3 x 60p shoot.. First time.

FPP wrote on 1/28/2015, 11:09 AM

Subject: 3 x 60p shoot.. First time.
Posted by: FPP
Date: 1/27/2015 10:08:51 PM

I've been chosen to do a comedy pretend celebrity dinner party video where all the action will take place at the 10 person dining table from beginning to end and then it will be chopped up into uniformed segments.
I'm using my Sony HDR cx900 mounted on a mobile tripod and two HDR cx330's stationed at an angle on opposite sides of the table positioned around head and shoulder high.
I want to record in 60p (avchd) and then render for viewing on Internet.
The cx330's record both 60i and 60p as well as dual record for MP4.. My cx900 records the same.
I'll have the ability to frame check all three cameras via IPad remote and a mounted hd monitor on the mobile unit.
I don't want to turned in anything less than beautiful results to client so I'm not too proud to ask for suggestions on how to pull this off by comparing notes I can gather from all the great brothers and sisters I know are in this forum.
Of course, one of my main concerns, and there are a few, is that all three video images match.. And then I'll be learning a little more about multicam editing as well.
I will rely on my audio that will be recorded to my cx900 by way of a beachtek xlr and two sennheiser shotguns boomed overhead.
Any advice and ideas offered here will be further proof that I have a chance at doing this with a " Sony Family" of pros approach.
Credit for any ideas I use from this forum will be prominently noted on my work.
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Comments

OldSmoke wrote on 1/28/2015, 12:05 PM

I usually work with 3 cameras, 2x HXR-NX5U and my AX100. I find it important to have a color chart like the ones from DSC Labs for white balance. I would normally white balance the cameras at their location and with the correct lighting using the white side of the chart and then record a few seconds of the color chart. This helps to match the cameras in post as close as possible on the media level and before creating the multicam track. This way the color correction is applied and I only make minor corrections if the shots don't match sufficiently to make the "sequence" look more harmonious... if that's the right word.

JackW wrote on 1/28/2015, 2:03 PM

OldSmoke's advice is excellent.

Also, be careful with your camera placement. It sounds from your post as though you'll have cameras on opposite sides of the table and this could result in "crossing the line," making editing very difficult unless you have lots of cutaway material from one of the cameras.

Jack

FPP wrote on 1/28/2015, 3:18 PM

@JackW
I should've stated opposite corners. I.e. North/west corner and south/east corners.

FPP wrote on 1/28/2015, 3:24 PM

@OldSmoke
I'm checking now to see if I can (manually) adjust white balance on the two cx330's.. We know it's no problem with the main camera (cx900).. If I'm not mistaken, I believe you work with the big brother (ax100) 4k.

OldSmoke wrote on 1/28/2015, 4:19 PM

@FPP
Don't forget to lock the WB! Smaller cameras tend to revert to Auto when switched Off and back On!

FPP wrote on 1/28/2015, 4:40 PM

@OldSmoke
Just bought the two cx330's a week ago and the main selling point for me is the 60p/60i & dual record feature.
I expect them to be a perfect accompaniment to my cx900 especially in the role of continuous b-rolling.
The white balance can be adjusted via three native settings in the unit, i e indoor, outdoor and intelligent.
Will be testing tonight.
10-4 on locking the setting.

OldSmoke wrote on 1/28/2015, 5:21 PM

@FPP
There should be a "One Push" setting as well for the CX-330. All you do is point the camera at something white, a sheet of paper folded so that it is fully opaque, then press with your finger on the CX-330 display and the camera will do a white balance.

FPP wrote on 1/29/2015, 4:42 PM

I've completed a three camera white balance using the same environmental lighting out doors today..
I must say that the two cx330's matched wonderfully with the cx900 when I played back the footage after a quick multicam edit.
The color from all three cameras look pretty close in my sight without any special fx applied.
I plan to boldly tweek color balance and such until all three visuals look like their coming from one camera
This as I am learning as I go.. When it comes time to start my next client project scheduled to begin in March, I want to dilute my learning curve.
I have to admit that there is just a little grainyness in the cx330's but not significant enough to worry about yet.
Any suggestions moving forward? I will be firing up the fluorescent lights in my studio this evening and repeating the same test.

OldSmoke wrote on 1/29/2015, 4:51 PM

Print yourself at least a gray scale chart and record a 10sec on each camera after WB has done, it helps a lot in post. In post you can then use Sony's CC together with the scopes and "tune" it.