16X9 Anamorphic at DVinfo.net

Peter Summers · May 9th, 2002, 09:20 AM

Has anyone made use of the Optex Ananmorphic Attachment for the XL-1? I am aware that it has limited use (Wide End vignetting) but even so...? Am seriously considering how to go about shooting a feature documentary in 16X9. Any ideas?

Ken Tanaka · May 9th, 2002, 09:57 AM

Hello Peter,

In case you missed it, Adam Wilt reviewed the Optex in the Feb issue of DV Magazine. The review is online at: http://www.dv.com/print_me.jhtml?LookupId=/dv/xml/review/wilt0202

You may have to undergo their free registration process to see it.

Peter Summers · May 9th, 2002, 12:52 PM

Hi Ken,

Thanks for the link info. It looks like the Adadpter could be extremely useful.

While I'm on the subject, do you know of any links or info re: documentary work + equipment use in extreme situations, eg tropical mountain regions/tropical rainforest? This is where I will be shoooting 80% of the doc and I'm slightly concerned about the weight of the XL-1 with accessories (shoulder pad, battery hook-up etc.)

I do want to use the XL, it is such a great tool, but may need to think it through a bit more. If anyone has any input I'd be greatful.

By the way, this site is an incredible resource. Thanks, and keep it up!

Peter.

Ken Tanaka · May 9th, 2002, 01:23 PM

Peter,

Just this week I attended a presentation given by a remarkable young Australian journalist/filmmaker, Michael Davie, sponsored by National Geographic. He specializes in going into socially or politically hot areas (ex: pakistan, Afghanistan, China, et.al.) and telling "untold" stories. He uses very minimal gear because, he says, larger gear is just too intimidating and attracts too much attention. I believe that he normally uses a Sony PD-150. You might be able to find more info on his work at nationageographic.org.

Bruce Johnson recently wrote an article for DV Magazine on a shooting trip through Africa with his XL1. You might still be able to find the article on the DV.com site's archive.

Lastly, there's an article (linked from the XL! Watchdog site) by a fellow who used an XL1 for a professional assignment in Hawaii. It may be of interest to you. It's at:

http://www.dirckhalstead.org/issue9808/cameracorner.htm

I think your choice of equipment will be dictated by what you're planning to shoot. If you plan to stick a camera in front of people who may be very superstitious or who might be afraid of repraisals then smaller is probably better.

Good luck with your adventures!

p.s. There are some great rebates on the Canon GL-1, the XL1s' little brother. It's an excellent cam for run-and-gun work.

Peter Summers · May 10th, 2002, 02:41 AM

Thanks Ken,

I will check out the National Geographic site. Sounds interesting.

I have considered using the XM-1 (GL-1 over in the States, right?) but am not sure how the quality of lense compares to other, lighter cameras. I know I need to add pro audio set up to whatever camera set-up I go with. The accessories for both the XL- and XM- over here are easily available. The PD-150 comes very highly recommended, but is also highly priced. I have budget enough for it, but it depends on what accessories I would need to put with it as a basic unit.

My main consideration here is the end result needing to be good enough for potential film transfer/tv broadcast (I say potential because I am still raising money for this. Production budget is acquired, but not transfer. I'm hoping to find an editing company that will be interested in getting involved.)

I have visited the Dirck Halstead site previously (he's "Platypus", isn't he?) and he reviews the XM-1 also. He likes it as a "back-up", but I haven't heard of anyone using the XM- to shoot for film. (?)

I am certainly going into some very sensitive areas and need to prioritise:
a. Long battery life
b. Weight (inc. pro audio set-up)
c. Lense quality/durability of camera

Thanks for your feedback, Ken. It has given me some more options.

Peter

Peter Summers · May 12th, 2002, 04:41 AM

Ken,

I went to the National Geographic site. That guy Michael sounds like a very interesting bloke. How was the lecture he gave?

Those personal documentary films are an entire arena of filmmaking, (that is under-resourced, I think) but is exciting. I love the adventure of it all.

Trouble was, I couldn't get anything more than a small biog of him. In the photo he looks like he's holding a 16mm film camera. (?) Do you have any more info on him?

I am still looking into cameras. As I have an XL-1 already I am thinking of getting an XM-1 as well. Do you know if I can get an audio setup (for a 'lone gun' camera shooting situation) that is transferable from the XL to the XM? So that I can invest the money in a setup that is compatible?

Cheers,
Peter.

Adrian Douglas · May 12th, 2002, 05:51 AM

Peter

Hunt around for a Beechtech. I think there is one for XL/XM/GL's

May 9th, 2002, 09:20 AM	#1
Peter Summers New Boot Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: England Posts: 11	16X9 Anamorphic Has anyone made use of the Optex Ananmorphic Attachment for the XL-1? I am aware that it has limited use (Wide End vignetting) but even so...? Am seriously considering how to go about shooting a feature documentary in 16X9. Any ideas?

