Compositing/keying question. Canon XL1 related.

[altruizine]

Can't say I've shot any chromakey stuff on an XL1, last time I shot green on DV was w/ a VX1000 a few years ago.

The XL1 should definately be more up the task than that camera, better glass, better CCDs and whatnot. A 3 chip camera is a definate plus.

The make or break part of what you're attempting is in your post process. Make sure you've got a solid understanding of the DV keying procedures. Either using something like DVMatte Pro or Ultimatte w/ the DV option.

Greenscreen shoots come down to getting as clean a shot as you can. So, light well - and use plenty of light. Understand lighting ratios so you can correctly play w/ your image in post after you've keyed your footage. Light evenly across the keying material.

The tips could keep coming...

so, yes, the XL1 is up to the task (as much as any DV camera can be - the Panasonic AG-DVX100 may be better, I've seen amazing stuff done with this that I would never expect to have been done on DV)

but like I said, good keys always come from understanding the process in production and post - and understanding it for the format you're shooting in.

Good luck!!

-JF

[seantree]

thanks for the reply!! I've looked into the Panasonic also, but from what I've seen the price is a bit steeper than the XL1. The 24p mode of the panasonic is a nice feature though :) Once again thanks for the post. I'll be sure to post some footage up once we have completed it.

[altruizine]

there is a new version of the panasonic coming out, which will result in lower prices of the original. Also, check reputable used equipment dealers, you can often find great deals on very lightly used equip.

24p mode on that cam is nice, but the real plus is the great ccd tech, color processing and a Great lens (good glass is key!!!). That cam can pull in better images than most.

Good luck, hope to see some of your stuff when you've got it. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me, I'll do what I can to help.

-JF

[seantree]

Will do!!! once again, thanks for the assistance!

[Lorecanth]

best of luck keying mini dv footage its 4:1:1 color compression makes life interesting. Its doable, just don't expect the best. You WILL find yourself rotoscoping at times.

[Hugh]

If you're using Shake for the keying, grab the 4:x:x Enhancer macro (http://www.highend2d.com/files/?group=shakemacros&section=keying&sort=) off highend2d.com - this will clean up your footage which will make it a lot easier to key.... (You'll also need to grab RealSharpen (http://www.highend2d.com/files/?group=shakemacros&section=filters&sort=) to be able to use it...)

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