Projects
Solid-state
shooting XDCAM
The XDCAM HD and XDCAM EX ranges boast hardwearing build,
quality, robust solid-state media and images of clarity
S
hooting tapeless offers numerous benefits to
a production, including a lack of moving
mechanisms and longer recording times,
which are crucial to many projects, particularly
those in extreme environments. For AVC Media’s
corporate film the robust PDW-F355 XDCAM
HD model was essential for shooting in extreme
temperatures and restricted spaces. The variable
frame rate offered by the PMW-EX3 was put to
good use by September Films to shoot slo-mo stunt
scenes for game show Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab.
The PDW-700 and PMW-EX3 were also put to
the test when filming gangs and police in Rio de
Janeiro in documentary feature Dancing with the
Devil. But XDCAM tapeless cameras are not just
well suited to environments where they may receive
knocks and bumps – it was the stylistic look of
HAVING A BLAST images captured with the PMW-EX1 that made it
The EX3’s variable frame rate lent itself well to filming the camera of choice for short film Burning.
stunt scenes for Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab DVD
DCD-owned September Films and
Hamster’s Wheel Productions chose the EX3, of the show, where speed ramps are used.
purchased from Preston Media, to shoot stunts on “These parts of the programme look far smoother
location for a DVD of the programme Richard and therefore more expensive when you have the
Hammond’s Blast Lab. In the science-based game original footage at 60fps. Also the fact you can view
show two teams of children are invited to Richard your slo-mo immediately, which is not possible with
Hammond’s secret lab to compete in a variety of some other cameras, eases any worries you may have
unusual science games. over whether the shot has worked,” adds Cardew.
“The EX3 was only one of several cameras. We had Other features of the camera that were found to be
three Digibetas and a Z1, so we used three Sony beneficial included the ability to shoot true progressive,
formats. I was particularly keen to use the EX3’s high solid state recording and the interchangeable lens
speed facility for shooting explosions, of which we had system the EX3 offers. “Solid state, whilst taking some
several,” says director Jake Cardew. The variable frame getting used to, was quicker and more efficient in the
rate was the biggest draw for using the camera on this post process. It saved significant amounts of money and
type of project, says Cardew: “The larger stunts, which time,” says Cardew. “The SxS memory cards were
end in non repeatable pay offs – such as explosions – fantastic throughout too. We tried using an adaptor and
are so much more effective when seen in slo-mo.” This another brand of memory card but they were not as
feature was also used for the more heavily stylised areas powerful as SxS for the variable frame rate option.”
Summer 2009 theproducer 23
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