Hello, my name is Dory Breaux and I am independent action/extreme sports producer. I do most of my own everything, camera work, editing, directing and most anything else. Up untill now I've been using the local TV stations video equipment, and its been great. But I'm starting to realise that video just doesnt cut it in sub zero temperatures in snow, or most of the other situations I find myself in. I'm looking into 16mm because its been reccomended to me by many of my colaberators/acomplices. I found the K-3 on eBay and after a little research it looks like it may be a good choice. However, I have some (ok alot) of questions about the camera and 16mm in general. So, here goes nothing :D :
1. It looks like this camera is relitivly small, but how small is it? Would it fit into a standard sized back paco easily?
2. I read somewhere on these forums that it records around 20 seaconds per winde-up. This is ok, because generaly I only record about 5-15 seaconds at a time. But does it slow tword the end of this time period?
3. What is the loading proces like? I'm used to just ploping a minidv tape into the drive and being good to go. Is it a drag to load in lit cinditions, for example on a ski slope with hi-noon sun? I've heard that there are specific types of film made for situations like this.
4.How expensive is 16mm to develope? I've heard its not too cheap, but I'd like to get an idea of what "not too cheap" means.
5. Normaly I just run a mic back to the camera and into an XLR port. Whats the best way to record sound (yes I know what a slate is for) with the K-3? Just use a mini disk or DAT recorder and sync in Post?
6.What is the lense like that comes with the K-3? Eventualy I would plan to upgrade/expand my lense assortment, but for now I'd plan on just using the stock lense.
7. May sound like a stupid question, but how is exposure handled? Can you set it by looking through the VF. or do you need an external light reeder?
8 What is the best way/servace to convert film over to digital for editing?
9. How delecate is the k3? I mean, if I fell while doing a moving shot on skis and it fell on an ice patch, would the camera itself be dammaged badly?
Thanks for bothering to read this,
Dory