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The Technology used to create Flipping Physics
Hardware: (all $ references are approximate)
- Primary Video Camera: In March of 2014 I started using a Nikon D5300 ($800) with a Sigma 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 lens ($400) as my primary video camera. I have been pretty happy with it so far with the exception of a few things. 1) The autofocus in the lens doesn't work at all in live view. It is hard to work around and when I am "filming", generally I focus manually. 2) It took me a bit of time to figure out that there is a setting "Manual Movie Settings On/Off" which defaults to "Off". Even with the camera in "Manual Mode" while displaying changes in shutter speed, aperture and iso speed, those changes have no effect because the "Manual Movie Setting" is "Off". I switched it to "On" and now I can change all those settings.
- Secondary Video Camera: The majority of the video filmed before March of 2014 was shot using a Canon Vixia HV40 ($650). I purchased the D5300 because the tape head of this miniDV camera was starting to wear out for the second time. Now I use this camera when I need to film something from multiple angles at the same time. Actually, I have two Canon Vixia HV40s, the tape head on one had worn out and I needed to keep filming, so I sent one in for repair and purchased another.
- Tertiary Video Camera: Go Pro Hero 3 ($300) and various camera mounts. I use this for time lapse, when I am dropping something on the camera, placing it on an escalator, mounting it on a car, or filming underwater.
- Quaternary Video Camera: iPhone 5s ($400). Sometimes I need to film something a 120 frames per second or I find something when I am out and about and need to film it.
- 15" MacBook Pro with Retina Display ($2500): I need a rather powerful, mobile computer. This is it.
- Recording Audio: The microphone on the video camera is used only for syncing the externally recorded audio to the video. For good stereo separation and to be able to record at 48kHz/24bit, external to the camera I have two M-Audio Nova Class A Fet microphones ($90) attached to a Zoom H4n ($260). I also use a Rode smartLav+ ($70) for mr.p's audio. It's a relatively inexpensive Lavalier mic that plugs into my iPhone. If you buy one, turn off iOS processing in the RODE Rec iOS App!
- Lighting: I have one Bescor LED-1200 Bi Color Studio Light ($700) which I love. I can adjust the temperature and brightness of the light and it came with an air-cushioned light stand. I have a pair of Interfit INT293 Super Coolite 455s ($240) which I purchased from Amazon and I recommend that you never purchase these. They are pieces of junk which arrived with 3 out of the 8 bulbs and both light stands broken. Amazon refunded a large enough portion of the cost so that I could replace the broken pieces, however, they are still flimsy and I am just waiting for them to break.
- Tripod: Don't underestimate the necessity of a good tripod. I use a Manfrotto 504HD Head w/535 2-Stage Carbon Fiber Tripod System (~$1000) which works quite well. [Okay, honestly, I got it for ~$300. I knew I wanted a really good video tripod and waited for an extra large sale.]
- Teleprompter: Wow, what a difference a teleprompter makes. Glide Gear TMP-500 Tripod & Shoulder Mount Tablet/Phone Teleprompter. ~$250. Requires a tablet and app. I use an iPad and the ~$12 iOS app PromptSmart Pro.
Software:
Miscellaneous:
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