I'm sorry guys I had to take it down to allow a client to see a different piece online. I'm working on a piece I'm going to post this week now. It should be done in 1-2 days.

I'll add a vote to reactivate the link. :-)

Me Too
 

Another Vote To Put The Clip Back Online. I'd Really Like To See It. I've Been Away For Awhile But Your Stuff Is Awesome, And I'd Really Like To See It. Can You Email The File?

Matt

I just uploaded another clip- check the main listing under this room. You'll see the post.

Rene, shooting into the sun would damage the older style of video cameras that used a different kind of images device (I think they were called "tube-style" - not sure of the exact term - it's been a long time since I used one of those).

The cameras we all use today use chips so there is no problem shooting into the sun. What you DO have to worry about these days is NOT pointing the viewfinder up towards the sun, (sometimes happens when you carry the camera on a shoulder strap) The magnifier in the viewfinder can burn holes in your viewfinder lcd display (I've seen it happen on XL1 cameras)

Todd,

Are you sure about this?

Here's a quote from page 8 of the PD170 manual:

The manual says:

"Take pictures of the sun in low light conditions such as dusk."

Shooting into the sunset has never been a problem. I've also shot the sunrise on top of Haleakala Crater, and never had a problem.

I've used the DSR 300 and PD 150 in the past for many sunset weddings, and shooting into the sun has never been a problem. I believe the 170 is the same.

Two things you must be careful of is :

1. Don't tilt your viewfinder so that the sun can shine down through it - it will fry your viewfinder (it's like using a magnifying glass to fry ants)

2. Don't STARE directly into the sun - your EYES will eventually malfunction and they are not covered by any manufacturer's warranty that I am aware of.

monopod head
 

Glen,
Just wondering what kind of head do you use on the monopod for these shots?
Thanks!

I believe he uses the head that came with his body....

Good one!
 

Ha!
O.K.... Let's get more specific..does he use a (fluid) video head with a "pan handle" or a "swivel tilt head" that traditionally is used with a monopod. The reason I ask is because in this forum I've seen that some say to use the swivel tilt and then I've seen that there are a few that have said that they get some "jib" type of shots using the monopod and a video fluid head- though it doesn't seem that this is the more traditional way of mounting a video camera on a monopod.
Thanks!

I use a tilt head- it doesn't pan...only tilt up or down. That way I can angle the camera downward slightly and get a top-down view without having to lift the bottom end of the monopod very high to acheive the angle.

Thanks, Glen...Just wondering though if I could get some extra maneuverability with a light pan head like the Bogen / Manfrotto 701RC2 which you can lock the pan if you don't need it or will it be a disadvantage...I really don't have enough experience with monopods yet to anticipate any potential problems. I did order the 682B monopod and 701RC2 head- also the Kenko .65 wa. I gambled on the 701CR2 being useful for this. I'm always looking for new ideas and techniques in making my wedding videos nicer . Any videos out there that you know of that clearly demonstrate techniques in using a monopod (and not using expensive jibs and rigs!) to get a more cinematic look?
Thanks!

I don't use the monopod in a traditional way very often. I can see the benefit of having a pan head- but even if it doesn't pan you can always rotate the entire monopod (if your not using the leg extenders).

In regards to videos- there's is indeed one I HIGHLY recommend. "Moving Camera Techniques"- http://www.tulsaweddingvideos.com/videographers.shtml This video is fantastic- I've always wanted more detailed, visual explanations of handheld moving camera techniques. It's very comprehensive and has served as a core for a great deal of the techniques I employ in my shooting. In the video Mark goes over handheld techniques along with monopod and glidecam techniques.

In fact this video is the reason I invested in the bogen retractable legs for my monopod. Through his example I found a rather unorthadox way of using these legs to stabilize my high monopod shots.