My recent work with
Kinetic Fin has really turned me around on the whole DSLR for video thing, especially the Canon models. The first two shoots I did with them, I saw the 5D, tweaked and tinkered with it and lit for it as the A cam, but ultimately the camera was confined to sticks or operated by the director (while I operated C cam - my trusty DVX). I knew that the cam was getting really good results, but the experience was far from hands-on. However, on the Gevalia shoot two weeks ago and another one yesterday for parent company, Kraft, I actually got the chance to operate a 5D in a doc setting. This was something I had many reservations about - mainly form-factor and stability. I had seen videos online of handheld DSLR video and it's not too great on it's own. The shape and size just do not allow for smooth handheld work and stuff gets jittery very easily. So, knowing about this issue, I brought my Tiffen Steadystick aboard both of these recent DSLR shoots. (Just as a side note, I picked up that contraption so that I could operate hanheld cameras like the DVX and others in a way similar to shoulder-mount cameras.) The stability it affords is fantastic. And based on my recent experiences, it
really helps DSLR shooting. I was able to get really nice handheld stuff on the 5D and I am told by Kinetic Fin editor and shooter
extraordinaire, Gene, that the footage from the 5D I operated was smooth, stable, and looked great. With the setup I used, I was able to operate in a very familiar way and get
really great results.
So that's that. DSLR video can be really great. And especially for Kinetic Fin's very intimate and honest style of filmmaking, shooting with a DSLR is the perfect combination of small, unobtrusive form and unbelievable cinematic quality. As there appears to be a lot more work with them in the very near future, and since I now know I can operate the way I like to, I will be investing in a DSLR for video
very soon. Until then, though, here's a pic from the Gevalia 5D shoot. You can tell even in just a picture of the screen of the cam, it takes some great video. (And yes, those are my hands on there).
photo by Michael Lussos
