Help choosing matching 2nd camera and shooting restaurant conversation

[Lee M]

I have a RED Epic Dragon (6k) that I will be using to shoot a restaurant conversation between 2 people in a couple days which I have not shot before and have a few questions.

1. Would it be easier to shoot the conversation with 2 cameras? If so, what is a decent second camera that I can get from Bestbuy that matches up good with my RED.
2. Would having the second or both camera on a tripod be okay or should there be some slight camera movement while filming the conversation? If I shot on a tripod could I add some movement in editing later or is it best to just get a second camera guy ahead of time?

 

[M Harvey]

If this is a scripted conversation performed by actors, then it’s common enough to shoot with 1 camera, running each side of the conversation again while covering from the second angle. It’s also not uncommon (especially in TV) to shoot with 2+ cameras—a director will often have a preference.
Aside from the cost of 2 cameras, the other chief factors are how it affects lighting choices. And keep in mind when you add a second camera you usually will also need to monitor the second camera, rent a second lens, hire a second operator, etc.—the second camera itself isn’t always the bulk of the cost.
(If it’s documentary, and you can’t repeat the conversation, then it’s a different calculation—there’s a stronger argument for the necessity of 2 cameras.)

If you decide you must have two cameras, I’d personally spend the money instead on renting a second identical camera, if possible—or at least another Red. The time spent messing around in post will almost definitely cost more than the rental cost.

As for handheld vs. tripod, there isn’t a rule—it’s usually a stylistic choice, or it may be a choice forced by circumstances (e.g. you shoot handheld because you’re unable to place a tripod in a tight space). I’d just recommend that you treat each camera the same way—unless you have a good reason, it’s weird if one camera is handheld and the other is on a tripod.

 

[Lee M]

You SHOULD be able to match with any Canon m50 type camera, or theres always BMPCC which I actually would have a harder time with but others would prob recoomend it.

Thank you. The m50 is very affordable. I have a canon 5d mark iii, would that be sufficient or is the new $700 camera better than the old $3000 camera ?

 

[Lee M]

If this is a scripted conversation performed by actors, then it’s common enough to shoot with 1 camera, running each side of the conversation again while covering from the second angle. It’s also not uncommon (especially in TV) to shoot with 2+ cameras—a director will often have a preference.
Aside from the cost of 2 cameras, the other chief factors are how it affects lighting choices. And keep in mind when you add a second camera you usually will also need to monitor the second camera, rent a second lens, hire a second operator, etc.—the second camera itself isn’t always the bulk of the cost.
(If it’s documentary, and you can’t repeat the conversation, then it’s a different calculation—there’s a stronger argument for the necessity of 2 cameras.)

If you decide you must have two cameras, I’d personally spend the money instead on renting a second identical camera, if possible—or at least another Red. The time spent messing around in post will almost definitely cost more than the rental cost.

As for handheld vs. tripod, there isn’t a rule—it’s usually a stylistic choice, or it may be a choice forced by circumstances (e.g. you shoot handheld because you’re unable to place a tripod in a tight space). I’d just recommend that you treat each camera the same way—unless you have a good reason, it’s weird if one camera is handheld and the other is on a tripod.

It’s an improv conversation but can repeat it multiple takes although the lines may change so it could make it a bit weird to edit. May just go hand held on one camera and if I can put a second one on a tripod just to have then I may as well run it if it’s not getting in the way. It’s for a student film so doesn’t have the budget to rent.

 

[M Harvey]

It’s an improv conversation but can repeat it multiple takes although the lines may change so it could make it a bit weird to edit. May just go hand held on one camera and if I can put a second one on a tripod just to have then I may as well run it if it’s not getting in the way. It’s for a student film so doesn’t have the budget to rent.

All depends what you're going for, of course, but I think that having one camera handheld and the other on a tripod will probably feel like an artistic choice to your audience-- and possibly a jarring or confusing one. But maybe that works for the energy of the scene, or maybe it's just about the improv, etc. etc.

The 5d mk iii will probably be noticeably softer than the Dragon. But if you're at the point of going handheld with one camera and tripod for the other, then I'm guessing it will do the job just fine. Your lighting can do a lot to tie the shots together (whether that's bringing in lights or just choosing natural light). If you have both cameras now, I'd suggest you experiment with some diffusion in front of the lens on the Dragon to bring it a little closer to the 5D in perceived resolution. (Or use a less sharp lens on the Dragon if available.)

(I have to confess that I am a little confused by "no money to rent, but money to buy a $700 camera," but I guess it's not really my business!)

 

[Dermot Shane]

Thank you. The m50 is very affordable. I have a canon 5d mark iii, would that be sufficient or is the new $700 camera better than the old $3000 camera ?

neither is anywhere close to the dynamic range of the Dragon
i'd try to avoid anything but another top tier camera, prefrably another RED, failing that Venice or Alexa
if you must use a camera with limited dynamic range then light the scene apprepratly
it's probbaly less costly to shoot with a matching camera than to light to suit a limited range camera, and handcuff the Dragon
and there's absoultly zero one can do about the issues inherant a a7s/m50/5d in post, those are bunrt into the neg once exposed, most / best ot be done is to trash the Dragon until it's as bad as the lowest common denominator