Marcus Phipps

Chris, thank you for your reply. I do ask that I be considered at least an equal in the newbies for this site. To date, I still don't know what the true definition of a 'troll' is. But I do browse many sites and research. I then combine all my information to one place. This is specifically video-related. I had to choose where to post my research or my hours spent. I found Cinematography.com a more welcoming forum than most. Thus, I applied and became a member. Aside from this I have no ill-intent other than to learn with the rest of us. I will say as i've said previously,... I am merely trying to help put all the basics in one place. So that newbies (in this case video-related) be more easily found. There are no ill-intents in this. My definition of 'troll' is skipping around websites and getting pieces and putting together a whole story. So,... yes,... I guess i'm a 'troll'. Not sure if that's good or bad but my intentions are good. I am consistently reminded that this information is online somewhere or even on here at Cinematography.com. The problem for a newbie is that it takes a dozen threads to understand specific basics. A newbie has to sort through a number of scientific posts. There's nothing wrong with those posts. They will likely serve me and others well later on. However, in this newbie forum I am trying to sum up these basics. No more. No less. It doesn't matter that it is located in ten other places online. What makes my approach different to some degree is that I am a newbie and am documenting the newbie questions from the very beginning. And it's often those that have been in the business for a few years that give the most feedback. I hope to eliminate as much sarcasm as I can and get to the root question that I post. You have to remember, when a newbie reaches out,... and gives very specific questions it's a good thing. When I fail to give specifics then slap my hands. Tell me. I learn. But slapping the hands of a newbie is in no way constructive. I don't think any of you would like to be on the receiving end of some of your very own posts. I am honest. I am polite. I ask the same in return. If I fail in some way. Please tell me. I and others will learn from that. But most don't learn from sarcasm. And I am not saying Chris is being sarcastic. He was polite enough to lend his time to this thread. Please give him credit for such. I feel combining the basics and posting them as a newbie in my learning will only aid in other newbies to want to read my threads and your professional replies. Thus, "Speaking on their behalf" is not something I even thought of. But allow me to say clearly,... I am learning and sharing; period. I post my threads as a newbie. And try to make them as welcoming as possible. If I posted I had ten years experience, would that be challenged that I spoke for all ten year veterans? Thus, I am documenting my progression and hoping to help others along the way. What i'm trying to convey is something that I don't feel is being done yet. Or at least done properly. That being, a single location for newbies to go to and get the basics. I am not calling anyone any names. As a matter of fact, i'm trying to be as honest and warm as possible so that my threads will read most-easy to the newbie. Myself included. You mention I don't need to state my being a newbie. Fact is,... I am a newbie. I am not ashamed of it and have stated this in my first post(s). My goal is simple. To try and help. I enjoy electronics. I dabble in electronics. I am not a scientist. But I have little to no knowledge in video capturing. and I am not someone that is a member of 25 different forums. I chose to be a member here. Therefore, I am lending my efforts here. If I am not welcome then I will take my attempts elsewhere. Again, I do not know if you had ill-intent in calling me a possible 'troll'. But for all intent and purposes,... I really am. I scour the internet and spend hours trying to learn. I then put it in a nicely read post. Posting my questions to those that can best answer them. Lo and behold, it benefits scours of people beyond myself. That's all I want to do here folks. I am saddened and dismayed by this last response to be honest. But I am also violating one of my own rules. That being that i'm getting tied up into a discussion that has nothing to do with the original question for this thread. "How to build a firewire recorder versus a black unit". And regarding any reference to Acastle / Marcus,... fact is I don't like to post my name online for a multitude of reasons that most people would understand. However, I did change my name from Acastle to my name as asked by the administration of this forum. Thus, I did not try and hide. I did what was asked of me. That's the reason for the name change. I felt that maybe my name change was being challenged and put into this 'troll' category that seems to have ill intent. I simply want to lend what I spend hours learning. Post it here for solid answers. And I feel it shouldn't matter what my name is. Grade me on my content. Geez,... I sound like a teacher or something. :P I'll post a few more newbie questions and if the response is similar, I will cause no harm. I will simply go away and take my learning elsewhere. Most Respectfully, Marcus

