Today I spent a day at the Races. Starting at the ungodly hour of 430am we filmed with trainer Mike Mitchell at the Hollywood stables. It was funny, I have family in the racing business in England and generally the people working in the stables are generally young blonde students (huge sweeping generalising there!) here they seemed to be Latin American guys with MASSIVE filmic moustaches. Much more fun for me to film, as people know I tend to like to film interesting looking people than the obvious pretty ones!
The idea for this shoot was to do some test footage using Illya Friedman’s new PL CAMERA. Which is simply a very nicely modified 7D. Read the linked blog for more info on it.
We had a great crew. Jarred from Cinema 5D who provided the fantastic Cooke lenses as well as a RED zoom and a Century Optics zoom as well as the Matte Box and filters. Chuck with his litepanels (which we didn’t need in the end), RAWworks owner Neil who is organising the event, Creative Director Jeremy and sound man Bobby…very very odd Bobby!
I mostly shot using the 25mm and 100mm Cooke S4 T2 primes. What a GORGEOUS image these lenses give you. Yes it was a lot more fiddly and time consuming using these lenses with a mattebox for NDs than my normal “run and gun” set up but it was worth it. The images below speak for themselves!
Jeremy is going to do an edit together of the material and we will premiere it my HD-DSLR masterclass on Saturday on the Warner Bros lot in Hollywood. I saw the venue today and it’s fantastic. There are still some places left so please come. You don’t need to own a camera to come, just have an interest in these camera. We will be projecting lots of cool stuff on a great big screen Your chance to see how well these cameras hold up.
One very cool thing is Illya had a wide zoom that I used on one of the frame grabs of the horses walking in circles…this is a Tokina 11-16mm modified into a PL mount lens and now cost $3500. Same optics though…show you how good that lens is!
Below are some screen grabs of the shoot and some BTS pictures taken with my GF1 and the new Noktor.
Bobby!
Illya
Jarred
Jeremy and Bobby
J.Thomas
March 4, 2010 at 02:28Pretty awesome! Lens looks extremely soft on the 7D. I really have no experience with this sort of glass due to my budget.
pbloom
March 4, 2010 at 02:30Sharpness is turned all the way off on the 7D as recommended, it will be re-sharpened slightly in post.
Jason Hibberd
March 4, 2010 at 03:02Amazing. What tools are you guys using to sharpen in post? I’m flattening my profile in the 5D and correcting in Magic Bullet Looks, but I’m not sure about the best sharpening tool for FCP on the Mac.
Nick Taylor
March 4, 2010 at 03:54Pardon my ignorance, but how does one turn the sharpness all the way off on the 7D?
pbloom
March 4, 2010 at 06:53in the picture profile settings
Dave Rilstone
March 5, 2010 at 13:05You explain all that good stuff very well in your 7D DVD. ***RECOMMENDED*** –per my blog.
k wasley
March 4, 2010 at 09:07Nick, Along with this blog and Cinema5d i would sugest you go to Shane Hurlbuts sight (DOP of terminator salvation etc), choose hurlbut visuals, then go to his blog. It’s amazing for info and as an introduction to shooting films with these cameras (he’s shooting his latest movie for theatrical release on 7D/5D/1D – printing to 35mm). You can also subscribe to the inside track newsletter which is excellent also, with lots of fantastic info about these cameras.
Dan Kanes
March 5, 2010 at 01:17Those sites and:
7dcinema.blogspot.com
Francis Coral - Mellon
March 5, 2010 at 05:19Wow that is a great blog!
Francis Coral - Mellon
March 5, 2010 at 04:54Why only resharpened slightly. I still dont understand why you wouldnt eventually want a nice sharp video picture afterwards? Is that a stylistic choice or does eliminate some sort of technical flaw… Also why does turning down in camera sharpening help when editing.
pbloom
March 6, 2010 at 12:48reduces aliasing and moire and you simply add a wee bit of sharpening back at end.
Tom Judd
March 4, 2010 at 02:29Beautiful shots there, great work. Again, would love to go to the classes, but alas, I’m in Australia.
Pacoiba
March 4, 2010 at 02:47OMG, seriously, filmmaking is severely changing these days. I’d love to just own that gear and make make and make films, I feel like a kid again when talking about these toys. I’m selling my whole HVX200A w/Letus Extreme Zacuto Kit in order to buy one of these babies, would u recommend me to wait and see what they reveal on NAB or should I just go ahead and get a 7D, a 5DMII or a 1DMIV?? (if thats the case, which one?? i cant decide!!)
pbloom
March 4, 2010 at 02:48i wouldn’t wait.
If you have cash 1dmkiv is awesome…if you like full frame the 5dmk2 or if you are on more of a budget or want to use cinema glass the 7D
Braden
March 4, 2010 at 14:49really? don’t wait? I was waiting for NAB to buy mine. do you not expect anything to come out? I actually am planning to buy the new Sony NX5U. http://bit.ly/aZJ9Kr
Anything thoughts on this camera?
Landrew
March 4, 2010 at 02:50I’m struck by the very Film like tones and contrast levels. Colors are spectacular. I can’t make it all the way out west but look forward to hearing how things go during your class.
