A tip on custom settings....

Douglas Joseph · November 9th, 2005, 03:11 PM

I also have the same question as Travis. Where can I find, or download more custom presets? I think it's great I'm able to this, and would just like to be able to find more.

Thanks,
D.C. Joseph.

Pete Bauer · November 9th, 2005, 03:24 PM

Doug and Travis,

Hey, guys, we're all waiting for you to invent and post more presets! ;-)

(The ones you listed are the only ones I'm aware of that have been posted).

Douglas Joseph · November 9th, 2005, 05:21 PM

Hey, man, I'm workin' on it; been experimenting everyday for the most part. It won't be long...

Lucinda Luvaas · December 11th, 2005, 12:40 PM

In terms of the black and white presets...I'm using 30 instead of 24 and wonder if there would be any change in your settings Ash because of this.

Lucinda

Ash Greyson · December 12th, 2005, 02:04 AM

No change... if you want the grain effect you can boost the gain more in 30P mode. You may also want to adjust the coring if the noise is too digital looking... you can even get it on the + side to smooth it out more.

ash =o)

Kevin Brumfield · December 27th, 2005, 06:51 PM

Hey folks,

I'm a Mac user so I've been picking apart the posted presets and have a quick question. For settings which have clearly defined ranges, such as Coring (-6 to +6), the settings are obvious. However, for settings such as Gamma, does 1=Normal or Cine? Below are the ones I'm having trouble decoding;

Gamma (Video/Cine)
Knee (H/M/L)
Black (Stretch/Normal/Press)
Vertical Detail (Normal/Low)
Noise Reduction (OFF/H/N/L)

Thanks for any help.

Kevin

Larry Huntington · January 5th, 2006, 09:30 PM

Any mac version of software for settings upload yet??

Javier Urena · January 7th, 2006, 06:06 PM

I have just downloaded all the presets except for 'Amelie" and 'Saturated'. For some reason, when I try to download these 2 it takes me to the Log-in screen instead. Anyone else experiencing this? I'm on a Mac.

Joe Bulleit · February 16th, 2006, 12:07 AM

This forum has been a wonderful source of information for me, but this is my first post. I just recently purchased an XL2, and was wondering if anyone could recommend a preset to optimize video for a fireworks display?

There is very little information about this subject to be found online, other than a general consensus that fireworks "present quite a challenge" to even the most experienced videographer.

I have been doing these videos for quite some time (I work for a large fireworks chain) but never with an XL2. My other camera is the GL2, and it does an "adequate" job, but I was certain the XL2 could out preform it. So far, I haven't managed to figure out the best settings.

The problem with fireworks video is the ultra high contrast and the thousands of tiny points of bright fast moving light against a black sky. Most video cameras will over expose the bright light, losing most (if not all) of the color and fine detail in the display. Another problem is that it's very difficult to get a good focus on fireworks, as you have no steady image to focus on while there is a burst in the air (and of course just black sky at all other times). The tiny LCD/EVF in the XL2 certainly doesn't help with this.

What I need is a preset that will retain most of the color while goiveing me razor sharp clarity and brightness.

With regard to the focus issue, has anyone tried plugging in an external battery powered LCD monitor (maybe a portable DVD player) to use as a more econmical field monitor?

Thanks in advance for any help you guys can provide.

-jb-

Greg Boston · February 16th, 2006, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Bulleit

This forum has been a wonderful source of information for me, but this is my first post. I just recently purchased an XL2, and was wondering if anyone could recommend a preset to optimize video for a fireworks display?

There is very little information about this subject to be found online, other than a general consensus that fireworks "present quite a challenge" to even the most experienced videographer.

I have been doing these videos for quite some time (I work for a large fireworks chain) but never with an XL2. My other camera is the GL2, and it does an "adequate" job, but I was certain the XL2 could out preform it. So far, I haven't managed to figure out the best settings.

The problem with fireworks video is the ultra high contrast and the thousands of tiny points of bright fast moving light against a black sky. Most video cameras will over expose the bright light, losing most (if not all) of the color and fine detail in the display. Another problem is that it's very difficult to get a good focus on fireworks, as you have no steady image to focus on while there is a burst in the air (and of course just black sky at all other times). The tiny LCD/EVF in the XL2 certainly doesn't help with this.

What I need is a preset that will retain most of the color while goiveing me razor sharp clarity and brightness.

With regard to the focus issue, has anyone tried plugging in an external battery powered LCD monitor (maybe a portable DVD player) to use as a more econmical field monitor?

Thanks in advance for any help you guys can provide.

-jb-

I have shot some fireworks. I typically stay full wide and focus to infinity. You are correct about the contrast ratio and you have to pick proper exposure for the fireworks and let the rest of the sky be black. This is one instance where you don't reallly care about exposure latitude as long as the lights of the fireworks are properly exposed. If you are able, get them to send up one item before the show to let you get a focus lock if you choose to go that route. Keep your iris stopped down as far as you can which will help deepen depth of field and relieve some of the focus work.

