A question of (film) look

[dkleinfeld]

Hi everyone!

I'm a director, about to start shooting on my next film, and was hoping the wise minds here might, if not resolve our questions, at least point them in a direction.

I've been using the Panasonic AG-DVX100, a camera I loved for it's film-like look. You can see a sample of how I was using it at http://vimeo.com/6794642

But for my next production, I think I'm going to have to leave it behind. First, shooting HD is no longer optional. Second, I've gotten frustrated with the DVX100's low-light performance, particularly how quickly contrast gets out of control when shooting outdoors. I used it for a documentary recently, and discovered that in direct sunlight, I could either blow out everything in the light, or blacken everything in shadow, but not much in between.

So I'm currently comparing the Panasonic AG-HVX200A, the Sony EX 1, or the Canon XL H1. I've seen a number of comparisons here, but most of them seemed aimed at news programming, where film look wasn't a consideration.

So I wanted to see what people's thoughts were. My goals are:

-I'd like to shoot in 720p, rather than 1080i, as I think progressive-scan looks much better for narrative film (interlacing is too hyper-real)

-I'd like the smoothest Final Cut integration possible. I hope to have an editor on set editing dailies as we shoot, so not having to do codec conversion would be a real plus

-I know one should make video its own medium, but... the closer it is to looking like well-shot 35mm, the happier I am

So does anyone have any thoughts on the cameras I'm considering, or cameras I should consider? I'm in NYC, so going to B&H and trying them out is my next move. But any advice would be very welcome. Of course, if there are threads I should read, please point me to them. The ones I read were very focused on stat-maximizing, rather than look, but I'm definitely up for reading more!

Thanks!
Daniel

[BenB]

Blowing out whites in outdoor daylight shooting is not the DVX, but simply how video (and film) work. If you get a proper NDF filter, and never shoot mid-day, you won't have that problem. This is why film is shot early morning, or late afternoon, never during mid-day, for outdoor shots.

You're going to have that blown out look no matter what camera you use, until you get a good NDF filter (not the built-in ones), and get more control over the cameras gamma, pedestal, and other controls.

As for low light, video does poorly in low light to start with, HD is worse than SD in low light, in general.

If you want a film look, you can't shoot low light, you can't shoot in the middle of the day, simple as that.

Panasonic has a softer, more film like look in general. Every camera has it's own look. Remember, with video you can get "more like film", but not a real film look. And stay the hell away from 24p, it does nothing but make video look like suttery 24p video.

[NoahKadner]

Yeah- you have to light shots, you can't just point and shoot and expect something nice. I find the gain on the Panasonic to be a bit more like film grain- i.e. more visually acceptable than the Sony's which is less grain but more video looking. So if you're thinking low light without obvious gain, the Panasonic might be the better choice. Any of those cameras are a fine choice.

Keep in mind with the Panasonic and the EX1 you're also working solid-state tapes. With Panasonic you're on P2 which is quite pricey with limited accessories. The EX1 is a bit more flexible- more updated and cheaper readers and you can use very cheap SD cards instead of SxS cards. Something to consider as well.

Noah

[DMcKleinfeld]

Much thanks for your advice and offers. The Panasonic is definitely sounding like the way to go---now to research its FCP integration!