low light optimized HD SDI output

[Bas Vandenbranden]

hi all,

I'm shooting a music-festival from the air; mainly at night.

I'm recording on the minimags in 4K but also sending the live feed out over the HD SDI output in 50P.
Could you direct me to the best settings on my Red Dragon?
The plan is to buy a Low light OLPF, if this proves to be better then the skin tone OLPF that is in there now.
Since there is no Noise reduction in the camera i need to get the HD SDI as clean as possible ...
Any tips and tricks are highly appreciated.

 

[Bastian Meier]

for the best settings for SDI out i don't really have an recommendation.
But i can recommend you to get a good video transmission and not any cheap stuff that does compress the feed.

also - if possible you could try to get a camera with a helium sensor for the better low light potential

 

[Nick Morrison]

If you're shooting Epic Dragon, and want lowlight, I highly recommend the Low Light OLPF. Skintone is really for 320.

 

[Kyle Stryker]

I'm sure you are shooting 4k for logistical reasons, but shooting 6k or 5k resolution will definitely yield far better noise levels, especially with the LLO OLPF. Another option is to shoot 4k with look around enabled, so your HDSDI signal is getting a wider FOV, but you are still recording a 4k master in camera.

 

[Tommaso Alvisi]

LLO OLPF @ max 800-1600ISO, 6K HD res to a cleaner 1080P downsample, fast glass like OTUS or SIGMA ARTs (or MasterPrimes or Summilux-Cs depending on budget) and sharpness torned down to 0 in the menu.

Ah, and don't use wireless SDI transmitters, try to use BNC cables or use Optical Fiber if you need longer routes.

 

[Bas Vandenbranden]

Thank you very much for your input.
All tips and tricks are still more then welcome...
Seems like the LLO OLPF is a must! how much light will i gain compared to the skin tome OLPF that is in there now?
I use the Angenieux OPtimo 25_250 .
Tommaso since i'm shooting from a helicopter bnc or fiber cables are no option

 

[Blair S. Paulsen]

Depending on what you want well exposed, you might be able to use the Standard instead of the LLO. Yes, the STD will cost you roughly a stop, but it will handle bright light sources much better than the LLO. I would also point out, having shot many concerts, that even if the overall light levels are low - the performers are often getting a lot of lumens, especially if there's a follow spot or two. The histogram may look anemic, but if the performers are properly exposed you may be better off at a deeper stop anyway to make holding focus easier. YMMV.

Cheers - #19