Canon Filmmakers

Reel World: Kivalina Documentary Shot on the 5d + 7d

Cristina Valdivieso — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 05:45:04 +0000

In the book “Packing for Mars,” author Mary Roach describes a condition NASA refers to as “space euphoria.” The first two NASA astronauts to walk in space experienced not only an odd euporia but also a disinclination to get back inside the capsule. As we flew inside a plane sparsely peppered with passengers from Anchorage to Kotzebue, we stared out of the window and watched in awe. The sun was rising amidst some of the heaviest, billowing clouds we had ever seen. We were over the mountain range the natives refer to as Denali or, more commonly known, as Mount McKinley. The majestic apex peaked its head through the clouds and we suddenly realized we were experiencing our own sort of “space euphoria.” We got the sudden sense that this whole thing was bigger than either of us.

It’s an all to rare occurrence in life that we get to truly step outside our comfort zone. We are extremely grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Most of you have probably never heard of Kivalina, Alaska. In fact, until Mike Collins approached us about filming this documentary series, neither had we. After some initial research, it became quite apparent that this tiny island had it’s own story that had to be told. As one of the few remaining Inupiaq villages in the United States, Kivalina has struggled as a community to fight for what they deserve, a solid, safe place to call home.

Our time spent with the people of Kivalina is something we’ll never forget. It’s such a humbling experience to go into a new environment where despite not having all the luxuries we now consider necessities, the community defies the stereotype of being “needy” and, is in fact, one of the most giving we’ve ever encountered.

Below is the short we edited. The final product will be a longer documentary and the first part of a series about poverty within the United States.

Thanks so much to our good friend and the series producer, Mike Collins, for giving us such a great opportunity. Also, thank you so much to our new friend and the producer, Lynette Wilson.

Some technical notes:

Shot on the Canon 5d and 7d with the 200 f/2.0, 85 f/1.2, 50 f/1.2, 24 f/1.4, 24-70 f/2.8, 70-200 f/2.8, and 16-35 f/2.8.While we shot mostly on tripods, we also used the Kessler Crane Pocket Dolly with the Oracle Controller and Elektra Drive motor and the Zacuto Z-Finder.

Jon Connor:

Cristina Valdivieso:

Essential Kit ~ Patrick Moreau and Michael Gebben

Cristina Valdivieso — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 22:34:46 +0000

Recently, we got to sit down with Patrick Moreau from StillMotion and Michael Gebben from Gebbs Wedding Films.
We first met Patrick at Re:Frame Austin back in April 2009 where he played a huge part in our decision to buy a 5d. We’re eternally grateful!
Patrick has always been at the top of his game. It’s quite evident by watching the films he produce that he has a complete understanding and appreciation for his craft. Every time I hear him talk about filmmaking I learn something new and, within quite a saturated industry, that’s hard to come by.

Last week in Orlando, Patrick introduced us to Michael Gebben… CEA award winner for his same day edit shown below.
Both Patrick and Michael gave us an inside look to their essential kit. As you’ll see, there are drastic differences between the two but each serves its purpose.

Patrick’s kit:

Michael’s kit:

Nikon 50 f/1.4 or Canon 50 f/1.4

Lowel Pro Light

iRiver

Tascam DR 100

Zoom H1

Check out one of Still Motion’s same day edits:

Check out one of StillMotion’s films for the NFL:

Check out Gebbs Wedding Films award winning same day edit:

Canon Expo 2010 – NYC

johnhyland — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 00:43:20 +0000

Canon Expo 2010

Thursday was a long day… in the good way. I took my time taking in Canon Expo 2010 among the likes of many talented Canon Filmmakers including Anthony Quintano, Tom Markiewicz, Mike Collins, Roman France and Jared Abrams of Cinema 5D. I never realized the scope of what Canon actually produced in the field of image making. I found myself reading every tag and banner as I made my way through each area from Broadcast and Communications to Healthcare Technologies to Print Production. As a DSLR shooter, the EXPO had so much more to do with me getting to know the company that, for now, I’m banking my livelihood upon.

My kit will always include a video camera and the image quality and size of what Canon showcased has me thinking seriously about migrating over to Canon video camera. The XF105 and XF100 are small and produce an image with double the color resolution of HDV, utilizing the 4:2:2 color space. With 2 XLR inputs and the ability to record on CF cards, I already have a nice small bag in mind to carry one of these around.

