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bomb420

Shooting without a wide angle?

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I have not seen a lot of discussion about this but I want to get people's take on shooting without a wide angle. I've finally taken off my .43 this weekend, backed up some and really like the results. Of course this is for flying outside video, but I really think it looks a lot better. Oh and its so less forgiving, but do think its managable.

What's your opinion?
HYPOXIC

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I have two camera's on my head whenever I shoot video, one of them has a wide angle lens the other does not. It's just my opinion but I think you can get good video without the wide angle lens and it allows you to be a bit further back from your subject. However, if your shooting 4 way, 8 way or big ways, you probably need the wide angle lens to more effectively shoot the exit, or if your shooting tandem videos and you like to fly within arms reach of the tandem pair then your probably again going to need to have a wide angle lens. I usually encourage new camera flyers to leave the wide angle lens on the ground until they become a bit more confident with the camera.
I shot some great 20 way video this weekend, the camera without the wide angle lens worked just fine, although I will admit the camera with the wide angle lens got a better exit video.

Chuck

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I usually encourage new camera flyers to leave the wide angle lens on the ground until they become a bit more confident with the camera.



My advice would be the opposite, I think its much more demanding filming without a wide angle..

I have shot with some zoom on a 0.45 a few times when filming bigways from under them. Couldnt really go too close and under. Worked well as long as the zoom was moderate. If zooming more, shakiness becomes a factor..

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My advice would be the opposite, I think its much more demanding filming without a wide angle..
..



Thats my point, If you can shoot sucessfully without the wide angle, your probably ready to transition to using it for what its for. It's kind of like learning to shoot video without flying a camera suit. If you can shoot video without using the wings as a "crutch" when you start using them you can use them for the purpose they are designed for much more successfully.

just my .02

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Thats my point, If you can shoot sucessfully without the wide angle, your probably ready to transition to using it for what its for.



Exactly, think it will be a really great exercise on perfectly framing, centering, and composing your shots.

Here's a balloon one I did this weekend without a wide angle. The skydiving part starts around 1:13. Don't mind the quick edit. Still have a ways to go...you tube
HYPOXIC

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I shoot a lot of wingsuit stuff without a wide-angle lens.
But depending on what Im filming, you do note (even the most subtle) headshake a lot more compared to filming with a wide angle lens.
But it definately improves your filming/aim after a while.

What I like most about shooting without a wide-angle lens, is that distances come across as more natural/normal. And when you combine it with some nice broad moves, you really get an incredible sense of depth between your subject and the (back)ground.

These are some first flights I shot past summer. Most (if not all) shot without a wide-angle lens.

And also a video I shot on Texel, where I tried to fly with broader moves, and even zoomed the camera in a little more, to emphasize depth/movement. But that also shows the shortcomings very well, in terms of shake/headmovement.

If you want an amazing example, check out video's of Tim Porter.
He is an amazing camera-flyer, and shoots all his stuff without a wide-angle lens. The depth, clarity and kinetic movement in his video's is really jawdropping..
Im working on his new DVD at the moment (TIMeFlies part3) and the horrible truth is that the 12 hour selection of video he mailed me could just be duped onto a big DVD set without editing...so amazing to watch him fly/shoot. It turns even the most boring jump into something beautifull..
JC
FlyLikeBrick
I'm an Athlete?

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I jumped without wide angle lens for the first 50 jumps.
It was hard to get a good exit shot. During FF I needed to fly more away from the subject (makes you feel alone all the time), bad for the inside shots. But IMHO you can learn to aim your subjects better.
But what do I know, I`m still a beginner.

blues!
dudeist skydiver #42

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I have about 900 tandem and AFF videos without a wide angle. The other video guys at my DZ use wide angle lenses. Personally, I prefer the shots without a wide angle. I have no problem keeping subjects centered, I like the up-close and personal shots, and the exits look great when you leave with the instructors.

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