Chris good post. I understand your points well. However, I am merely trying to land a single location that newbies can go to for learning certain things. And don't want to stray away from my original question on this thread. You've been an incredible resource for newbies. Thanks allot for that. Your link to Tek.com to download the .pdf of industry terms will certainly help allot of us starting out. Had you not posted that,... there are allot of us that wouldn't have known. I didn't need to know all the terms listed. A simple link as you gave best served it's purpose. And in my opinion, this thread can now be closed because the industry terms has been answered thru Tek.com and downloading that particular .pdf. If people don't want to take the time to answer these newbie questions, then it a forum has no place online. It's all about asking questions. Hopefully in the correct forum room. I choose the newbie / student room in hopes to post the most basic questions. Ultimately hoping to help those of us that lack the basics. I being one of them. So, without going into a long reply,... I want to thank you for the time you've taken to answer my questions to date. Aside from helping me, it appears that allot of people have viewed these particular threads. So I assume they are worthy questions. I just try to ask them as a newbie might wonder. And in the end, it will help allot of people. And it's people like you that make online forums wonderful. I thank you in advance. I will continue to ask the basics. So as to make Cinematography.com a single location for people to trust and refer to when they want to know things. Within a few years the basics being answered will likely foster knowledge to all the kids and other newbies that want to break into the video field but are too embarrassed to ask the question(s). I on the other hand, am thinking of this as a way to give back once you've attained certain knowledge. I am sorry that some of my posts seem burdensome and long. But to a newbie these basic posts likely answer exactly the things that are important to them. I will try to keep them bullet-pointed and easy to read. A link to the answer is great. Versus answering any / all my basic questions. Actually, i've found a few outside sites that may lend to these basic questions. But they lack a single website to answer them all. At least that's what i've run into. I'd like (newbie) to go to a single website and perform a search and voila,... have the basics. Then build from there. All in one site. I just don't know that such a site exists yet. However, with the knowledge of persons such as yourself and the honest basic questions from someone like me. And putting them into the correct forum room, I hope to help others. I feel that is important. We never know one of the people this site lends information to may go on to shoot a major movie. Or at least something of historical value. Thanks so much for your continued insight. It's people like you that make the online learning (forums) a place people want to go visit. To date the Tek.com .pdf is located here : http://www.tek.com/Measurement/App_Notes/25_15215/eng/ If that link is moved or removed, if someone would kindly repost the new location for the rest of us. ;) Most Respectfully, Marcus THREAD CAN BE CLOSED - ANSWERED ABOVE (Courtesy Chris)

Chris,... thank you, sir! As always you're a fantastic resource of knowledge. I see several of my posts get viewed but not very many replies. But that should be considered a good thing once the question(s) are answered. :P So let me be sure I understand what you're saying,... First, I was an idiot in my original question(s). Yes, it's obvious I had two conflicting processes and was confused at my own question. Slow motion (plus super-slow-motion) and time lapse processes. Sorry about that. I am learning as I go. 1) Time Lapse = Example of sunrise / sunset and is accomplished by a snapshot every so-many-minutes. Which is a feature on each particular camera if that feature is even an option. Depending on your camera make / model. However, many modern cameras in the last ten years have the 'Time Lapse' feature. Time Lapse = Can be accomplished manually if a camera does not have such a feature by simply turning the digital still or video camera on / off so as to get only one frame. Which can be used in your 'series' of still images that makes up the sunrise or sunset. I am also reminded of the old cartoon flip-books. As you quickly page thru the pages, what seems to be a single image actually is merely a frame in a series of movements. Thus, flipping thru that flip-book causes the animation. Performing this on a digital camera is the same process of merely capturing a single image and later putting it into the series that creates the animation or movement you desire. 2) Slow Motion = The opposite effect and instead of slowing down the number of images captured, you are capturing an extremely large number of images / frames. This allows a fast moving object to be seen more clearly. Often used for sometimes unseen events / happenings. Such as how a football player is inbounds or out of bounds. The slow motion viewing allows the viewers to see what really happened. Was he / she in bounds or out of bounds? The slow motion video is a tool used in most sporting events / boards. Our naked eye may not see all things. Or perceive things different than the person next to us. Slow Motion = Is not able to be created manually in video. It requires a camera capable of slow motion image capturing. Which most cameras in the last 15 years seem to have. Certainly in the last 10 years. This is not taking into account the 'Matrix-Effect' with multiple cameras and that whole animation process. Which is a separate post eventually. This definition is merely the basics at a comprehensible level of most us newbies. Super Slow Motion = An example of this would be the bullet being fired from a gun. Or a hummingbird flapping it's wings. Something that is super-intense in motion. Something we can not see with the naked eye. And if we can, it's merely a few images or frames we see. But not the entire process. Super Slow Motion is best described as this bird or bullet and is frequently used in scientific experiments and television documentaries on how things work. At this point I do not have shutter speeds, frame rates, aperture settings, etc. 3) Shutter Speed = The amount of light that is absorbed into the capture. It also is relative to how much blur that occurs in each image. The longer the shutter / exposure is open the more the light is captured. However, the longer the exposure / shutter is open,... the more blur or susceptible your image(s) are to being blurred. SUMMARY : Time Lapse = You should set your camera to a normal frame rate / shutter speed. Moderate light is fine. Slow Motion = You should set your camera on a high frame rate / shutter speed. More light required. Super Slow Motion = You should buy a new 'non' newbie camera. he he - Anyone care to give some basics on super-slow-mo? I believe my hummingbird and bullet and Matrix references are probably pretty true as examples. But, more-so what feature(s) a camera or equipment or software is required. Or the basic process for the newbie mind to understand such term. Most Respectfully Marcus PS - I took what Chris has offered combined with other things i've read online and put them together. Thus, the above delivers pretty well start to finish. Chris, or others, if you care to chime in if something is stated incorrectly. This is merely my attempt at documenting a newbie learning the basics. I am prone to mistakes or misinterpretations of what I am reading and then trying to convey.