The most intriguing thing I witnessed at the Expo was… 3D projection! (pause 5 seconds) Of course not. It was the camera that will not likely ever be produced and sold: The 4K concept camera. There were a few of these working, fixed lens, cameras on display but I believe their purpose was to send a message; bigger things are yet to come. It’s hard to believe that I was once blown away by the original GH1 that shot DV on a mini-DV cassette. The image from the 4K cam was sharp and rich and won’t be accessible until… who knows.

The day was capped off with the NYCDSLR Meetup at Lucky Strikes Bowling alley on 42nd St on the West side. What’s the connection between bowling and shooting video with a DSLR? The place served drinks and had comfortable couches–simple question, simple answer. Who showed up? Phillip Bloom, Planet Mitch, Zack McTee, Andrea Allen, Anthony Quintano, Jared Abrams (my fingers are getting tired) and Amy Reese even managed to get a photo with Matt Dillon. The NYCDSLR Meetup is growing, maturing and likely getting a space to call home so look for more info here and sign up: http://www.meetup.com/NYC-DSLR-Meetup/ Thanks to all who came down and joined in the Good Times. It was all smiles.

Thanks Cristina & Jon, I’m looking forward to hearing all about your trip to Alaska.

Canon Expo 2010 + NYC DSLR Meetup

Cristina Valdivieso — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:45:25 +0000

Every five years Canon gathers thousands of pros from around the world at their much anticipated event, Canon Expo. Well it has almost arrived… September 2–3 in New York at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center the likes of Philip Bloom, Rodney Charters, Shane Hurlurt, and Vincent Laforet will be gathered at what should be quite an epic event with a few surprises.
Canon says “This unique event showcases the full scope of Canon imaging as you’ve never seen it before. You’ll experience the latest imaging products and technologies in real-world scenarios. You’ll also get personal insights and best practices from industry experts. And you’ll learn how the future of imaging can have a profound effect on your life and your business. Now is your chance to discover it all at Canon EXPO 2010 New York, where the possibilities of imaging are infinite.”
As we’ve all learned the possibilities really are infinite and as much as it saddens us that we won’t be a part of this event, we are thrilled that our experiences with Canon’s line of DSLR’s is taking us to Kivalina, Alaska to work on an amazing documentary we’re filming for Mike Collins. Don’t worry though, even though we won’t be there our good friend, John Hyland will be keeping you all informed about all the happenings at Canon Expo 2010.
Another great thing going on during the Canon Expo is what should be a huge NYC DSLR Meetup organized by John Hyland and Anthony Quintano. Make sure to mark your calendar for Thursday, September 2nd at 7:30pm.

Canon 60D ~ With Sample Video

Cristina Valdivieso — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:30:19 +0000

We knew something was coming soon and I must say I’m pretty excited to see the articulating screen from the Canon 60D! The 60D will be replacing the 50D and will have an 18MP APS-C CMOS Sensor and will be able to shoot HD Video at 1920 x 1080 at frame rates of 30, 24, and 25 frames per second, for up to 4GB per clip. You can also shoot HD at 1280 x 720 (50/60 fps) or SD/VGA at 640 x 480 (50/60 fps).

Its set to come out in September for $1,099 so stay tuned for more info.

Here’s some details courtesy of B&H:

18MP CMOS Sensor and DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor: The EOS 60D features a Canon-designed 18MP APS-C size CMOS sensor that captures such a high level of resolution, it’s easy to crop images for enlargement without concern of losing detail. A major factor in reducing noise, the CMOS sensor assures that images shot at highest sensitivity will be remarkably smoothThe improved DIGIC 4 Image Processor ensures that images are captured, processed and saved with remarkable speed. The EOS 60D DSLR’s new 3:2 multiple aspect ratio, in-camera RAW image processing, creative filters, image resizing and provided S2 and S3 image-recording quality are all possible thanks to the DIGIC 4 Image Processor. With dazzling results, the new DIGIC 4 Image Processor also works to capture and process data of images shot at 18MP at 5.3 fps, as well as 14-bit signal processing for excellent image gradation, enhanced Face Detection Live mode, Full HD video recording, Auto Lighting Optimizer and Lens Peripheral Optimization

High ISO Sensitivity: With a broad range of ISO settings, expandable up to 6400 in the auto setting and 12800 with custom function, the EOS 60D enables shooting from sunrise to sunset and helps ensure capture of the finest detail. With enhanced high-sensitivity optimization, subjects can be captured clearly and easily at high shutter speeds without flash, with minimized blur and noise. In bright scenes, especially long exposures in daylight, optimal exposure can be achieved with a fully open wide-diameter lens, no dark filter needed

