I see some D3s video activity here at this forum, but I wonder if there are other places on the web that those of us interested in using the D3s for video work could exchange ideas and techniques. If you know other places where discussion is taking place on D3s video, please let me know.
I know that for many readers here, video on Nikons is just a toy or, worse, a joke, and I have heard that comment often. However, I believe otherwise and am selling some extra photography equipment, and just received a second D3s today, so am now working up scenarios for using two cameras, which solves some issues.
For one, it solves the 5-minute (2 GB) limit on the D3s by staggering the timing so that one camera starts and stops video, while the other is filming, and then the second camera does the same. The cameras leap frog through time and you always have two-camera video except for brief moments.
Since it is difficult to zoom smoothly with the D3s unless you have expensive and bulky equipment like rails, a follow focus, etc., I am looking at just switching back and forth between the two camera shots to provide variety. The switching could be done post-shoot or (using two operators) live, giving each operator the chance to reframe their shot.
Aside from some concert work, most of my interest is in studio work, such as producing music-related videos, short interviews on timely issues, and various tutorials on one topic or another. I am working to make the minimal equipment I have produce acceptable results.
I just built an 11 foot wide by 7 foot high set for an actual stage curtain (deep red) and erected it in our studio. It will be used to shoot music videos of musicians that we am working with and look like a theater, complete with a bank of colored-gel stage lights. Now I just have to light the rest of it!
Anyone else looking at this type of use?