Newbie Post : I wanted to inquire if someone or folks might chime in to teach us newbies what each part of the camera is called in the industry. I know acronyms run rampid as in any technical industry. This thread is simply to acquaint newbies to what terms they can / should look for. And to help them ask questions with the right terms. Recently I made a post with ignorance intact and referred to something I didn't know what to call. Thus, this hopefully will result in newbies being better acquainted to videography. Hopefully this will serve all of us. And before someone chimes in to say, "Research this yourself",... this is to lend back to the industry folk. Making Cinematography.com a single resource for the newbie. I am doing my part in asking my questions. Granted there is ignorance in my part. But I am open minded to learning and your answers will certainly help lend to many minds. In closing,... please remember most people viewing this / my threads will be newbies. With little or no knowledge. Thus, hammering allot of technical specifications likely won't be understood. This / these posts are to simply deliver low-level understanding so that a newbie looking to buy their first camera or has recently bought a camera can understand the acronyms the industry will toss at them. It would be GREATLY appreciated if you care to elaborate on other acronyms that haven't yet been posted. In the end, i'll post all of them in one post for easy reference for others. I assume this thread may take several months to make it's rounds. There is no rush in these newbie posts. It's merely your experience being lent to the new minds. Mine included. - Most Appreciated, Marcus 1) How many parts are there to make a tube camera functional? From capturing the person / image to delivering it to the (now) modern PC or Mac? Please advise all parts including cable names / connector types. 2) How many parts are there to make a digital camera functional? From capturing the person / image to delivering it to the (now) modern PC or Mac? Please advise all parts including cable names / connector types. 3) Please elaborate on any required video equipment a newbie would / should expect to have to document a reasonable video. Reasonable meaning able to hand it in to a teacher or have a reasonably clear end product that isn't horridly pixilated. SOME TERMS I'VE COME TO READ AND MAY NOT BE UNDERSTOOD are listed below. Remember to keep your explanation semi-simple. Most of us newbies are just wetting our feet and when we run into these terms we would just like to know what they relate to. Not so much the science behind them. My later posts will likely inquire on the science. 1) LENS CONNECTIONS / CONNECTORS : I have a more specific newbie thread on lenses and connectors. If you can explain what this term(s) mean in general. 2) RECORDING UNITS / PACKS : 3) VIDEO ADAPTERS : 4) ADAPTER RINGS : 5) LENS FILTERS : 6) FISH-EYE LENS : 7) TBC : 8) FLUID HEAD : 9) RIG : 10) RFU : 11) AF : 12) MF : 13) HiDef : 14) SD CAMERA SYSTEM : 15) S-VIDEO : 16) DVI : 17) CHARGER / ADAPTER : 18) EYE CUP : 19) LENS HOOD : 20) TV ZOOM-LENS : 21) MIC HOLDER : 22) VIEW FINDER : 23) FUJINON : 24) GEN LOCK : 25) CAMERA ADAPTER : 26) CCU : 27) VTR : 28) INTERCOM : 29) XLR : 30) WHITE BAL : This may seems like allot but if you can answer one or two that's helpful. If you can answer most / all it is most helpful to us newbies. Right now, a newbie has to search in ten places or more to often find simple explanations. This may serve as a better platform. If my attempts are well-received, then i'll continue to try and spell out all the newbie questions in hopes that Cinematography.com gets more newbies to visit and ultimately register. When replying to any of the above please only refer to the number you are replying to. I understand the forum does not like large quotes to be repeated. It's a fair request. Thus, I put numbers next to each thing in hopes to eliminate several people from quoting my entire post. Just trying to be most helpful. Feel free to view my other newbie posts. I have several posted and a few more in the works. It takes me a few days to get most of the questions together before I post them. So as to best deliver to a newbie mind. Mine included. Thus far, you all have been extremely helpful. This is why I chose Cinematography.com to establish a newbie's series of questions. Ultimately newbies searching in Google or similar will be directed here. Depending on what my post is regarding. So, you are lending your talent to new minds. And I thank you very much. I've posted my threads so as to be best read and 'hit' upon for a newbie's search online. Most Respectfully, Marcus See my other newbie posts. Others in the works over next few days and weeks as time permits.

