Multi Camera Switcher for S8

[MovieStuff]

Here's an interesting thought. One of the really nice things about Super 8 cameras is their ability for instant start with no flash frame or exposure variation (at least for most cameras like the Canon, Elmos, etc).

Now, I envision a situation where multiple cameras are being used to cover a scene (ideally all the same model). Let's say you have two actors and four cameras. One to follow each actor, one for a medium two shot and another on a wide master shot. All the cameras have remote sockets, each with a cable that goes to a simple switch panel. Only ONE camera can run at a time, as designated by what ever button is pushed. During the scene being shot, when you decide to switch to another camera angle and push that button, it starts immediately and the preceding camera stops immediately. The same for all the other cameras/buttons.

Essentially, you map out your scene and determine what cameras will cover what action and where your future edit points will be. Then you rehearse the action and go for it in real time, switching from one camera to the other as the scene progresses "live". Later, editing is simply a matter of cutting each of the separate clips together for one continuous scene.

It would take a bit of imagination to plan the cuts, but would allow for REALLY fast shooting with no more film usage than a single camera since the "unused camera" stops filming until called upon for its angle. Also, it effectively gives a longer run time since the volume of required film is spread across several film chambers. In essence, if you have a 10 minute scene and use four cameras, you could still shoot continuously as long as no camera needed more than 2.5 minutes of film altogether!

Anyway, that's my idea dujur. My brain was feeling a bit tortured this evening and this is what flopped out.

Roger

[Alex]

You'd definitely want some overlap between cameras. Make it defineable...anywhere from 1/2 second to 5 seconds or more.

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Alex

[Matt Pacini]

Wow, I agree with Alex on something!

Anyway, yeah, it would be useful, but I would be scared having to stick with the edits I chose while shooting.
I understand what you're saying though, about saving film, no work to edit, etc.
But it would be nice to be able to choose from NO overlap, to a couple or few seconds.
Great idea though, I would certainly use it, if it were not expensive.
I actually started to make a simple switchbox once, but got sidetracked and never picked it up again.
Better yet, make it wireless!
Then, for action scenes, you could have two or three cameras, with one of them being handheld or on a steadicam JR, and really cover the action, but not waste gobs of film (I've done this on a couple shoots, with two cameras rolling the whole time, and MAN does it burn your film!).

Matt Pacini

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[MovieStuff]

Sure. The overlap thing would be easy. The director would just have to switch in advance of the intended cut. Easy. Of course, how many people are using 4 or 5 super 8 cameras on a shoot and know that many qualified camera operators that they would trust? But it's a fun idea.

Roger

[crimsonson]

Hi Roger

I think most people given the choice of 4-5 S8 cams would choose 2 16mm instead. Its difficult enough to find, maintain and get accessories for 1 S8 cam let alone 4. Imagine 4 mattebox, 4 Tiffen filters, 1-4 Tripods, etc, etc.
And the nosie level - OUCH! Imagine 4 4008 ZM II running at the same time!!! Or a Canon 1014 E. Yikes!

But it does work for Super 8 porn DVD, you know, alternative angles....

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[This message has been edited by crimsonson (edited October 19, 2001).]

[ulrichsd]

I think it sounds like a pretty cool idea, plus it could be done pretty cheap, with like some model raliroad switches or something. I think I would feel like I was driving a toy car instead of filming a movie!

Plus, I know there are a few people with multiple cameras (I have 4, but only 2 can do 24fps) plus you could stick the more noisy camera as the wide angle shot, far away from the mics.

Scott

Scott

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[Mr Blackstock]

Great idea, but what about panning shots? Would stationary cameras not give a rather stilted effect? How about mounting each camera with a closed circuit t.v, all connected to a monitor for the director who through a walkie talkie can instruct various camera people on what to do?

Sounds fun? ideal situation for a "making of"

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[MovieStuff]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Courier, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mr Blackstock:
Great idea, but what about panning shots? Would stationary cameras not give a rather stilted effect? How about mounting each camera with a closed circuit t.v, all connected to a monitor for the director who through a walkie talkie can instruct various camera people on what to do?

Sounds fun? ideal situation for a "making of"
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, the system doesn't preclude the use of camera operators. I never implied that the cameras would need to be stationary. The idea is to save on film when using multiple cameras, that's all. The video assist is a fun idea, but I pictured this device as a budget item.

Roger

[Matt Pacini]

Four cameras is probably rare in a Super 8 shoot, even for a crazy person like me.
I have however shot quite a bit of two camera stuff, and only quit doing it, because of the amount of film I burnt up doing it!
So this idea does appeal to me, actually.
Another great Rogerrrrammmma idea!
Hey, you should start making cute names for these things, like the Rogeramatron.

Matt Pacini

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