EOS HD Video

The EOS 60D features HD Video capture technologies – manual exposure control for more creative control, for example – borrowed directly from professional Canon DSLRs to capture stellar video with all the benefits of shooting with a DSLR. By shooting video with the EOS 60D, photographers as well as filmmakers can take advantage of the creative features native to DSLR cameras. Along with its manual controls, the EOS 60D allows for full use of Canon EF and EF-S lenses, including macro and fisheye, providing a plethora of shooting options once reserved only for still photography. The resulting HD video is a standout in its beautiful depth-of-field characteristics and remarkable capture capability under poor lighting conditions. Additionally, a Movie Crop function is included: An SD-quality video (640 x 480) can be cropped to the equivalent of about 7x magnification of regular shootingThe audio input level can be set to auto or manual, up to 64 levels, and a wind filter minimizes unwanted background noise. By pressing the Quick Control button, a simple graphic user interface for adjusting image quality, white balance, image creation and other settings appears on the LCD. The EOS 60D even lets users edit video in-camera: On-site or off, unnecessary scenes can be deleted and the start/end points of video footage can be designated via in-camera editing functions without the need of a separate computer

Video can be captured at a number of resolutions and frame rates for numerous applications. It can capture 1920 x 1080 Full HD video at frame rates of 30 (29.97 fps), 24 (23.976 fps) and 25.0 frames per second, for up to 4GB per clip. Video footage is saved as MOV files and can be viewed in Full HD through the EOS 60D DSLR’s HDMI output. Other recording sizes include HD at 1280 x 720 (50/60 fps) or SD/VGA at 640 x 480 (50/60 fps) -24/30 fps delivers cinema-like motion, while 60 fps is perfect for footage being uploaded to video-sharing websites. The EOS 60D also has a built-in microphone for simple mono recording and stereo sound can be recorded through a self-powered external microphone

Vari-Angle 3″ Clear View LCD Monitor: The EOS 60D features a bright, high resolution, flip-out Vari-angle 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor for shooting at a variety of angles. By easily switching between low and high angles, the EOS 60D freely enables angle adjustments even if the camera is mounted on a tripod or has a battery grip attachedWith 1,040,000 (dots/VGA) pixels for spectacular detail, the advanced, smudge-resistant monitor includes high transparency materials plus anti-reflective and water-repellent coatings to provide clear and bright viewing. Superb for reviewing, editing and deleting photos or composing new images in Live View function, the Vari-angle Clear View LCD monitor also allows access to camera settings like ISO, metering modes, AF Point selection, the horizontal Electronic Level and flash options

5.3 fps Continuous Shooting: With a 0.1 second start-up time, speedy autofocus, and minimal shutter lag, the EOS 60D is made to capture even rapidly-occurring scenes with stunning precision. Able to shoot up to 5.3 frames per second (fps), capturing a maximum burst of approximately 58 Large/JPEGs and 16 RAW, the EOS 60D DSLR lets you catch even the briefest of moments, whether it’s a faced-paced soccer game or the flicker of a candle flame

96% Viewfinder Coverage: The EOS 60D features a redesigned viewfinder that not only offers an improved 96% coverage, 0.95x magnification, a 27° angle of view and user-controlled dioptric adjustment, it also features a transparent LCD display that enables a number of viewfinder displays. A six-level battery check indicator has been added on the left, and the exposure level indicator scale has been expanded to up to three stops, with arrows indicating greater exposure levelsThe EOS 60D also features a horizontal Electronic Level, that, when activated, is superimposed on the LCD monitor to aid in achieving evenly leveled shots by indicating the horizontal tilt up to approximately 9° in 1° increments

Reel World: Paul Pryor Uses the 5d for charity: water

Cristina Valdivieso — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:02:31 +0000

I stumbled upon this piece on Vimeo and I was completely amazed by it.
Shot by Paul Pryor with two 5d MK II’s, 17-35mm f/2.8, and a 50mm f/1.2.
Learn more about this important charity here.