FYI,... Because this can get involved in terminology of which part of the camera is what,... I felt a new post related to what each part of the camera should have a thread of it's own. Please see separate post for that. So as not to stray too far away from my original question of building a video recording hard drive. I think it will best serve us newbies instead of sorting thru a thread that answers 10 questions over five pages. he he he My kudos goes out to Chris. He's been a real champ and great resource for me and anyone else that's reading my newbie posts. Please see my post on what each part of a camera is industry termed. This thread will be relative to building a video hard drive or at least teaching a newbie if it's even possible with over-the-counter products. Most Respectfully, Marcus :rolleyes:

Thanks Chris as always. Your input is greatly appreciated by me and other newbies. My understanding is the back unit is what supplies the power I guess to the camera. It's not a battery but has allot of outputs such as video, audio and power connections on cameras that offer an attached recording device. Likely older or early model single CCD cameras. But maybe you can give me the correct term to use. That's why i'm here to learn. While we're on that question,.... 1) What is the term I am referring to? From my description above? 2) Can most older cameras with single CCD chips and up to the modern all permit a recordable device such as sVHS or 8mm? It's tough to understand this because many of them have outputs or a single card-like output and you have to screw in the recording device. Thus, myself and likely others don't know what to look for in a first camera that will allow for attaching a back unit recorder. My ignorant definition of 'back unit' is merely anything that is at the furthest rear of the camera. Not including the battery which is often attached at the furthest back. Anything more you wish to elaborate on will only help myself and others learn. Most Respectfully, Marcus

Greetings. I am 'inheriting' a Canon DXC-327 video camera. It looks impressive and professional. And even says "Professional" on the camera. So it must be true. I mean it just must be true. he he Here are my questions related to this camera. I have zero knowledge on this camera. I was lucky enough to get one from family with good intentions. I feel it is a good way to learn from without investing any money. I know most of you will hate this camera and the technology is old. But I pick it up in a few weeks when I visit family. Here's what I was told it has : - 3 CCD HAD Sensor - CA 327 Adaptor DC 12v 0.8w - Fujinon Eagle Lense s16x7BMD-D18 It is said to be in good condition. But I simply don't know what it really is and what I really need. Thus the following questions. 1) Recording Unit - I want to record to a hard drive preferably. Is this possible? 2) If not possible to go into a PC / hard drive, what options do I have or am I restricted to look for? Or what special cables might I need? 3) Is this considered a 'sub par' camera? I'm sure at one time it was something worthy of owning. But I have a feeling it's really a nice looking paper-weight in this day and age. Maybe they are still used in some places or countries. Just curious if it's even considered a reputable camera anymore? Ignoring today's technology. Is this camera still used? 4) Does this camera require allot of 'tweaking'? Meaning, some of the older cameras are said to have to have allot of tweaking and they all have screw-marring from being taken apart. Does this particular model have any known issues or tweaking requirements I should be made aware of? 5) What type of lens(es) should I look for to fit? If I want to change out whatever lens this has (listed above). I'm sure I will have plenty to learn from for quite some time. But felt this thread would be a good time to ask such questions? 6) I seem to find online that this camera requires some sort of 'capture' device aside from the physical recorder. I believe (from what I can see thus far) that I have the choice of any EVV-9000 or PVV decks per BroadCastStore.com. Aside from the actual recorder, are any other rack or external units required? I am guessing one of the specs above is the power supply. Not certain. 7) Once I capture the video on this camera and play it out of whichever recorder I end up with,... can I just import it into a standard PC? I have Adobe Premiere CS3. Just curious if it's going to be difficult or specific or if it will be simply running an audio and video cable from the back of the player into my video card? Any other things that may be a problem for me exporting audio and video to my PC for editing? 8) Speaking of audio,... will I experience audio and video delay? You know,... sometimes when TV broadcasts live from long distances such as outside the States, there is a rather long delay. Or, in some low budget documentaries or commentaries there is lip sync time problems. If you could specify what I need to do for this particular camera to eliminate lip sync time problems. I also use DigiDesign ProTools LE with DV Package. So, I have the large overhead millisecond clock to refer to. But I need to know how to eliminate the risk of this as much as possible. Maybe the purchase of an additional hardware unit. And ten specify if it needs to run in line between camera and recorder. Or run between recorder and PC. Or however that all works. This is confusing to most newbies. 9) I've seen the Sony DXC-327 and the DXC-327a. I have not been able to ascertain what the differences are. 10) Anything else you can offer relative to this particular camera is VERY much appreciated. Even though most of you will giggle at the camera,... I am tickled I am inheriting one. It allows me the chance to learn on some older equipment. It appears to be 1/2" 3CCD camera. Thus, I am assuming it can't be too horrid. But I may be wrong. I just don't know if it's going to require allot of 'tweaking'. Even so,... I am semi-technically able with the direction of professionals. Meaning i'm not afraid to try. I look forward to any answers you might offer to any of the above questions. Or, if you can answer all of them from previous use / ownership. Most Respectfully, Marcus Phipps

