You have fulfilled your role as moderator so nicely! You I think you're the man, Perry.

Here's my take on it. Any 3CCD camera is nice for me. I only have a sony handycam, one of those little things dads hold up at soccer games to tape their kids. I had to borrow a 3CCD to make my Tisch film. Yea...

Tyler

H.Q., while I don't agree with Evan's methods of confrontation, I do agree with his suggestion to try the camcorder yourself. Especially if you plan on using one of these 35mm adapters, plan on spending at least a couple hours learning how to use it and developing a comfort zone in pulling focus with it (pulling focus is a very often unappreciated art). In a fraction of that time you could learn the capabilities of your camcorder.

If you're shooting a full-length feature with it, you're going to have to get familiar with the controls anyway. Not understanding the interface is going to set you back on-set a lot, and time being so precious to you I suggest you spend some quality time with whatever camera you choose to use and learn how to use it's manual controls which, if you use this 35mm adapter, will require extensive mastery of.

Funkbomb is right on with the suggestion that you'll need to learn the camera eventually anyways. I find the single greatest improvement in cinematography comes from familiarity with the picture you're creating. Knowing your camera, and your medium, like it is an extension of yourself will make you faster and better at shooting.

In response to the Topic the GL2 is a great camera i can vouch for its great ability to capture video, and in post you can make it even better. I know what your saying by that you cannot sit in front of the computer and quickly see if the camera is "what you need" exspecially if you have nothing to compare it too. I suggest taking it around for a full day and whenever you have time take it out and film differnt things, then play around with it when you get home. Or if you have the money..and your shooting a film of this size you could always buy a higher end 24p camera, I garuntee you'll notice a difference, but its up to you if this difference is neccarry

Dang it....I thought Evan was gone...I enjoyed reading topics where discussions didn't turn into arguments.
Evan...I think you have made it clear through all your sneers and immature posts that you know alot about film. Heck I know you know more then me...thats great, Im all for people knowing about film...but maybe if you could direct your expert replies in a differnt manner without argeuing over pitiful little things. You sound like you know alot about film, now you could benifit this site, if you would stop acting like such a little kid, people would actually listen and take your advice, since there seems to be alot of good advice. You just have to learn how to direct this advice.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: LDK,

Hey, wait a minute, I'm the first to throw accusations where accusations are due, but we have to be fair, and Evan was in the clear here. He was providing good, solid advice, and H.Q. bit the hand that fed him. Let's not blow this out of proportion. Thread back on topic.

There were some definate clear negative undertones to Evans original "helpful" response. I have nothing to do with the post and I noticed them.

Funkbomb's posts were more along the line of helpful contribution.

Not that evan was way out of line, but its definately understandable why HQ would get defensive. NOt to mention HQ merely shot back with the same level of undertone in his original response. He even added a smiley to reinforce the fact that it wasn't a big deal.

The situation escalated per post on both parties accounts, and BOTH parties took it way out of hand.

quote:

The situation escalated per post on both parties accounts, and BOTH parties took it way out of hand.

That is quite true. Chill, people. Now please, topic back on track.

While I of course do have a personal opinion on this whole situation, I must abstain and follow the Moderator's wishes.

funkbomb, While I agree that mastery of a camera's controls is integral to a successful film making process, I only worry that if I wait until the production date is near to spend a day with my camera, test it to its' full capabilities and then it ends up not being satisfactory, I won't have enough time to purchase and buy a new camera right then and there. I suppose i'll have to take a sick day, and just bite the bullet and deal.

I am wondering though, with this 35mm adapter, how does the focus work, do you operate both the focus on the Gl2 and the adapter?

With a 35mm adaptor you focus really close, on the ground glass screen in the adaptor, and then adjust focus on the lenses you attach.

What exactly are you looking for in a camera? People with experience in the GL2 might be able to help you figure out if it meets your requirements.

quote:

funkbomb, While I agree that mastery of a camera's controls is integral to a successful film making process, I only worry that if I wait until the production date is near to spend a day with my camera, test it to its' full capabilities and then it ends up not being satisfactory, I won't have enough time to purchase and buy a new camera right then and there. I suppose i'll have to take a sick day, and just bite the bullet and deal.

My point was to get comfortable with the camera before production so that exact situation wouldn't happen. Get comfortable with it now, then adjust.

I have to say that if you plan to shoot a film that you are going to need quite a bit of time. Especially if it is to be any real length in time.

Im not sure what your film is about and what your screen play involves, but Id imagine you will at least need to coordinate with actors, find locations/build sets, and at least make a bare minimum plan of your shots.

If your very pressed for time right now, perhaps I would postpone and wiat until you do have time to devout to this project. I think it'd be better to wait when you have the time so that you produce the best film you can, rather then trying to squeeze it in and rushing it.

Also, I think you need to equate in your mind "testing out cameras so that youre familiar with them" with your actual shooting time. At least to me, thats part of the whole process and not a seperate thing since it is very important that you know what you're working with.

So I would definately take funkbombs advice. Spend a day getting used to the camera and testing it. Perhaps go to stores and test out other camera's. Just write it off as time spent filming, becuase its an important part of the process in making a good film.

[sigh] Some people find a way to make everything difficult.

First, I'd like to thank you all for the advice.

Starting in December, I will be beginning the process of production, I have reserved a few days for scouting out the locations, and using by still camera to take some shots of the locations, and try and form some semblance of a storyboard, just to be completely organized. Until then I'm going to be employed in a less-than desirable place. So, I think once that process begins I'll bring my equipment around and do some hand-held testing.

It may sound as though I'm very crunched for time, which at the moment I am, but come December things will slow down in a big way, and I'll be doing nothing but this project.

I truly didn't intend for this to be a discussion of itinerary, or how to schedule a film, while your advice is very useful, I mainly just wanted to know if the GL2 was a good camera, and if so, what kind of things/techniques can I utilize to make it even better?

While I appreciate the advice, and input, I have my production schedule fairly well laid out in my mind, and I'm confident it will be adequate.

quote:

I mainly just wanted to know if the GL2 was a good camera, and if so, what kind of things/techniques can I utilize to make it even better?

In summary, buy a 35mm adapter, follow focus unit, support rods, matte box and lens gears. Shoot 60i, with no presets or settings altered (although a small boost in the "sharpness" setting helps) and use DVFilm Maker to convert 60i to 24p in post.

Timmy: God bless us, everyone.

Fade to Black

The End.

i love the 35 mm idea