Messages

31

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Canon 5D Mark iii + 50 1.4 ii?

« on: January 03, 2013, 10:25:11 AM »

The 50mm 1.4 and the 5D3 are a great pair. My wife keeps the 50mm 1.4 on her 5D3 by default and only changes it for special purposes (mainly if she wants telephoto with the 70-200mm). For family gatherings, etc., she keeps the 50mm on and gets great results.

As others have said, the 50mm 1.8 is actually quite good, too, considering it only costs around $110. But, we still prefer the 1.4. If you can afford the 1.4, then I'd say go for it, as you'll probably want it eventually.

32

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Blackmagic Design Cinema Cam finally shipping!

« on: December 24, 2012, 07:04:15 AM »

Shop called and said the distributor already has them and mine will be here 2 days after Christmas!  Looking forward to playing with it.

Congrats! A merry Christmas, it sounds like.

After following it for a while, I decided late in the game to pre-order. So, I'll live vicariously through you and others for a while. Looking forward to your thoughts as you work with it.

33

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Canon 5D3 - ML: Is Clean HDMI out working? Using it? Info...?

« on: December 03, 2012, 11:04:37 AM »

peederj - In my test video, I looked for that. The resolution makes this a not-so-clear test. However, it does appear that there is a benefit to using the HDMI out in color resolution. Therefore, my best guess right now is that the current HDMI out is 4:2:2. And, I agree, having 4:2:2 is a very nice step up when trying to color grade or even add sharpness.

By the way, you can see the red effect that you describe in another video I did. It shows a way to greatly help with the type of blocking that you describe around red, especially when applying a sharpening filter. The solution is to use a very weak color blur filter prior to sharpening. https://vimeo.com/42314148

34

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: CF or SD or ext for video on canon 5d mkiii?

« on: December 03, 2012, 08:00:22 AM »

I was referring to both SD and CF with regard to the 5D3. I have recorded video on the 5D3 on both types of cards and have noticed no difference. Not to open another can of worms, but if Magic Lantern can provide higher bit rates, then SD vs. CF might matter more and, in this case, a fast CF card is likely to be preferred.

I really like the Hyperdeck Shuttle. It is elegant in its simplicity and provides a nice choice of codecs. It is also inexpensive compared to others. However, if your purpose for getting one is to use with the 5D3, you should wait to buy one until tests are done to verify that it mates well with whatever Canon comes out with in April.

35

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Canon 5D3 - ML: Is Clean HDMI out working? Using it? Info...?

« on: December 03, 2012, 07:54:59 AM »

You can see the Magic Lantern HDMI results here: https://vimeo.com/52822486

Some have said above that ML's implementation is lacking. That seems to misplace the blame on ML. They are working with what they have in terms of the current limitations. The primary limitations are: 1) The resolution that the Canon firmware makes available to HDMI (1620x1080); 2) The fact that the HDMI out is 1080i.

Because of 1, the same frame that is internally recorded must be cropped (zoomed) from the HDMI output, so the resulting resolution is 1620x911 (and does not even appear to perfectly resolve that resolution, just as the native 5D3 footage does not resolve the full 1920x1080 resolution).

The interlacing is a real pain and limitation. While there could be a limitation in the Hyperdeck Shuttle that I used in recording the interlaced signal, I simply could not reliably reconstruct the 24p signal. I could reconstruct it with a lot of effort, but it was a bit soft. Even the 30p signal was a bit soft after deinterlacing.

My own testing using a resolution chart shows that the HDMI out from ML does seem to resolve about the same resolution as the internal recording, albeit with pillar bars (since it is only 1620x1080). Oddly, though, the shot must be framed differently, since you must zoom in. Thus, with a very good deinterlacer, this might be useful for greenscreen work (assuming you don't need the full 16x9 frame).

In short, while the ML clean HDMI out might be useful for some purposes, it doesn't work for me right now in its current implementation to yield any significant benefits. There is a chance that ML can improve their HDMI out. However, I suspect that the 1080i HDMI output is something that they simply cannot overcome.

