July 20, 2015

What's in My Video Event Bag


Here is an abbreviated summary of my video bag contents:


July 12, 2015

Panasonic GH4 and G7 Video Settings

Here are newly-found must-reads for any GH4 shooter:
The three most misunderstood GH4 settings – PART 1: Luminance Levels
The three most misunderstood GH4 settings – PART 2: Master Pedestal
The three most misunderstood GH4 settings – PART 3: Highlight & Shadow
Why Cine-D Sucks
This, especially master pedestal finding, contradicts Andrew Reid, but it does make sense.  Thus here are my new settings for both GH4 and G7:
Profile: Natural
Contrast: -5
Sharpness: 0
Noise Reduction: -5
Saturation: -5

Shadow: +1
Highlight: -1
Master Pedestal: 0
I like it!

July 5, 2015

Closing Bescor MP-101 Head

This is a follow up to the post where I opened up the Bescor PT head with intent of modifying it for operation with an external DIY controller.  And here is the development of this effort in pictures!
I used the components:  RJ45 breakout board and double-sided prototype PCB to replace the board electronics.  In short, I just connected PAN and TILT motors (see the referenced post on how to identify those) to RJ45 pins 4/5 and 3/6.  With a little encouragement from Mr.Dremmel the RJ45 connector is now protruding through the faceplate.


GoPro Hero4 Black as an Event Camera

My latest toy tool is GoPro Hero4 Black.  I plan to use it for capturing ambiance and the event audience.  Unfortunately out of the box the camera is not particularly suitable for this task.  Main culprit is a short battery life.  I need at least 2 hours of uninterruptible operation.  I think by now I have a package which should deliver on my requirements:
With the above setup I expect to be able to perform 2 hours uninterrupted video recording!
Not to forget!  This gadget proved to be a must-have while troubleshooting the setup. It just shows USB power voltage and current.  And, finally, do not forget to set your camera with a Protune flat color profile. I use it in 4K 24fps mode.

PS: To remove barrel distortion so prominent in 4K I successfully used Sony Vegas deform filter.  Does the job!





July 1, 2015

Event: Vit Gutkin Concert @Samovar


Let me make sure I get it right.  A fantastic musician who grew up in Moscow, Russia, and now lives in Jerusalem, Israel, signs samba in Portuguese to a mostly Russian audience in the heart of Silicon Valley, California.  God, I love this country!  The developed clips after jump....