3 camera shoot - which camera should I use?

jimingo wrote on 3/7/2005, 9:42 AM
I'm shooting a high school play in a couple of weeks and had a question about the cameras I am going to use. I have 2 canon GL2s and need a third camera. My question is, should I rent another GL2 for about $150 or could I get away with borrowing my friend's Sony VX2100? I figure if I borrow the Sony, I could use it as my stationary wide angle cam and use the other 2 for medium and close up shots. Will it be easy to color correct the sony to look like the canons?

Comments

boomhower wrote on 3/7/2005, 10:07 AM
There will be a difference in the footage between the two brands....couldn't say for sure just how much or how noticeable it will be. If the play is in low light you may notice the diff more as many say the Sony's have better low light capabilities overall.

Can you get your hands on the Sony and run some test footage under similar circumstances (lighting etc. as the play)? That will give you a good idea of how different the cams shoot and how difficult it will be to correct between the two.

I haven't found color correction to be too terribly easy on one type cam much less using two.

Good Luck

Keith
johnmeyer wrote on 3/7/2005, 11:53 PM
I used two identical Sony cameras to shoot a ballet, and I was never able to get the color balance all that close, even with two of the exact same camera. Therefore, I always assume I'll have to do some color correction between cameras. Thus, I'd get whatever camera you can get for your third camera.

Having said that, to minimize any color tonality that you can't fix in post, I'd take this third camera and make sure it gets used for shots that are at least 90 degrees offset from the other two. For instance, if it were a wedding, and you had two cameras facing the altar, I'd put this third camera behind the altar facing the congregation. This minimizes the amount of common scenery between the shots, making it more difficult to notice color shifts. Also, the color actually IS different depending on which direction you shoot, due to reflections, light coming in through windows, etc.
Catwell wrote on 3/8/2005, 9:52 AM
I just shot an Organ Recital using one GL2 and one VX2000. I carefully color balanced beforehand and the difference was not that great. It will depend on what is acceptable to you. Shooting a play you will not have realistic colors anyway with the theatrical lighting, varying levels etc. I would plan on time spent in color correction even if the three cameras are the same.
Coursedesign wrote on 3/8/2005, 10:08 AM
If you shoot a color chart with all three cameras, in the actual light for each, then you'll have a far easier time in post.

Vector charts are the best although pricey (they can be used with the vector scopes in Vegas), but even a Kodak strip you can buy at many camera stores will help some (use preview splitscreen to match the footage),
jimingo wrote on 3/8/2005, 12:13 PM
Thanks for your help everyone.
-Jim
PhilinCT wrote on 3/8/2005, 4:45 PM
I do this all the time, Just shot a play Sunday night, One Gl-1, One Sony 250 and one 1000. The Sony's always run red (too much IMHO). They also have a full f-stop on my GL-1.

Tricks, Manually color balance each camera, I switch these live, so I can compare shots. Make sure you do this with the stage lights on! I always bring a big piece of white foam core to use as a WB. If no large white object is around, look for a cast or crew member with a white shirt!

I use camera placements with two camera in the back of the house, One runs wide the other tight. then I add a third or 4th in the wings or down front for details. In recording plays you do not want to get too tight or half the cast will want to know why you only ever focus in on the main charaters. Also good to watch the show the night before.

I switch these live to save time and only post out my mistakes....... I do run iso tapes in my two rear cameras just in case.

Audio is usually the most difficult part, make sure you are their for the sound check and talk to the sound guy in advance.

Good Luck, Shooting live plays is something I really enjoy and I do it more for fun than $$$.

Phil