I don't think the ML implementation gives us any indication of what Canon's firmware will be. If Canon were going to do what ML did, they could have released clean HDMI already. This gives me hope that they will 1) give us at least as good a resolution as currently is recorded internally; and 2) provide a true 24p signal or at least have the 1080i embed the 24p information so that it is easily and cleanly recoverable. If they do these things, then the externally recorded material should show significant benefits, even if it is 8 bits. The benefits will be in less compression artifacts on highly detailed and dynamic (in motion) material from the higher available bit rates and less color compression from 4:2:2 vs. 4:2:0.

36

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Upgrade from 7D to 6D or MK3?

« on: December 02, 2012, 05:58:50 PM »

Based on the videos I've seen so far from the 6D, I'd say the extra $1,000 or so is worth it to avoid moire/aliasing. The 6D seems to have no better video quality than the 5D Mark II, especially with regard to moire/aliasing. Add to that the ability to monitor audio and I would say that the 5D3 is worth it, assuming you have the budget. Given the moire/aliasing on the 6D, then I think the key question for video is between the 5D Mark II and the 6D, if you can live with moire/aliasing. Is the 6D worth the extra few hundred? Having said that, when I used a 5D Mark II, it felt its age. Video was great. It just felt old in how it operated.

Look for deals that come up on e-bay or others from autorized retailers, as the 5D3 price is now reliably often in the $2800-$2900 range.

Personally, I'm looking forward to the 7D replacement. I would love to have a crop-sensor body that doesn't have moire/aliasing issues and has improved low-light capability compared to the current crop sensor cams. While I like the 5D3 (the one I use is actually my wife's) - especially its almost nonexistent moire/aliasing and its low-light capability - I have found that I think I might actually prefer the crop sensor for video. The DoF is plenty shallow - and not too shallow, like the 5D3 can be sometimes. I actually still use my 600D/T3i quite a bit, even when my wife would let me use the 5D3.

If moire and aliasing don't bother you on your current 7D and the lack of headphone output isn't an issue for you, then I would say to get the 6D (or 5D Mark II, if you can find one) and spend extra on glass.

37

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: CF or SD or ext for video on canon 5d mkiii?

« on: December 02, 2012, 05:36:43 PM »

I favor the faster CF and SD cards mostly because I can download them via my USB 3.0 card reader faster. Slower (Class 6) SD cards would cause problems with other Canon DSLRs (like the 550D/T2i and 600D/T3i). I stick with Sandisk Extreme (not Extreme Pro - though I have nothing against the "Pro"). Never had a problem with the camera writing to Sandisk Extreme's.

I'm looking forward to April's clean HDMI firmware update for the 5D3. I have a BlackMagic Design HyperDeck Shuttle (a very budget-friendly device, but with no monitor - only passing through to another monitor). It records from the 5D3 fine now, except that it isn't at full resolution and is only clean using Magic Lantern's Alpha release for the 5D3. There are some issues that remain to be seen with the firmware update. The biggest issue is how the HDMI output will treat the 24p framerate and whether it will have 24p out or if it will be embedded in the 1080i out. If you don't already have an external recorder, I'd wait to see reports of how each external recorder pairs with the 5D3 when the firmware is updated in April.

38

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Inexpensive lens for Video

« on: November 30, 2012, 07:59:35 AM »

Hi Everyone
Always used my 60D for stills; but now our old video camera has crapped out, which my wife normally uses. I figure if I leave the 60D on video/auto all day my wife can snap and on and shoot videos of the kids in case they do something cute.

I love my wife to death but she has a tendency to "Drop" things. thus i dont want to leave my 17-40 or 24-105L on the camera; will video quality suffer greatly if I buy a cheaper 28-135 or maybe 17-85 lens for her?

Please keep in mind it's just for family memories; I don't need to hear about moire, etc lol. I just am looking for insight or recommendations on an inexpensive alternative lens for decent video. I am also not too sure about what focal length is best for video...

thanks for your help!

I use my DSLRs (600D/T3i and 5D Mark III) for video only.

As you might have already played around with and figured out, the AUTO mode can have mixed results for video. These DSLRs may not be great replacements for simple video cameras in many candid, capture-the-moment situations in the hands of people who are used to or prefer the simplicity of a video camera.

