NDR: topside video, first time out with HD camcorder!

[robint]

Here is a finished video, yes, topside only and not-dive-related. But it was necessary for me to get my feet wet, so to speak, with the new HD camcorder. Let me know what you think.

http://www.vimeo.com/5133529


I am trying to spend more time shooting video topside as, because of the cost of upgrading to HD, new computer and software, and new housing, I am probably not diving anywhere special for awhile. :depressed:

robin

 

[mobula]

Hi, I would use a tripod even if it is a small one or use a rock to lean on. The shots are very shaky. I know that is difficult to get steady shots with a small camera. A pro told me that it is good to hold the camera like a baby. So your hands form something like a basked and the cam lies inside. Impressive rocks, the footage is fine. Free hand panning I would also avoid.

 

[robint]

Hi, I would use a tripod even if it is a small one or use a rock to lean on. The shots are very shaky. I know that is difficult to get steady shots with a small camera. A pro told me that it is good to hold the camera like a baby. So your hands form something like a basked and the cam lies inside. Impressive rocks, the footage is fine. Free hand panning I would also avoid.

Yes, as I mentioned before, I really didn't take the time this trip to set up any shots, use the tripod or monopod we had with us. I had no idea how sensitive the camcorder would be.....:shocked2: The main focus of this trip was hiking all those trails and camping, so we were busy doing that most of our time. I just stopped long enough to shoot a bit of footage every now and then. It was really windy too! Next time there we plan to stop at specific points and set up. I also intend to stay longer than the 48 hours of this trip. There were tons of pro photographers everywhere doing just that and I was envious. But as I said, the focus of this trip was the hiking and visiting Arches NP for the first time. I just took the camcorder along to try it out since I had just gotten it the week before.

I must say though, I did really enjoy doing Topside video. I have just started doing this and find that I enjoy it as much as underwater! I plan to do it more. I think many of us get into the habit of doing nothing but "fish portrait" shots and then videos start to look the same. Doing topside videos tends to help expand our video vocabulary and help us learn to tell a story.

 

[mobula]

If there is no tripod I am leaning myself onto something if available. I think it is the same like underwater video. After a while your shots become more steady and better and you don't know how this happend ;-) I am still improving....and I am cheating...bought the EX1 With this cam you can film without tripod.
Do you know the Manfrotto Modosteady 585? You'll find it in Google. It as a minitripod, handle and floating tripod in one little device. Could be interesting for you.

Recently, I watched my first footage taken overwater in 2001. Wow, this was terrible. Haha, this was kind of embarrassing in front of my friends but it was fun to watch it again.

Normally we take 2-3 three camcorders with us. 1 or 2 for underwater and one for overwater shooting to avoid putting the cams in and out of the housing.

So, how about a combination of underwater and overwater? I think that some overwater shots help to bring the audiance into the film. Recently, I read a book about film composition. This was really interesting. I would recommend to read something like this. Unfortunately, my book was in German. It was a very good one because it presented some basics from filming to editing. Very nice.

2 years ago I filmed 2 weddings with 3 cameras. The results were surprising even for me and the couples are still wtaching the videos. It was hard work but I learned a lot.

You are right: liveaboard, diving, eating, sleeping, diving,......and to lazy to take out the cam of the housing and at the end there isn't even one shot from topside. Very sad. On every trip we try to film the preparation of the dives, the livaboard, the island, other divers,....

The last video I edited with own music also was this one:

www.marinevideo.eu - Diving Kuredu - Maldives

This is the way I am trying to do the combination.

Or for the website we try to do it like this:

http://www.marinevideo.eu/mediadeta...4fe51d2&title=Socorro+-+meeting+gentle+giants

In both videos we tried to include some overwater footage.

Another thing which I learned from a pro: try to record the orignal sound. It is good to have this as a tool for atmospheric purpose.

 

[robint]

Excellent videos!!! Thanks for posting.

I agree with you... I have been doing underwater video for only 3+ years and I have improved 100 times over my beginnings. The only topside stuff I was shooting was a few minutes here and there, on the boat and around the resorts, etc. Now I am working on splitting my video time to totally topside dedicated videos and underwater videos as I have more hobbies I want to enjoy. I wish I had the $$$ you have for the more professional camera rigs and trips, but since I am just an average person living in the desert, I have to budget my $$ between gear and the occasional dive trip. And also, since me and husband are both divers and shooting underwater, we have double the cost for every trip.

robin

 

[ronscuba]

......

So, how about a combination of underwater and overwater? I think that some overwater shots help to bring the audiance into the film. ......

I agree and I also try to remember who my audience will be. Is it just me, the people on my trip, general divers, non divers, contest judges, etc. ?

 

[TheBigPhillyFish]

i second the monfrotto 585. I own one and find it just great to travel with. its great as a stabilizer or when you use it as a shoulder rest. there fairly affordable i paid $90 for mine.

 

[mobula]

Haha, the budget. I know. We are also two divers, had two rebreathers, 2 cameras,......We spent all the money for diving and filming during the last 10 years. I sold the 2 rebreathers to buy a used EX1. Sometimes it is matter of priorities. We don't go out for dinner very often, don't pay to much for the apartment and we own one little SMART car to have more money for the diving. Now, everything is changing because of a little girl which will join us on planet earth end of June ;-) So, our equipment will have to last many years from now on. The EX1 was my "dream cam". Because of some lucky circumstances I don't pay to much for the housing. Otherwise I could not afford to buy an EX1.

My Manta video was shot with the small HC1. A big camera makes it only easier, yours will provide you with nice footage as well. No doubt about it.

 

[BDSC]

Hey Mobula!

Thanks for sharing the videos. I really enjoyed watching them. Now I can add you to the list that includes Ron and Robin as folks who keep me entertained while I'm at work.

But mainly congratulations on the new addition in a few weeks! I pray she will turn out to be happy and healthy. I know you guys must be excited. Now you will have plenty to film!!!!!!!

BDSC

 

[mobula]

Thank you! Health is a precius goods.
Maybe she will have gills and webs ;-)

Yes, there is plenty to film e. g. baby swimming.......

Fortunately, I have loads of footage which has to be edited to little stories if there is anay time left.