In the film industry, you get what you pay for. I bought one of those jar openers and used it on my latest shoot. It worked alright. No where near as reliable as proper equipment.
fadecomic That's exactly right. I actually modified my cheap (but sturdy) Kamerar follow focus in order to adjust its pitch with just the turn of a wing nut. Then I added a Genustech Matte Box Lite, which attaches to the lens itself using an adapter ring, which in turn allows me to easily remove the follow focus from the rail system (because the matte box is not attached to the rail). The only downside is that I've actually had to purchase the gear ring shown in this video, because the Kamerar follow focus gear couldn't reach my Sigma 50mm's aperture ring, although that problem doesn't present itself with longer lenses. Basically I spent two hundred dollars on a follow focus, and then another four hundred (or so) on the entire matte box set up. So, six hundred dollars for a small, quick, and portable setup; as opposed to maybe fifteen hundred dollars (and up) for some over priced kit.
it's called "taking advantage of people for a luxury product" the follow focus is something you can do without.. but hey if u really really want it.. their gonna make u pay for it! lol
***** You're right. A follow focus is mostly for pulling multiple pre-set focus points, like with scripted films (short or feature). You can do without a follow focus if you're just running and gunning, not to mention it makes your rig considerably lighter. I got the cheapest one I could find that was still good quality, I rarely use it, though. I think companies charge exorbitant amounts of money for somewhat simple pieces of equipment because it's an emerging market, the supply hasn't caught up with the demand, so prices are going to stay high until someone has the balls to take a chance and cut price a serious contender. The follow focus D-gear from letusdirect was about fifty dollars. I got it in the mail yesterday, and it's literally just a piece of plastic. Something reminiscent of what you might find in a Lego box. I understand plastic keeps weight down, but fifty dollars? Really?
You can't use optical zoom to confirm focus. Most (90%) of digital SLR lenses are not parfocal. Digital punch-in is the only way for focus confirmation. Nice video. Great work.
This. Optical punch in only works with drop-in teleconverters and completely parfocal lens designs, things only available in rare photographic lenses and prohibitively expensive cinema lenses, respectively. Just digital punch in + focus peaking if available.
Zooming in to check focus doesn't work with DSLR zoom lenses, they're not designed to do that. WIth DSLR lenses, the focus shifts around as you zoom AND as you change the aperture. That's why cinema lenses cost so much, they are designed to overcome this problem. The only way to check focus with a DSLR is by magnifying the image on the LCD.
Here are 3 different types of FF I've tried, in 3 different price ranges. : - low budget : D-Focus v3 : pretty good Follow focus for about 150$ - very low budget : Focusshifter (an awesome kickstarter project) - a little "plasticky" but really useful for a one man band - no budget : clamp, elastic band and bolt. Look it up, works ok...
I used a T2i for years and loved it. Its an awesome deal because the T3i and T4i are out driving the T2i's price down, but they have the same sensor, so they're not worth it (Unless you REALLY need that flip screen). Mine held out just fine until I bought a 5DMkII.
Vasily mat When you see that it means there not in stock so rather than removing the item in inventory they price it in a way it wont sell then when they have more in stock they price it correctly.
You can hack a follow focus/marker combo with a couple of 'Celery Rubber Bands' Put one on the focus after pushing a nail (snip the point off first DUH) to use as the 'rod' like the jar opener end acts as the 'stick'… add a second rubber band next to it for marking focal points and does an 'okay' job like the jar opener AND still works on smaller photog lenses … which the jar openers sometimes don't.
Back in the day when I had a Nikkor 70-210 f4-5.6 on my film bodies. I would zoom in to check focus, tweak it, then zoom back out. I found out the hard way that not all lenses keep the same focus point throughout the zoom range.
Because it's a specialised piece of equipment that is specifically designed to work with PL lenses. If something is specialised it'll cost a lot more even if the component parts don't add up to that price. $800 is a mid priced one. For top of the range or remote focus you're talking $1500. If you're working as a first AC though it's a necessary expense and one that you'll quickly make the money back on.