May 9th, 2002, 09:57 AM	#2
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Hello Peter, In case you missed it, Adam Wilt reviewed the Optex in the Feb issue of DV Magazine. The review is online at: http://www.dv.com/print_me.jhtml?LookupId=/dv/xml/review/wilt0202 You may have to undergo their free registration process to see it. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

May 9th, 2002, 01:23 PM	#4
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Peter, Just this week I attended a presentation given by a remarkable young Australian journalist/filmmaker, Michael Davie, sponsored by National Geographic. He specializes in going into socially or politically hot areas (ex: pakistan, Afghanistan, China, et.al.) and telling "untold" stories. He uses very minimal gear because, he says, larger gear is just too intimidating and attracts too much attention. I believe that he normally uses a Sony PD-150. You might be able to find more info on his work at nationageographic.org. Bruce Johnson recently wrote an article for DV Magazine on a shooting trip through Africa with his XL1. You might still be able to find the article on the DV.com site's archive. Lastly, there's an article (linked from the XL! Watchdog site) by a fellow who used an XL1 for a professional assignment in Hawaii. It may be of interest to you. It's at: http://www.dirckhalstead.org/issue9808/cameracorner.htm I think your choice of equipment will be dictated by what you're planning to shoot. If you plan to stick a camera in front of people who may be very superstitious or who might be afraid of repraisals then smaller is probably better. Good luck with your adventures! p.s. There are some great rebates on the Canon GL-1, the XL1s' little brother. It's an excellent cam for run-and-gun work. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

May 12th, 2002, 05:51 AM	#7
Adrian Douglas Trustee Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Chigasaki, Japan. Posts: 1,660	Peter Hunt around for a Beechtech. I think there is one for XL/XM/GL's __________________ Adrian DVInfo.net Search for quick answers Where to buy? From the best in the business...DVInfo.net sponsors

May 9th, 2002, 12:52 PM	#3
Peter Summers New Boot Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: England Posts: 11	Hi Ken, Thanks for the link info. It looks like the Adadpter could be extremely useful. While I'm on the subject, do you know of any links or info re: documentary work + equipment use in extreme situations, eg tropical mountain regions/tropical rainforest? This is where I will be shoooting 80% of the doc and I'm slightly concerned about the weight of the XL-1 with accessories (shoulder pad, battery hook-up etc.) I do want to use the XL, it is such a great tool, but may need to think it through a bit more. If anyone has any input I'd be greatful. By the way, this site is an incredible resource. Thanks, and keep it up! Peter.

May 10th, 2002, 02:41 AM	#5
Peter Summers New Boot Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: England Posts: 11	Thanks Ken, I will check out the National Geographic site. Sounds interesting. I have considered using the XM-1 (GL-1 over in the States, right?) but am not sure how the quality of lense compares to other, lighter cameras. I know I need to add pro audio set up to whatever camera set-up I go with. The accessories for both the XL- and XM- over here are easily available. The PD-150 comes very highly recommended, but is also highly priced. I have budget enough for it, but it depends on what accessories I would need to put with it as a basic unit. My main consideration here is the end result needing to be good enough for potential film transfer/tv broadcast (I say potential because I am still raising money for this. Production budget is acquired, but not transfer. I'm hoping to find an editing company that will be interested in getting involved.) I have visited the Dirck Halstead site previously (he's "Platypus", isn't he?) and he reviews the XM-1 also. He likes it as a "back-up", but I haven't heard of anyone using the XM- to shoot for film. (?) I am certainly going into some very sensitive areas and need to prioritise: a. Long battery life b. Weight (inc. pro audio set-up) c. Lense quality/durability of camera Thanks for your feedback, Ken. It has given me some more options. Peter

May 12th, 2002, 04:41 AM	#6
Peter Summers New Boot Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: England Posts: 11	Ken, I went to the National Geographic site. That guy Michael sounds like a very interesting bloke. How was the lecture he gave? Those personal documentary films are an entire arena of filmmaking, (that is under-resourced, I think) but is exciting. I love the adventure of it all. Trouble was, I couldn't get anything more than a small biog of him. In the photo he looks like he's holding a 16mm film camera. (?) Do you have any more info on him? I am still looking into cameras. As I have an XL-1 already I am thinking of getting an XM-1 as well. Do you know if I can get an audio setup (for a 'lone gun' camera shooting situation) that is transferable from the XL to the XM? So that I can invest the money in a setup that is compatible? Cheers, Peter.