Student Filmmakers - June 2008 - (Page 37) leave it on a shelf without powering it up regularly. Transferring files from flash media should be easy, but it may not be. You will have to dedicate a camera, a device that is likely proprietary, or a laptop computer with the right data port to the task of transferring files. You will be using this device instead of your deck, so it might result in great savings, but keep in mind that you will still want to pay attention to what you transfer. Copying every file onto your computer or hard drive without any forethought is like capturing an entire tape without logging it. Depending on whether you are shooting concerts, interviews, a documentary, or a film with dozens of bad takes, you might be in for a surprise at how fast even a 1TB drive can fill up. Note that your operating system and editing software will need to have current upgrades. Check each data type with each kind of software ahead of time, and that will help you avoid mistakes. …Proxy Files Regarding editing: look for cameras and formats that have proxy files, since these are smaller, leaner versions of the original file. They can be edited and then later linked to your full resolution HD files when you are ready for your final output. This will save you hard drive space and time. It is like using a low-res file from years ago, but these new proxy files will afford you much better images than you ever saw with this workflow in the past. Optical Discs, MiniDVD, Consumer The small HD cameras that shoot onto optical media MiniDVD seem attractive and familiar. These discs recorded in HD may challenge you with a difficulty in playing them back in other devices. Check every detail if you are buying one. The inevitable damage of the disc is almost guaranteed. Just as we were promised a badly scratched DVD would always play, and that it was a better value than an old VHS tape, you will find these discs to be fragile, and no matter how careful you are, they will not hold up to casual or heavy use. Internal Disk Drives and Permanent Flash Media Cameras, Consumer/ Prosumer Many small consumer HD cameras are now shipping with fixed hard drives or flash media. The trend began a little over a year ago, and they have come into the market and taken hold of the public’s imagination and pocketbooks. While these might be attractive to a family or a single person on a vacation, they are less likely choices for professionals. Any camera that has a fixed and relatively small amount of data, whether a hard drive or flash media, will likely be too small in the end for most prosumer users. Optical Discs, XDCAM, Professional A professional option for optical disc HD cameras is the XDCAM format. These discs are encased in a sturdy plastic that is …Incompatibilities In some cases, you may find that your old operating system and old software are incompatible with the new upgrades required for the new camera and new media type. Did you know… • Ethernet is now used in HD equipment. • Your HD camera might need a firmware upgrade. • CMOS has nearly replaced CCD • Dual HD-SDI is 2.97Gbit/s. • The most important menu item you will want to find on your equipment is “factory re-set.” • You may actually have to make dozens of changes, not just a few. …Multiple Ingest Stations When this occurs, you may have to dedicate one computer to each camera and media type, in the event you are juggling more than one format within your studio. Having multiple dedicated ingest However, you might find this option attractive for a second camera, and with no data cards to lose. For limited shooting, it may eliminate some headaches. The issues of transferring files and compatibility can be as daunting as the cameras with removable flash media. Make sure you have read all the fine print and specifications, and make sure you understand your workflow before you purchase. stations is highly advisable. Plan carefully before you roll-over to new operating systems since you may not be able to go backwards once you make the leap into the future June 2008 studentfilmmakers
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.