Gaius Concord you won't like a 3D printed follow focus, it should be made out of aluminum, brass and some stainless steel screw and locks. It won't be logical to make a follow focus, that shakes, squeeze and crackle a lot, because that is the exect things we want to avoid.
Plenty of things do have an eyepiece, if you're pointing specifically at DSLR's, which always have had this limitation then, look at normal video cameras and normal pro cameras still with have eyepieces. As far as expense, I was speaking about optical viewfinders, if we're talking about electronic like a small LCD + Diopter, then yes it's not that big of a deal, and that's how most viewfinders are designed. Optical requires a lot of work to make it work right with mirrors and prisms and such.
wow i am actually debating whether to get this plus some cool focus stuffz or a rode ntg 2 for audio soultion and at the end the end of the vid he literally said to go with the audio solution.
My god. You have no idea how much you guys help me learn. Outside of how much you save my pockets. I'm constantly inspired by your work and tutorials. Thanks so much. I'll definitely look into the 5$ jar opener. Hopefully the legit version graces me sooner than later.
Just a note about zooming in to check focus ; you can't guarantee that your subject will be in focus using a zoom lens on a dslr, it's preferable to use the digital zoom, unless of course, your're using a cine lens.
Thanks for not just saying "don't do X" but for actually explaining why it might not be a good idea. I hate people who just come to videos and dispute things with absolutely no explination, comments like that just breed confusion instead of actually being helpful.
Interestingly over here in the UK, the Jar Opener by the same company is more expensive than a Follow Focus that is essentially the Jar Opener but made specifically to fit around a lens
trying so hard to be amusing to the point of turn-off before I scream at unfunny US humor. Much better to get your point across without all the nonsense. Informational just the same!
I picked up these jar openers at Bed, Bath, & Beyond several months ago. They work great! Well, at least for my purposes; I've never had the luxury of using a real follow focus system. :) I operated the camera and pulled focus simultaneously with these jar openers in my film "The Political Optometrst". And yes, I know there are several scenes out-of-focus. :)
I was about to buy the jar grip, but then I came up with an even CHEAPER solution for this. It involves 2 zip ties, and I made a video of it. Keep up the great work guys, I love your videos! :)
you can't zoom in to focus with all lenses, many lower end lenses change focus when zooming in. Its a good tip as long as your lens is compatible, definitely do some testing as YMMV.
For every Canon User, since i got Magic Lantern FW on my 500D, i have pretty nice red dots for focused area on my display, makes the whole thing alot easier!
The bit at 5:00 about zooming in, focusing, then zooming back out, only works on parfocal lenses. Not all zooms created for photography (as opposed to film & video) are parfocal (in fact, most of them aren't in my experience).
I would strongly recommend using digital zoom over lens zooming to check focus. many cheap lens' have different focus dynamics (right word?) at the ends of the zoom range. For canon DSLR users, magic lantern is a must. The amount of features I have come to rely on while filming is just silly. Focus peaking and 100% magic zoom window mean I know exactly whats in focus all the time
If the system Ryan showed you is too expensive, check out the 50 dollar follow focus. Works pretty much the same way only not quite as fancy, but still works well
Not to be THAT guy, and I don't know if this has been said yet, but zooming to check your focus will only work on lenses that are parfocal (I'm sure you guys know this, just throwing it out there), which means that it holds its focus point throughout the entire zoom range. A lot of lenses, especially lower cost ones, are not parfocal, and physically zooming the lens to the telephoto end to check the focus will not work, because as soon as you zoom in or out again, it will go out of focus.
Great episode. Just an FIY, with many lenses, your focus changes as you zoom so zooming in to focus is not the right method. the correct method would be to use the digital zoom.
I do not work for Sony and not connected with them in any way but the a 37 is a great entry level camera and tells you automagicaly when your in focus so you don't need to measure!
They look better at the same price point. Better DOF too, so you can get a more filmic look. Any of the Canon DSLRs would be good. Just go with the one in your price range.
