Working with Cameras

We are very fortunate in having three Sony Z series cameras to work with, 2x Z5's & 1x Z1. We film everything in full HD (1080i) which provides the level of quality that we aspire to but at a cost that we think is very good value for money... I will talk in more detail about the cameras soon.

There have been two problems that have been a consistent issue for us: 

The first was lighting, which we have hopefully solved with the addition to our set up of three 800 watt halogen lamps on tripods with diffusers. As long as we allow ourselves the time to set up the shot (always static so that helps!) with an appropriate lighting array, our three lights work very well.

The second problem is focus. It is all too easy to use auto focus but the inherent danger with that is that the camera will not always be focusing on the object that you want or expect it to. For example, whenever we have been filming drums or any scenario involving microphone stands, invariably the autofocus will align itself to some obscure part of the drum kit or the microphone stand rather than the performer behind it.

The answer is simple, use manual focus but then one is reliant on the viewfinder in the camera... or an external monitor and it is the latter that is by far the better solution. But then we run into a new problem... cost!

External monitors are expensive, potentially very expensive but we have recently purchased a pair of Iiyama monitors, which are HD, have a good colour response and accept an HDMI input. (The Z5's have an HDMI output)... and yes it works. Pictures below:

Subject and monitor shot

Monitor shot

Subject and monitor shot 2

Subject and monitor shot 3

Everything!

(Thank you to Alice who kindly volunteered to sit to demonstrate for us)