So today I had one of those days that showed me the potential of my video process at work.
The paper has started to push for better content for online, which is right in the wheel house of video.
The trick is to turn around a fully realised one to two minute mini movie, usually a speaker and some B-roll, in about half an hour, then do it again, because we are now dropping twice a day rather than working towards a papers deadline. The reality is, there is no guarantee we will even use the footage, but it needs to be ready none the less.
Today I had it all.
The two TV stations sent their crews, who usually work together, and we stills shooters tend to either sit back and watch or piggy back where we can. I prefer the latter. Today, with my mind on video, but no specific need, I could not resist. The two TV crews in this environment went full “Ken Burns”, setting a beautiful scene (literally thanks to the work in the background).
Seriously, how could you resist.
I set up the G9 with the 15mm at 1080p/10 bit, managed to capture several clips at the 15mm setting and with the 2.7x loss-less converter setting (same as above roughly, taken on the EM1 and the 45mm at the same time!).
This one shows the semi “book” reflected light technique used to light the scene.
So yes, I managed some stills at the same time, but needed the mechanical shutter to avoid banding, which should have been my first warning.
The gentle click of an EM1 can be heard if you listen for it.
There was clearly some flicker from the lights, because I had set the camera to 30p to reduce panning judder (which it seemed to), but then I was running at the wrong frame rate for the 50hz lights. Sometimes the view finder acts up more than the actual sensor, so I kept going.
Alas, no.
Frustratingly, the footage looks every bit as good as the stills, when you freeze it anyway.
Seems like I have to shoot at 25 or 50p, then maybe process at 30p, to see if I can beat both. Still lots to learn.
On a happier note, I successfully shot video with the G9 and stills with the EM1 at the same time. Cool.
I may invest in one of those monopods with feet, so I can juggle this better.
I just ordered an iFootage Cobra 2 120 aluminium monopod/table top tripod, which will allow me to shoot free hand easily and reduce the (relative) strain of the 300mm for all day shoots. At $125au it seemed a steal. Another handy use is lighting, flash and even mics, so it will not go to waste. There is also a flat foot for those uses and some accessory legs. Lots of options.