Production Notes- Camera

Today's blog has to do with the camera we are using for filming "Uncle Louie". Some people have commented that it looks like a pretty serious camera. In a scale of video cameras, that so many of use have used to film our family events- it is serious.
In the current technology, almost all cameras can acquire pictures in "high definition", but there are major differences in the consumer models that you pick up at Best Buy, and the type we're using, only available through professional video equipment dealers. The cost, is of course significantly higher, too. Now I could write a text book on cameras (and they are out there),but lets highlight a few things.
First, the "Uncle Louie" camera, made by JVC, is a 3 chip (or 3CCD) that are 1/2 inch in size. Most consumer cameras are an 1/8 inch or 1/4 inch max. The bigger the chip, the better is processes colors and the more control it has over light. It also allows for various "frame rates". This gives a certain look to the footage. Most television programs are shot at 30 or 60 frames per second. Each frame, or picture, lasts for 1/30th or 1/60th of a second. We are filming at 24 frames per second- the same rate as motion picture film. It gives the production a more film like look, but also allows the footage to be transferred to actual film because it matches the rate. Although some movies theaters are switching to digital projection, most still use film.

The camera also allows for the use of different lenses for the type of action being played out. In the efforts to curb cost, we are using one lens, with a built in zoom which would cover almost any shot. The lens can cost as much as the camera! No consumer grade models has any of the "control" you can get with the pro cameras.

I've trained on over 9 different cameras for professional use, with about 11 models currently used. Some large scale cameras, such as used in the big Hollywood productions can run as high as $180,000 plus the lenses. But, that's why the big films look so good. In "Uncle Louie's" case, I'm trying to make it as close as I can to these, and it'll look damn good, for whole let less money!

There is a lot more to cover- maybe in future posts. I also welcome any questions or comments to the technical side of things.