As to the lens, compared to the nice quality L's that you mention, image quality will suffer, but not "greatly" in my opinion. Yes, there is a difference in video with good vs. not-so-good lenses. The lenses you describe are reported to be nice lenses, so I'm not sure you would see much difference at all. I seriously doubt that using a cheaper lens (e.g., the 18-55mm) will make the video worse than your "old video camera." But, I don't know how good your old video camera was or a lot of other things.

The 17-85 would be the best bet. Anything longer is just not practical in my opinion for what you are describing (candid, probably handheld shots) and the wider end will sometimes come in handy on the crop sensor (as you know from having the 17-40). Image Stabilization is a must unless you are okay with shaky footage (don't know if your old video camera had it or not). Unfortunately, the 17-85 isn't very fast, so the ISO will end up being quite high... Again, I'm sure you know that already. I haven't used AUTO mode in so long, I can't even recall how low it will set the f-stop before preferring a higher ISO (my vague recollection is that it won't go very low).

Not disregarding the last sentence, you might also consider the 50mm 1.8. Fast and cheap with good image quality.  No IS and no zoom. Focal distance match is up to you. But, for what your describing, might preserve some great memories... and, you'd have added a prime to your mix of lenses for stills. But, zoom might take a priorty, I understand.

Bottom line: 17-85 would be my pick for what you describe.

39

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: 5D3 vs. BMC

« on: November 19, 2012, 03:19:42 PM »

Aside from the sensor size, it's pretty much killing the 5D3 in every aspect.  The 5D3 is great if you want a hybrid stills/video camera but for straight up video the BMCC is amazing.  I have one on order, will probably keep my 5D3 still but couldn't pass up on 2.5K Raw for $3k.

Axilrod: Me, too. Although, I was late to the game and only ordered my BMCC in September. I fear that I am in for a long wait. Having said that, I don't think it will cause me to never use my 5D3 or even 600D. I am still quite happy with the image from those cameras in many situations. I still love the DSLR look. Of course, my view might change when I have the BMCC!

40

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: 5D3 vs. BMC

« on: November 17, 2012, 02:52:34 PM »

I don't think that asmundma was intentionally providing incorrect information. But, for others that might read this and somehow rely on it, let's clear up some of the things that are stated as facts and, as such, are completely false.

Depends what you want do.....   Cropfactor is 2,6 (or some thing in that range).

Crop factor is 2.3
http://www.bmcuser.com/showthread.php?13-Crop-Factor-Lens-Database

Its not a point and shoot camra, riquires a rig.

The form factor of the BMCC appears to allow handholding quite well.
http://johnbrawley.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/handheld-with-a-bmcc-behind-the-scenes-with-puberty-blues/

And files are huge (the raw).  If you want to grade using their applicatioon, you have to have a decent machine and a lot of storage ...... 

You can choose to shoot in raw or compressed (ProResHQ or DNxHD). Raw is about 5 MB per frame, whereas the compressed options (ProRes HQ 4:2:2 or DNxHD 4:2:2) are about 220 Mbps. Yes, this is larger than most DSLR footage. With Magic Lantern, I can get about close to 200 Mbps from my Canon 600D, but it isn't 4:2:2. So, I find the file size concerns to be puzzling, since I actually try to get a less compressed image.

DaVinci Resolve is "their application". I currently use Resolve Lite on my nearly 2-year old Windows PC with a modest graphics card (GTX 560 Ti). I can edit the the BMCC raw files at full speed and resolution. As for storage, if you shoot compressed, the storage requirements are about 5x what you need for DSLR footage. But, it isn't a cost without benefit. You get a less compressed image with better color resolution. It should be noted that the full version of Resolve normally sells for nearly USD 1000 on its own, but comes bundled with the BMCC for free.

Again, the ProResHQ or DNxHD files can be graded and used in most NLE packages without the need to use Resolve.
http://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/blackmagiccinemacamera/

I personally hope that Canon views the BMCC as serious competition and takes steps to provide more value (i.e., lower prices) in either their Cxxx cinema cameras or better video images in the DSLRs. I agree with asmundma that it is nice to have stills capability along with video. Plus, I still love the video image out of the Canon DSLRs, but look forward to adding a BMCC to the mix. I'm looking forward to Canon's HDMI update to the 5D3 and I doubt I'll give up on using the DSLRs even after I have a BMCC.

