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Upon request, my answer to a question being posed by @jc to several web folks for webafternoon.com

I used the opportunity to test three things I've not used before:

1) Rode VideoMic Pro (d.pr/ZanH) used as a boom mic
2) 18" ring light (d.pr/fWIb)
3) Final Cut Pro X

The Rode VideoMic was mounted on a stand as if it were a boom mic, about 16" from my voice. It performed well but obviously picked up some of the echoing off the wall behind me (especially noticeable at the start). Also, when I make a '2' with my hand, you can hear the sound deflected.

The 18" ring light was pretty easy to set up and shoot with. I guess it's more a stylistic decision than anything else, but it did light the frame nicely.

And Final Cut Pro X? It wasn't as much of a disappointment as I was expecting, given all the negative reviews. The 'black & white', 'hard light', and 'sharpen' video effects were applied. The audio was adjusted using 10-band EQ and the 'hum reduction' effect.

Shot on Canon 7D with Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens.

UPDATE: Here's another test, this time with the camera off-center: vimeo.com/31044073

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  • Nick Heer 4 months ago
    Not too shabby. That Sigma is a great lens. I think the ring light really messes with your corneas though, and that's the first thing I noticed.
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  • Cameron Moll plus 4 months ago
    Yup, definitely. That's why I say: it's a stylistic decision I guess...
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  • Kurt Madsen 4 months ago
    It creates a signature style, I'd say. The black and white crispness makes it feel clean and distinct.

    Nice job. Also, amen to what you said. :)
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  • Ben Wood 4 months ago
    It's too bad about the ring light in the pupil - it's odd and distracting. Could be easily taken out in After Effects with mocha / motion tracking though. What does a light like that cost? One other thing - I guess you're stuck with static camera position with this light, don't think I've ever seen it used in motion.
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  • Joel Godin plus 4 months ago
    Freaky. Reminds me of the Incredible Hulk before he went on a rampage. :)
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  • Trevor Gerzen 4 months ago
    The ring light is a cool effect, like you mentioned, a stylistic decision. It's funny that people are trying to help you "fix" something that ain't broke :)

    I'm curious, what was the positioning of the mic? Was it above since you say it was acting as a boom mic? I wonder if you place just below the frame pointing upwards towards your mouth would it catch less echo since your body would be between the mic and the wall. Don't know if you'll try a set up like this again, but if you did…

    Also curious how the sound was compressed. It's pretty crisp but you can also here the sort of metallic sound along with the slight echo that (to me) sounds like it may have been compressed somewhat harshly.

    Everything overall looks great, Cameron. It's always fun to play with new toys :)
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