Blackmagic Tech Dem

For our professional client brief over the summer for Wynyard Hall, we have permission to use the Blackmagic camera to film to a high quality. Me and Liam have been chosen as the camera operators for this project so we both came in today for a tech dem and to practice using them (and a little bit using the editing software, Resolve). We were hoping for a bigger turnout so we could do an edit and sound tech dem but everyone is having a social life and are on holiday :P 

Notes
Bold is the settings we should use.

• Runs on SSD cards. Faster and more storage!
• Menu-settings-recording. DNS=Avid. 422=broadcast. HQ= normal, high quality. RAW= highest quality, but only records 30 mins of footage.
• Dynamic range. Video=T.V. Film=more info/colour grading info.
• 30 fps (YouTube settings).
• iso 800= camera's optimum. Film at 400!
• No auto white balance! 5400 outside. 2800 inside.
• Shutter angle (similar to shutter speed) at 180. 172.8 is smoother. The lower, the sharper.
• Don't bother with audio. Still use inside mic to sync sound.
• Mains charge. Battery lasts 1hr 30mins (not long!)
• Record button on the front and back
• Switch off camera when changing lens. Red dot to red dot.
• Iris button brings up wavelength= exposure levels. Don't let it peak at the end! Take off before recording!
• Focus assist. Green outline.
• Double tap screen to focus clearer. Make sure to zoom out before recording!
• Metadaler= name files. A= auto change number. Bit time consuming.
• Zebras at 90

Lenses

• 14, 35, 85mm we can use. Basic.
• 24-70 photography lens
• Cheap zoom but stuck
• 18-55

Me and Liam (and Lee, supervising us) went to get a few practice shots of CCAD at different settings, and just experimenting in general. We took it in turns and we both had quite a few, nice looking shots! I'm looking forward to working more with Liam when we actually start filming.

We then quickly looked at the edit software, which seems a lot quicker and easier than Avid (and is free! But it doesn't work with the P2 or AVC's :-( )

The software made quite a bit of difference for colouring! The raw footage came out very grey but it quickly put colour back into Liam's cheeks!

Lee then experimented with different colours and settings, such as Liam getting a phone call from God???

Lee then wanted to brighten Liam's lips as they looked dehydrated, then he ended up making it into lipstick.

I suggested adding blusher but that was just too silly.

Here's the edited together piece (original, untampered with) and the crazy colourful one!