41

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Amazing new ML firmware for the 5D3! Clean HDMI, zoom box during recording, etc.

« on: November 06, 2012, 11:02:58 AM »

Here's my first shot at using the HyperDeck Shuttle to record the clean HDMI out from the 5D Mark III.

The deinterlacing is a PITA! I certainly hope that April's Canon firmware update will yeild a true 24p HDMI output. But, I'm not optimistic.

HDMI out of 5D Mark III using Magic Lantern Alpha 2 on Vimeo	Small | Large

42

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Manfrotto electronic remote control for focusing MVR911ECCN

« on: November 06, 2012, 07:16:08 AM »

Hi,

does anybody have experience with the Manfrotto MVR911ECCN electronic remote?
Although it might be a good idea to use a "tethered" system for focusing, I am worried that the noise of the USM motors will be picked up, even with external microphones?

Furthermore, is the focusing accurate and fast?

When I considered this remote, I used the Canon software to test to see if the motor noise was audible. Simply tether your camera and use the Canon EOS Utility to adjust focus with the microphones you plan to use. This should tell you whether the USM motors will be audible in your situation. Whether the Manfrotto system is more accurate or faster than the EOS Utility, I do not know.

43

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Amazing new ML firmware for the 5D3! Clean HDMI, zoom box during recording, etc.

« on: October 25, 2012, 08:10:09 PM »

Camera - HDMI into - Z-finder evf (or similar monitoring device with an HDMI out port) - HDMI out into Hyperdeck?

Or does the z-finder evf downconvert the hdmi signal?

If so maybe just go with the Ninja 2

The HyperDeck Shuttle has an HDMI loop-through. So you could go:
Camera - HDMI into HyperDeck - HDMI out of Hyperdeck to Monitor (Z-finder evf)

A suitably speedy SSD should avoid a dropped-frame problem. The Hyperdeck has green and red lights to indicate power, recording, and battery. It would be nice if it had a warning light if frames are dropped (the BMCC has this feature).

44

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: would this work for video recording on the 5D III

« on: October 25, 2012, 04:05:52 PM »

With the news of the clean HDMI out, I have been searching for different external recorders. I know about the atomos ninja, but was wondering if this product would work as well...?  thanks!!

http://www.markertek.com/Video-Equipment/Digital-Video-Recorders/Blackmagic-Design/HYPERD-PT2.xhtml

Paul - I posted in a different thread wondering something similar. I currently have the alpha version of Magic Lantern loaded on my 5D Mark III and have played around with the HDMI out, but do not have a recorder.

A couple of things that I've thought about with regards to this. First, with the Hyperdeck Shuttle, you must have another monitor in order to use this with the 5D Mark III, currently (unless you don't mind not seeing at all what you are shooting ). The 5D Mark III currently disables the built-in LCD when there is an active source connected to the HDMI port. Fortunately, the Shuttle allows for a loop-through external monitor to be attached. Second, the 5D Mark III currently outputs 1080i (at least according to my monitor and LCD TV that I've tried it with). Whether the 24p flag (or a 30p flag) is sent through this output is not clear to me. Hopefully, someone can clear this up. Recovering 24p from a 1080i stream can be easy if the flag is set. But, if it is not, it is my understanding that it is quite painful.

Regardless of how the 5D Mark III currently works, I think it remains to be seen how it WILL work once the new firmware is released.

45

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Amazing new ML firmware for the 5D3! Clean HDMI, zoom box during recording, etc.

« on: October 25, 2012, 02:27:16 PM »

I actually mean to record the clean HDMI out video. I wasn't talking audio, but yeah I have seen people use that for audio.

I've been tempted to try the BlackMagic Design HyperDeck Shuttle: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/841023-REG/Blackmagic_Design_HYPERD_PT2_HyperDeck_Shuttle_2_SSD.html

For about $500, you can get that, plus a 256 GB SSD. My only concern is that the HDMI out of the 5D (and other Canon DSLRs) is 60i. If anyone here can tell me whether the 24p can be recovered fairly easily, I'd appreciate it.