-gb-

Joe Bulleit · February 16th, 2006, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg Boston

I have shot some fireworks. I typically stay full wide and focus to infinity. You are correct about the contrast ratio and you have to pick proper exposure for the fireworks and let the rest of the sky be black. This is one instance where you don't reallly care about exposure latitude as long as the lights of the fireworks are properly exposed. If you are able, get them to send up one item before the show to let you get a focus lock if you choose to go that route. Keep your iris stopped down as far as you can which will help deepen depth of field and relieve some of the focus work.

-gb-

Thanks for the tips, Greg. One problem I was having on the focus is that I had the iris wide open. I didn't think about the shallow DOF this created.

Now I hope this isn't a horribly stupid question, but when you say "focus lock", is this just an expression, or is there a way that I'm not aware of to actually set the focus and "lock it" on the XL2?

Here's another stupid question: Regarding focusing on "infinity", I typically look for anything I can set focus on (any distant illuminated object), zoom all the way in (20x) get a sharp focus on that, then zoom all they way back out again. Is there a better way?

Thanks again...jb

Greg Boston · February 16th, 2006, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Bulleit

Thanks for the tips, Greg. One problem I was having on the focus is that I had the iris wide open. I didn't think about the shallow DOF this created.

Now I hope this isn't a horribly stupid question, but when you say "focus lock", is this just an expression, or is there a way that I'm not aware of to actually set the focus and "lock it" on the XL2?

Here's another stupid question: Regarding focusing on "infinity", I typically look for anything I can set focus on (any distant illuminated object), zoom all the way in (20x) get a sharp focus on that, then zoom all they way back out again. Is there a better way?

Thanks again...jb

Focus lock was actually a figure of speech. If you are not in auto-focus mode, you actually lock the focus as soon as you stop manually focusing. (grin)

Another thing I did was slip a wide angle adapter on the lens to get more real estate in the shot and to help with DOF. Keep the iris closed and slow down the shutter speed to compensate. Remember, the lights you are taping are pretty intense so it's not as big a problem to achieve good exposure as you might think.

I will try to find some time to upload a clip for you to look at. The fireworks are not commercial, just the most powerful stuff we mere mortals can get our hands on.

-gb-

p.s. which chain do you work for?

Ash Greyson · February 16th, 2006, 02:21 AM

Here are some things to try...

Gain: -3db
Knee: LOW
Blacks: PRESS
SetUp Level: down 3 notches
Master Pedestal: down 3-5 notches

As far as color, I would use normal video gamma, not cinegamma and cheat it toward red on the color phase a notch or two. Might want to boost the color gain a notch or two as well. Also, try out some high and low shutters, those can have a nice effect, either causing the lights to flare crisply (high shutter) ot trail off (low shutter). If you do low shutter, make sure you are locked down on a tripod.

ash =o)

Joe Bulleit · February 16th, 2006, 01:15 PM

OK... So here's the preset that Ash recommended for shooting fireworks video. Please let me know if I have failed to translate these correctly:

[Presets]
Preset Name = FIREWORK
Gamma = 0
Knee = 2
Black = 2
NR = 0
VDetail = 0
Color Matrix = 0
Color Gain = 2
Color Phase = 2
Red = 0
Green = 0
Blue = 0
SetupLevel = -3
Sharpness = 0
Coring = 0
MasterPed = -4
Description = (Ash Greyson) Recommended settings for shooting fireworks video

Thanks for the help!
jb

Colin Jones · May 7th, 2006, 10:21 AM

Does anybody know what settings to use on the XL2 to recreate the look of 8mm film? I want to try and get the same kind of look that is used in the PBS TV show Globetrekker. They use this look for cutaways. Any pointers? Do I need to do it in post? I use FCE so any settings I need for post would need to be available in that.

TIA

Colin

November 9th, 2005, 03:24 PM	#32
Pete Bauer Wrangler Join Date: May 2003 Location: Eagle River, AK Posts: 4,100	Doug and Travis, Hey, guys, we're all waiting for you to invent and post more presets! ;-) (The ones you listed are the only ones I'm aware of that have been posted). __________________ Pete Bauer The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. Albert Einstein Trying to solve a DV mystery? You may find the answer behind the SEARCH function ... or be able to join a discussion already in progress!