Maik Thomas
March 4, 2010 at 02:51woohoo…that looks incredible !!!! nice nice nice nice nice and reeeaally beautyfull DoF !
cheers
Shooting 7D PL with Cooke Lenses for Saturday’s LA Masterclass | Shot On HD
March 4, 2010 at 02:57[...] Link: Shooting 7D PL with Cooke Lenses for Saturday’s LA Masterclass [...]
Lucas H
March 4, 2010 at 02:59Glad to here we don’t need a camera for the Masterclass, as my T2i hasn’t yet! can’t wait to see the film on saturday.
Lucas H
March 4, 2010 at 02:59Glad to hear we don’t need a camera for the Masterclass, as my T2i hasn’t yet! can’t wait to see the film on saturday.
J. Odoms
March 4, 2010 at 03:09Trully game changing Phillip. Simply exquisite.
Michael Buffa
March 4, 2010 at 03:09These images are absolutely amazing! If these are just frame grabs I can only imagine how awesome the footage is. The images look like something straight out of Hollywood Movie.
J. Odoms
March 4, 2010 at 03:10BTW, how much would those two lenses cost to rent?
adam
March 4, 2010 at 03:19wow beautiful results. That really is stunning what this little thing to put together. Wish I could afford those lenses!
pbloom
March 4, 2010 at 06:53me too!
Serge Taveras
March 4, 2010 at 03:30oops! Sweet mama mia!
T Roberts
March 4, 2010 at 03:31Looking forward to seeing the final edit!
Dell Montana
March 4, 2010 at 03:58Can’t wait to see the video Saturday.
CB
Jared Abrams
March 4, 2010 at 04:17Philip, Thanks for a great day. You were very cool.
Jared
Eddie
March 4, 2010 at 05:03Those shots look absolutely amazing! I’m signed up for the PM class…I can’t wait.
pbloom
March 4, 2010 at 06:53great stuff Eddie
shaunbless
March 4, 2010 at 05:50Hey Phil did the lens over heat with hdmi connect bro.
pbloom
March 4, 2010 at 06:52the lens overheat?
Dan Kanes
March 5, 2010 at 01:15Leotard!
Sascha Plagge
March 4, 2010 at 05:57That 19th one is awesome! That dof! U got the focus totally right on Micky!
Love it!
Jon Chou
March 4, 2010 at 06:40Looks great, I can’t wait to see some footage!
7Dpro
March 4, 2010 at 07:22Lovely!!!
@dialate
March 4, 2010 at 07:24Looks amazing Phil!! live the dream buddy..
Adam Erbacher
March 4, 2010 at 07:53Hey Philip,
I’d love to be at your Masterclass on Saturday but I live in Australia
If you land a client down under one day, you wanna come do a Masterclass in Oz?
Trankilstef
March 4, 2010 at 11:34The film grabs are awesome! Can’t wait to watch this movie! Will you post it on your blog right after the HD-DSLR workshop? It would be great!
Rob Imbs
March 4, 2010 at 12:15Very pretty, that’s some fat glass.
Brian N.
March 4, 2010 at 13:03Hi Phil,
Looks great. Do you think the problems with rolling shutter and sampling will be enough to keep cinema lenses on HD DSLRs from being a regular occurrence?
pbloom
March 5, 2010 at 03:37rolling shutter is very evident when using these lenses
Steve Staffan
March 4, 2010 at 13:13Philip, that looks simply AMAZING! How did the lens perform at night time : P ? I can only imagine! When you were filming, what did you have the lens stopped down to? Theres no way you had it wide open correct?
pbloom
March 5, 2010 at 03:37wide open most of time!
Jim Culp
March 4, 2010 at 13:52Philip- Do you post a schedule of your Masterclasses? I’m having trouble finding it.
pbloom
March 5, 2010 at 03:36this is first one. no schedule yet
Jim Culp
March 5, 2010 at 12:17Please keep Orlando, FL in mind. Cheers.
Benji Smith
March 4, 2010 at 17:58Those frame grabs look great. Goes to show that good glass is always worth it. If the budget allows of course.
zack mctee
March 4, 2010 at 18:28I’ve got access to some old school 35mm cooke lenses, unfortunately there’s really no way for me to put them on my 5D….AAAAAAARRRG!!! I hope a simple solution for using all cinema lenses isn’t far off. The new Zeiss primes are an exciting upcoming option but I sure would like to use the free cookes.
Dan Kanes
March 6, 2010 at 04:02What solution is this you speak of?
The hotrod cameras PL mount?
http://www.hotrodcameras.com?
pbloom
March 6, 2010 at 12:42yep, links and details are in this blog
Jono Fisher
March 4, 2010 at 18:39Sweet Glass!
joel Conder
March 4, 2010 at 20:32Philip -if i said to you “you can only keep on of your canon’s the 7d or the 5d” which would you choose?? (providing the firmware update was already out).
