Best Camera(s)

The term "best camera" is a misconception. The only thing that really defines what makes a camera the 'best' is a particular situation. Different cameras have different specs, pros, cons, etc., else there wouldn't be so many to choose from. What defines the best camera for a situation is simply what do you need to accomplish with it. If you're going for a cinematic feel, you may try a souped-up DSLR or an F3. If you need a flashback sequence for a home movie scene, you may want to shoot with a JVC or HDV. Its all about what YOU as the filmmaker want to achieve aesthetically in combination with the strengths and weaknesses of a particular camera. It's not an easy decision as so many camera offer (and don't offer) so many things but part of the process is knowing which tool to use when and where.

Inspiring Lighting Styles

DSLR Cameras

After lusting for a DSLR for quite sometime, I happened to be flitting around Best Buy shortly after this past Christmas. Truthfully, I was supposed to be picking out a laptop for my dad to help him organize his construction business. He sent me with a few hundred dollars and left the decision up to me. My dad is what you would call a 'hunt and peck-er', which is one who meticulously looks at the keyboard searching for the right key, and then pecks it, and starts the process again. It takes him 10 minutes to type ONE sentence. But anyway, I'm a girl, so I wanted to spend some money too! I checked my bank account (shootout to my Wells Fargo app) and I had almost $800.00 in there! Shoutout to UA, My ACT score, and the lady that cracked that case open and handed me my babyyy!!! I almost forgot my dad's computer I was so excited. I read the manual all the way to page 72 before I fell asleep with my camera, a little dramatic, I know. Ever since then I've practiced and read, and practiced, and read, and practiced, and read about how to effectively use my new camera. Admittedly, they can be a little tricky at first. "All I do is click a button all day", said no photographer or videographer EVER. I didn't know what the hell Aperture was. Or ISO. The menus confused me; I could barely operate the damn thing. But I was determined. After a half a year of practicing..and reading. I've gotten MUCH better. 

Somethings I've noticed since getting (practicing, and reading) my T3i are as follows:

1. The image quality is awesome, if you do it right.

2. It performs pretty well in low light, mainly with a 50mm.

3. The LCD screen does't always do your frame justice.

4. There are still a substantial number or dials and setting to get used to for faster shooting

5. It has a wide range of ISO settings. Although I had to google where the ISO button was. I'll let you all figure that one out for yourself. Its a fun scavenger hunt, unless I'm just remidial or blind. Probably the latter.

6. White balance can be a little tricky sometimes. Mainly is you want a custom setting.

7. Its slave compatible to work with external flashes. which is cool.

8. Its lightweight and I can take it just about anywhere.

9. It records sound in camera better than what I expected but unless you have and XLT to mini converter, you'll need a zoom recorder for sound.

10. If you are taking photos, you have the option of single shot or continuous. I like continuous because it allows me to snap my little heart away and not have to worry about missing a moment. 

11. Changing the lenses is easy

12. ITS CHEAP (kinda, $800 isn't what I'd usually consider cheap) but considering the circumstances and prices of other camera of the near caliber, you can't really beat it. 

So, in essence, I'm liking the DSLR life so far. Hopefully as I continue to practice (and read) I'll get a lot better at controlling the camera. Because thats the name of the game right, control?

Here's some stuff I found for you to read, haha. 

http://nofilmschool.com/dslr/camera/

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-7603_7-6241014-2.html

Shot by Shot Analysis

I chose the cliffhanger, season-ender episode of Revenge because not only was it the moment that we've waited two whole seasons for, it was constructed perfectly to fit the need of the story. If you're unfamiliar with Revenge here is a pretty accurate synopsis. In this scene, Emily Thorn races to stop Jack  Porter from making a huge mistake and finally reveals her true identity to him. 

  To start the scene we seea MCU of Emily searching the venue for Jack as the camera follows through the crowd while Conrad conducts his newly elected acceptance speech

 In this shot, Conrad is projected as an ominous figure over his son.

 She spots him up on the balcony hiding in the shadows. The fact that he can barely be seen is very important to the story, great lighting.

 A MS of Emily still making her way through the crowd

 A MCU of Jack from this assassination position. His target is in the background and out of focus.

 As he turns around, shadows engulf half of his face.

 In the meantime, Victoria has problems of her own at home.

 The shot tightens up with a push in as she realizes who this unexpected visitor is.

 Insert shots of her glass dropping to the floor.

 This CU reveals the gun Jack has snuck in.

 This reverse angle reveals how he has gotten in without any trouble.

 A birds eye shot of Emily racing up the stairs to stop Jack

 As the moment draws near, Jack is shot in a series of CUs that bring us is to the emotion he is feeling.

 He draws his gun, rack focus, and just before he can do anything drastic...

 ...Emily bursts through the door. This was a very interesting shot compositionally.

 An OTS of Jack poised and aimed at his target.

 Emily tells Jack this is all her fault and the next shot is a CU of Jack trying to process what she could possibly mean

 a tight MCU of Jack

 OTS of Emily

 Flashbacks were common throughout the seasons, these moments help bring Jack up to the big reveal.

 The next series of shots push in as Emily Thorn reveals that she is actually Amanda Clarke, his childhood sweetheart with the unfortunate past. The use of a push in brings the audience deep into the moment.

 A loose CU of Jack's reaction to this heart wrenching revelation. He is less engulfed in the shadows now as the truth is brought to light.

 And this, my friends, was the best cliffhanger I've ever been involved in. Next season please hurry up.