Filmmaking / Directing : Stepping up my lens knowledge as a director by Moe Lynch

Moe, you can definately use a 5D for production. Here's where you need to go: http://www.youtube.com/user/HurlbutVisualsLA This is Shane Hurlbut, ASC's YouTube channel, where he talks mainly about how to turn a DSLR into a filmmaking machine. One of the videos is all about choosing the right cinema lens for your productions.

Thanks Rick. I'll check that out.

Thank you for that information, Gary, and congrats on the distribution deal. Everyone puts soooooo much emphasis on the RED that they make it seem like the DSLR cameras are only good for shorts. I'm not hatin' on the RED but that's good to hear that the 5D can hold it's own too. And you're right, so many filmmakers care so much about the camera that they forget the art of storytelling and now we have a whole lot of good looking films with bad stories in the market. But that's my own soap box. I wont get into all of that lol. But thanks man. I'll check out your links as well.

What are you worrying about that? You D.P. will tell you what he wanys and the producer has to do his job.

I hear ya Mark. I just like knowledge and I personally like to learn about all aspects of production and equipment. It makes me a better communicator to my crew as a director.

Hi Moe, Your instincts are correct. The more you and your DP can communicate using the same language the easier it is. It all flows from you.

Greetings Moe, Don't think in terms of better and worse. Instead try, budget and necessity. If most of your shots are night than ccd will probably work better than a cmos. What do you have, can obtain or afford? There's a Japanese director filming whole features with smart phones. Can't remember the name, but a lot of times it's not the camera but the lighting that plays the important role. You can film a feature on an HTC or an iPad if your lighting is right. But reds are beautiful. ;)

As far as lenses... what shots are in your head? How do you see it? If you are not familiar with lenses than your DP should be able to guide you to getting the shit you want. Again, it depends on your style. How many close ups? For a neat trick with lenses and filming, check out the movie, "monsters." It's shot pretty. From 2010 I believe.

Hi Moe. I have just had this very same discussion with my DP about Red vs 5D. My DP (Gavin Banks) has used both and we are currently shooting on a 5D for my feature documentary - the shallow depth of field is making it look great, and the portability for us is fantastic (esp when we fly to a location shoot). In my opinion, as long as you tell your story well and your DP has a good eye, it shouldn't matter which technology u use... be clear about the shot you want and your DP will choose the right lens. good luck with it!!

Thanks Olivia for that insight.

Thanks Donaidh. I'll look it up on netflix

A DSLR would be last on my list... Two years ago this discussion was relevant... but not so much anymore. First, the questions that need to be asked are 1) What type of budget are you working with and what can you afford? 2) What is the intended target for your feature? Make sure the camera you choose is "realistically" suitable. There are now several options available to you that are better than using a DSLR. But again what does your budget allow?... Do you have to use Red? No.... but you certainly can't go wrong with Red's 4K resolution and 18 stops of dynamic range compared to the 1080 resolution and 9 stops of dynmaic range of a DSLR... "IF" you can afford RED it is heads and shoulders above a DSLR. BUT if cost is the concern... there are other "digital cinema camera" options available to you under $5K such as the Sony FS100, Panasonic AF100, and now Black Magic Design is close to shipping their new 2K camera for $3K. The Black Magic camera is far superior to a DSLR and doesn't cost much more... I would choose any of these over a DSLR... If I'm shooting for theatrical release and the budget is there... I'm using ARRI Alexa, Red or a Canon C500... Your mileage may vary...

Thanks Thomas, I'm going to look up all of these cameras that you listed. Very informative. Thanks for sharing.

If the budget is there go with ARRI Alexa... If not quite there: Red. Shoestring:5D. But no matter what have a GREAT story, solid crew, perfect actors, interesting sets/locations and you are good to go!

It's great for a director to learn as much as possible about lenses and cameras (as it is to learn about all departments). However, unless you are James Cameron or Robert Rodriguez who do camerawork, DOP's do not need (or want) to have Directors tell them what lens to use. What they want are clear explainations of what you want to see. Long, medium or closeup; static or moving shot; shallow focus or deep focus. Then they can choose the best lens for the job. As for which camera to use, that is decided by the Producer based on budget, DOP based on their experience, and Director based on their preference. Who wins on this one depends on who has the most power on the production.