Just picked up this vintage 1976 Kawasaki KZ 900 and I think it’s safe to say that I am in love. This bike is one year younger than me.. There is something so nostalgic and emotional about getting on and riding it, I just can’t explain.
I just wanted to post this as it was in line with my other two loves.. Audio and Video ! The bike is going to go through some mild cosmetic changes so I figured I’d make a video journal entry each time something significant is changed.
Technical stuffs : 1. The Zoom H4n and RedHead windscreen were placed just out side of the frame to camera right sitting on a rock with a 70 setting for mic sensitivity at about 6 feet from the bike. 2. This 15 second clip is actually 12min and 40 sec of footage sped up to 5200 % As I knew I’d be speeding it up I only recorded 30 seconds from the Zoom. 3. Color Correction was done in Photoshop CS4 and “Editing” in Premiere CS4 LOVE THE ADOBE FAMILY ! 4. An old 20mm Nikon Nikor lens was used wtih Lee 4X4 filter holders and a Schneider Optics Circular Polariser. 5. Eyeball crop job for fun.
Every day, more and more, I’m loving this new concept of powerful tools with ultra portable form factor. The Zoom H4n with it’s partner in crime, the Canon 5D Mark II are a force to be reckoned with.
I remember falling in love with video and film making as a kid and messing around with this gigantic VHS tape eating monster that delivered hollow pingy flat sound and a picture that was equally as blah.
Cut to : Today – ext – day and wow. Anything is possible. The 5D Mark II and Zoom H4n combo can certainly and quite easily pull of a very high production value production. It’s pretty exciting really. Anyways I hope you enjoy this small little demo. I wasn’t even going to take the camera on a short motorcycle ride but ended up driving on the twisty roads of Maui’s north shore on my way to Hana.
This shot was taken at the Ke’anae peninsula half way to Hana, Maui’s oldest and most undeveloped eastern shore.
The Details : Camera : Canon 5D Mark II Sound : Zoom H4n & RedHead Windscreen Lens : Olympus Zuiko 50mm with ebay Nikon to Eos Adapter Music : B-Tribe “Sensual Sensual” and “Mysterio Interlude” Color corrected in Premiere CS4 ( I usually just play with the channel mixer to taste )
This is how my Saturdays are usually spent. Figured I might as well start a video diary for the little Mac. He freeking loves Melona bars ( green bars ) as do I. Enjoy !
In this clip I just wanted to see what I could do as far as eeeking out as much “perceived” dynamic range as possible. I think one of the things that makes video look like video sometimes is the punchy out-of-camera contrast.
This clip was shot at about 12 noon with just about the worst natural lighting that natural lighting will produce. I set the contrast to 0 and the saturation to 1. In Premiere I played with the channel mixer to taste. I also made some small adjustments to the Luma and Gamma. Finally, I added some noise.
So I’ve been watching a lot of Blu-ray DVD’s lately and one thing I noticed is NOISE and lots of it. I think in the still photo world everyone wants to get rid of it and it’s trickled into the video world. I prefer my 5D2 footage with noise as it definitely gives it some texture and filmyness..
This is Maui’s Front Street in Lahaina town. Filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants it’s probably one of the busiest places on Maui. On Halloween the entire street is shut down for the 40,000 + costumed bodies that fill the streets.. Anyways, hope you enjoy this little trek through a Maui hot spot.
Tech : Cam : 5D Mark II @ F8 Lens : Old Nikon 20mm + eBay adapter Filter : Schneider optics 4X4 circular polariser and 1/2 stop graduated neutral density filter. Sound : an almost inaudible Zoom H4n recording at -30db Cam on a tripod in the back of my Ford Expedition with the glass open. Tripod is lightly ratchet strapped down to create artificial weight, ( ghetto, i know ), effective ? very. I sat in the car recording for a min or two till I saw a subject that would at least be of some interest before taking off. My love for bikes had me pull out in front of these two. Keep an eye out for about 2/3′rds of the way through the song, 4 items pass by the frame in perfect sync with the music, it’s kinda funny and a complete coincidence.
Ok, it’s official, I’m in love with timelapse. It gives me the same feelings I get when I shoot real film and don’t get to see what I have until later which is like a micro Christmas with micro reindeer and tiny little cookies for a tiny little fictitious character named Santa.. love it.
The part of the story that I was not very fond of was the part that I leave my house at near sea level and think, “ahh, it won’t be that cold..” and proceed to put on a pair of Chuck Taylors, jeans, t-shirt and light jacket.. Holy freezer nuts frosty, it was DAMN cold.. Although the thermometer in my car could have been wrong when it swore it was 44deg.. I know, you guys are going to kill me for this ” 44 ?, that’s nothing ” but at 9000 ft the combination of thin air and Hawaiian blood caused me to spend most of the 2 hours it took to capture this in the fetal position, or with the car running every 10 mins..
Anyhow, I ordered the Milapse head, ( thanks guys ), and figured I might as well get a little better at regular stationary shots in the meantime..
I was thinking of trying a shot with a studio strobe that goes off with every shot.. Has anyone tried this yet ?
