johnnmiller-blog

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A documentary rig configuration. Wishing I could add my led light to it though. I welcome suggestions.

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5D/7D Native ISO Argument

I just stumbled across an interesting article that argues that the native ISOs for the 5D and 7D are not in multiples of 160 (ISO 160, 320, 520, etc) like a lot of people say, but instead multiples of 100 (ISO 100, 200, 300, etc) as you find on the Rebels and the rest of Canon’s lower level cameras.  It argues that the “cleaner” ISOs are cleaner because they are digitally pulled from the native ISOs which hides the noise more, but also looses some dynamic range.  The ISOs outside of the 100s and 160s multiples are then digitally pushed from the native ISOs, which is why they are a bit noisier than then other two.

It makes sense to me, but regardless if it's true or not, it is an interesting read if you are interested in such things.

http://shootintheshot.joshsilfen.com/2010/05/13/canon-hd-dslr-native-iso/

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My DSLR Video Kit

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I'm asked a lot about equipment, so I decided to do a post on the gear I'm currently using specifically with my DSLR Video kit, so here you go:

 Canon 7D

Besides the obvious reasons that it is a DSLR that shoots video, I went with this for a few reasons.  The biggest is that it has variable frame rates, including 24 fps.  I can also over-crank footage to 60fps (in 720) and conform it to get filmic slow motion. The cropped sensor allows me to get closer to my subject than I can with a full frame – I find myself in this scenario more than that I can’t get wide enough. Though at times I wish I had a full frame camera, I find the cropped sensor very useful more times than not.

Canon 35mm 1.4

This is for all intent and purposes a 50mm lens on the 1.6 cropped sensor.  This is the one that will come close to matching what your eye sees and is my workhorse lens.  I splurged on the 1.4 because I shoot a lot of low light, and because I knew I would use it as my main lens.

Canon 50mm 1.4

I shoot a lot of interviews, and the 50 will act as an 80mm on the cropped sensor, which is a great portrait lens.  I didn’t want the 1.8 because I really hate the way it feels and I couldn’t justify 4x the cost for .2 difference when looking at the 50mm 1.2. Lately I've been thinking more and more about the Zeiss 50mm 1.4.  It will be my replacement lens if this one ever breaks.

Canon 70-200mm 2.8 IS

Again I shoot a lot of low light and I can never get quite close enough.  Considering the 1.6x of the cropped sensor, this lens gets me close enough. 

Tokina 11-16mm 2.8

This is by far the best wide angle lens I’ve found/used for cropped sensor cameras.  And the 2.8 fixed doesn’t hurt either. 

Canon EF12 Extention Tube

A sweet little secret I found that allows me to use my 35 or 50mm lenses as a macro so I don’t have to buy another lens.

Zacuto Z-finder

I asked every videographer who had a 5D/7D, what is the best accessory they bought for their camera and universally they said the Z-Finder.  This focus loupe allows you to clearly see the live view screen for shooting and is a God-send for focusing and seeing the LCD outdoors.  I agree that outside of lenses and the camera for the DSLR videographer, this is the must have item in your bag.

Audio

OK, I’ll admit, I haven’t found the perfect solution to this yet.  For now I use the on camera mic or I use an external recorder (Zoom H4n).  Since the camera only has AGC on (the 5D has manual audio control), I am hesitant to plug in any mic and expect good audio.  To help a little bit I’ve been utilizing the Rode VideoMic and sync everything up with Pluraleyes.  A godsend for sure!

Mounts

Outside of a tripod I use two mounts to help get rid of the ‘shake’ concern.  I use a Bogen/Manfrotto 561B monopod, and a BushHawk BH300sV.  The reasons are mostly because I already owned the monopod, and the BushHawk does the same thing as most of the gunstock handheld mounts out there at a fraction of the cost.  It is a solid design and works great.

I have more stuff than this, but for all intent and purposes, this is my main DLSR video kit.  If you have any other thoughts, questions, or comments, feel free to leave one.  Let me know if there is something awesome in YOUR kit that I might want to add to mine.  I'm always looking for new stuff!

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Intervalometer find!

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Just a quick post about a good find.  I’ve been really wanting (and dreading) spending the money for the Canon TC-80N3 Intervalometer, so I could start shooting and experimenting with timelapse.  They run an average of about $170 and I have plenty of other things I’d like to put that money towards.

After doing a little bit of research, I found this little beauty by Melke on ebay.  The only main differences I can see is that there is not a power button on the remote and it is a bit bigger than the TC-80N3.  Neither of which are dealbreakers for me.

Oh, and the best part… It was less than $23 shipped.  

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DSLR Lomography? Meh.

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I'm a big fan of lomography.  When I saw that they made interchangeable lenses for the Diana camera, I was super excited to get my hands on a kit.  But then when I stumbled across that they sold a EF to F+ adapter so I could put lomo lenses on my DLSR I couldn't wait to buy it, so I did.  

