A Brave New World – C100 & 5D mkiii Combined
The shift has happened and a brave new world is opening for the way I capture and tell stories. For years, I have been trying to find a new way that combines my love for digital images and motion into one platform for digital photojournalism.
I have always tried to purchase cameras that match the workflow where I was trained; ENG or electronic news gathering. The equipment I always purchased matched the tools in the television news realm of ENG. Remember, I used to be a television new photojournalist. Television news cameras, audio, and lighting workflows was one of efficiency regardless of the situation.
The cameras had to be versatile, able to deal with all the elements of capturing images including weather, and also effective under expeditious deadlines. The last camera I was using while in television news was a Sony HDCAM camera along with a Sony BetaCam SX camera. Both cameras were rugged, captured great images, and had quick workflows.
As I transitioned into my personal business life, I purchase cameras that matched similar workflows. The last camera I purchased before my newest set-up was a Sony HVR-Z7U. I have always used a Sony camera for video dating back to 1991 using Sony BVV-5 BetaCam SP with a Fujinon Lens. But, I always carried a Canon EOS camera for still photography. Also…the Z7U captured to tape and Compact Flash simultaneously for a back-up.
I AM OFFICIALLY GIVING UP VIDEO TAPE! YAY!
You may be thinking…you should have done that a few years ago. But all ENG television news photojournalists are trained to ALWAYS have a back-up. The Z7U provided a back-up just incase the Compact Flash had a corrupt file. It has happened to me twice.
But now the technology is so much better along with advanced media from SD cards and Compact Flash cards. An now it is time to get with the program.
The Big Switch
Now…I have combined my passion for great storytelling, great production, great image acquisition, and a great workflow into one set-up. I am now using a two-camera set-up leveraging three interchangeable lenses between both cameras (Canon EOS C100 and 5D mkiii).
Canon EOS C100 – Great video camera with great sensor that provides versatile workflow for documentary style photojournalism. This camera is video first with ENG style technology to support the workflow I am accustomed to leveraging. With two XLR audio inputs with adjustable inputs, ND filter wheel, zebras, and ergonomics that fit the photojournalist on the go.
Canon EOS 5D mkiii – Great HDLSR that puts digital photography first forcing seasoned photojournalists to think about each image, each shot. I now think more about lighting and depth of field inside the context of each image. Now I also think about f-stop, shutter speed, ISO, and composition for each shot. But with the integration of seamless video recording that matches the C100 workflow and has impacted how I use the C100.
Lenses:
– Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
– Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM
– Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
For years I was carrying two cameras for two separate functions. One camera meant for capturing images and the other camera to capture video and sound. Now both cameras have interchangeable purposes and allow me to capture stories as they happen from all angles.
This package allows me to focus not only on the quality of the story but also the quality of the image acquisition. This is lots of fun!
*Here is a great blog post by Dave Wallace, why he sold his Red Scarlet for a Canon EOS C100.