DOF/Run and Gun

Before the days of the HDSLR revolution that many are calling it nowadays, you could never get the picture quality for the price you can now. SD was the only option for prosumers and a GL2 was the cheapest thing for about 6k dollars. With the advent of the new cameras for under 5k (1Dm4, 5D, 7D), sensors and picture quality is amazing. Film school students should invest well into an HDSLR for their film classes because something like the 7d is only 1,700 with a kit lens.

With the latest project I've been shooting, "No Lands Too Foreign", it has come to the attention that the normal cinematic approach that I would normally would try to achieve is not what I've been doing on the documentary for a few reasons.

I do not have an AC to pull focus for me. No HD monitor for me to have confidence in, no fizz system, or even something as nice as a follow focus. Mixed in with the fact that there are no rehearsals or multiple camera men to grab the coverage I'd like or even multiple takes, the likelihood of missing moments that can be golden goes up exponentially. The main responsibility is to capture the images that will tell the story and shots that are out of focus do not do that.

If we were shooting on a 1/3 inch (or even a 1/2 inch sensor on the ex3) HD sensor, EVERYTHING would be in focus. With the 7D, night shots can be quite difficult when shooting fully open and with the subject fairly close (to about 5feet even on a 28mm prime). You can check to see charts in the ASC manual and find out how much DOF you're actually getting.

In summary a few things you should note:

1. Know you're project and what style you will be shooting. Run and Gun is not the most ideal but is the normal style of documentary shooting so use your gear appropriately.
2. As much of DOF all film students try to maximize, you will not always have the tools you need to make things perfect. Operating and pulling focus is not ideal but can be done. Shooting this project on the 5d, though will look better, will be extremely difficult with the vistavision size sensor and the +35mm DOF you'd get off of the lenses you have.