Cinema Verite' 08

This sounds very interesting in theory, so how does one go about this in practice? It is clear that an A-Minima is an ideal but VERY EXPENSIVE solution. If one can believe all the hype regarding the RED cameras, the may make a 'break even' solution. The A-Cam is an afordable solution that may be easilly modified, but how does one prove the system at a 'grass roots' level?

Sunday, November 4, 2007


This is a simple application using an ACL with a KINOPTIC viewfinder. The fabrication is also optimized for the inexpensive readily available Canon ZR40 series camcorder. This is how it works...

The super16 ACL is shown to illustrate the method of mounting, using a bracket. It can be seen that the camcorder fits snugly into the eyepiece. The view is clear & in COLOR, but not flicker free being an ACL; the focal length of the Canon ZR40 camcorder is 10mm, other Canons are 8mm or less which would be best if you want a Super16 frame, as would a lens coupler... have a look at this excellent ACL resource Video Tap. Viewing is via the camcorder eyepiece or LCD which may be adjusted for viewing at many angles.

This particular format has many benefits FOR SOUND RECORDING AND EASY 'SYNC SOUND' EDITING. A Splitter is used at the stereo 48kHZ Cd Quality sound input of the camcorder; the two channels are assigned accordingly...

Channel One is fed from an professional WIRELESS Microphone, Audio Technica is this case... the mic may be placed discretely in the scene, Omni or Uni as desired.

Channel Two is fed from a small electroset mic mounted near the camera head; this track is thus composed of two parts. Firstly an " AUDIO SLATE" from the operator containing whatever information you require. Secondly you have an " AUDIO BLOOP " when the camera starts up. This is easily identified in a linear editor for easy sync sound editing...

The principles may be applied to almost any movie camera, the mounting bracket may be regarded as a 'saddle ' for the camcorder & ancillary equipment, in other cameras like the ARRI, the view would be ' flicker free'. The technique for sound recording, slating & synchronization is PROVEN, if little known; I have added only a wireless microphone & a modern camcorder. Using a camcorder, one may also use the SVideo output to drive a larger monitor, also the firewire connection may be linked to a LAPTOP for REAL TIME Audio Visual recording & editing... with an internet link the shoot may even be watched on line in real time!

No comments: