R3D in CS4 – Follow-up

Sometimes I rush to say something about the technology developments of the day – and it takes a bit for everything to sink in, and allow everyone else to make noise about what’s been released.  In my last post I pointed out that it’s going to take a very serious machine to be able to cut this footage!  And that’s no joke – I love what Jonas of General Specialist has said about this whole development.

The system requirements aren’t exactly designed for the famed “soccer mom’s” of this world; you’ll need to have a 3.0 GHz quad-core system, at least 8 GB of RAM and a 64-bit OS such as OS X or Vista 64 if you want to work comfortably, but using lower resolutions with lesser machines will work as well.

Dave Helmly has also posted about the process of editing RED RAW in CS4…

As I have stepped back to look at what RED set out to accomplish – in their goal to “Change Everything” what I thought what they were creating was making these tools more accessible to the public.  While they’ve announced the possibility of a $3,700.00 Scarlet with fixed lens — but price spec and available are always up in the air with RED, and rightly so!  To cut 3k RED R3D in CS4 a new core i7 system will cost about the same or more!

If that is what’s next – what’s now???  I’ve been reflecting on what I’m passionate about and I’ve had to question what it is I want to do every day for the rest of my life!
I have this phrase that I picked up from somewhere – I’ve been saying it for so long, I don’t remember where I 1st heard it..

“Any kid with a camcorder…”

I believe that we live in a technological  era that “Any kid with a camera” can make a noteworthy film that may not be the next block-buster, but is much better than the typical home movie!  There’s no a wealth of information on how to direct, shoot, edit & finish your film.  Communities like People.IzzyVideo.com and Izzy’s premium content site offers a huge wealth of information at a modest price (and from what I hear he’s even running a buy one membership and give a member ship to a friend!)  Contact him on twitter to ask more about that!

So what do you really need to pull of some serious stuff?

1. Camera – You no longer have to spend $4k for a decent camera – there’s a new generation of small handy camera that will record some breath taking footage!  My favorite is the HV30 from Cannon, and there are now some great alternatives to these camera that shoot on lost cost flash memory (no more tape!) there are some down sides to that, but it has some benefits too.  The limitation of these less expensive cameras is the small sensor (chip) that converts light to digital information.   Because the sensor is small you don’t have the depth control that you do with other larger (more expensive) cameras – so if you want to look cinematic you’ll want a Depth-Of-Field Adapter like a Letus and a great 50mm or 85mm fast lens!

2. Tripod – I heard Stu say that in the adult world paints are what we put on to be civilized, a tripod is the same thing in the video world! If you want your video to really shine – use sticks, if you want to make people motion sick – shake it up, but it won’t be taken seriously!  (And no – I didn’t see clover field!)

3. Lighting – You don’t need to spend a bunch here – but every thing that you put in to this will really make your video look that much better than the rest!  Here’s some down and dirty tips that I’ve learned over the years:

Make it look natural – if you don’t have to add light, then don’t

Shadows are your friend – learn to use them

A bit of extra light behind  (halo or back lighting) your subject really makes a difference.

4. Sound – 60% of video that I see is recorded with the on camera microphone!  This is a tragic mistake…
The audio is more important that the visual communication of what’s on the screen (IMO).   If your camera has the ability to plug in a microphone – use it, and use a wired microphone as much as you can. There are some times that you want to be able to move with a person and a radio (wireless) microphone is best – but get an audio adapter and a pair of Great Headphones and make sure that you’re always listening to what your recording!

5. Software – In the skilled hands Sony Vegas and Red Giant’s Magic Bullet Looks Suite is all you need!
If you’re looking to do motion graphics and visual special fx, then I’d highly recommend you spend some time with my friend After Effects.  But the important thing is the ability to Color Correct your footage and get the edit tight.

So with all of this being said – what am I truly excited about in the field of video and this techno crazed era – two things!

The Flip – MinoHD and the Panasonic HMC-150!  The FlipHD is the perfect Vloging camera – I which that it had the ability to plug in a mic and headphones – then it’d be a killer!  The HMC is everything that the flip is not, but it’s still a small form factor – a bit more expensive than the $800 – $1200 HDV camera out there – but it’s building on Panny’s DV experience to deliver a great image on HC-SD cards! This camera isn’t for everyone – but it’s what I recommend someone who’s very serious about getting quality and being able to take control of the camera to do that!