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Luckily I did notice the crop factor before I purchased all the lenses.  The Diana shoots 6x6.  What that means is a 35mm diana lens would effectively be a 72mm for full frame sensors and a 115mm for crop sensor cameras.  So with that in mind I only got the 20mm and the 35mm lenses as they were the "widest" lenses I could get.  

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After I received them, I put them on the camera and shot a series of photos and video with them.  To my disappointment, the plastic lenses didn't distort the image like I hoped it would.  I don't know what I was really expecting, but all the lenses really did is make the image softer and darker.  So the long and the short of it is that if you want the lomo effect, you either have to stick to film or use your photoshop skills to recreate the look.  

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A GREAT article about DSLRs and RED's claim that DSLR users should be embarrased

A GREAT article about DSLRs and RED's claim that DSLR users should be embarrased: http://bit.ly/c54wXu

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Quick Diversion from the normal stuff.  My wife made an animation for a contest that would allow her to animate for Sesame Street, a life long goal of hers.  So please check it out, vote for it, and share it and make someone's dream come true!

Thanks!

John N. Miller

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Reviews & Posts

I'm looking for something to blog about.  If you have a piece of video or photography equipment that you'd like me to review, or if there is a certain topic you'd like me to blog about, feel free to contact me.

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Fixing My 7D's Dead Pixel

First of all, I have to say that shooting with the 7D has brought back the love and excitement I have with shooting video. I’ve been shooting a lot with it, and when I was reviewing my footage and photos, I found a dead pixel on the sensor of the camera. I know I’m not the first person for this to happen to on a DSLR, but I figured I’d document my progress in getting this fixed so that I can help anyone else who may need to go through this. So after shooting some stills and video at our local professional organization, I noticed the dead pixel. So I dumped everything off the cards and called Canon’s Customer Service at 1.800.828.4040.

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Before I contacted canon, I wanted to make sure I got my ducks in a row, so I did some research and found some people got dead pixels to come back by running the auto cleaning sensor process a few times. Others did the manual sensor cleaning trick, which is where you take the lens off, turn on manual sensor cleaning for 30 seconds to 3 minutes and then restart the camera. I tried it several times with no results, so I called Canon. The guy was really helpful and told me exactly what to do, so I made a quick video and included it with the samples from the meeting. I stripped the camera down, including straps and the z-finder frame, filled out the paperwork and wrapped it in 3 inches of bubble wrap.

Here’s the video I made:

7D Dead Pixel Location from John N. Miller on Vimeo.

They said it would take I week after receipt of the camera. Long behold, they’ve notified me it is on my way back home… ONLY 2 DAYS after receipt! YOU ROCK!!! Once the camera is back, I’ll update this post verifying the fix. It was a pain not to have this camera around, but the quick turnaround makes me feel good. Bestbuy should take note on how to treat customers.

::UPDATE::

So I got my camera back from the Canon Factory Service Center.  They remapped the sensor and upgraded me to the latest and greatest firmware.  But long behold, when I looked at the camera again, I found the dead pixel.  I'm going to call Canon again and see what's next.  Here are the videos after the sensor remapping.

7D Dead Pixel After Sensor Remap #1 from John N. Miller on Vimeo.

After talking with the Canon rep, I felt like he was prepping me to accept that a dead pixel on a 1 month old camera, but he sent me a bunch of paperwork to send it back in again.  I get that a dead pixel on a still image on a still camera is not that big of a deal.  Its 1 in a series of thousands.  As a professional, I don't ever NOT take a photo into Lightbox or Photoshop.  I can quickly fix them.

Where I have a difference of opinion is when it is on the portion of the sensor that the video function of the camera uses.  This is the 7D.  The camera marketed and wanted because of it's video capability.  And when there is a red dot constantly in the middle of the image even during camera moves, it is unacceptable.  Especially in a camera where, when I found it and started this process, was less than 1 month old.

I'm starting to get frustrated as I have been trying to push off shoots, getting shoots canceled and loosing business.  Stills and Video are my job, and this is starting to bite into my ability to make money, so I am asking Canon once again to please fix my camera.  I'm guessing I'll have an update within a week, so keep an eye on the blog and we'll see what happens.

Talking about the sending in the 7D from John N. Miller on Vimeo.

::UPDATE #2::

Just got the camera back from Canon.  It was their second attempt to fix the dead pixel in the sensor and once again, I turned it on, moved the box to the approximate location, magnified to 10x and stared at a bright red dot staring at my face.   I'll post properly when my anger and frustration calm down.  Also, just to add insult to injury, I found more problems, LCD looked like it was failing and Autofoucs when taking stills would not work.  BLERG!