December 27th, 2005, 06:51 PM	#36
Kevin Brumfield Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 43	Hey folks, I'm a Mac user so I've been picking apart the posted presets and have a quick question. For settings which have clearly defined ranges, such as Coring (-6 to +6), the settings are obvious. However, for settings such as Gamma, does 1=Normal or Cine? Below are the ones I'm having trouble decoding; Gamma (Video/Cine) Knee (H/M/L) Black (Stretch/Normal/Press) Vertical Detail (Normal/Low) Noise Reduction (OFF/H/N/L) Thanks for any help. Kevin __________________ Kevin Brumfield Canon XL2 & GL2, Sony DSR-11, FCP Studio http://www.firststarproductions.com

February 16th, 2006, 12:07 AM	#39
Joe Bulleit New Boot Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7	Best Settings for Fireworks??? This forum has been a wonderful source of information for me, but this is my first post. I just recently purchased an XL2, and was wondering if anyone could recommend a preset to optimize video for a fireworks display? There is very little information about this subject to be found online, other than a general consensus that fireworks "present quite a challenge" to even the most experienced videographer. I have been doing these videos for quite some time (I work for a large fireworks chain) but never with an XL2. My other camera is the GL2, and it does an "adequate" job, but I was certain the XL2 could out preform it. So far, I haven't managed to figure out the best settings. The problem with fireworks video is the ultra high contrast and the thousands of tiny points of bright fast moving light against a black sky. Most video cameras will over expose the bright light, losing most (if not all) of the color and fine detail in the display. Another problem is that it's very difficult to get a good focus on fireworks, as you have no steady image to focus on while there is a burst in the air (and of course just black sky at all other times). The tiny LCD/EVF in the XL2 certainly doesn't help with this. What I need is a preset that will retain most of the color while goiveing me razor sharp clarity and brightness. With regard to the focus issue, has anyone tried plugging in an external battery powered LCD monitor (maybe a portable DVD player) to use as a more econmical field monitor? Thanks in advance for any help you guys can provide. -jb-

February 16th, 2006, 01:15 PM	#44
Joe Bulleit New Boot Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7	Fireworks Preset OK... So here's the preset that Ash recommended for shooting fireworks video. Please let me know if I have failed to translate these correctly: [Presets] Preset Name = FIREWORK Gamma = 0 Knee = 2 Black = 2 NR = 0 VDetail = 0 Color Matrix = 0 Color Gain = 2 Color Phase = 2 Red = 0 Green = 0 Blue = 0 SetupLevel = -3 Sharpness = 0 Coring = 0 MasterPed = -4 Description = (Ash Greyson) Recommended settings for shooting fireworks video Thanks for the help! jb

May 7th, 2006, 10:21 AM	#45
Colin Jones Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Portland OR Posts: 77	Settings request Does anybody know what settings to use on the XL2 to recreate the look of 8mm film? I want to try and get the same kind of look that is used in the PBS TV show Globetrekker. They use this look for cutaways. Any pointers? Do I need to do it in post? I use FCE so any settings I need for post would need to be available in that. TIA Colin

November 9th, 2005, 03:11 PM	#31
Douglas Joseph Major Player Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Zanesville OH Posts: 205	I also have the same question as Travis. Where can I find, or download more custom presets? I think it's great I'm able to this, and would just like to be able to find more. Thanks, D.C. Joseph.

November 9th, 2005, 05:21 PM	#33
Douglas Joseph Major Player Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Zanesville OH Posts: 205	Hey, man, I'm workin' on it; been experimenting everyday for the most part. It won't be long...

December 11th, 2005, 12:40 PM	#34
Lucinda Luvaas Major Player Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 233	In terms of the black and white presets...I'm using 30 instead of 24 and wonder if there would be any change in your settings Ash because of this. Lucinda

December 12th, 2005, 02:04 AM	#35
Ash Greyson Trustee Join Date: May 2003 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,689	No change... if you want the grain effect you can boost the gain more in 30P mode. You may also want to adjust the coring if the noise is too digital looking... you can even get it on the + side to smooth it out more. ash =o)

January 5th, 2006, 09:30 PM	#37
Larry Huntington Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Grass Valley, California Posts: 350	Any mac version of software for settings upload yet??

January 7th, 2006, 06:06 PM	#38
Javier Urena Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 67	I have just downloaded all the presets except for 'Amelie" and 'Saturated'. For some reason, when I try to download these 2 it takes me to the Log-in screen instead. Anyone else experiencing this? I'm on a Mac.

February 16th, 2006, 02:21 AM	#43
Ash Greyson Trustee Join Date: May 2003 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,689	Here are some things to try... Gain: -3db Knee: LOW Blacks: PRESS SetUp Level: down 3 notches Master Pedestal: down 3-5 notches As far as color, I would use normal video gamma, not cinegamma and cheat it toward red on the color phase a notch or two. Might want to boost the color gain a notch or two as well. Also, try out some high and low shutters, those can have a nice effect, either causing the lights to flare crisply (high shutter) ot trail off (low shutter). If you do low shutter, make sure you are locked down on a tripod. ash =o)