TheaterYou production of «Трудные Люди»

Happy to work on another production of this wonderful theater.

This is an intimate hall with spectators sitting on the bleachers very close to the stage. The last row of bleachers is only 19 feet away from the stage.   The bleachers are a bit shaky though and I decided to not attach camera to those.

I used three cameras.

On-camera Shotgun Mics - AudioTechnica AT8024 vs Takstar SGC-598

What's in My Video Event Bag

Here is an abbreviated summary of my video bag contents:

• I carry my cameras in Pro Photo Studio Padded Bag.  I spray painted over the labels - like to keep it low key. 
  External dimensions: 30" x 10" x 13" (76cm long x 26cm wide  32cm deep).
  Internal dimensions: 70cm long x 23cm wide x 29cm deep.
• Takstar SGC 598 is very much adequate.  Do not expect high quality audio because of the poor (on-camera) microphone placement.
• Sennheiser G3 lavalier microphone.  Expensive but must have!
• Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Headphones.  Very nice!
• Audio-Technica ATR-3350.  Cheap adequate wired lavalier mics
• JK® MIC-J 044.  Marginally better wired lavalier mic.
• Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH4KBODY. Love it!
• Fhugen Honu GH4 Cage. Love it!
• Fotasy FF4B Pro Follow Focus V4.  It works and is priced moderately.
• Panasonic DMC-G7KK.  Color profile compatible with GH4!  But lacks weatherproofing, recording duration limited to 30min.
• PhotoVision 14 Inch Pocket One Shot Digital Calibration Target. Must have!
• X-Rite MSCCPP ColorChecker Passport
• Sony PCM-M10 Recorder. Love it! 
• Tiffen 58mm Variable ND Filter
• Canon Mini Hot to Universal Shoe Adapter
• Case for Small Accessories
• Memory Card Case

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!

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:

• Regular battery - no changes.
• Border frame housing.  Better yet the one with a hood!
• Tripod mount.
• Power supply cable.  This pretty much precludes use of waterproof housing.  Even some open frame housings may require modification.  Here is why you would want to pay $20 for this cable instead of using the miniUSB charge cable you already have..... When fully charged the camera will stop drawing power from the power supply.  If an external battery is used (like I do) this will force the external battery to electronically disconnect.  Hence charge cable is not good enough.
• 4x Sanyo 3.7V 2600MAH UR18650ZY 18650 rechargeable batteries.
• 18650 Battery Case with charger circuitry. 
• 64GB Micro SDXC card.  UHS-1.  I will try this one. 

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!

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....