Doing a wedding tomorrow...please help!

LeslieD wrote on 2/13/2009, 1:04 PM

I rented a camera (Cannon XH-A1) to try out and see if I want to buy one and am recording a wedding tomorrow. I have a few questions...

If your LCD screen can be adjusted to how you want it to look but doesn't affect the video....how do you check the white balance of the recorded material without capturing it on your computer and checking it?

I know before people have talked about using the Zebra stripes for this? How do you use it? I see them in while I am looking at what I am recording, but how do they help you adjust the way you are recording?

How do you use bars (the colored bars)?

Thanks in Advance!
Leslie

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fldave wrote on 2/20/2009, 7:54 PM

Re. HDV footage in V6 - convert the mpg to the Vegas built in AVI format using the HDV 1080 60i template, it creates a Cineform intermediate. Use this on your timelines, V6 will perform much better. No need to go to V8 yet.

LeslieD wrote on 3/1/2009, 3:45 PM

So what is the Sony equivalent to the Cannon XH-A1? What are the downfalls of that camera?

LeslieD wrote on 3/1/2009, 4:01 PM

Alright guys,

I am having a problem with my m2t files being choppy in Vegas. I read an old post on this forum at: http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?ForumID=4&MessageID=526076

Basically it said:
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OK, for all of you that have reported these problems, here's another thing to look for.

In Vegas, use the Explorer built into Vegas to find one of the files that you have put on the timeline, and which is playing slowly. Right-click on that file and then select "Properties." Scroll to the bottom of that dialog to the section that is labeled "Plug-In." Now, if the "Name" is listed as "m2tsplug.dll" and the "Format" is listed as "Sony M2TS," then your video has been captured correctly. However, if instead the "Name" is listed as "mcplug.dll" and the "Format" as "MainConcept MPEG-2" then your video has not been captured correctly and as a result is being played back within Vegas using the generic MainConcept code. The preview -- and everything else about your edit session -- is going to be slow, and there is nothing you can do about it other than try to recapture and hope everything goes right.

Now this is only with Vegas 7. If you are trying to play back m2t (HDV) files in Vegas 6 or earlier, then the playback is ALWAYS done with the MainConcept MPEG-2 plugin, and the playback will always be slow.
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I checked my files and they were this generic MainConcept code. So I guess according to that they captured wrong. I've long since returned the rented camera and cannot capture the HD files again until I buy a camera (which I am planning on doing soon anyway). I upgraded to Vegas 8, but was still using Vegas 6 when I captured this video onto my computer. Is it possible to change the format of these files using using Cineform intermediates (Neoscene) or employing proxies in editing (see VASST Ultimate S) even though they would captured wrong? I'm not sure if I fully undertstand what you can do with the intermediary or by employing proxies...correct me if I'm not getting it.

Thanks in Advance!
Leslie

Serena wrote on 3/1/2009, 5:18 PM

The first thing is to check your replay resolution. If you have chosen "best/full" it will be slow but probably fine at "preview/auto". You can also use other flavours of preview, depending on your machine. You need to use best/full when checking clip quality and FX, but otherwise a bit of fuzziness doesn't upset the workflow.
Proxies are SD avi copies of the original clips. You edit the proxies (generated by Ultimate S) and when ready you ask the software to swap the proxies for the original material clips (all edited, of course). You then render out.
Digital intermediates have advantages in that they are avi files, no longer long GOP files needing decoding as you play. There are advantages in colour coding and hold quality much better through multiple generations. You can generate a test by rendering a clip to a new track using the Cineform codec included with Vegas 8. I don't think you have to download the Cineform NEO Player (free), but a good idea anyway.

fldave wrote on 3/1/2009, 10:03 PM

I had great success with Cineform intermediates for a 3-cam shoot. The files were 40-50 GB each, so plan ahead for disk storage needs. They preview better in Vegas also.

When I made the intermediates, I color corrected/matched the three timelines before I created the intermediates. That way, I was only concerned about cuts/transitions and final color grading after that.

Never noticed an issue with the m2t playback using the above approach.

Serena wrote on 3/1/2009, 11:39 PM

>>>I color corrected/matched the three timelines before I created the intermediates<<

Why? Have you read http://www.cineform.com/technology/HDVQualityAnalysis051011.htmCF intermediate quality[/link]
Better to begin with the DIs for technical reasons and the natural workflow using HDLink.

LeslieD wrote on 3/3/2009, 5:16 PM

Well it looks like I'm going to get Neoscene...any reason to get Neoscene HD? I don't really want to because it's way more expensive, but I also don't want to get Neoscene and decide 5 months later that I should have gotten Neo Scene HD. Why would I need Neo Scene HD?

Thanks in Advance!
Leslie

Serena wrote on 3/3/2009, 6:00 PM

You mean NEO HD. I think you'll find Neo Scene adequate for your needs and you need to read through the specs on the Cineform site to check whether you agree. Several people here opted for Neo Scene as the upgrade from NEO HDV and they appear happy with their choice. A quick search here for NEO Scene should bring up those posts.

This might help: http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?ForumID=4&MessageID=634926differences[/link]

TeetimeNC wrote on 3/4/2009, 2:40 AM

At its price point the Canon XH-A1 is arguably the best HDV camera, Ive got two, but every camera has its compromises.(the canons got a couple of big ones!)

I started with a Canon GL2 (SD) and really like it. A few months ago a wedding shoot inspired me to upgrade to HD. Going into my research the XH-A1 was my leading contender because of my good GL2 experience. But I ended up getting a Panasonic HMC150 which is AVCHD. So far it has been an excellent cam with class leading low light capabilities, which is nice for weddings. I also really like the tapeless workflow.

Jerry

DGates wrote on 3/4/2009, 11:14 AM

I do a lot of weddings also, and I'm currently saving for 2 Panasonic 150's to replace my aging Sony VX2100's. I'm stoked to finally be offering HD, and the Panny's right now are the best cams in their price range.

LeslieD wrote on 4/1/2009, 2:53 PM

I'm now looking at the Panasonic HMC 150...Looks like an excellent camera.

Is it possible to use a my little Panasonic GS-200 as a backup? Judging from my experience with that little Panny, I doubt it since I am unable to manually set the white balance, so it's always way darker and it's colors are definitely less vibrant. I know, I'm dreaming...

Anybody seen any good prices on the 150?

Brad C. wrote on 4/1/2009, 7:30 PM

My 150 is showing up Monday. I made the order in time to get the good rebate of an extra large battery and 8gb card.

Can't wait.

AVCHD doesn't seem to bother me as much as it does other people.

B&H is still one of the lowest priced and most trusted places to order from. The new rebate is said to be a free 16gb Panasonic card.