@5:00 - jumping to max zoom to find your focus then zooming back out again isn't always advisable. You need to check with your particular lens as numerous DSLR lenses need refocusing after a focal length adjustment. The stock 18-55mm glass which came with my 600D refuses to stay focused after I adjust focal length making it impossible to prefocus with zoom. Good idea with the jar opener though, hadn't thought of that and it's a clever dampener! I've become used to needing super steady hands...
Ryan, another way to zoom in to make sure that something is in focus (on a dslr) then there is a button on the side panel where it enlarges the image, not changing the zoom length. Like so Ryan can see.
Unfortunately a tip in the vid about zooming in and focusing won't work 100% with most of DSLR lenses, because the focus isn't consistent within the zoom range. That's because manufacturer doesn't care about it, because it's a DSLR lens, it's not a needed feature. Some lenses support this and I guess most of filming / video lenses. Better to use digital zoom instead of lens zoom to check your focus. At least canon series has this option, and it's great!
I'm currently following a rival film company's web-series where a CRAP TON of shots are just like the opening sketch and I just want to scream that they are able to pull talent.
hi there James, thanks for the comment. and you know what, your thought is exactly my thought. i think i'll go for the T3i with 50mm lens. i watched your videos and they were great ! one more thing, can you recommend me some nice low-budget external mics ? like around a hundred bucks. thanks anyway James.
I think his idea is awesome, I bought the jar opener and amazon delivered it broken, the idea was solid though. No doubt this video caused the reseller of those jar openers to jack the price!
that is correct. generally more expensive lens (eg canon L series) will not loose focus when the zoom level is changed. however, cheaper zooms normally do.
Tip for anyone who sees this. The Jar opener is no match for a follow focus. The jar opener wont hold down on the cheaper photography lenses that have a very small focus ring. While a follow focus (at least the cheap $100 follow focus setup i have) holds down just fine on the smaller and larger rings and i can pull focus much more reliably without slip or jitter in the focus. I tried all kinds of solutions before finally going to a profession follow focus. Trust me, you cant replace it.
I use a smartphone connected to cameera USB with an app. It's not as good as a follow focus, but you can hold your finger on the area of the video you want in focus. You get auto focus jitter, but it's better than no focus!
Same here with my 500D and standard EF 18-55mm - im using different lenses from walimex 24mm/35mm/85mm fixed focal lenses and its completely different with each ;) so i think this jar opener could help. A rig with those nice gears would be superb i think...
Man. Thanks so much for this. Working towards a production in August, first one I'm ever directing/writing via mini-webisode-magnitude, and I'm highly uneducated, but this channel has been a HUGE help to me. Thanks for sharing and for your hard work. Definitely investing in a Follow-Focus (at least a $5 one.)
Same here, the 18-55 doesn't stay in focus. My way around this is the digital zoom in the 600D, you can use this to pre focus and set focus points before you shoot.
I won't skip the commercial because i want to support film riot. The information they divulge is priceless in the real world, and many pay thousands to get it in film schools. A few seconds of sponsor time is a minuscule price to pay. I'll actually get a domain.com hosting once my current one expires, just to support this amazing show.
Who do you mean they? DLSR's are popular for being cheap, but the only way you can get an eyepiece for it is a viewfinder to attach to the screen. LCD's are cheaper to design than a live video eyepiece. Higher end camera do it just fine.
The jar opener loosens quickly and slides around the lens. I tried it a while ago and had high hopes for it since I'm super cheap, but you only get a few good pulls out of it before it needs to be tightened again. That said, I've been very happy with the $125 follow focus I bought on Amazon. Many companies sell the same model. I think mine is the ephoto branded version.
Well you can go with the Rode Video mic which usually goes for around 150; this is a directional shotgun mic and it's what I currently use. Or, you can go with the Zoom H1, which usually goes for about 100; this is an external audio recorder that is omni directional. If you're just starting out it might be better to go with the Rode because it mounts nicely on top for the T3i and you don't have to sync the audio in post. Then later on you can buy a nice Zoom H4n (I'm about to get one :D)
Thanks. I just learned that the actor's marks so related to focus's marks. I had been working in film crew for a short while. I was always wondering why the cine camera has a lot of color tape stuck at focus ring, you answered all that wondered. Anyway I already watching Knoptop for a while now. His ideas about DIY film making is cool too.
