DGusset

Thank you for this suggestion, I will look into the Canon 7D further.... (I was aware that Canon powershots can be hacked, though I've never tried it, but I haven't really looked into these new DSLRs as possible HD video tools). More research to do...... Thanks again :)

I'm trying to find a way of doing interval recording, shooting HD 24-30fps shots, at regular intervals over a period of days or weeks, remotely (or by leaving the set-up in a lock-off position which could be powered up once a day). Not one-frame-at-a-time for stop-motion, but shots captured at 30fps in HD, shot at a regular interval, and captured to tape or memory stick, or ext. hard drive, or whatever. This is a sequence for an HD broadcast documentary: Ideally, I would have a HD camcorder ( at least 1/3"ccd or cmos) in a lock-off position to record 30 sec or 1-5 minute-long shots (at 24p,30p, or 60i), at regular intervals (say, every 10 or 30 minutes) over a period of 10 hrs at a time, and up to 5-10 days. Most intervalometers in semi/professional camcorders shoot 1-6 frames at a time (max) with pause intervals up to 10 minutes....(the Panasonic HDX900 is the only camera I know of which will shoot up to 59sec29f shots (basically 1 min at 30p) at regular pause intervals up to 5 days - but the rental $$ becomes an issue if you want the set-up long-term). Most software is for frame-capture to be used stop-motion, not capturing 30 fps. Does anyone know of a semi/prosumer HD camcorder which can do this, or a software which can be connected to a camera, to be used ? (There is similar software which captures images from security camera systems , but not in HD at 30 fps, for non IP cameras. I'm stumped.......

In case you haven't heard (or seen), there's a music video going viral on YouTube..... (& in the TV news) Some colleagues of mine produced this, after Dave Carroll of the Sons of Maxwell had a guitar damaged on a United Airlines Flight and couldn't get any compensation from the airline. He promised United he would produce 3 videos about it, and put them on-line. This is the first one, and in the last 2 days has had over 1,385,000 hits !!! You too, can help spread the word:

Equipment rental facilities PS (Production Services) & WFW (William F. White) both sell expendables and some gear right in Toronto. http://www.psps.com/ http://www.whites.com/

(looks like a cool effect ......) :) 1-2" of water is not deep enough to worry about losing various wavelenths coming through (starting with red, orange..through to violet...etc), don't worry about it. Assuming your 6K is an HMI, and you're using tungsten-balanced film, I'd use an 85. But you could always fix it in post.......

Thank you for that Karel, That's interesting - and useful .... :) and I will look more closely at your comparisons...

Any dive shop or place that does wetsuit repairs will have neoprene (& hopefully won't even charge you for a scrap) - and it comes in various thicknesses

I did many different jobs early in my life (before film), and studied a variety of things in university and art college without getting any degree, and after working for approx. 20 years as an AC, DP-ing or operating small projects along the way, I now just shoot (mostly documentary, which was my original ambition). But there is nothing wrong with being an AC for life - it's an admirable, & honourable way to make a living. I believe that no matter what your background experience, it will be useful, if you do it with enthusiasm, and a desire to collaborate and contribute. Of course, some individuals will go further than others ................ :rolleyes: but here is no "right" way to get there :D

Putting equipment & lenses, as well as anything with electronics (which can short out from condensation) in sealed plastic bags, BEFORE you bring them in, is the best way to bring gear to room temperature. And you can speed it up the process quite a bit with a hair dryer over the outside of the bag. But if you don't have to speed up the process, and you can let the gear sit overnight, just keep the cases closed until the next day. Some metals expand and contract at differents rates too - I've had Aaton motor bushings seize-up at minus 25˚C in Labrador.... Arri SRs definitely handle the cold better. Hand warmers in barneys can help too. And batteries with hand warmers in syrofoam coolers. There is no doubt that, as an AC, there are some jobs that just have to be done with bare hands. The thin neoprene gloves are great when you can get away with it. But in addition, a good pair of puffy warm mittens attached to a string around your neck (like when you were a kid) is the best thing to plunge your hands into when you're standing around. Boots with felt liners are good too - and if you have an extra pair of liners you can switch to a dry pair half way through the day.