::UPDATE #3::

So after "discussing" my dissatisfaction with the repair service that I was receiving, I was assured that when a camera returns for a third time, it automatically goes to a senior technician. So I packaged up the camera and sent it off again.  After quite some time, I finally got it back with a note that they had replaced the sensor!  FINALLY!  So just know that if you have the same problem, it may suck because you could be without your camera A LOT, but in the long run, they will get it fixed one way or another.

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The 7D Ordeal...

Sorry it has been a while since my last post, but I've been busy dealing with LOTS of stuff concerning my 7D.  I had it out with Best Buy to the point where I'm NEVER going to shop there again and last week, finding a dead pixel on the 7D.  Needless to say, the camera is on its way back to Canon, so we'll see how it all pans out.  Before the week is up, I'll try and put together a couple of posts dealing with my experiences in case anyone else ends up in the same situation.

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7D Ordered.

So after the announcement, I ordered my 7D with the 28-135 kit lens.  Looking forward to doing an in-depth review of the camera.

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7D Announcement Tomorrow?

For months, there has been Canon 7D rumors flying all around the internet, but never have they been as strong as they have been lately.  In honor of a Canon announcement tomorrow, which many believe the 7D will be on the list, I’ve decided to compile the likely rumors into one blog-post.  Obviously, I’ve focused more on the video aspects.

Cropped sensor

ISO 100-6400

63 metering zones

Fixed 3” LCD

24, 25, or 30 fps video at 1080p

50 or 60 fps video at 720p

External Microphone

Full Manual Controls

HDMI port

If the 24p rumor is true, I’m really going to be curious what is going to happen with all of the 5DMK2 owners who have been pleading Canon for a firmware update.  I REALLY hope they also announce a firmware update for the 5D as I am just about to order a DSLR for video.  If there is NO 24p for the 5D, this may be a solid contended for my purchase.  The only thing that would keep me from doing it is the chance to have a full frame sensor. We will have to wait and see.

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Canon VIXIA HF-S10 Review

I was really excited when I first saw the Canon VIXIA HF S10.  I had wanted a non-HDV ‘kick around’ camcorder for blog posts and such that had lots of functionality without the bulk of my HVX200 setup.

I really like tapeless workflow and with the built in 32GB memory, I can record approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes at the highest setting of AVCHD (24 Mbps).  This camera also features an SD card slot, so I can add cards and get much more recording time out of the camcorder.  It utilizes a 1/2.6 CMOS sensor, that produces a great image.  The one thing I will say about AVCHD is that it is a hefty codec for my computer to handle.  Hopefully with faster processers and software updates that this will soon be a non issue.

As I mentioned, one of the things that caught my eye about this camcorder is that it has a lot of manual control functionality.  But most of it is either buried in a semi-complex menu system, or you can choose one of five controllable features (exposure, focus, assist functions, mic level, and AGC limit) to be controlled by the custom key and dial on the side of the camcorder.  Of course, you can only choose one of these to be easily accessible.  I really wish you could cycle through them.

If you want to find out ALL the features of this camcorder you can go to the Canon website, but here are the features I found very cool:

24 frames per seconds

Color bars and tone

AGC limits – You can set the maximum amount of gain it can go to

Microphone Attenuator

Zebras – 70 and 100

Custom Key and Dial – Again, I don’t like you can only use one at a time, but nice to have.

Quick Start – In this mode, you can be recording within 1 second

Underscan – but only before the record button is pressed

Pre-record function – ability to start recording 3 seconds before press start/stop

Manual exposure

Manual focus

Face detection

Manual white balance

Manual control of audio level

Audio input for external devices

8 Megapixel camera

This camcorder is not without its limitations.  There is no traditional viewfinder.  The image can only be viewed on the flip out screen.  Also, you can control aperture OR shutter manually not both.

One of the things that bug me a bit is the mini-advanced shoe.  I didn’t want to buy a bunch of ‘new accessories’ specifically for this camcorder, especially when I already own a bunch of quality accessories.  I wanted to be able to utilize some of the gear I own.  But with some research, I was able to find a mini-advanced shoe to universal shoe adaptor from Adorama.

I also found a pistol grip from CAVision that allows me to use the camcorder more like an old super 8mm feel.  And with the addition of my fisheye/wide angle reversible lens from century optics, I have a sweet little camcorder with a lot of capability.

Bottom line is that I would never use this as a main camcorder, but it is a very powerful small camcorder that I can easily take with me wherever I go without the bulk, so I am never empty handed and I am always ready to shoot.

I put together a short film about my dog Seymore.  Everything was shot on the HFS10, and nothing was color graded or altered with the exception of the shot where he is walking towards the camera in the house (due to user error)

Dumb Dog from John N. Miller on Vimeo.

