Canon HG10 + Letus35 Mini // Graded with Magic Bullet Looks

[usernameaq]

dude i have to say that this is by far a good video test i've seen lately

[ryebag]

What different focal length lenses do you find sufficient to film with? What about zoom lenses would they be too difficult to work with? And do you use an external monitor? The focus on this seems so sharp compared to other adapter vids or was that done in post? I am not sure if I should buy a DSLR or an adapter and lenses for my HV40 so any input is appreciated thanks! Great looking vid!

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

@ryebag It's always hard to say what is sufficient but I used a 24mm, a 50mm a 100mm (macro) and a 200mm lens. If possible, you want lenses that have an aperture ring on them. If the lens has electronic aperture, you need a DSLR body to change the aperture. Zoom lenses are OK but you probably want to stay with prime lenses, since they have larger apertures. You want at least a f/2.8 lens or better, since f/3.5 0r f/4 will not give you enough 'out-of-focus' bokeh. I added some sharpness in post.

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

@RicoBergholdtHansen I did not use an external monitor. I would get a VDSLR for ease of use. A good adapter is still expensive and the setup is heavy to carry around. I sold my setup over a year ago to buy a Sony EX1R camcorder.

[ryebag]

I must say this is one of the better if not the best 'tests' I have seen, thanks.

[xSBxUltrax]

what does this adapter do thats worth 700 dollars.

[ryebag]

@xSBxUltrax Allows you to attach photographic lenses to your camera and achieve a shallow depth of field which gives it a more 'filmic' look

[gruponemesis]

the rendering is amazinggg...you have no loss of quality when i watch at SD...I might just use the same rendering. Currently im using mpeg2...im assuming your standard is better. can you give us more details...like the rest of the rendering settings....mb per sec etc...

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

@gruponemesis To be honest, I don't remember the specific settings for this video - but I've always used the guidelines found here: vimeoDOTcom /forums /topic:3671

[solaceinsorrow]

Great work!

[SBxxxStudios]

What is the name of the song, please?

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

@SBxxxStudios Artist: CALLmeKAT / Song: Not Awake / Album: I'm in a polaroid - where are you? Myspace name: thisiscallmekat Real name Katrine Ottosen

[yommomalama]

Hey, I'm going to buy the HG10 soon and I have a question, how do you get the quality to look that good?, I've seen videos made with the hg10 that look as bad as a flip cameras quality. Is there a special way of editing or rendering it?

thanks.

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

@yommomalama First of all, you have to understand what the Letus35 Mini (35mm adapter) does and how the different SLR lenses work. This has also been color graded with software called Magic Bullet Looks. So there is a lot more in this video than just the HG10. I will send you a few links :)

[yommomalama]

@RicoBergholdtHansen thanks :D

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

@skateteamEM12 It already is :)

[TheJefferySkate]

what are your render setting on the hg10?

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

@TheJefferySkate I use Sony Vegas Pro with the settings in these tutorials:

vimeo DOT com /forums /topic:3671

[noisyboyuk]

Which camera did you shoot 0:36 with?

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

@noisyboyuk It's all shot with a Canon HG10 and a Letus35 Mini (35mm adapter) and a 24mm lens.

[FromZero2HD]

Wow, the Letus35 Mini is the best thing I have found out about in years!

[SkullbocksTVstream]

wow!

[apodo360]

nice test

[HDMediaGFX]

nice!

[acdcdude12]

A quick question, do you know what the best rendering settings are for after effects and premier pro?

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

Read these tutorials:

vimeoDOTcom /forums /topic:3671

[bradhotdog]

hey i just wanted to know if you have had any problems with very loud vibration sounds on your letus35 mini? i just got one and it's very VERY loud!

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

No, I never had any such problems. The 'normal' sound is more like low humming...

[Hiteryan]

I'm wondering if you can tell me the exact settings you used for rendering this. I'm having some trouble finding the right setting for me :l

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

It's 18 months old now, so I don't remember but I used these tutorials when I started out with video myself:

vimeoDOTcom /forums /topic:3671

[BUBBLEGUMMONSTAH]

love it.

[chuckups]

Did you do this with the editing software?

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

The 'shallow depth of field' comes from the Letus35 Mini (a 35mm adapter) and the attached DSLR lens. The color grading was made in Magic Bullet Looks (a Sony Vegas plug-in that can be used with other editing software as well).

[petexx22]

where can i download it?tell me plzzzz

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

click the vimeo link in the 'more info' text on the right. There is also an ungraded version at vimeo.

[HorseheadNebula85]

This is by far the best example I've seen regarding what a 35mm adapter can do with tapeless recording. Fantastic job. The shot that you've treated with tropico wash blows my mind. Amazing detail on that post on the fence.