Done.

My question is related to the basics of video lenses. How they 'make' or 'break' a video shot. Keeping in mind most newbies will use the standard 'included' lens that comes with their camera purchase. It would be great to have someone post a photo or short video of an interview or short video shot with two separate lenses to show how a shot can be made or ruined. Some of you may have two of the same cameras and able to shoot the same shot simultaneously. Just an idea. Aside from this 'great idea' of mine,... if anyone could explain some of the lenses. There are likely a hundred to choose from. I am guessing. Specific questions are,... 1) What are common lenses to have in a newbie's arsenal aside from the 'included' lense? 2) What reason is there to change lenses for only one shot? I am under the impression that some camera operators will shoot a scene and change lenses for only fast moving / action scenes like a change from shooting a car parked to that same car taking off at 100mph. Am I misunderstanding this? If this happens,... why? I am thinking lenses are to help gather larger image of a scene. Nothing to do with the speed of an object. However, I am posing this question in honest ignorance. Anything else you care to elaborate on related to basic video lenses is greatly appreciated and will assist other newbies from their searches. Most Respectfully, Acastle

Claire, I am a newbie here as well. Nothing wrong with it. However, it will serve much better to put yourself on the receiving end of your questions. Post them in bullet points such as : 1) I am shooting with a Canon XL-1 camera. 2) I am shooting in daylight and mainly indoors / controlled shoots. Or, mainly outdoors / uncontrolled lighting. 3) I am preferring a commentary versus a documentary, what is everyone's input on putting this story together? 4) Do I need clearance from the schools and businesses that I document? 5) My end result is video distributed for city documentary free download. Or I plan to sell direct to DVD. Etc. I hope this helps. It should help answer the specific questions you have in your head. There are allot of helpful people out here. But no one is at the same place the other person is. Thus, bullet pointing where you are and what you need should certainly land you better results. If you are selling the end result video, just be sure you have the necessary paperwork taken care of. I think if it's a free video, then it will result in less restrictions. Someone can likely elaborate more on this. I might suggest downloading a DP Template - or checklist. Most Respectfully, Acastle ;)

Chris,... And again, most most most thankful, sir! I and others will greatly appreciate this information. This is what makes a forum great. When those that have the knowledge, share the knowledge in a courteous manner. Matthew,... you snuck your post in before I posted this. Thus, I edited. I will be careful on my electronic questions. I am keeping things very basic. Thank you, sir. Most Respectfully, Acastle

Thank you, Chris. It was a bit technical for me to comprehend all of it. But I certainly learned and that's what it's all about!! Thanks sooooo much, sir. Most Respectfully, Acastle

No assignments looming as of yet. I am being pro-active. In hopes that in the Winter months I can be locked indoors like the rest of us and learning a new trade. Respectfully, Acastle

This is my seventh newbie post. Instead of having a back unit attached to the camera,... why can't a person build a firewire hard drive unit to save footage to? 1) Can I build such a device? I have technical abilities. 2) How can it connect to the camera? I can build a cable if necessary. 3) Is there any benefits to recording video to a hard drive versus a back unit? Any additional suggestions you wish to elaborate on regarding this topic? Most Respectfully, Acastle :rolleyes:

This is my fifth newbie post. 1) What is Progressive Mode? 2) How does progressive mode affect a shoot? 3) Does this have anything to do with frame per seconds? 4)What is the standard frames per second for film? 5) What is the standard frames per second for DVD? 6) What is the standard frames per second for local news? Anything you with to elaborate on regarding this is very much appreciated! Most Respectfully, Acastle :rolleyes: