Picture the scene, it’s the evening before your next shoot when you will be using a camera you are not familiar with or it’s been a while since you used this particular model. Running through the basic set-ups in your head the doubts begin…how do I select Log mode? What codec to use? What is the important difference between ISO and EI ? How do I set-up the viewfinder ? You’re in for a restless night’s trawling through endless online material or paper manuals.
Wouldn’t it be great if you had an experienced DoP right there with you giving quick, clear answers to your operational and set-up questions ? well now you have…sort of with our ‘Visual Bytes’ instructional videos.
With emphasis towards the Sony FS7 and PXW Z280 but relevant to all cameras and lenses we have produced a series of short 30sec – 1min videos that you can access anytime 24/7. These quick ‘how- to’ instructional videos cover all the essential areas you need to set-up your camera. This ever increasing ‘library’ is available for you to use whenever and wherever you are in the world.
Presented by practising BBC trained documentary DoP Jeremy Humphries, with over 30 years’ experience you can rest assured that the information comes from a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience and knowledge.
1. Exposing for Log
This video explains how to set up your exposure index and how to expose Log.
2. Shooting in mixed lighting
How to set the camera if you are shooting in mixed lighting conditions using colour temp. pre-sets.
3. Viewfinder Set Up
How to set up the contrast and brightness level in the FS7 M1 viewfinder before filming.
4. Assignable buttons
How and what to programme onto your assignable buttons on the Sony FS7 M1.
5. User menu
The value it delivers, what's available and how to use it before you start shooting.
6. Viewfinder markings
What's displayed, how it tells you the current status of the camera and how to monitor the information.
7. XAVC-I vs XAVC-L
What's the difference between them and when you should use which one.
8. Using the Status button
What it displays, how to use the information and the benefits over the user menu button.
9. Variable ND - FS7 M2
What it is, why we need it, how to use it and the benefits it brings.
10. Aperture/Iris control
How to adjust it, why you may need to and how it affects your depth of field.
11. Focusing on the move
Why it's more difficult with large sensors, how to make it easier by using visuals aids and Canon EF lenses.
12. Shallow depth of field
How to achieve Shallow depth of field( DoF), why it's important and what factors affect it.
13. Canon EF lenses
What you need to be aware off when using them, adaptors and limitations when using Canon EF lenses.
14. Using Zebras
How to set them up, what they are used for and the benefits they bring.
15.Using Log/Cine EI
What it is, the benefits it brings and downsides of using Log and when you should use it.
.
16. LUTs
What Look up tables (LUT's) do, the process to set them up and why we need them.
17. MI shoes
What the MI shoe does, the benefits and limitations - no cables required.
.
18. Prime lenses
The benefits, when to use them, how to overcome the limitations and what focal length to choose.
19. Gain in custom mode
What is gain, common settings, limitations, how to apply and when to use it.
20. Keeping camera level
How to keep it level horizontally and vertically, how to monitor off-set with visual indicators.
21. Storytelling
How to use your camera as a storytelling tool using its ability to handle colour, resolution and depth of field.
22. Auto buttons
What these buttons do, the effect they have and why a lot of the time it's best to turn them off.
23. Posture
How to configure the camera ergonomically so that it’s comfortable to use over a long period .