Kessler Crane Pocket Dolly + Oracle Controller

Cristina Valdivieso — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 19:52:07 +0000

Since we started shooting with the Canon 5d and 7d we’ve had our share of accessories. Some we’ve loved, some we’ve hated, and some we’ve grown out of. In the coming weeks we will be doing a comparison of all the sliders we’ve owned but for now, let’s talk about our newest one… Recently we got the Kessler Crane Pocket Dolly and have absolutely loved it. Like most of our filmmaking accessories, we’ve owned a few different makes and models of sliders but the Pocket Dolly is by far our favorite so far. One of the reasons the Pocket Dolly is at the top of our list is that you can add to it. Instead of relying on your hand to nail the correct speed of the motion, you can get the Oracle controller which will ensure your dolly move is perfect the first time. What’s even better is that you can record your moves so you can even be in the shot yourself. But let’s be honest here, the main reason we got it was to take our timelapses to the next level

Now we just got the Oracle Controller two days ago but we took it out last night to the first ever Philly DSLR meetup. Due to the rain, we ended up having to move the meetup to North Bowl but there was no way we weren’t going to use the Oracle…. we had been looking forward to using it since it came in the mail. So we set it up to do a few timelapses at one image every three seconds. We set up the Oracle to move the entire distance of the Pocket Dolly in about an hour.

Check out the results:

Shot on the Canon 5d with the 24mm f/1.4

Also, if you happen to have the Oracle Controller, here’s a few tutorials you may find helpful:

Palm Springs: 360 Degree Underwater GoPro Timelapse

Cristina Valdivieso — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 16:16:00 +0000

Recently we met up with Philip Bloom in Palm Springs, CA. It was hot and I mean the kind of hot that makes you want to stay inside all day. Luckily for us we were staying at a hotel that had three pools. Now Jon and I were ready to shoot in Palm Springs… We brought our 5d, 7d, and a variety of lenses but we also had our brand new GoPro and Sony TX5 which shoot underwater video and photos. Along with Phil’s GoPros and two versions of my new favorite toy, the eggtimer (homebuilt version courtesy of Getaway Moments and the version available for purchase from CamaRush) we decide to undertake what we believe has never been done before: The first ever 360 degree underwater GoPro Timelapse.

A few technical notes:
Most of the time we were using the Delkin Suction Mount but at some point Phil brings out a fancier version (as soon as I hear which one it was, I’ll post the name here).
Also, we started to notice that on the Sony TX5 after you bring it out of water you have to give it a minute to get the audio back to normal since it is all auto.
So now that you’ve seen the video you know it never really fully worked. We really believe it would’ve worked but we ran out of time… We will try this again. A few things contributed to this repeated failure: battery life, card space, water pressure, and, of course, the inability to successfully mount the suction cup to the bottom of the pool for extended amounts of time.
I’m very, very excited to give this another shot in Orlando. However, failure has never been this fun

I See Dead Pixels: A Quick Guide to Getting Rid of Them

Jon Connor — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:02:13 +0000

I was shooting some video with my Canon 7D when what to my wondering eyes should appear? No it wasn’t a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. On the upper right hand side of the screen I spotted a red dot. The dreaded hot pixel !! Not surprising, that this happens occasionally, considering that there are 18 million pixels in the 7D. I of course panicked, as I will be on the road for the next 20 days and, have some very important shoots during that time. How am I going to get this camera to Canon for remapping and have it back by Wednesday? Luckily, with a little research, I quickly found the answer. I was going to do this myself. Here’s what I did and it worked like a charm.
Getting Rid of Dead Pixels on your Canon DSLR:
1) Detach Lens. Make sure to put the camera cap on! Do not leave your camera open!
2) Go to Sensor Cleaning. Select Clean Manually.

3) Let it go for 60 seconds. Then power the camera off.
It’s that easy! You should find that you have gotten rid of the dead pixel.
If this doesn’t work you will probably have to send the camera back to Canon for remapping but, in my case, this did the trick and saved the day.

First Ever Underwater DSLR Meetup ~ Orlando

Cristina Valdivieso — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:25:18 +0000

So as we’ve started travelling more we’ve tried to meetup with some of our twitter friends. It’s always been a great time. The week of August 23rd we will be in Orlando for WEVA. It just so happens that we’ll have a few new toys to play with so we figured we’d make it fun and invite some friends

Tuesday August 24th at 11:30 am ~ We will doing some underwater filming with the Ikelite Underwater Housing Kit for the 5d MKII. Everyone’s welcome to come! We’d like to film everyone that shows up underwater so bring your goggles! We will be at the Walt Disney World Dolphin’s Grotto pool with the tropical waterfalls and the water slide.

Thursday August 26th at 6:30 pm ~ We’ll be timelapsing with our brand new Kessler Crane Oracle so bring your intervalometer! We haven’t picked a spot yet but all suggestions are welcome… Just keep in mind we’re staying at the Walt Disney World Dolphin and don’t have access to a car.

Our good friends and very talented filmmakers, Anthony Quintano and John Hyland, will be there as well so you definitely don’t want to miss this!

Look forward to seeing you!