The only thing that bums me out is how prohibitively expensive the Letus is. Though I guess it makes sense, considering it's the industy leader in 35mm adapters.

Great job all around.

[Gregor666]

That's amazing ! You camera and Letus35 ist grate solution .

What You use settings in Sony Vegas to render ?

Greets

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

I've added some info and a link in the 'more info' text on the right...

[Gregor666]

Oh.. Right :) Sorry :)

[TousVous]

GORGEOUS. I waaaant.

[flipkid925]

I have .mov video files that I'm trying to edit in sony vegas studio platinum 9 but it has no sound. I think I have to convert it to another format. What format do you recommend so that no quality is lost, and how do I go about doing that? Thanks.

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

Converting a file to another format will not bring back sound. Does the .mov file come from your camcorder? When you say 'no loss of quality', do you meen converting for DVD / home viewing? or best settings for Youtube?

[flipkid925]

The .mov file comes from a little pocket video camera that I use sometimes, Kodak Zi6.

I'm guessing that I may not be getting sound because sony vegas doesn't really support .mov files for editing. So I thought maybe converting .mov to another file that sony vegas supports would work make it work.

[flipkid925]

I said "loss of quality" because doesn't converting files to different formats cause the video quality to decrease? If so, I would like to know how to convert it so that I could edit the video in sony vegas with sound, and no loss of video quality.

I'm planning to upload on youtube.

[Hiteryan]

How did you manage to edit Canon AVCHD with Vegas? What version did you use?

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

I use Sony Vegas 8.0b (build 217) Pro.

[AlucardZero]

Make a zombie movie and I shall donate to you :)

[FilmWithDatBlunt]

can you please let me know how you focused in on one object and made the backround kinda blurry? thanks

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

I use a 35mm adapter and lenses from SLR cameras. In my case a Letus35 Mini and different Canon lenses - this video was with a Canon EF 24mm f/2.8.

You get the same result, if you use an SLR camera that can record video - like the Nikon D90, Canon 5D mark II and Canon 500D. However, the video controls are obviously better on a camcorder with adapter than on a digital camera that does video.

For a cheaper adapter, look up JAG35 and Twoneil.

You cannot

[DirtyHunGoneWild]

Thanks. That is very useful information. I didn't know I could make my camera capable of that unless it came like that.

nice video. I am going to check the rest of your channel out.

[tychnlee1]

whats that clicking sound? is that you pressing a button?

[sketchybananas]

music

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

Yep, that would be the music...

[flipkid925]

I am planning on buying sony vegas studio 9 platinum. Do you know if it can do the kind of color grading that you did in the video without having to buy MBL?

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

You can color grade in Sony Vegas but not as good (and easy) as in MBL. There is a reason MBL costs USD 400,-

Do a Youtube search for 'sony vegas color grading' and have a look at some of the tutorials.

When color grading your footage, remember to shoot in neutral color mode and without any added sharness and so on. Neutral settings in your camcorder will help you when color grading later.

[FPcopyright]

did you have to convert your footage im thinking of buying this camera.

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

Most new HD camcorders (like the HG10) produce .m2ts files (mpeg4). You cannot just copy that file to DVD and play it back. You will need to edit it in software like Sony Vegas and then export/render the film in your prefered format (.mp4, .divx, .wmv or other format).

[VooDooPooh]

Could i use Adobe Premier Pro?

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

Yes, the newer versions support AVCHD - but check for updates, if you have an older version.

[VooDooPooh]

ah sweet i have premier pro cs4 XD i'm seriously thinking of getting this camcorder it looks amazin especially 4 the price :D

[juanmarman]

how do you get the focus effect (in the first clip) starting foucusing in the grass and after in that building?! is the camera?! MBL?!

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

Shallow depth of field comes from using a 35mm adapter and SLR lenses with large apertures. This can not be done with the camera alone. You can change focus manually with a camera but the area that is in focus will be much bigger due to the small sensors inside most moders video cameras. Shallow depth of field can be achieved with a DSLR camera that shoots video - like the Canon 5D mark 2 or Nikon D90. A 'real' video camera just gives you more video options / manual settings...

[FPcopyright]

please tell me the music

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

Music by Danish solo artist Katrine Ottosen - artist name CALLmeKAT. I added a link to her MySpace page on the right under 'more info'.

[FPcopyright]

Whats the name of the song though

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

"Not awake". Kinda like you :D

I always credit the musician at the end of my clips... :)

[krislebossdenc]

Hi, I ordered a Canon HG10, and I have seen that the Letus 35 mini is twice the price of the caméra !!!

