Here are some local commercials I shot with my Canon T2i:
Commercials
Here are some local commercials I shot with my Canon T2i:
Equipment:
Canon T2i
Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 VC
Zoom H1 audio recorder
Audio-Technica ATR-3350 wired lav
Bolun wireless LAV mic
Naxa NAM-980 Hand Held XLR Mic
I used my light kit on the Konza Law shoot for two scenes.
Good effort DigitalBard... just a few constructive things... you can see that the Tamron (VC version) is not very sharp at all... also, I noticed no tripod, not even for locked down and pan shots... that seems very strange to me... as there are lots of shots where you are walking, you might also consider a steadycam/stabilizer and maybe even a slider for some flare and increased production value (lots of reveal shot possibilities in commercial work)... I assume you got paid for these?
I read some reviews about it, and chose the non-VC version myself.Originally Posted by HD-tography
But I wouldn't say that is the worst problem: Looking at only the first (vet) ad, I note that your focus was way off in some scenes - you had focused on the wall between and behind the two persons.
You didn't use autofocus, did you? That is a no-no in such setups, for obvious reasons!
Thanks for the criticisms, I appreciate it. And yes, these were all paid gigs.
In most shots I am using my tripod, except for the obvious shots where I'm moving. In some cases, the pans/moves were done in post (shot in 1080 and output in 720 which gives me a little bit of wiggle room).
As much as possible I shoot at around F/3.2 and I have a problem where the talent moves after I get my focus. I need to pay more attention to that and set focus *after* I give them direction. I tend to use the AF to set initial focus, then hit the * to crop in and do the final adjustment manually. I use the subject's eyebrows... if I can see the hairs sharply then I lock focus. Is there a better way?
I didn't know that about the Tamron VC. That's interesting. I'll rent the non-VC version and compare them. In general are non-IS/OS/VC lenses sharper? Or is it just this particular lens?
I just started with this company last month and my deal with the wife is that I get to spend 50% of my earnings on new equipment through April. I'm working on getting a T3i, hopefully next week then a few other items to help with the shoots, including some new lenses. I have an indiSlider mini which was a total bust, so I've got the JuicedLink slider on my radar. I'm also going to get a shoulder mount (borrowing a friends shortly to test it out).
(IMO) Normally it doesn't make much of a difference... I tried both and passed on both, but the Non VC was night and day sharper, especially in the corners. It seems to be the construction of that particular lens. Not terrible but I notice it. As was said, it is important to concentrate on keeping things in focus... I mean once you're rolling and the actors are doing their lalala, achieving consistent critical focus and composition/framing is pretty much your only job (and it's no time to slack off!).
I swear by the Konova brand roller bearing sliders but if you act fast there is currently a sale on the much lighter and comperable Varavon Camera Slider
Konova DSLR Video Camera Slider Review
Varavon Slidecam Lite – Video Review
For anything walking, I would recommend a wide lens and a modified Steadicam Smoothee (on sale at B&H for only $150 until the end of the month). You could have a stabilizer as good as the $800 version for under $200 (modified) provided you don't intend to fly anything over 3lbs.
See the following links:
Can you modify a Steadicam Smoothee
DIY Steadicam Smoothee Mod – Cheesycam Baby Merlin
Steadicam Smoothee Modified – Baby Merlin
GH2 on Baby Merlin (modified Steadicam Smoothee)
Steadicam Smoothee Unboxing:
DIY Camera Stabilizer Steadicam - Baby Merlin:
Baby Merlin Steadicam Smoothie (My First Try Out):
GH2 with Baby Merlin:
Thanks. My mother crashed my van a couple days ago and I have to pay for the repairs. So right now money is tight and my very next purchase is a T3i.
A friend of mine gave me his old Glidecam last year and I totally forgot about it. It's been sitting in my closet. It's like 3 years old and he got it for an old heavy camcorder (much heavier than my T2i). I'll pull it out of the closet this weekend and check it out.
Thanks again for all your advice, it's much appreciated.
Watched them, and liked your style. Short, sweet, and simple. Says everything you need to know about each business.
Keep it up.
Make her pay!
(not really)
For some obscure reason, Tamron made a design error with this lens when incorporating the VC function. Most reviewers have noted that the VC version is less sharp.
That's OK, provided the talent doesn't move afterwards... But how come you focused on the wall in the two-shots?
Which two? If I had to guess, I'd say because I used AF and then got distracted and didn't do my manual focus afterwards.
Oh trust me, if she had any money, I would.My step-father got laid off and my parents moved in with my wife and I. I lost my study.
Fortunately, the repair is only $700 (could have been worse), so I didn't have to dip into savings. I just have to wait an extra week to get a T3i.
At 0:05 and 0:15 the focus is on the background, not the person.
When both people were looking at the x-ray - I'd have preferred the people, not the x-ray being in focus - but, the decision on that is of course your choice!
Okay, the first video. That was my first shot of my first commercial working for this company. I'm sure I just used AF without adjusting it afterwards. I was pretty nervous.
Happens to the best - and even to me...
Might wanna be careful with that shot on bobs heating and plumbing. The guy gets in the truck and doesn't put his seat belt on them drives away.
Other than that they are pretty good. A few minor things that you'll get past with practice.
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