I personally use the Canon Rebel T3i and I love it! Since the release of the T4i, I'm sure the price of the T3i has dropped considerably and with that price drop you can invest in a 50mm f1.8 lens and you have yourself a great setup for a beginning film maker; my videos are all shot with that setup (I'm very much an amateur, so you can be the judge). So if you like how it looks and it's in your budget then I highly recommend it. Hope this helped and I wish you good luck :). ~TheJamesTheatre
I think hes saying sometimes zooming in and focus with the lens, vs temporarly using the digital zoom in to fix focus then zoom out. The lens one may not work on all lenses, but the digital will (for focusing by zooming)
I think it would be important to note that the "zooming in with lens and checking focus, and then zooming back to your desired focal length" is only a viable option with lenses that have internal moving parts for the zoom, or put simply, lenses where the end doesn't rotate when you zoom. Most kit lenses will lose focus if you set the focus to one spot and then zoom in/out because of this!
6:43 - What you actually came here for: the $5 follow focus.
+softladification Thanks a lot. This guy love to talk :(
Thank you
+softladification Thanks!
+softladification Thanks! have a nice day
Oh gods! Thank you, I was that close to just clicking away.
$800 for a follow focus? They're taking supply-and-demand to a new level! Fucking ridiculous.
In the film industry, you get what you pay for. I bought one of those jar openers and used it on my latest shoot. It worked alright. No where near as reliable as proper equipment.
Yeah, but like Elephants Fly said, it's definitely priced on demand, because the materials cost for a few plastic gears and some bolts can't be $800.
fadecomic That's exactly right. I actually modified my cheap (but sturdy) Kamerar follow focus in order to adjust its pitch with just the turn of a wing nut. Then I added a Genustech Matte Box Lite, which attaches to the lens itself using an adapter ring, which in turn allows me to easily remove the follow focus from the rail system (because the matte box is not attached to the rail). The only downside is that I've actually had to purchase the gear ring shown in this video, because the Kamerar follow focus gear couldn't reach my Sigma 50mm's aperture ring, although that problem doesn't present itself with longer lenses.
Basically I spent two hundred dollars on a follow focus, and then another four hundred (or so) on the entire matte box set up. So, six hundred dollars for a small, quick, and portable setup; as opposed to maybe fifteen hundred dollars (and up) for some over priced kit.
it's called "taking advantage of people for a luxury product" the follow focus is something you can do without.. but hey if u really really want it.. their gonna make u pay for it! lol
***** You're right. A follow focus is mostly for pulling multiple pre-set focus points, like with scripted films (short or feature). You can do without a follow focus if you're just running and gunning, not to mention it makes your rig considerably lighter. I got the cheapest one I could find that was still good quality, I rarely use it, though.
I think companies charge exorbitant amounts of money for somewhat simple pieces of equipment because it's an emerging market, the supply hasn't caught up with the demand, so prices are going to stay high until someone has the balls to take a chance and cut price a serious contender.
The follow focus D-gear from letusdirect was about fifty dollars. I got it in the mail yesterday, and it's literally just a piece of plastic. Something reminiscent of what you might find in a Lego box. I understand plastic keeps weight down, but fifty dollars? Really?
You can't use optical zoom to confirm focus. Most (90%) of digital SLR lenses are not parfocal. Digital punch-in is the only way for focus confirmation. Nice video. Great work.
This. Optical punch in only works with drop-in teleconverters and completely parfocal lens designs, things only available in rare photographic lenses and prohibitively expensive cinema lenses, respectively.
Just digital punch in + focus peaking if available.
3:30- "Seems small, but when you're moving it fast, it seems pretty huge" That's what she said.. I can't be the only one who noticed.
What's wrong with it?
***** you are so stupid
uhhh,,,, what? Am I the only one not getting this?
***** lol
+Masayuki Fujita see it in a more perverted way
Zooming in to check focus doesn't work with DSLR zoom lenses, they're not designed to do that. WIth DSLR lenses, the focus shifts around as you zoom AND as you change the aperture. That's why cinema lenses cost so much, they are designed to overcome this problem. The only way to check focus with a DSLR is by magnifying the image on the LCD.
Are you sure? I've been using all the canon L lenses and have never had a problem with it
Cannon L’s are very expensive lenses and that do not have most of the flaws of regular lenses.
oh wow josh nailed that cry!! LMAO!!!
he talks so fast, I only understand höbläbloblablubbablaäbubblabläubabblabubb at the beginning xD
he s simply on drugs ! coffein pills !
He speaks too much. God! Just for a jar opener ? It is not worth it!
Play it at .75%
Here are 3 different types of FF I've tried, in 3 different price ranges. :
- low budget : D-Focus v3 : pretty good Follow focus for about 150$
- very low budget : Focusshifter (an awesome kickstarter project) - a little "plasticky" but really useful for a one man band
- no budget : clamp, elastic band and bolt. Look it up, works ok...
I still watch it on 2017😮
you can zoom in and get Focus reliably only if a lens is Parfocal. Kind of a big detail to leave out
+Allen Achterberg Your absolutely right and Parfocal lenses are vary rare in still (photo) lenses.
Vhhjkk+thinkwithpictures
I luv the fast talking, keep it up, time is money !
The best DIY's are with Filmriot, every time I search for something I'm coming to you guys.
Haha, the video at the beginning needs some serious youtube surfing to find out the joke.
Randomnick123 it’s a good meme
It's been a few months since I watched FilmRiot--I'm so glad you guys are still doing the same incredible work that you always do!
you should speak a little bit slower :)
I used a T2i for years and loved it. Its an awesome deal because the T3i and T4i are out driving the T2i's price down, but they have the same sensor, so they're not worth it (Unless you REALLY need that flip screen). Mine held out just fine until I bought a 5DMkII.
someone was trying to sell the jar openers on amazon for $1000 (used)
lol
Vasily mat When you see that it means there not in stock so rather than removing the item in inventory they price it in a way it wont sell then when they have more in stock they price it correctly.
oh ok
I just ordered my first DSLR and all of a sudden these DIY really mean alot!
This was the best intro ever
True. My 18-55 IS II does get out of focus too when changing focal lengths.
I always use the Camera's digital zoom to focus.
I tried to change the resolution 2 times on this video on the parts that were out of focus. I thought the auto CZcams resolution set it to 144p
Lol
You can hack a follow focus/marker combo with a couple of 'Celery Rubber Bands' Put one on the focus after pushing a nail (snip the point off first DUH) to use as the 'rod' like the jar opener end acts as the 'stick'… add a second rubber band next to it for marking focal points and does an 'okay' job like the jar opener AND still works on smaller photog lenses … which the jar openers sometimes don't.
1000th comment maybe mom will finally love me!
aww. bless you
dont get your hopes up
i wish my mom loved me......
Back in the day when I had a Nikkor 70-210 f4-5.6 on my film bodies. I would zoom in to check focus, tweak it, then zoom back out. I found out the hard way that not all lenses keep the same focus point throughout the zoom range.
Why is a follow focus $800
because the price of plastic and a few screws went up 1000% lol NOT
Because it's a specialised piece of equipment that is specifically designed to work with PL lenses. If something is specialised it'll cost a lot more even if the component parts don't add up to that price. $800 is a mid priced one. For top of the range or remote focus you're talking $1500. If you're working as a first AC though it's a necessary expense and one that you'll quickly make the money back on.
Thomas Milder Because a 3D printer is $1000 and we don't know how to use CAD.
Gaius Concord you won't like a 3D printed follow focus, it should be made out of aluminum, brass and some stainless steel screw and locks. It won't be logical to make a follow focus, that shakes, squeeze and crackle a lot, because that is the exect things we want to avoid.
Plenty of things do have an eyepiece, if you're pointing specifically at DSLR's, which always have had this limitation then, look at normal video cameras and normal pro cameras still with have eyepieces.
As far as expense, I was speaking about optical viewfinders, if we're talking about electronic like a small LCD + Diopter, then yes it's not that big of a deal, and that's how most viewfinders are designed. Optical requires a lot of work to make it work right with mirrors and prisms and such.
wow i am actually debating whether to get this plus some cool focus stuffz or a rode ntg 2 for audio soultion and at the end the end of the vid he literally said to go with the audio solution.
My god. You have no idea how much you guys help me learn. Outside of how much you save my pockets. I'm constantly inspired by your work and tutorials. Thanks so much. I'll definitely look into the 5$ jar opener. Hopefully the legit version graces me sooner than later.
Hhahahaha, what the heck was that intro? :D
AlexTrikTV its a paraody of another video haah
Just a note about zooming in to check focus ; you can't guarantee that your subject will be in focus using a zoom lens on a dslr, it's preferable to use the digital zoom, unless of course, your're using a cine lens.
damn you click bait title!
Thanks for not just saying "don't do X" but for actually explaining why it might not be a good idea. I hate people who just come to videos and dispute things with absolutely no explination, comments like that just breed confusion instead of actually being helpful.
make a video "how to make 360° video"
The tip around five minutes doesn't always work, many zoom lenses don't focus on the same distance as you zoom in. The trick only applies to cinezooms
u
Jar opener, or a $0.15 zap strap. :/
Holy Shit Bucket Thats is the best idea EVER!!!!
We must share this to the WORLD!
good idea, but I would be concerned with getting sharp objects near my lenses/camera
They are now $5-$8 each and it appears they are all being bought by photographers. Some Walmarts have them for just under $2 each.
the answer of the title is at... 80% (6:58) of the video... wtf !! annoying...
Interestingly over here in the UK, the Jar Opener by the same company is more expensive than a Follow Focus that is essentially the Jar Opener but made specifically to fit around a lens
You should speak slowly if you want non english speakers understanding your videos.
There's no time limit on youtube.
On the UK Amazon site, this jar opener is actually advertised as a jar opener/grip for follow focus!
trying so hard to be amusing to the point of turn-off before I scream at unfunny US humor. Much better to get your point across without all the nonsense. Informational just the same!
I picked up these jar openers at Bed, Bath, & Beyond several months ago. They work great! Well, at least for my purposes; I've never had the luxury of using a real follow focus system. :)
I operated the camera and pulled focus simultaneously with these jar openers in my film "The Political Optometrst". And yes, I know there are several scenes out-of-focus. :)
Just annoying - had to stop watching after 1:03 ...
StonyRC They were mimicking a scene from an intervention show.
still annoying.. not funny at all
The intro was just CLASSIC!!!
come to the damn point and save us the bullshit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ammar Keylani Is anyone stopping you from skipping ahead? No! So stop being a douchebag
You have a great point. I tend to mess with my focus on my camera just filming nothing. this taught me A LOT.
Stop trying to be funny and cute. You're not good at it. At all.
That's means someday he'll be a great dad...
arlo4823 Stop being a negative douchebag.
This will come in handy! Thanks for sharing an awesome way to pull focus while moving.
This guy is super ANNOYING!!
Kristóf Nagy and yet you take the time to comment shows you actually care well done you though
I was about to buy the jar grip, but then I came up with an even CHEAPER solution for this. It involves 2 zip ties, and I made a video of it. Keep up the great work guys, I love your videos! :)
you can't zoom in to focus with all lenses, many lower end lenses change focus when zooming in. Its a good tip as long as your lens is compatible, definitely do some testing as YMMV.
For every Canon User, since i got Magic Lantern FW on my 500D, i have pretty nice red dots for focused area on my display, makes the whole thing alot easier!
Glad you gave Knoptop a shout-out. That man is the man, man!
The bit at 5:00 about zooming in, focusing, then zooming back out, only works on parfocal lenses. Not all zooms created for photography (as opposed to film & video) are parfocal (in fact, most of them aren't in my experience).
I would strongly recommend using digital zoom over lens zooming to check focus. many cheap lens' have different focus dynamics (right word?) at the ends of the zoom range.
