ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

5 years, 10 months ago - John Lubran

If you own or have access to the camera it would be a good idea to start playing with as soon as possible. I don't know that particular camera but I've used many. The essential thing for any camera is to know how focus, expose, frame and monitor as any mistake is a big problem. Colour balance is better tuned in camera too, though correctable in post. Sound is also critical. What you might hear in headphones is unreliable because the headphone preamp you plug into on the camera won't let you know of distortion or incorrect line input settings actually recorded. Your on a steep learning curve. Auto functions might be a way but they are also notoriously unreliable if not, as may only seem a contradiction in terms, manually controlled.

5 years, 10 months ago - Tim Benjamin

Use a separate audio recorder if you can, such as a hand-held thing, ideally with a couple of condenser mics plugged in. The ideal position for the mics will not be the same as the ideal position for the camera. Also while the light will generally be low, you might get some very bright whites off the theatre lights depending on your design, so it's really quite hard to set up a camera in a theatre so that you get enough light, but no overexposure. You need to practise it - try different ISOs, white balance, shutter speeds, etc, until you find something that works for you, and watch it back on a laptop (bigger screen than the one on the camera). I would recommend *not* using a zoom lens as that will exacerbate your low light problems (or if you do, use it out full). Ideally you want a fast prime. If there is no audience when you are filming then you can move your setup to the best spot. With an audience, your options are really limited. Also, use a tripod. Good luck.

5 years, 10 months ago - Joe Withers

Hello, thought I'd stick my opinion in! If its a mockumentary then the camera is part of the process. Without knowing the full premise of your idea its hard to comment, but maybe you can use an onboard camera light (a light mounted onto the camera itself). Think how a documentary crew would get footage in real low light conditions. Good luck, have fun!

5 years, 10 months ago - Vasily-f .

I filmed a theatrical production on last week at the Tristan Bates Theatre.
My advice is to test everything prior to filming, the day before if you have the chance. Lighting conditions (do they change or the subject is lit throughout the performance under the same light conditions?!)
What angle you are filming, what shot you are planning etc etc
I am afraid no one will be able to give you the right answer you are seeking but your self and the preparation you put into it!
Best of luck
Vasily-f

5 years, 10 months ago - neil sheffield

John, Tim, Joe & Vasily - thank you very much for your advice! Much appreciated! Neil

5 years, 10 months ago - Paul Thomas

Also consider putting a smart phone onto a gimbal with a small
rode mic or a separate sound recorder. Some of my best recent documentary shots have come from this set up