Messages

496

Software & Accessories / Re: Other photography websites...

« on: August 14, 2012, 02:03:56 PM »

500px.com isn't too bad, not as much variety as flickr though.

I think it's mostly due to Yahoo just letting it languish, and not doing much to keep it fresh. Plus I think a lot has moved to facebook, etc. Hopefully with the new CEO at yahoo, they can maybe breath a little life back into flickr.

I'd never really heard of flickr before I read about it on some threads on this site, but then again..I'm just now getting into photography.

I did read that the new Yahoo CEO does have it high on her plate that Flickr will be getting updated and improved as one of the first items going forward.

I've heard there are lots of changes already...a more 'google' like environment at Yahoo now..hoping to capture and retain more talent to help the site improve.

497

Canon General / Re: Insurance for Camera gear

« on: August 13, 2012, 04:53:19 PM »

I have State Farm personal articles policy, $7.60 per year per $1000 coverage (apparently less than half the cost of 'save money in 15 minutes or less with Geico' ), no deductible, full replacement, worldwide coverage for loss/damage/theft/etc.

With any of these 'personal' options (which explicitly state that the gear is not used to make money, and the policies are much cheaper than business policies), you have to be careful submitting claims.  Generally, these policies are linked to your homeowner's/renter's policy, and claims are reported to the CLUE database which tracks such things.  That database is used to determine rates and eligibility for homeowner's coverage, i.e. too many claims and your home insurance rates go up or your policy may be dropped (yes, they can do that!).

Are there special insurance companies..that give out 'pro' insurance polices....
Or is this available from normal insurance companies like State Farm...Geico...etc.

This type of insurance will cover drops and the like of cameras and lenses?

TIA,
cayenne

498

Macro / Re: Couple of nice damselfly's

« on: August 13, 2012, 04:44:52 PM »

One more. Taken with EF-S 55-250 and edited in GIMP 2.8 and Lightroom 4.1 desaturate.

I was going to try to play a bit with GIMP, but first time I imported in, it said it was downconverting my image....can't remember the exact message, but I was shocked that GIMP seemingly couldn't handle my image at high resolution.

You're pic looks great..wondering if you found a way to bypass this downgrade GIMP seems to want to do at times...or if not.
What did you import into GIMP with as far as format, 64/32 bit....etc....

Thanks in advance,

cayenne

499

Video & Movie / Re: First new episode of my Cooking Show with 5D3

« on: August 10, 2012, 11:36:43 AM »

I like the shirt 

LOL..thanks.
A lot of this was shot on Memorial Day...when I fire up the smoker and cook all day. That usually turns out to be very messy business...so, I have a number of old cooking shirts I keep around for just these occasions.

I guess planning out ahead would be better....for wardrobe....that old cut up, polo button down shirt does make me look a bit like Larry the Cable Guys, doesn't it...?
 

Thanks,

C

500

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Color Run 2012 + 5d3's

« on: August 10, 2012, 11:34:08 AM »

Fun video!!

Where did you get the music from?

501

Video & Movie / Re: Formula Drift Round 5 Seattle, WA 2012 Filmed with Canon 5D Mark III + Canon 7D

« on: August 09, 2012, 08:58:10 PM »

https://vimeo.com/46915658

Here's a video that we filmed a couple of weeks ago at Formula Drift Round 5 in Seattle, WA.  We used a Canon 5d Mark III and a Canon 7D.  Enjoy.

Very nice!
What did you use to get that first shot..from up high, then panning down into the crowd? In other shots...are you using some sort of steady-cam?

I'm not a fan of rap music (I often think 'rap' and 'music' are mutually exclusive terms), but I must say the video went quite well with transitions sync'ed with the music along with the people singing along with it....well edited.

Overall, I think a well done effort!!!

C

502

Video & Movie / Re: Basic Workflow?

« on: August 09, 2012, 10:49:49 AM »

Greetings all,

I am a 60D owner and use a Mac Laptop.

I use Magic Bullet Grinder to turn my files into ProRes LT (with 1080p proxie files) but not sure exactly how to use these files in FCPX.

There are some stunning videos done in post production with the same equipment.

Was curious on a simpler linear (step 1,2,3,4) process from importing video, converting it, using proxies, adding effects/corrections, exporting for both DVD & Vimeo/YouTube.

Thanks in advance (yes i used google but have yet to find a clear coherent and simple linear workflow process)

Best,

Jason

Why not just import your files directly with FCPX? That's what I'm doing with my 5D3...it will import directly, and you can put into whatever format you wish to work with...

Start with that. I'm a noob myself, but I import in directly into FCPX...do my editing...once that is basically done, I start looking for any color correction needed (I'm learning this too), I then usually go through and listen to see what type of audio adjustments, voiceovers, etc it might need...then I usually export full HD. When posting to YouTube, I do it through YT's interface, point it to the HD version on my filesystem and let it import it in as they need it for HD. I'd assume Vimeo would be similar?