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Panasonic E-Series P2 Cards

All I can say is that I LOVE these cards.  I know some people look down on the E-series because they have a limited read/write cycle.  They say that if you fill up a card 100% every day, they will last for 5 years.  For me, I don't shoot EVERY single day, and I don't use my HVX for every single shoot that I shoot.   Besides, if I can't afford to replace these cards (less than half price of the standard cards) in 5+ years, I am in the wrong buisness.

The other benefit is that they have a higher transfer rate (up to 1.2 Gb/s).  How can you not like that?  I'd love to hear other people's thoughts, but I've used these diligently since I've bought them and I can't praise Panasonic enough for releasing these cards.

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Video Vendor / Client Relationship

This has been flying around the internet for a while, but I love this.  For those who are looking to get into video production, this is how it is.  I just hope clients get a chance to see this and see how ridiculous their requests and demands can be.

And here is the link to the article I read, which featured this video.

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Glidetrack SD Review

Today, I’m reviewing the Glidetrack SD, a portable dolly/slider system.  While this product has been out on the market for a while, this was the first time I had to get my hands on one.  So, with that, I need to thank Ryan Koral of Epic Motion for letting me borrow his.

I’m not going to go into great detail as to what this product is suppose to do, I think one can figure that out by going to Glidetack’s website.  Instead I’m going to talk more about my findings and tips about using this product.

One feature that that is worth pointing out is the threaded screw on the carriage mount allows you to attach a camera (which is obviously annoying because of the twisting of the camera on and off) or quick release system such as the Manfrotto 577.  I preferred to use a tripod head, such as the 503 onto the Glidetrack.  This allows you to have added pan and tilt control rather than just side to side sliding.  Obviously this allows for more dynamic shots as you can have clear starting and ending points rather than just ending where the Glidetrack leaves you.

In the center of the bottom of the track are threaded holes for the two most common screw mounts (1/4-20 and 3/8-16) found on  tripods.  This allows one to screw the Glidetrack onto a tripod for using it for shots off the ground.  This can be cumbersome for those who have to shoot in a  ‘run and gun’ sort of style as you have to screw it on to attach it and screw it off to remove it.  What I found most useful is attaching a tripod plate to the track.  This allowed me to switch from floor to tripod within seconds…saving valuable setup time.  Just make sure the button on the plate doesn’t come in contact with the carriage mount while it is gliding across the track.  Attaching it to the tripod will keep you from only shooting ankles or extreme low angles of people.  Though, it does look a little weird because you end up using two tripod heads, but it was my most useful setup out of the ones I tried.

Obviously, you are probably thinking the same thing I thought when I had first thought about having a single mounting/balancing point…wont the Glidetrack tilt due to weight on one end at a time and your center of gravity being in the middle?  The answer is yes.  However, it is not nowhere nearly as bad as I thought it would be.  The footage in the video was only shot with the single center mounted…so take a look for yourself.

For those who have the time, the Glidetrack has threaded holes on either side of the track’s feet to be able to attach one tripod per side.  This allows for a much more solid move from end to end of the Glidetrack, but again you are sacrificing time, which you may or may not have.

My biggest complaint about the Glidtrack is when I tried to execute camera moves like panning, tilting or both while gliding across the track.  I found that the glide became not smooth.  The friction kept catching and releasing and was pretty frustrating as I wanted specific starting and ending points on a couple of my glides. But as I only had it for a couple of days, it could be due to my lack of experience with this product.

I also knowticed that the screws that held in the ends or feet of the Gidetrack were coming loose on the particular one that I was using.  This is more of a ‘heads up’  so that if you have one, you can make sure to tighten them as part of your maintenance of this system.

My only long-term concern with the Glidetrack is that being it is made out of aluminum, I wonder what will happen, when, as it inevitably will...at least in my care, a knick or dent appears in my track.  How smooth with the Glidetrack then operate?  I guess only time will tell at the moment.

Overall, the Glidetrack is a good product, for what it is.  I find that it is a very useful tool in my shooting arsenal.  But like most production tools, it is about knowing how to use it and when to use it.  The bottom line is if you can’t afford a dolly and are looking for something that will add production value to your videos and film, this is a good product to have in your arsenal of production tools.

Just so you could see some "real world" examples of the Glidetrack at work, I edited together the Glidetrack shots from my shoot the other day.

Glidetrack SD Testfootage from John Miller on Vimeo.

UPDATE:::

So after some use, I have noticed that the glidetrack does stick at certain points on the track, thus defeating the purpose of the device.  All in all, it is decent for its price and you'd have to replace it 3x before you start matching some of the higher level versions of a glider.  Bottom line:  Great for the price, but you get what you pay for.

UPDATE:::

Heard back from Alastair about the sticking on the glidetrack and he offered me this document, which explains some of the maintenance of the GT.  Download it here.

Also, instead of a 503 head on the Glidetrack, if it fits the weight requirements of your camera, get the Manfrotto 701.  Its a lot lighter and uses the same plate size.