Bluebell timelapse and lessons learnt
Patrick and I are currently planning and preparing for our ‘uber film’, which we hope to begin shooting in early summer once our sponsors stump up a bike. It’s a mountain bike film set across all 4 seasons and filmed over 15 months. We’ve chosen such a long period because we want to make the most of the differences in riding conditions, weather and landscapes as the months progress. We’ve been planning this film in our head and on bits of paper for the last two years so it’s exciting to be so close to filming. Another awesome mountain bike film was released towards the end of last year called Life Cycles which makes an impressive use of the changing seasons and is definitely a source of inspiration for our own film.
DIY Cable Cam Video
Here’s the footage from our first experiment with a DIY cable cam. Read more on DIY Cable Cam Video…
Cyclocross outing for my Manfrotto 561BHDV Monopod
I wanted to test out my new Christmas present, a Manfrotto 561BHDV Monopod, and what better place to experiment than Todmorden Cyclocross race.
As a videographer that enjoys that enjoys using DSLR’s I wanted a light weight, low fuss, support solution when filming. I haven’t been completely sold on the various shoulder mount options made by the likes of Zacuto and others because whilst they do get some good reviews they are ridiculously expensive and cumbersome. They seem to over compensate for DSLR’s not being standard video cameras and forget about the unique features of DSLR’s themselves. So after a little research on the internet I bought the Manfrotto 561BHDV Monopod and I am chuffed with my decision.
Read more on Cyclocross outing for my Manfrotto 561BHDV Monopod…
Videos from my Raleigh Expedition to India
My Raleigh expedition to India this summer feels like many moons ago but I finally have something to show for it…(other than the amazing memories, friendships and shiny silver earings).
Since I’ve been back I’ve squirrled myself away in the office where I’ve sifted through over 200GB worth of video footage. After throwing out the crap and importing the good into Final Cut Pro, I’ve now have 3 short videos for the Raleigh International marketing department to use as they encourage more volunteers to take up the challenge. This is one of the videos which captures the Adventure Challenge phase down in Kerala. All footage was shot on my Panasonic GH1.
A Mountain Biking Film: Wharncliffe Woods
Our second Team Pickle mountain biking video this time filmed at Wharncliffe Woods near Sheffield. I tried to make the most of the autumn colours, off camber roots and technical rocky sections. It’s filmed on my Lumix GH1 and I also took along my glidetrack. Small colour alterations have been made using Magic Bullet Looks.
Slow Motion Bike Film using Twixtor
Here’s a sweet little slow mo bike film that has used Twixtor to slow the video down to 10% or less. Everything was shot on the Canon 7D in 720p 60fps. Twixtor has had some mixed reviews but this little video is smooth..
Raleigh India Expedition Music Video
I’m still out in India filming on the Raleigh expedition but here’s a little music video which we’ve been creating over the last 6 weeks. Get the mouth was out, gargle and sing along!
Glimpse of worlds 1st professional HD Camera Recorder with Four Thirds optical system
The AG-AF100 is the worlds first professional HD Camera Recorder equipped with the micro Four Thirds optical system used in DSLR’s. It is capable of recording up to 12 hours of video using its two SDXC compatible slots. It offers AVCHD 1080 and 720 video recording in frame rates of 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25 or 23.98p with the top two rates interlaced in 1080 mode. The camcorder also features industry-standard HD SDI and XLR connectors.
Read more on Glimpse of worlds 1st professional HD Camera Recorder with Four Thirds optical system…
My Videography Kit List for India
I will very shortly be on my travels to India as a videographer with Raleigh International. I’ll be away over the summer for over 10 weeks and will no doubt face a number of physical, technological and emotional challenges. Eeeeek! It will be monsoon season for a start and I’m not entirely sure what to expect.
My thoughts on the Panasonic Lumix GH1
In May 2010 I finally dug deep into my pockets and purchased the Panasonic Lumix GH1. Panasonic’s reputation for making outstanding video cameras is very well known. I personally got into videography using the Panasonic DVX-100 of which I’m still very fond. However I’ve recently noticed a positive boom in the number of videos created with DSLR’s and I love the depth of field and aesthetics displayed by many of the videos.
A Mountain Bike Film: Lee Quarry
I liked the aesthetics of video with DSLR’s so I recently dug deep into my pockets and purchased a Panasonic Lumix GH1. I now need to practice lots before I head out to India as volunteer videographer for Raleigh International in July. This is my first practice. The video follows Patrick mountain biking at Lee Quarry on his Ragley Mmmbop bike. I also took along my glidetrack. I’m looking forward to lots more DSLR filmming and getting to know the Panasonic GH1 a little better.
