Downtown Richmond in anamorphic

All my projects that I'll be DPing are all in preproduction at the moment, and I love to shoot. I wanted to go explore downtown Richmond for the afternoon. So I flashed my GH2 with Driftwood's sedna aq1 patch grabbed two lenses, helios 58mm and sankor 16c, and a field monitor  the Smallhd dp4.

 
I knew I wanted to stay low key for the day since there was a festival downtown and didn't want to carry around my sachtler ace avoiding all the people walking around so I grabbed a small hand held rig to shoot. This was both a good idea and bad idea at the same time. The good part was that I stayed pretty low key walking around filming even with the dp4 attached. The bad part was I never thought of this happening while shooting hand held with the anamorphic lens combo. I've shot plenty of times hand held with my cropped canons with this lens combo but never with the gh2. The gh2 having just that little extra crop really showed after I downloaded the footage. There were clips with micro jitters. Thinking I would have to go back out the next weekend, I asked a few of my film friends if they knew a software to get rid of some of the little shakes since Vegas pro 11 stabilizer did nothing for it :(  thebilly on twitter told me Adobe After Effects could do it and he even said he do it for me. I got the clip back quick from him and was pleased After Effects and Billy saved it. I learned a good lesson on this shoot even though it was for fun and not a gig, use a tripod if shooting with a lens combo like that.

Over the two days of filming  I had such a good time shooting downtown, and testing some of my gear. I plan on heading back downtown to shoot some of the stuff I missed the last time, and getting out more to other places to shoot that i'm not familiar with. I'm really impressed with the gh2 using the sedna patch. The colors really came out nice and so easy to grade.  I just added a small adjustment to the curves,slight color grading and added alittle contrast. 

Footage from downtown :)
http://youtu.be/I4ZlAIbuREA

Gear used
Panasonic gh2 with driftwood's sedna patch
helios 58mm
sankor 16c
Lightcraft workshop fader nd
Smallhd dp4

Sachtler Ace tripod review

I've owned a few basic tripods but never took the big step on upgrading to a more professional tripod, due to the fact that I have a few different shoulder rigs. I figured after spending the money on those I wouldn't really use or need a tripod. After using my other tripods and seeing the results, I noticed when I panned or tilted the shots weren't all that smooth and I was getting better results with my rigs. But the fatigue of using a rig all day during a shoot made me decide to look into getting a good tripod.
After researching and reading reviews, I came across the Sachtler Ace tripod, and decided it was just what I was looking for. The Ace has a glass fiber reinforced composite head weighing just 3.7 lbs and with its aluminum legs 10.1lbs total. It supports up to 8.8lbs The tripod mounts the head via a 75mm bowl. The Ace uses a new patented sa-drag system. It has 3 horizontal and 3 vertical steps plus 0 and lets you choose a drag setting with a lot of resistance or no resistance for your choice of shooting needs, with a tilt range of +90 degrees/-75 degrees.

There are two different models to choose from. I went with the floor spreader version. With a minimum height of 22.4 inches

and a max height of 68.1 inches

Also the Ace has 5 steps of counter balance to help dial in your camera  no matter what the weight is as long as it's in the max 8.8lbs limit.

black knob is the counter balance

When I got it I was very pleased with the build quality. This tripod will last many new camera setups. Ace packs up nice and small for easy storage and travel, folding down to 34.3 inches

After putting on a smaller rig of mine with a Smallhd monitor and mic, I got the balance perfect using the counter balancing system. Any movement stays to where you pan or tilt. One of the nice features found on the Ace I really like is the sa-drag system.

sa-drag system

sa-drag system

I dial both the vertical and horizontal to suit my needs with a little resistance. The long quick release is another really nice feature. No matter if using just a camera or a rail with 15mm rods to support a follow focus, matte box, the plate is big enough with 4.1 inches of range to get everything nice and secure and helps dial in the balance.

The panning bar is large with a rubber grip with a nice feel to it.

I also liked the handle at the bottom of the head. You can loosen it to move the head around to get it level no matter how the legs are set up.