I'm learning a LOT from YouTube tutorials on all aspects of it...I was trying in my last one, to use split screens, etc...(posted that yesterday on this section of the forum)....

503

Video & Movie / Re: First new episode of my Cooking Show with 5D3

« on: August 08, 2012, 02:37:08 PM »

Good stuff. I really like the edits and split screens. I think you could benefit from some diffused light sources, some of the details get lost in the shadows.  Also, for the shots of you, I think you could do with a higher camera angle. I think it would look better of it was more over the shoulder. I'm guessing you were limited by the height of the tri-pod.

The audio ended up great, very stellar.  I think post production sound is way underrated.

Thank you very much.
All of this is self shot...no one helping me. I do now have a NEW tripod, one that can go a good bit higher...it is a fluid head on it...so, will try to get some friends to help from time to time, so I can get some pans, etc.

I do have a light diffuser I got...but need to get a light source. For starting out DIY, I'm going to try to get some work lights at Lowe's...and see if I can use the diffuser with that...

Most of my stuff has been somewhat 'run and gun'...no real planning ahead...just thinking of shots as I go along, and how I'd edit them to try to looks somewhat like a multi-camera shoot...like filming my hand just grabbing things...and editing that in, etc.

I'll definitely try higher shots on me...and try to frame them to show less of my gut...till I lose this weight I've put in in last year....and will try to plan a bit ahead for next ones....work on getting exposure consistant through shots...maybe even try my hand at shooting with one of the cine styles...and then color grade everything in post....overkill I know, but a good way to learn is to do.

I'm still learning, but this sure is fun!!

Any other comments, suggestions greatly appreciated.

C

504

Video & Movie / First new episode of my Cooking Show with 5D3

« on: August 08, 2012, 12:11:32 PM »

Hello all,

I've been goofing around past year or so, doing a cooking show on youtube called:
CWI:Cooking While Intoxicated

Anyway, I've shot and edited my first full episode (there is a 1min test real I posted first just making a drink).....it was shot with my new 5D3 w/ kit 24-105 lens, edited with FCPX.

The opening camera angle is horrible, not sure why I did that...but what I'm most proud of, is the audio editing. Much of this was shot last Memorial Day, I'd had a few cocktails, and new camera ,etc.
I found that I'd forgotten to turn the darned microphone (Rode videomic) on for most of the first half of the video shot. Every scene that I'm not shown talking in...was dead silent.

I went back and set the camera up, recorded 'dead' room sound..then, ran the juicer with a cantelope...chopped the canteloup....every background sound was redone by me. I think I did pretty good, but there are a few places audio is off....but I had nothing original at all to work with.

Also,was my first  attempt at split screening, etc.

Anyway, I know I have a ways to go..but I'm learning:

Let me know what you think (if you have a fast connection, turn it up to full 1080p):

CWI: Cooking While Intoxicated - Pineapple Popsicle	Small | Large

Thanks,

cayenne

505

Canon General / Re: Taking DSLRs into olympic venues

« on: August 06, 2012, 01:18:35 PM »

I've just returned from the Olympics venues a few days ago.
I was at the Aquatic Center and at the Gymnastics (North Greenwich).

At the gymnastics stadium they search your bags (after the security search a-la pre-flight searches), and if you have a camera with an interchangeable lens that looks too big they don't allow it in.
They don't confiscate it, though, you can leave it in a locker and get it back after you leave.
They showed me the rules that state that you cannot enter a camera with an interchangeable lens that is greater than 35mm.
But they told me that up to 100mm is ok.
So my 70-200 F/2.8 IS had to be left there, but they allowed my 24-105 F4 (twice).

At the Aquatics center nobody checked my bags, but I didn't want to chance getting my 70-200 taken, so I brought the 24-105 and no one said anything.
If you're in one of the higher seats, I don't think anyone will notice you even if you have a 400 F4...
Downstairs, closer to the pool, they might, but your 135mm should be fine, as nobody said anything about my 24-105 even when I was at the AA seats very close to the pool.

Can someone explain to me, why they would have any of these rules in the first place?!? Why won't they let you bring in a nice camera and lens combination?

506

Software & Accessories / Re: intervalometers / remote controls

« on: July 25, 2012, 12:02:14 PM »

I was out camping recently,a friend had a Vello he lent me...his was the wired version, and it worked great for doing some time lapse shots.

I just bought the wireless version, and tested it out last weekend....it is about $99 no tax at amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Vello-Wireless-ShutterBoss-Remote-Connection/dp/B005GMVGGE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1343231870&sr=8-3&keywords=vello

I've been very happy with this so far...and with the wireless...you can press the release halfway on the remote, and it will focus the camera, just like if you press halfway on the camera itself.

Pretty neat, you can use for intervals, you can set exposure times, etc.

Give it a look, I've been happy with it so far.

My needs right now (I've posted the questions on the gear talk -> EOS Bodies for Stills thread)...is what setting on the camera itself are best to use...?

