Cheap video tap cameras

This is a good link for cheap video tap cameras.
http://www.pelikancam.com/cgi-bin/pelikancam/pum.htm

Roger

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Roger Evans
MovieStuff
http://www.afterimagephoto.tv/moviestuff.html

Roger,

Reading past posts, I know you're a pretty clever guy... so, here's my question:

These little CCD cameras would still require some sort of adapter to be used in conjunction with your eyepiece/viewfinder, correct? (I have something similar for my Arri, and it came with an adapter.)

Back to what a clever fellow you are... is an adapter something you could fabricate and sell to the rest of us, if we were to invest in one of those mini-cams to use as a video tap?

Could an all-purpose adapter be created for individual S8 cameras? For example, could you fab an adapter that is fitted for a Nizo 40xx/60xx on one end, and has a clamp or some other sort of adjustable device on the other end, to which any little CCD mini-cam could be affixed?

What do you think?

Ronson

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Courier, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ronson:

Could an all-purpose adapter be created for individual S8 cameras? For example, could you fab an adapter that is fitted for a Nizo 40xx/60xx on one end, and has a clamp or some other sort of adjustable device on the other end, to which any little CCD mini-cam could be affixed?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hi, Ronson!

Well, for starters, thanks a heap for the compliments. (Say, would you mind writing my dad a letter telling him I'm clever? I think he'd argue the point.)

Anyway, I could design a bracket that fit the particular video cameras on that website. However, making a universal bracket that would fit any super 8 camera on one end and any video camera on the other end would be a pretty tall task. Too many variables to be practical since how how one aligns itself on one end of the bracket affects how the other will align, etc.

It would have to be so "modular" that it would be the equivelant of an Erector Set where you'd end up practically having to build it yourself. I don't think that would be very handy.

On the other hand, if one end fits that particular video camera (on the website), then the variables are limited to how it mounts on the camera, which for super 8 is more predictable.

So, the answer to your question is "yes" and "no". I could probably design a universal bracket but only for one kind of video camera.

Roger

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Roger Evans
MovieStuff
http://www.afterimagephoto.tv/moviestuff.html

"...if one end fits that particular video camera (on the website), then the variables are limited to how it mounts on the camera, which for super 8 is more predictable... so, the answer to your question is "yes" and "no". I could probably design a universal bracket but only for one kind of video camera."

Whoops, sorry, Roger... I guess my post wasn't worded very well (kind of embarrassing, coming from a writer).

Though, I understand your answer perfectly.

What I was asking was not about a universal bracket for any S8 cam, but rather, a bracket that would be fitted for one particular S8 cam on one end (like a Nizo 40xx/60xx, which I'm assuming have the same eyepiece), and univeral for any video cam on the other end... allowing for a multitude of taps to be used with one particular S8 camera... the idea being, you'd be more likely to hang onto your S8 camera than your tap.

In other words, exactly the opposite of what you said was possible!

(My version wouldn't be as practical, on reflection.)

Okay, second question:

(and not to create more projects for you, but since you're the clever one...)

Could you create a adapter bracket for an altogether different video tap?

Like, say... the one I already own? http://www.hostboard.com/ubb/smile.gif

And what's your father's email address? http://www.hostboard.com/ubb/smile.gif

Ronson

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What would be the exact use of these small cameras? I guess I dont understand what you guys are using them for. I have a few of the exact cameras laying around and if they are useful let me know what for.

Lee

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Courier, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by leesnedaker:
What would be the exact use of these small cameras?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

For a video assist, which is a way to record on video tape what the movie camera is seeing. This is handy for rehearsals or playing back a scene to check performances before striking a set and moving on to another location.

Roger

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Roger Evans
MovieStuff
http://www.afterimagephoto.tv/moviestuff.html

Like "Lee" I don't see what these cameras are for????

I don't want a video camera on my viewfinder. Then what is focusing the camera??????

I have a video tap on my Aaton and it is the worst thing I can ever have on a set!!!!!

Next thing I know I have 10 people hovering around the video tap and they are all DP's in an instant.

Video taps are great in many ways--But if I have my choice I don't like usinng them. And, A Tap that goes on the viewfinder is even worse. Then you are depending on a video siganl to tell you framing, color, focus and a whole world of choices that should never be made by a CCD camera.

I understand the quest for a Tapped S8 camera but I am not buying in. Good Luck

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Try to use a crane without a video tap

M

p.s Roger, just build an adapter that fits into 1014-XLS : )

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Courier, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Nigel:

I have a video tap on my Aaton and it is the worst thing I can ever have on a set!!!!!
Next thing I know I have 10 people hovering around the video tap and they are all DP's in an instant.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, I have to agree with Nigel on this but for a different reason. As a general rule, I don't use a video tap except in two instances: 1) With a remote boom where it is impossible to operate without one or 2) If someone else is operating the camera while I direct.

In either case, I have general rule on the set that only the operator and myself can see the footage. The reasons are several. For starters, the time required to watch a take is the same time necessary to shoot another take. That's just plain wasteful, from a production schedule standpoint.

Also, most actors, even experienced ones, can't see the "big picture" of how the performances and takes fit together. Therefore, they don't understand that what they are seeing isn't the final product. If they don't understand what they see, then they start to subconsciously affect their performances to "fix" something that isn't broken.

Worse, they can lose faith in the director because they think he/she doesn't see the "obvious" problems with the scene when, in reality, there is no problem at all. It simply hasn't been edited or scored or affected by any of the many other post production tools that can make a good actor look great.

So, ultimately, while I know how to build video taps, I generally don't use them except in specific circumstances and, even then, very judiciously.

Roger

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Roger Evans
MovieStuff
http://www.afterimagephoto.tv/moviestuff.html

i agree with roger. i would just like to add that video assist is pretty good for steadicam/glidecam/boardcam/plastic bag cam operation as well...

/matt