Marcel
March 4, 2010 at 22:15Doesn’t the Tokina 11-16mm warp the image when panning or tilting?
pbloom
March 5, 2010 at 03:32a little
claudioagmfilho
March 5, 2010 at 00:16wow great stufff to hear
Will Stockwell
March 5, 2010 at 05:19Hi Philip,
Fantastic looking stills, very much looking forward to seeing the footage in person Saturday!
David Pattinson
March 5, 2010 at 07:18So excited to see the footage!!!!!
Andrew Howe
March 5, 2010 at 11:39Are you working on getting a set of the new Zeiss Full Frame Compact Primes to play with?
pbloom
March 6, 2010 at 12:46trying to
Frisby
March 5, 2010 at 12:44I just want to know why the goat was smiling at you so creepy like.
pbloom
March 6, 2010 at 12:46flirting
Minor
March 5, 2010 at 15:05Always an inspiration Phil.
Is that the Ikan 5.6″ monitor and if so is that the field monitor of choice?
pbloom
March 6, 2010 at 12:46no it’s the Marshall. WAY better than the ikan 5600
Adam Loretz
March 5, 2010 at 16:06Great images. Love the sky behind the horse. Like to take a peek at the edit if you are allowed to publish it, ATB.
Serge Taveras
March 6, 2010 at 06:30Hi Phil, Just wanted to know if you have gotten the chance to play with one of these yet? http://vimeo.com/9912459
I found a site that has it for $120 with free shipping and handling, but wanted to see what you though about it first, could work well on a rig.
pbloom
March 6, 2010 at 12:41yes it works well
Tim Fok
March 6, 2010 at 09:26The grabs looks intense. Looking forward to seeing the finished edit!
Simon Dempsey
March 6, 2010 at 16:00Love where you work is taking you Phil, always a joy to see what you release next! Keep on truckin’ brotha!
Braden Jobson
March 6, 2010 at 20:49I’m looking to buy my first professional camcorder. I have $4,000 to spend. What would you suggest? A Sony NX5U, Z5U, or go the route of a 7D with some good glass?
Lisa J. Kassner
March 7, 2010 at 15:38Philip,
I enjoyed your Saturday class in Hollywood a lot. I also enjoyed meeting you in person at the end of your morning presentation.
Kindest and sincerest warm regards,
Lisa J. Kassner
pbloom
March 7, 2010 at 17:02good to mee you too Lisa. P
bill totolo
March 7, 2010 at 18:16Nice work again. What iso were you shooting at, was there any noise reduction in post? The images look very clean.
Cheers,
Bill
pbloom
March 8, 2010 at 00:22160,320,640 and 1250 ISO
LFK
March 7, 2010 at 19:37stunning photos ! wow !
chris tharp
March 7, 2010 at 20:23what scene file did you use? the blacks and under exposed areas seem to be free of noise.
Richard
March 7, 2010 at 22:31Stunning…when are you going to start using that Glidecam?
amank
March 7, 2010 at 23:40what a great video,
the color is awesome !
flenoir
March 8, 2010 at 07:37HI,
why did you choose theses ISO values : 160,320,640 and 1250 ISO ?
and not 200, 400, 800 and 1600 ISO for example
is there a technical issue ?
thanks
flenoir
jorn
March 8, 2010 at 16:42how do you get the sharpness back in post ? is this a filter?
pbloom
March 8, 2010 at 17:47in built filter with FCP
Austin
March 9, 2010 at 13:32I seem to have issues with grain/noise when I use the Sharpen filter in FCP. Do you run into this? If so, how to you remedy? Thanks for all the great info by the way!
pbloom
March 10, 2010 at 18:54the tiniest amount…that’s all
Luis Gustavo
March 10, 2010 at 17:43Hi Phill….
why did not you used the 7D and 5D PL mounts for these, what happens to these horses in the 5D or 1D MK IV?
thanks for sharing
pbloom
March 10, 2010 at 18:51Because I was using a specially modified 7D which takes all PL lenses.
Rafael Gonzalez
March 11, 2010 at 18:48hey phil what model is the Marshall monitor on the picture? it’s come with the shoe adaptor
pbloom
March 16, 2010 at 02:22hot shoe is extra…it’s the 6.5″ marshall
STR
March 11, 2010 at 23:22Awesome stuff – would wonder how different the footage would look if u had a custom 5D PL mount – either way – fantastic looking shots.
Is the rolling shutter more pronounced with the cinema lenses due to the type of glass used or ?
pbloom
March 16, 2010 at 02:20i don’t think soi!
Nathaniel Hansen
April 1, 2010 at 05:21Smashing good! I especially appreciated the Loscil soundtrack. Scott Morgan is really great to work with (I’ve licensed some music from him in the past – really cool guy).
Jon Grimson
April 16, 2010 at 14:12I’m having an issue with the light metering not working in manual mode when shooting video. I’m using Leica-R lenses with Leitax adapters that do not have chips. Light metering works fine when shooting stills. But when I shoot video (my primary use) the light metering goes wacky.
Logically the light metering works fine for stills and these adapted prime lenses, so why does it fail to function properly in video mode?
Did you experience this when using these primes? Any solutions or settings I don’t know to change?
If anybody can help on this I’d really appreciate it!