With a price tag of $535, I feel it is a good price for the build and features it offers. It might seem pricey but compared to other tripods on the market and the features they offer in the same category I'm glad I put up a little more money to get the Ace.
I'm very pleased with the Ace tripod. Its quick to unpack and pack and takes up little space while going to a shoot. Panning is much more predictable and it's nice and fluid. The legs are sturdy and overall feel of the tripod is solid. I find myself using it more and more on shoots. Its nice to put my rig on the Ace and lock down a shot and not have to worry about any little movement I might have gotten from one of the other tripods I own.
In my opinion, the Ace is an great all around tripod, and completely changed how I feel about tripods. I'm glad I decided to put up the extra money on something that will make shooting easier. After using the Ace for a for months I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a tripod.

http://www.sachtler.com

My intial thoughts on a 2560x1440 monitor

I was looking for a new monitor for editing and color grading. I was using a small 20 inch 1600x900 monitor at first, and knew I needed something better with more screen and better resolution.
I looked at all the typical online sites and then I checked ebay. I type in 2560x1440 monitor cause I wanted to see if by chance I could score a higher resolution monitor for cheap. To my surprise the search came up with 44 different Korean brands all selling the same monitor, just renamed. The Yamakasi catleap q270se, Achieva Shimian qh270 lite,3 View Pcbank pb2700, and the Crossover 27q.
After doing some more research I found out these monitors actually use the same screens that Apple Cinema monitors use. The only thing is these screens are what is considered, in grades as an A- or A. That just means they may have some little defect, most of the time its just dead pixels. I found one with guaranteed no dead pixels, so I ordered one to try out. At just 317 dollars it wouldn't be too bad. If anything I would take a little loss and resale it. I ordered the 3View PC BANK pb2700 on a Monday and got it Friday from Korea. I had to go to the store and get a different plug to make it work with US power. The adapter was 15 dollars.

I got home and plug it in and I was pleased with it out of the box, no dead pixels.  I used it on a edit I just started and the extra screen really helped and the colors really looked good. The screen is a s-ips so looking from different angles the colors didn't shift. I've looked and used the cinema screen from Apple and it looked pretty good compared to it. The pb2700 has a glossy screen so I turned down the brightness and I haven't noticed any eye strain.
Only bad things i can think of is the stand isn't the best. Its's a little wobbly. If you leave it on your desk and don't move it around it will be fine. If you're concerned 30 or 40 dollars can get a really nice stand. The other kinda bad is this monitor only allows a dual link dvi plug. So check your graphics card to see if it will allow this input.
I plan on getting this monitor color calibrated and I'll write a new post telling the results. The two weeks i've had this monitor I have to say I'm happy with it, I got what was a 1000 dollar monitor just renamed for 330 dollars.

 Specs
Screen size 27 inches
Resolution 2560x1440
Contrast ratio 1000-1
Brightness 350cd/m2
Response time 6ms
Video input dvi
s-ips led panel

How to build a cheap docking station to balance a stabilizer

If you're just getting into using a stabilizer, one of the first things you'll notice is the frustration you'll get from trying to learn how to balance one. When I first got my glidecam hd2000, I tried everything to get perfect balance. i would get close but never fully get it. One of the problems was I would use the floor and make adjustments then pick it up to check and that got me nowhere quick.So I looked around and found a few companies made docking stations that used a tripod or light stand. You put the stabilizer on the post and make your adjustments from there.
So this got me thinking, how i could make a docking station for cheaper and spend the money I saved on ther gear?

This how to is meant for dslrs This is what I came up with.
If you use this method to build one use at your own risk. Not responsible if you make one and anything happens to your gear. this is meant to help balance the stabilizer not dock it between shots and leave it.

One day at work I saw some scrap 2x8's I took one and cut it in half, nailed the two halves together for extra base weight. Went to a supply house and got a 1/2 inch pvc pipe, same size wooden dowel, a female screw in pvc connector and a threaded male pvc connector all the same size. I drilled out a hole in the center of the 2x8 slightly bigger then the pvc connector filled it with some expoxy glue and let that set over night. glued the threaded connector onto the pvc pipe, then screwed the pvc pipe onto the base board.

The next thing i got was a giottos mh621 qr system to had to the glidecam cause it has two bubble levels and this help to know when its level and not guess.
This set up works great for the few bucks it took to make it.

If your worried about the weight of the unit use the wooden dowel instead of the pvc pipe. I used the pvc pipe so i can save room when going out I just unscrew the pvc pipe from the baseboard and pack it in the car. The wooden dowel works too but it will be fixed to the baseboard once glued in place, and you wont be able to remove it.

Neither of these will win points on fancy looking gear, it works and i can balance the setup in a few minutes.

