No downconverter with Varicam

[Jeff Muhlstock SOC]

I use Varicam, very often. Last year I purchased an AJA downconverter, it has more then paid for itself. I simply have a different rate structure for HD work. I like to call it: The HD package.... haha . But seriously, most rental houses only charge 50 bucks for the rental of such downconverters. Just be sure you ask for the correct power cable. Or make one. Do not try to power off the camera's 12 volt 4 pin HRS, this will blow the fuse of that supply. I know, Ive blown it.

 

This raises another important Issue. If your excepting an HD job, you should be properly outfited for it. Lets face it, HD is here. I wouldnt show up on a film job without the appropriate tools. Just my opinion.

 

 

Jeff

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

Do not try to power off the camera's 12 volt 4 pin HRS, this will blow the fuse of that supply. I know, Ive blown it.

The Miranda use's that plug and I've never blown a fuse using it.

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

I've had this fuse blow using an AJA as well. Funny thing is I asked the rental company about it before hand and they said it would never happen; they do it all the time. As soon as I plugged it in, it blew. I do regularly see the Miranda powered this way without problems though.

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

Sounds like an Aja thing

[RobVanGelder]

Thomas,

Job is very right, shading means the constant adjustment of the exposure and when in a multi camera setup (as I was working in) the constant conformity (same look) of all camera´s.

In my case, only the iris was adjusted, so the DIT was giving comments to the focus puller by radio to correct when nessecary.

In multi-camera setups in a studio or a broadcast truck, the DIT or shader has direct access through the triax cable, and can also adjust all other levels, colour, black/white, gamma, etc.

 

In my case, the distance to the DIT-viewingcage was far, more than 20-30 meters. A normal 75 ohm BNC will not do, it has to be a special kind. The DIT I worked with was very difficult in this, I was not allowed to use even a short, 2m meter cable between sled and harnass.

 

I am also afraid that Jeff could be right about the convertor. At some stage, WE will have to provide either a HD monitor on our rig OR a convertor. I´m sure that will happen in the future.

 

Rob van Gelder, Bangkok, Thailand