Do you use one of the smaller RAWs?
Manual or auto....especially if you're time lapse takes you from daylight all the way into dark?
What interval? If shooting for 24fps video...is a multiple of 6-12 or 24 best to use?

cayenne 

507

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Settings used for Time Lapse Still Photography...

« on: July 24, 2012, 04:21:39 PM »

So far I've used manual, but then I haven't done what that changes from day to night.

As far as interval goes...a good place to start is when you know how long your final video is going to be. For instance if your goal is to make a 2 minute timelapse that plays at 24fps, you know that you will need to capture 2880 images (120s X 24fps). Next, if you know how much time you plan to capture, you can divide. So, if you want to capture 3 hours which is 10800 seconds, you divide 10800 by 2880 and get 3.75s for an interval. Round up or down as you like.

Interesting...I was coming from the opposite approach and can't figure out the math...

I hadn't planned how long the clip would be...I was just interested in capturing everything no matter how long it took.

Let's say I have 1000 images....taken at 12s apart...what would be the ideal length of the video (and accodingly, how long should each image last on screen 1 sec or a fraction of a second) so things would look smooth at 24fps...or 30 fps....?

Thanks for the reply!

C

508

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Settings used for Time Lapse Still Photography...

« on: July 24, 2012, 03:23:29 PM »

Hello all,

I recently had a Vello interval timer loaned to me, that I liked so much, I bought the wireless version of it to to time lapse photography.

My question is...how do you set your camera for doing time lapse? My first one, was us out camping, I put on a tripod, with 17-40mm lens set to wide..and since I'd not done it before, and the adult beverages were flowing...I just set the camera to automatic. It turned out pretty good, I'd done jpegs....and it went from late afternoon -> Dusk and lighting campfire -> Dark with fire and a couple lanterns around.

I stitched it together in iMoovie...and it looks pretty good. But of course the darker shots...are at huge ISO, etc.

I was wondering if anyone that did Time Lapse...had some advice or good links to how to set things up.

Do you use jpeg...or RAW or maybe one of the smaller RAWs (m or s..I've not yet figured what those were for).

I'm guessing most set their camera to manual....but how do you take into account changing light...going from day to night, or vice versa...and get the exposure right for the whole period?

What interval do you work with? Is it better to do some multiple of 12, if you're going to be putting the video together at 24fps?  At multiples of 5 or 10 if doing 30fps? 

What timing of each shot do you use for the finished stills to time lapse video? Each still for 1 second or more or less?

I got fairly lucky on the first one...I tried a 2nd one with mixed results so far...exposure wasn't great and have been working to correct a lot of it with Aperture...etc, and trying to use FCPX to stitch this one together.

But to try to stay on topic...what settings do ya'll use out there for setting up, say a 5D3 on a tripod to take Time Lapse stills?

Thank you in advance,

cayenne

509

Portrait / Re: Candid portraits

« on: July 10, 2012, 05:16:47 PM »

Just curious about most of these...

Are they only for your private collection and enjoyment...or, did you get signed waivers and try to make some $$ for these?

I noticed many have watermarks and copyright symbols on them, so that made me think they were likely trying to be protected for sales reasons.

I'm trying to learn what and when you need as far as model releases, especially if just taking street photos....and possibly wanting to market them.

Thanks in advance,

cayenne

510

EOS Bodies / Re: Buying 5D Mark III from Amazon???

« on: July 10, 2012, 11:24:03 AM »

Never bought camera gear through Amazon, but everthing else I've bought through them has been problem free.  I would suggest Crutchfield.  The cost is $3,499, but you get Crutchfield rewards which would be 5% of the toal ($174.95) to spend there later. The credit never expires and it is free to sign up for the rewards program. Additionally, if you know anything about Ebates, you can access Crutchfield through Ebates and get another 2.5% cash back ($87.48) for which they will mail you a check for that amount. I just bought a 5d Mk III kit from them and used this process with no problem. Crutchfield is also a highly reputable dealer.

I would second this.
I'm an amazon prime member too and buy about 99% of all my purchases through them....no tax to me where I live (yet)...
However, I bought my 5D3 with kit lens through crutchfield, plus the 85mm 1.8 lens...I signed up and got my sign up rewards points, plus at the time I found a code for the month of May, that crutchfield gave DOUBLE rewards points...so, in essence from that purchase, I have nearly $500 credit to spend on a new lens, which will likely be the 70-200 2.8L.

Also, I'd found that through amazon, that you might NOT get the current rebate on a lens with the special going on...amazon sold the 85mm lens I got from a 3rd party that was not honoring the double percentage off if you buy lens with camera...crutchfield did.

So by using the crutchfield rewards, plus a credit card (I paid that in full at EOM, so no financing charges)...I got $97 from credit care rewards and nearly $500 in crutchfield rewards.

I feel I got quit a bargain.

oh, and like amazon...on crutchfield, they have options for 12mo no interest financing....

Hope this helps,

cayenne