For canon DSLR users, magic lantern is a must. The amount of features I have come to rely on while filming is just silly. Focus peaking and 100% magic zoom window mean I know exactly whats in focus all the time
If the system Ryan showed you is too expensive, check out the 50 dollar follow focus. Works pretty much the same way only not quite as fancy, but still works well
Hi!
Michael Stark's the one who did it.. Their previous vfx-artist, and it's done in Autodesk 3DsMax so I don't think they'll be able to cover that.
Not to be THAT guy, and I don't know if this has been said yet, but zooming to check your focus will only work on lenses that are parfocal (I'm sure you guys know this, just throwing it out there), which means that it holds its focus point throughout the entire zoom range. A lot of lenses, especially lower cost ones, are not parfocal, and physically zooming the lens to the telephoto end to check the focus will not work, because as soon as you zoom in or out again, it will go out of focus.
You should check out all the follow focuses on kickstarter! I think you'd find the SnapFocus system especially exciting.
I look forward to Mondays and Thursdays, now. Thanks to Film Riot.
300 episodes of FilmRiot! Booya granma!!!
All the best to you guys and keep up the great show!
Great episode.
Just an FIY, with many lenses, your focus changes as you zoom so zooming in to focus is not the right method. the correct method would be to use the digital zoom.
I do not work for Sony and not connected with them in any way but the a 37 is a great entry level camera and tells you automagicaly when your in focus so you don't need to measure!
They look better at the same price point. Better DOF too, so you can get a more filmic look. Any of the Canon DSLRs would be good. Just go with the one in your price range.
This guy talks fast, but I like him. He gets the info across and doesn't waste my time.
@5:00 - jumping to max zoom to find your focus then zooming back out again isn't always advisable. You need to check with your particular lens as numerous DSLR lenses need refocusing after a focal length adjustment. The stock 18-55mm glass which came with my 600D refuses to stay focused after I adjust focal length making it impossible to prefocus with zoom.
Good idea with the jar opener though, hadn't thought of that and it's a clever dampener! I've become used to needing super steady hands...
Gotta get myself some jar openers. Thanks Ryan.
Ryan, another way to zoom in to make sure that something is in focus (on a dslr) then there is a button on the side panel where it enlarges the image, not changing the zoom length. Like so Ryan can see.
Unfortunately a tip in the vid about zooming in and focusing won't work 100% with most of DSLR lenses, because the focus isn't consistent within the zoom range. That's because manufacturer doesn't care about it, because it's a DSLR lens, it's not a needed feature.
Some lenses support this and I guess most of filming / video lenses.
Better to use digital zoom instead of lens zoom to check your focus. At least canon series has this option, and it's great!
I'm currently following a rival film company's web-series where a CRAP TON of shots are just like the opening sketch and I just want to scream that they are able to pull talent.
hi there James, thanks for the comment. and you know what, your thought is exactly my thought. i think i'll go for the T3i with 50mm lens. i watched your videos and they were great !
one more thing, can you recommend me some nice low-budget external mics ? like around a hundred bucks. thanks anyway James.
The jar opener doesn't work if you lenses has some drag on it. The rubber slips on the lens and the plastic fastener does not stay tight enough.
Same happened to me. Even if the focus ring has little drag it will happen, just take a few more seconds to loose.
I think his idea is awesome, I bought the jar opener and amazon delivered it broken, the idea was solid though. No doubt this video caused the reseller of those jar openers to jack the price!
that is correct. generally more expensive lens (eg canon L series) will not loose focus when the zoom level is changed. however, cheaper zooms normally do.
Tip for anyone who sees this. The Jar opener is no match for a follow focus. The jar opener wont hold down on the cheaper photography lenses that have a very small focus ring. While a follow focus (at least the cheap $100 follow focus setup i have) holds down just fine on the smaller and larger rings and i can pull focus much more reliably without slip or jitter in the focus. I tried all kinds of solutions before finally going to a profession follow focus. Trust me, you cant replace it.
I use a smartphone connected to cameera USB with an app. It's not as good as a follow focus, but you can hold your finger on the area of the video you want in focus. You get auto focus jitter, but it's better than no focus!
I liked just for the beginning reference. I LOVED THAT REFERENCE.
