I want the best possible shot at DVinfo.net

Frank Tomkins · October 30th, 2006, 05:46 PM

I have a Sony vx2100 which I use for filming snowboarding. I’ve always had a passion for photography and snowboarding. Ever since I shattered my leg in a car wreck I can’t really snowboard like I used to so I recently took up filming it. Almost all of the filming I do is in very well light outdoor situations. I got the camera last year and did a lot of experimenting with different settings and such to try and find the best looking, most colorful and vibrant shot my camera can provide. I wanted to know if anyone could help me out with some info on how to get that shot or at least where to find information.

Harold Schreiber · October 30th, 2006, 08:06 PM

Hi Frank,

Have you used an ND4 or 8 Filter, or a Polarizer Filter yet ?? These can help in those Xtra brite outdoor situations. For the snow I'd try the Polarizer for sure.

Are you certain your Monitor is porperly optimized (calibrated) to give you it's best Picture ?? Using either the Video Essentials or the Avia DVDs will help get it close, and a better Pic than you can get by just tuning to what you may think it should be. You may have the good Video signal, but if your monitor is not setup well, you may not know it.

Harold

Frank Tomkins · October 30th, 2006, 10:06 PM

thanks for the info. I have a polorized filter i can use but my century optics fisheye won't fit with any filters on there. I use the century a lot so i was wondering what camera settings i should be using, such as: aperture, shutter speed, gain and all that stuff. I'm still kinda a rookie with the thing, and this season i'm supposed to be filming with some up and coming production companies and I want to know my equipment really well. Are there any books or websites that can help me out?

Chris Barcellos · October 30th, 2006, 11:27 PM

Frank:

Shoot on manual.

Use zebras for exposure. I think I would set at 100% and when the the snow gets to just zebraing, then maybe back off a bit.

In bright conditions, you will likely have to shoot over 1/60 unless you add and external nuetral density filter, but that will usually be good enough even for action otherwise.

Actually the Sony autofocus is pretty quick and decently accurate even on the move, but most the pros want to shoot on manual focus so its not showing autofocus "hunt". It will take practice, but learn to do it.

October 30th, 2006, 05:46 PM	#1
Frank Tomkins New Boot Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Redlands, California Posts: 5	I want the best possible shot I have a Sony vx2100 which I use for filming snowboarding. I’ve always had a passion for photography and snowboarding. Ever since I shattered my leg in a car wreck I can’t really snowboard like I used to so I recently took up filming it. Almost all of the filming I do is in very well light outdoor situations. I got the camera last year and did a lot of experimenting with different settings and such to try and find the best looking, most colorful and vibrant shot my camera can provide. I wanted to know if anyone could help me out with some info on how to get that shot or at least where to find information.

October 30th, 2006, 10:06 PM	#3
Frank Tomkins New Boot Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Redlands, California Posts: 5	still a rookie thanks for the info. I have a polorized filter i can use but my century optics fisheye won't fit with any filters on there. I use the century a lot so i was wondering what camera settings i should be using, such as: aperture, shutter speed, gain and all that stuff. I'm still kinda a rookie with the thing, and this season i'm supposed to be filming with some up and coming production companies and I want to know my equipment really well. Are there any books or websites that can help me out?

October 30th, 2006, 11:27 PM	#4
Chris Barcellos Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Elk Grove CA Posts: 6,838	Frank: Shoot on manual. Use zebras for exposure. I think I would set at 100% and when the the snow gets to just zebraing, then maybe back off a bit. In bright conditions, you will likely have to shoot over 1/60 unless you add and external nuetral density filter, but that will usually be good enough even for action otherwise. Actually the Sony autofocus is pretty quick and decently accurate even on the move, but most the pros want to shoot on manual focus so its not showing autofocus "hunt". It will take practice, but learn to do it. __________________ Chris J. Barcellos

October 30th, 2006, 08:06 PM	#2
Harold Schreiber Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Olathe, Kansas Posts: 309	Hi Frank, Have you used an ND4 or 8 Filter, or a Polarizer Filter yet ?? These can help in those Xtra brite outdoor situations. For the snow I'd try the Polarizer for sure. Are you certain your Monitor is porperly optimized (calibrated) to give you it's best Picture ?? Using either the Video Essentials or the Avia DVDs will help get it close, and a better Pic than you can get by just tuning to what you may think it should be. You may have the good Video signal, but if your monitor is not setup well, you may not know it. Harold