Ben Speaks About Video during camera test. from kirk tuck on Vimeo.
We've been making videos since the early 1980's. What's changed is the cameras. Now we're using DSLR's with big sensors because the images are so nice. But they don't have the same conveniences that regular camcorders do so we're trying out all kinds of new stuff. In this test I'm using existing light and an Olympus EP-2 with an SHG 35-100mm zoom lens to achieve a very narrow depth of field. I'm still waiting on Olympus to deliver a microphone adapter so the sound is just from the on camera mics. If the sound bothers you just turn the volume down and look at the video detail. More to come.
I've been working with a friend on video production for a few months now and we've been using his Canon 5dmk2
for the video footage. It's a great camera and we've gotten good moving images from it. But one of the reasons I bought the Olympus EP-2
last fall was the promise of using its 720p video with some of the Olympus lenses I've picked up. For one reason or another I didn't get around to playing much until yesterday when it struck me that I hadn't tried the camera with my all time favorite lens, the 35-100mm f2 SHG.My kid, Ben, is renowned for his common sense and patience and, in spite of the common sense, the agreed to sit for five minutes, tell me his take on still photography and video, while I focused and metered and all that good stuff. According to Ben, still images are nice but video is where it's at for his generation (that would be 14-15 year old boys....). If you want to see the image in bigger HD click on the link under the video box to go to vimeo for a different size.
Before you send me the nice comments trying to sugar coat your suggestions about the wretched audio track let me say that I'm well aware of the shortcomings of using built in microphones on a camera that was not even primarily designed to shoot video. I've got a digital audio recorder (Tascam DR-1
) coming from Amazon and I'm mulling over different microphone options. My video partner has a good shotgun mic so I'm looking at rounding out the toolkit with a nice, wireless lavalier and perhaps a handheld cardioid for interview stuff.What I'm interested in seeing in this test is the way the lens handles focus and background. There are never enough hours in the day but I'm also anxious to test the 50 f2 macro and several Olympus wide angles.
As far as using the Olympus EP2 for production.......it would almost certainly be used as an MOS camera with sound being recorded separately. For projects where sound is vital I think it's wiser to side step the whole HD DSLR trend and grab a rental Sony EX-1 or something similar.
Truthfully, Of all the cameras I've lately pressed into service for video I like the Canon SX20 best. But I do love the way the 35-100 at f2.8 and used close gives me such nice depth of field effects.
News from the photography front: I'm just finishing up the first big photo product of the new year and I'm optimistic that "good enough" is no longer good enough for my core clients. In meeting after meeting I'm hearing pent up demand to do projects correctly. I hope this is the harbinger of good news to come for all photographers.
I'm writing a short book on portraiture exclusively for attendees of my upcoming 13 February workshop. The book will cover the basics and will outline how I think about the art of photographing people.
On 11 February I'll be speaking to Dennis Darling's basic photography classes at the University of Texas School of Journalism. I'll show a little work and then talk about trends, projects and maybe how to make money at this pursuit.
Hope everyone has a great week.
commercial message: If you are in Austin, Texas on the 13th of February I will be teaching a unique portrait workshop at Zachary Scott Theater, sponsored by Precision Camera. We'll discuss lighting and aesthetics, have a guest appearance and demo by the amazing photographer, Will Van Overbeek (see: www.willvano.com), a make-up demo by famed MUA, Patricia de la Garza and hands on sessions in the afternoon. Yes, there will be donuts...
Info and registration: http://www.precision-camera.com/product/CLASS6
Without a doubt, the perfect Valentine's Day present.
