage in terms of the X-T3).

Will you be using lighting??? If not, does 10-bit 4:2:2 hold up any better to color correcting mixed lighting than 10-bit 4:2:0 (I think Jordan says the Fuji is 10-bit 4:2:0 when recorded internally).

Do you not want a B cam??? Since you mentioned you own a GH5 already, then having a GH5S as an A cam and your GH5 as a B cam makes a lot of sense.

What is the lens budget looking like? The only people I know who say "Fuji lenses are inexpensive" are people who used to shoot Sony...

1 hour ago, KnightsFan said:

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought Rec.2020 only specifies 4k and 8k resolutions, using standard dynamic range, not HDR. Perusing Wikipedia, I'm finding:

Rec.709: standard dynamic range, standard color gamut, 1080p, 8 or 10 bit

Rec.2020: standard dynamic range, wide color gamut, 2160p/4320p, 10 or 12 bit

Rec.2100: high dynamic range, wide color gamut, 1080p/2160p/4320p, 10 or 12 bit

So perhaps Alistair Chapman was referring to Rec.2100? (Not trying to be pedantic, just making sure I understand the alphabet soup here!)

Back on topic, I think 4k is easier to market for whatever reason, so we will see mass adoption of 4k before HDR. The public seems to "understand" 4k better than they do HDR. Moreover, we're all agreed on what 4K is, whereas HDR is still in a kind of format war from what I can see, between HLG and PQ.

You are probably more right than I  on this. He might have been referring to Rec. 2100 (it was an inteview with the guy from ProAv but I can't find the clip now). But either way, pretty sure he was saying that HDR has a better chance of being more readily adapted than 4K because the need for bandwidth is less.

Agree that 4K might be an easier sell than HDR, and I think their are competing "versions" of HDR too so that might be difficult as well.

Here is kind of an interesting article geared toward consumers about 4K and HDR. Can't vouch that it is technically correct but it is kind of an interesting read.

https://www.businessinsider.com/4k-tv-hdr-whats-the-difference-2016-8#why-hdr-will-make-your-4k-tv-worth-it-4

So either way we just kind of have to wait and see. Maybe I am just more prone to FUD than most people, but I do wonder now whether it is smart to invest LONG TERM in a system that might not have HDR and WCG...

1 hour ago, webrunner5 said:

Rec. 2020 requires 10 bit or better. A Lot of these new cameras are not doing 10 bit, let alone 1080p 10 bit. Only 4k 10 bit. Sure you can do an external recorder, but then you are back to a big, bulky rig.

They can do internal 4K 10-bit but not 1080p 10-bit?!?!?

I think I need to put my credit card back in my wallet and go lie down somewhere for a while...

Alistair Chapman made a comment in an interview that broadcasters will more likely be using Rec 2020 sooner than they would be broadcasting in 4K since Rec 2020 doesn't require more bandwidth than Rec 709, while 4K requires a lot more bandwidth that HD. (By broadcasting I mean ALL forms of broadcasting whether over the air, internet, 5G... whatever)

I know they aren't mutually exclusive or anything like that; Many 4K TVs sold today are already HDR capable.

But does that make sense to you guys? Do you think we will see a wider adoption of HDR over SD sooner than we will see an adoption of 4K over 1080p???

I know Tony Northrop said something like they only shoot their videos in 4K now because they wanted to make them "future proof." My understanding is they still shoot in SD gamma and gamuts though...

Then again, maybe I am misunderstanding the science behind all this...

Well... I shoot stills mostly and real estate videos, so...

The Sony 10-18 f/4 lives on my a6500 95% of the time.

If I were shooting Nikon again, then probably the 18-35 AF-S G. Not a constant aperture, but it is lightweight and sharp. Needs just a bit of added contrast though in post.

15 minutes ago, Andrew Reid said:

Z6 has already been launched, it is a set-spec and they had the final production units at Photokina to try out. It won't do 4K 60p but it's a better camera than the already very good A7 III for similar money, which is why it's so exciting.

I so hope this camera works out...

If it can better the dynamic range and the low light of the D750 with the convenience of the Flat Profile (instead of LOG), then personally I can live with 4K 30 8-bit.

I mean, I BELIEVE I can live with 4K 30p instead of 60p... Hopefully the 1080p of the Z6 is really nice...

Wow!!! Some great suggestions so far. Thanks everyone.

@BTM_Pix Awesome!!! Thanks!!!

Anyone else?

I know you get what you pay for, but...

Does anyone have suggestions for (somewhat) inexpensive cases for transporting and / or storing basic video and audio accessories?

I have a ThinTank airport accelerator for my camera and my flash guns and lenses (since I shoot mostly stills) but looking for a somewhat inexpensive way to transport a couple of LED panels, a couple of smaller mics, a couple reflectors, an umbrella or two. (I am also looking for a new inexpensive solution to carrying light stands as well).

Also, when I get home, things become something of an urban sprawl as well. I sometimes end up spending 20 minutes looking around for a particular battery or a particular tripod head or... If you have ideas for getting more organized (in general) I would love to see them.

Thanks in advance.

2 hours ago, gethin said:

that assumes we can afford to buy lenses.

But actually I imagine theres a lot of people like me who have 2 systems.  In theory - if the vid is up to it - it will enable me to sell my panasonic gear (2 cameras, 2 lenses, speedbooster, plus 3 apsc nikon lenses that I used with adaptors, plus 2 apsc nikon bodies).   The only lens I've got my eye on at the mo is next years 14-30.   

Are you mostly shooting real estate (like me)???

If so, have you checked out Matt Rosendahl's work with the a7 III?

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoKNd-cLR8u2C2zXh4A696g

He's using the a7 III and the 16-35 f/4 on a (rather expensive) Movi M5 Gimbal. His results are pretty impressive:

Anyway, if you are mostly shooting real estate (like me) it just MIGHT be the best hybrid camera for RE until the Z6 is actually available in the real world.

Of course, the new Panasonic FF might be better so there you have it, and there is supposed to be a new Sony APS-C camera releasing soon, so there is that.

I think the Tamron 28-75 is kind of a game changer for us people who liked Sony but were dismayed by the lens selection and pricing.

34 minutes ago, mercer said:

I don’t know if what you need really exists in a single camera. You may be better off getting a video/cinema camera (C100 mark ii?) and a stills camera.

Yes, I have been thinking about that as well. I was thinking of getting an a7R II for stills and MAYBE a BMPCC4K for video... but not sure about the DR and the low light ability in real world of BMPCC4K. Seems like it might be a bit better than GH5 according to wolfcrow... but not by a whole lot:

26 minutes ago, Drew Allegre said:

Honestly sounds like the a73 comes pretty close to checking those boxes (colors always debatable and subjective of course).

I think you are right: a7III would be pretty darn close. I think the Z6 has the potential to edge out the a7 III (FOR MY NEEDS), mostly in terms of colors and Nikon has been pretty good with DR. My D750 (since sold) had really good DR, but the 1080p was soft(ish), even when compared to the 1080p on my old a6000 and my even older a5100 (which cost me a whopping US $125 off craigslist).

But then again, 4K 60p might be worth waiting for...