Same here with my 500D and standard EF 18-55mm - im using different lenses from walimex 24mm/35mm/85mm fixed focal lenses and its completely different with each ;) so i think this jar opener could help. A rig with those nice gears would be superb i think...
It would super effing rock if you guys made a show that gave a behind the scenes look at shooting an episode of film riot!
LOVE YALL
Man. Thanks so much for this. Working towards a production in August, first one I'm ever directing/writing via mini-webisode-magnitude, and I'm highly uneducated, but this channel has been a HUGE help to me. Thanks for sharing and for your hard work. Definitely investing in a Follow-Focus (at least a $5 one.)
I agree, my original point was that in many cases you can't check your focus by zooming in because of how many lenses work.
Same here, the 18-55 doesn't stay in focus. My way around this is the digital zoom in the 600D, you can use this to pre focus and set focus points before you shoot.
I won't skip the commercial because i want to support film riot. The information they divulge is priceless in the real world, and many pay thousands to get it in film schools. A few seconds of sponsor time is a minuscule price to pay. I'll actually get a domain.com hosting once my current one expires, just to support this amazing show.
Awesome techniques! Thanks!
My follow focus is Canon touch to focus...works like a charm.
Who do you mean they? DLSR's are popular for being cheap, but the only way you can get an eyepiece for it is a viewfinder to attach to the screen. LCD's are cheaper to design than a live video eyepiece.
Higher end camera do it just fine.
Nice video! I've been looking for a good follow focus for cheap! You guys are the only reason i'm happy on Thursdays!
Oh my god! I've been trying to figure out the measurement thing forever! Thank you!
The jar opener loosens quickly and slides around the lens. I tried it a while ago and had high hopes for it since I'm super cheap, but you only get a few good pulls out of it before it needs to be tightened again. That said, I've been very happy with the $125 follow focus I bought on Amazon. Many companies sell the same model. I think mine is the ephoto branded version.
Not just Ryan, but all the cast, crew and creepies and crabs and... wait, what was I talking about? I don't know! I JUST CAN'T REMEMBER!!!
At first I was like hey they stole that from knoptop! That's was an awesome shout out guys. That's why I love me some film riot.
Well you can go with the Rode Video mic which usually goes for around 150; this is a directional shotgun mic and it's what I currently use. Or, you can go with the Zoom H1, which usually goes for about 100; this is an external audio recorder that is omni directional. If you're just starting out it might be better to go with the Rode because it mounts nicely on top for the T3i and you don't have to sync the audio in post. Then later on you can buy a nice Zoom H4n (I'm about to get one :D)
Thanks. I just learned that the actor's marks so related to focus's marks. I had been working in film crew for a short while. I was always wondering why the cine camera has a lot of color tape stuck at focus ring, you answered all that wondered. Anyway I already watching Knoptop for a while now. His ideas about DIY film making is cool too.
I personally use the Canon Rebel T3i and I love it! Since the release of the T4i, I'm sure the price of the T3i has dropped considerably and with that price drop you can invest in a 50mm f1.8 lens and you have yourself a great setup for a beginning film maker; my videos are all shot with that setup (I'm very much an amateur, so you can be the judge). So if you like how it looks and it's in your budget then I highly recommend it. Hope this helped and I wish you good luck :).
~TheJamesTheatre
I think hes saying sometimes zooming in and focus with the lens, vs temporarly using the digital zoom in to fix focus then zoom out. The lens one may not work on all lenses, but the digital will (for focusing by zooming)
Happy 300th Video Film Riot!
I think it would be important to note that the "zooming in with lens and checking focus, and then zooming back to your desired focal length" is only a viable option with lenses that have internal moving parts for the zoom, or put simply, lenses where the end doesn't rotate when you zoom. Most kit lenses will lose focus if you set the focus to one spot and then zoom in/out because of this!
When you zoom your lens in, focus, and zoom out it changes the focus. You should use the magnify button on your DSLR.
Filmriot talking about knoptop is like when I was little an batman teamed up with scoobydoo just awesomeness together
I loved the "Intervention" episode reference...you guys are hilarious