Log Jam

Logging in the field, plus data wrangling

By Michael Guncheon

KENNY’S LOGGING Q I’ve been on a few independent productions trying to do whatever I can to help. Since they’ve had no real budget, they’ve welcomed my participation, but I get the feeling I need to do a better job. Recently, I was responsible for taking log notes for use in the edit, but I heard that the notes weren’t... Read more

Ride Like The Wind

The Rycote Cyclone windshield system, plus sound recording with your iPhone

By Dan Brockett

THE RYCOTE CYCLONE WINDSHIELD SYSTEM Q Most of my recording experience is in studios and on stage. I’ll be the sound mixer for an upcoming shoot that will take place in Chicago on and near Lake Michigan. From previous trips to the area, I know it will be windy, and I’m concerned about recording clean sound with a minimum of wind noise—we... Read more

Calibrating Your Display

A hue and cry about color?

By Michael Guncheon

Q I’ve been struggling with trying to get a handle on how things look in various situations. I look at something when I’m shooting and have an idea of what I’m getting, but then things seem to go south once I start editing. When I have the opportunity to use a camera that gives me RAW or some sort of flat output, I still look at the... Read more

Rear-Rejection Sound

Profiling the Sanken CSR-2 mic, plus the Sound Devices 633 mixer/recorder

By Dan Brockett

SANKEN CSR-2 MIC Q I’ve been primarily using Sennheiser microphones, including the MKH 416 and MKH 50, for the past few years as the main mics in my sound-mixing package. I recently landed a new client for whom I’ve been mixing sound on a lot of sports events shoots where we shoot interviews on the sidelines of games at large stadiums.... Read more

A Streamlined Workflow

Copying files, and staying organized in dual-system sound

By Michael Guncheon

WHEN IS A COPY NOT A COPY? Q As I’ve been working up in my skill level, I seem to be trusted more with the day’s files for a shoot. There seem to be certain ways that people think are best for dealing with all of the data. I think I’m pretty good with making multiple copies of each file and making sure those copies are on separate... Read more

Stills To Motion

Translating digital cinema through Photoshop

By Andy Shipsides

We hold a lot of events at AbelCine aimed at helping still photographers move into the world of cinematography. These “Stills To Motion” events are focused on both the art of cinema, as well as the latest camera technology. During a recent event, we were discussing the RAW and Log modes in the Canon EOS C500, as well as the wide cinema gamut... Read more

Around The Campfire

Recording audio for a four-character scene, plus powering small recorders

By Dan Brockett

RECORDING AUDIO FOR A FOUR-CHARACTER SCENE Q I’m working on a low-budget student film. We have two big scenes where four characters will be having a discussion around a campfire. We’re covering the scene with two cameras; one will be a pretty wide shot that contains all four characters, the fire and some of the area around the fire, while... Read more

Blurred Lines

Checking and adjusting back focus

By Michael Guncheon

Q I was lucky enough to get to NAB this year and was happy I did. It was great to be able to get my hands on (or at least see under glass) a bunch of new products. After a while, I started getting overloaded with all the new stuff. Seeing new lighting, new camera rigs, gimbals, drones, batteries and recorders was a bit overwhelming. Did I mention drones?... Read more

Audio Options For The Panasonic GH4

Plus, Tascam’s DR-60D as a DSLR audio solution

By Dan Brockett

PANASONIC GH4 & RØDE LAVALIER Q I’m looking for a good wired lavalier for my new Panasonic GH4 camera. Unlike my video cameras, the GH4 doesn’t have XLR connections, and most of the lavaliers I’ve seen that have unbalanced 3.5mm connections aren’t exactly pro-level microphones. This will be for broadcast, and I’ll... Read more

Making The Match With 3D LUTs

How can I match a Sony F55 and Canon EOS C500?

By Andy Shipsides

Many people know AbelCine for the scene files we create for various cameras. Last year, I wrote a column called "Making The Match" (HDVideoPro, April 2013), and I outlined my process for creating matching scene files for various cameras. We received a lot of great feedback on that column and have received even more interest in matching files.... Read more

Battling The Burn

My experience at Burning Man 2002

By Paul Kelleher

Problem: 110º heat? Dust? No A/C in my ’93 Ford Explorer? Nope. My problem was that a beautiful woman had just taken off her tube top and had given it to my naked friend as a "skirt," and I missed the shot. Then the VCR tape melted. The thought "Why am I here?" ran through my head until it got too hot and I had to sit down.... Read more

Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Mic

Plus, picking the right boom pole and mic mount

By Dan Brockett

SENNHEISER SHOTGUN MIC Q I’m assembling my first serious audio kit, and I’d like some advice about which shotgun could serve as my main boom microphone. I work on a lot of documentaries and travel to shoot them overseas usually, so size, weight and performance are all considerations. My budget is very limited, but I want the best I can... Read more