How to move forward with DSLR video

I recently read a blog post by Jonathan Schuler where he commented on the buzz in the VJ/PJ community about Vincent Laforet’s recent comment comparing producing video with a DSLR versus using a high end ENG camcorder. The DSLR came out on the short end of the stick for all the known reasons – no XLR mic input, dual sound requirements, general workflow, etc.

BTW (by the way) to VJ/PJ (video journalist – photo journalist) you can add MJ for multimedia journalist to the list. Now you’ve got all the ingredients for the alphabet soup that signifies the chaos in this market segment right now.

Anyway, Jonathan took the sane position that Laforet had simply given the VJ/PJ/MJ community permission to use standard video camcorders if that suited their purpose best.

Ah… one of my favorite strategies – use the right tool for the job.

As it has been said – if all you have is a hammer everything looks like a nail.

I love taking cutting edge tech and using it on traditional marketing and communication programs.

But one of the key rules of that game is being able to see what is right for the situation and having the sanity to do just that.

Have you heard of Occam’s razor?

It goes like this…

entia non sunt multiplicanda praeter necessitatem

In English that says “entities must not be multiplied beyond necessity.”

In plain English that means the simplest solution is usually the correct one.

For Jonathan, the simplest solution is a DSLR shooting stills and video. He’s in remote parts of the world, shooting by himself with no crew, without an AC outlet for miles, sometimes having to carry his entire kit in a pack on his back as he walks in where no Land Rover can get.

Add in his photographic experience and eye for stunning images and it’s no wonder he gladly traded traditional video camcorders for a DSLR and a couple of good lenses.

Laforet, on the other hand, is likely to find the simplest solution to be a bit different. He’s used to working with a full crew and all the high-end equipment a Canon-sponsored superstar could ask for. I mean, he’s the one in the video above – not Jonathan.

Just to be fair, here’s one of Jonathan’s videos. He’s a man on a mission and brings all his passion to his profession.

What’s the take away for you here?

In golf there is a strategy of “playing your game”. So every guy in your group pulls out a driver with a head the size of a grapefruit and swings with everything he’s got. And they all end up in the crap – sand, water, woods, deep grass.

You pull out your favorite 5 iron and pop one 200 yards down the middle. Guess who will win more often?

Here’s a more relevant situation.

You’re checking the lighting and notice that you need more fill. You could grab a light, a stand, an AC cable, a couple of clips and some diffusion material. Or you could slide a reflector over and lean it up against the wall. Which is simpler?

The danger in this strategy is getting stuck and watching the evolving world pass you by.

I believe the key is finding a way to try new technology that is sane. Here are some ways to do that.

• Adopt the mindset of a beginner – be easy with yourself and laugh at your mistakes.
• Learn everything you can from every source available – even people who are negative about new tech have a perspective worth considering.
• Choose wisely when to step into direct experience – spend the time and money to practice, do dry runs, rehearsals, and test shoots.
• Always have a plan B – if the timing/budget are critical or your reputation is on the line take it to another level and have a plan C.

How are you making the choice of which technology to use? Let me know…

-a-

Tagged as: Article, comparison, deciding, Equipment