In addition to photography, I also shot HD video on my recent trip to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia with the intent of combining the video and stills into a short film. I shot video with my hacked Panasonic GH1, the stock 14-140mm lens and a Canon FD 20mm lens. The hack enables much higher bit rates than the factory firmware, which results in much more detailed video, cleaner shadows, and better files for post editing.
DSLR’s cameras that shoot video have opened a whole new world for those who want to explore new creative possibilities, and I really enjoy the challenge and rewards of experimenting and finding new ways to convey a story. I’m learning a great deal each time I work on these projects, and have a bunch more planned for the near future. In addition, my commercial clients are excited about the new possibilities it brings to communicate their message in the digital age. Enjoy this short film, and as always, please feel free to leave feedback and/or leave any questions.
Tech Notes
I shot this film at 1280×720/ 30 fps (Motion JPEG) and the slow motion shots were 60 fps (AVCHD). Both were converted to 24 fps using Apple Compressor. I edited in Final Cut Pro and color graded using Magic Bullet Looks (an incredible plugin). All filming was done on a tripod, and I used a Zoom H4N for field audio.
Now also available on the Beyond the Lens Video Podcast!
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Beautiful stills and video Robert!
Hi Robert…
Great video and stills! The trip looks like it was well worth it!
You’re clearly much further ahead with DSLR video than I am. I’m still in the early struggling phase as can be evidenced by most post on my blog about this topic at:
http://jtophoto.blogspot.com/2010/08/complexities-of-shooting-dslr-video.html
Your work continues to inspire me! I recently took a photo hike to the ruins of the Mt. Beacon incline railway and had a great day.
Happy shooting!
John
Iwas born and raised in Cape Breton and I must say your shots are so true of the area. Every time you go around the Cabot Trail you see something differnt. A forever changing site to behold. I love your work, pleas keep posting. Makes me homesick as I live in Tallahassee Florida now. Thanks
Wonderful video. Thanks very much for sharing it.
WOW, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR REMINDING ME OF HOW BEAUTIFUL IT IS THERE. AS A CHILD WE WOULD GO UP TO CHEDICAMP ON VACATION EVERY OTHER SUMMER. I HAVE SO MANY GREAT MEMORIES AS DRIVING THE CABOT TRAIL, BUILDING A ROCK DAM IN THE RIVER SO WE HAD A SWIMMING HOLE. I ALSO LEARNED HOW TO FLY FISH THERE. MET MANY WONDERFUL FRIENDS SOME OF THEM HAVE REMAINED OUR FRIENDS TO THIS DAY. AGIAN THANKS AND WHAT A WONDERFUL STORY YOU CAUGHT ON CAMARA, AMAZING, GLEN
Very Nice!
I recoginze many of the locations. Thanks for the memories
I grew up travelling to Nova Scotia every summer, visiting relatives, swimming in the ocean, eating at lobster suppers and just enjoying the laid back friendliness.
Your pictures are beautiful. They take me back to a place that I have very fond memories of and I can almost smell the salt air in your photos.
Thanks for that moment!
Beautiful video!! The slow flowing of water, the misty morning and evening, the sun rays behind the cloud and the gushing sound of the waves, all these are imprinted in my mind and good for meditation.
Thank you for sharing. Please let me know if you have more pictures and video.
Martha
Great video and stills! I had the pleasure of living directly on our beautiful coastline for several years but sadly I am presently an apartment dweller in the city. I truly miss being able to gaze upon the ocean’s beauty at any time of the day or night, to smell the fresh salt air, and to hear the pleasant sound of the waves hitting the shore. Thanks so much for sharing!
Beautifully done, Robert! Thanks for sharing Nova Scotia with the world!
Absolutely beautiful video! You captured Cape Bretons true beauty! We will enjoy this all winter! Thank You!
I really enjoyed viewing your video. It was the next best thing to being there myself. Thanks for letting us see that.