The Year Of The GH3

            The Year of The GH3

    The Panasonic GH3 is perhaps the camera many of us have been waiting for. The kind of dslr that can get the job done right out of the box. I know that many will say that this camera already exist and that it is named the Canon 5d mark III. Sur it is, but the price difference is almost two thousand dollars and to some of us two thousand dollars is the budget of our micro budget film.

    This camera is going to cost you between twelve to eighteen hundred dollars. I realize this is much more than the hackable Gh1 and Gh2 and the Canon T2i. If you are on a budget those cameras are great and can get your feature film shot. You can do it using some of the Canon Vixia camcorders if necessary, but there are moments when you have to stop, take a deep breath and allow yourself to dream a little.

   The Panasonic GH3 can put the low budget digital film maker on an even playing field with the big budget pros.

    Those were some solid reviews of the camera. Now here is a short film shot by the legendary Phillip Bloom using the camera.

    Okay, I would suggest that you visit some of the online sites to price the camera. See what kind of deals are available. I realize the cash investment is going to be big, but the rewards are awe inspiring. If we are going to spend money this year on a camera this is the one.

    What?

    “What if there are problems with the camera?”

    There will always be limitations to every camera. There will be patches and firmware updates and yeah probably hacks that come along, but this one is going to be with us for a long time.

    Okay that is it guys. Good luck with your film and always keep in mind that the equipment we use is not as important as learning the basics of good lighting, framing and quality sound.

Digital Filmmaking, About Paying It Forward

            Digital filmmaking, Paying it Forward

    The thing that we do not do enough of is to just pay it forward. We make our films and are so self absorbed by the process that we do not think about those who will follow us. This is truly a shame since many of us did not attend film school, but learned how to do this from books, articles and online tutorials.

    If there is some behind the scenes footage included on a dvd it is usually silly out takes and the occasional interview with a cast member. Even voiceovers done by directors are largely wasted on everything, but the technical aspects of shooting the movie. I have learned more about shooting a movie from listening to directors like William Friedkin than I have from all the film making books that I have read.

    Today I would like to introduce you to a behind the scenes look at making of a very promising micro budget film. The basic background of this movie is that it was shot using a camera that has been brushed aside too quickly in everyone’s rush to embrace the Dslr revolution. Yes I know that you can make a kick ass movie shooting with a Canon 7d or my favorite a hacked panasonic Gh1, but you can also do some great work with the Canon HV series of cameras. Not only with the addition of a depth of field adapter, but with the bare camera.

    Below is the trailer for, plus behind the scenes footage,  a great looking Canon HV 20 film. I did not think that you could get footage this good looking from just the naked HV 20. I hope in future to interview the film maker and find out what went into the production of the film Throwback.

    Okay that is about it for today. Please guys take a moment to check out their channel on youtube and remember that any advice that we can give about lighting or editing or working with a crew may help someone who is just starting out.

    Last thing for today, I would like to add a coming attractions page, but to do this I could use some coming attractions or new releases to promote. I will put up a clip along with a link to your website or page. 
Just something to think about guys.

The GH1 camera.

                The Panasonic GH1, Hacking Away

    This is a pretty nice little camera that has been discontinued by the company and replaced by the GH2, which we will review in the future.

    Let us get right down to it.

    Is this camera in the same league as the Canon Dslr cameras?

    Well no, not it its standard form, but hell yeah once it has been hacked. Once it has been hacked you will have on your hands a digital filmmaking monster. I could tell you about how it stacks up to other dslr cameras or I could offer up a few reviews.

    First up is the Panasonic GH1 going head to head with the Canon Rebel T2i. I love the T2i, but dollar for dollar the GH1 can be gotten for a lower price new or used at some camera shops. I will offer up a link to at least 2 such shops.

    Here is the first tutorial.



    Next up is the GH1 going head to head with the work horse of the Canon family of Dslr cameras, the Canon 7d.  I thought that it would not measure up. Well guys I thought wrong. This camera takes no prisoners as it hacks away at the competition.



    Okay now that we have looked at these two matches. I am going to conclude with one tutorial on hacking the GH1, but before I do that just keep in mind that the camera is not as important as the lighting. You can shoot a great low budget or micro budget film with any of these cameras. With many of the pro-sumer camcorders. Your camera is still just a tool, but it does feel nice to have a super powerful one like this camera or its big brother the GH2.

    I am simply telling you that if you are going to buy your first Dslr or if you are looking to upgrade this is a camera to look at.

    What?

    I know the name of this site is Cannon digital film making. The name will not change. We are going to talk mostly about shooting with a Canon. The feature that I hope to shoot before the year ends is going to be shot on Canon equipment. That said, I am going to up grade to a GH camera in the future. I will get one because there will be scripts that demand a certain look. I will shoot with a camcorder when the script dictates it. Like most things in life the situation dictates what we do and when we do it and how we do it.

    Upcoming will be a post on the GH2 and further hacks.



    Final thing for today. I am still looking for more trailers for my trailer park. If any of you have a trailer posted on youtube that you wish for me to add drop me a note by leaving a comment and I will probably post the trailer. Maybe even do an interview. Good luck guys and remember us on stumbleupon and google plus.