I've never had any issues with with the balancing station. The pvc one has held up for over a year now. The pipe slightly bends forward when the stabilizer is on it but it hasn't effect getting balance. I use the bubble levels on the quick release. and get nice vertical and horizontal  balance

 Glidecam footage after balancing it on the docking station
http://youtu.be/c_wLsoG9Jwo

Smallhd dp4 and dp6 review

Smallhd dp4 evf

Smallhd dp4 evf and dp6

Smallhd dp4 on Glidecam hd2000

One of the biggest problems on hdslr's is the screen on the back of the camera. Small around 3 inches. Pulling focus is hard without the aid of a loupe or field monitor. When I was looking for an upgrade for a filed monitor that offered features not found in the other monitors I had, I chose Smallhd dp4 and dp6 and couldn't be happier.

I find myself using the dp4 in run and gun shooting and glidecam work. The dp6 I use more of a studio type shoots where shots are more controlled and the bigger monitor can be seen by more.

 The differences between both.  The dp4 is a 4.3 inch monitor with 800x480 led back lit panel that is bright enough for shooting outside without a hood. Coupled with the evf attachment it the biggest evf on the market.

The dp6 is a 5.6 inch monitor with 1280x800 res screen.
Both of the monitors are made from an aluminum frame. and share all the same features, which can be updated using a usb cord.

The first thing i noticed was the build quality. Being made from a milled aluminum frame these monitors are made to last. They both have a little weight but still light enough to mount to any style rig. dp4 weighing with evf 1 pound and dp6 just 12 oz.

The colors on the monitors are very accurate to what the camera lcd is displaying. So there is no guessing on what the final video will look like ungraded.

Another nice touch is the dslr full screen for canon's or any camera. Dslr full screen uses the entire screen of the monitor and not just a friction of it. Makes it that much more useable. Its nice when you're not paying for a bigger screen that downscales back to no bigger then the camera lcd.

I'm starting to shoot more with anamorphic lenses and having the feature of frame guides is nice. So when i'm in post i'm not guessing if i missed framing by not having enough image left cause I didn't frame right for the anamorphic crop.

dp4 no focus assist +

dp4 using focus assist + but not in focus

dp4 using focus assist + lens is outlined in white showing focus

The most useful feature I tend to use the most is the focus assist + When shooting with a fast prime or anamorphic wide open is a challenge to maintain perfect focus if there's a quick rack focus or racking to follow talent's movement. With focus assist+ there is no guessing if I nailed the focus. The new focus assist + makes the image darker and outlines the focus area in white. Which is useable in any shooting condition.

Both the dp4 and dp6 can be powered by a number of different batteries. Ranging from canon, sony  nikon. And the dp4 can even be powered by AA batteries. So no matter which camera you use to film you're probably have batteries to power either monitor.

The hdmi loop thru is a nice feature on the dp4. When im dping and I need a director monitor i plug in the hdmi cable and use the dp6.
I may not of covered every features these two monitors have, which is alot. These are the key features i use.

If you choose any of Smallhd's monitors you're choosing a well built and future proof monitor. And a company with the best customer service ive come across. Its nice that a company actually asked its customers for their input on what they would like to see in feature monitors or even firmware updates. Overall i'm very happy with both of my Smallhd monitors and their customer service.
check out their website
www.smallhd.com

Storage

plano gun guard xl

Plano gun guard xl

I was looking for a weather proof hard case for my camera bodies and lenses for safe storage, instead of using the regular camera bag. Owning a few of the little cases for my Smallhd monitors from a big company know for their excellent storage cases. Which i really like. I knew the bigger ones that were large enough would not be cheap. So one day at a sporting goods store I was looking around and saw something in the gun cases. That fit what i was looking for, weather proof, hard case with the pluck-able foam that locked. Alittle smaller then I was looking for so I searched the web and  found Amazon carried a case. Plano gun guard xl  for just over a 100 dollars. I ordered 2 of them and a soon as they came in. I noticed the build was very nice. The foam is nice and thick with 3 layers total. The top layer, then the pluck-able layer and finally a bottom layer. The cases are big enough for either 6 dslr bodies or around 12 lenses. To me for the money these are a great buy.

Introduction

I decided to start this blog to share tips and reviews of what Ive learned in the past two years of dping. Also to keep everyone up to date on the projects I'm working on.
I started alittle over 2 years ago, and went into the whole gear buying blind. I got ahead of myself with alot of the gear i purchased, without first researching or looking around for reviews.  A good bit of money wasted on my part with purchases made on "cheaper gear", instead of saving that little extra and buying once.  So hopefully i will help someone just getting into film on the reviews i post here.