Is there anything less expensive with an effect like that ? Thanks

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

There are some cheaper alternatives. However, most of them show the image up-side-down on the LCD. I will send you a personal message with links.

[krislebossdenc]

Thank you very much for your links ! kris

[FreakyFunkyMonkey]

your videos are amazing! i've got the HG10 too, could you please explain me how to do maual focus? or doesn't it do that? or how to control the auto focus? thanks

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

The HG10 does manual focus - just look in your manual. However, I use a 35mm adapter and focus on the attached lens. If you don't know about 35mm adapters, look them up. They give you very shallow depth of field - something that the HG10 (or any camcorder) cannot do on their own.

[lykhoi92]

i loved it :]

[CarlK5]

This is amazing.

[StylishWithEase]

tropico wash is my favourite MBL setting. i love it.

[xx69Joker69xx]

where do you get the MBL for Vegas from?? I have Vegas 9 Platinum but I don't think I have that MBL plugin. any help?

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

redgiantsoftwaredotcom

[Ultrareallism]

This shit just looks fucking hot. Seriously, it looks as if it is a Hollywood movie. I wish I had that Camera and program. Quick question, what does the footage look like without all of the filters? Like with Just the raw footage.

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

You can see the raw footage here:

vimeo dott com/1225769

[Ultrareallism]

Thanks, looks amazing even without it! Do you know any place that sells that camera?

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

My Canon HG10 should be available anywhere, so I guess you are thinking about my adapter (Letus35 Mini)? letus35 dott com

[Ultrareallism]

I meant just the camera. So you'd think Best Buy would have it or some other store? Sorry about all of the questions, but is there any major difference without the adapter?

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

The HG10 is an old model by now. Have a look at Canon's website for the newest HD models. The adapter makes a huge difference when it come to 'depth of field' but it's also 1100 USD (cheaper alternatives are available) if you want control over what is sharp and what is blury.

The cameras on their own will almost always have everything in focus (everything is sharp).

Since I'm in Denmark, I'm not sure where the best deal is in the USA :). But have a look at bhphotovideo dott com.

[Chipstastegood]

question how long do u think you could shoot for if you set the camera to xp mode and 60 frames a second??/

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

An HG10 doesn't do 60 frames per second - only 60i, which is 30 frames per second (interlaced). Canons website at canondotcom has all the details on settings and shooting lenghts in different modes... Please note that single files above 1GB can be difficult to handle for your software. Special software might be needed for files larger than 1GB.

[certificate18flix]

great stuff. i've just gotten a canon gh10 and cannot wait to get filming. i have final cut studio 2 though and will be using that to grade the colour. watch out mom- i'm coming to put a bullet in yo' head! not really of course- just for film :)

[kloug2006]

Absolutely amazing! Now I want to buy a HD cam!

[Ryan4321]

awsome video.. I use a sony sr 11 and Vegas Movie Studio 9 Platinum Edition to Edit...

my question is how can I get this feature for magic bullet looks??? does sony vegas have it?? or do I need sony vegas pro??

Thanks

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

I'm pretty sure that both Magic Bullet Looks and Magic Bullet Quick Looks (new) work with the 'smaller' Vegas versions as well. I suggest downloading the free trial version to test it out:

redgiantsoftwaredotcom/downloa­ds/trial-versions/

[JSRisvig]

Fantastic! Where did you bought this adapter? To the camera?

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

This is a Letus35 Mini - go to letus35 dott com. I imported it myself - I will send you a message with links to alternative adapters...

[podge187]

Terrible music. jesus.

[olliejamesdrums]

That looks awesome! I'm looking to get the HG10 very soon! How did you get the colours at 0.23 looking so rich and professional? Thanks, Ollie

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

Hi Ollie

I used Magic Bullet Looks (from Red Giant Software) to color grade. The software is quite expensive but also very powerful. Most editing software can color grade on its own, but MBL is just that much better and easier to use.

Also remember that I use a 35mm adapter (with SLR lenses) which improves color and of course control over depth of field...

[olliejamesdrums]

Thanks for the reply! I'll see if i can download a trial!

What lenses create the effect of a blurred background but keeping the 'subject' in focus? I love that effect!

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

That is from the 35mm adapter - in my case a Letus35 Mini. I use it with Canon EF lenses. Using the lenses with a large aperture of f/2.8 or larger will give you that 'effect'. Because most camcorders have sensors that are smaller than 35mm film, they cannot give you this 'effect'. A 35mm adapter and SLR lenses changes that. I will send you a link that explains this better...

[Ultrareallism]

Holy fuck this looks amazing!

[shefshofabsehr]

Will the 35mm adaptor help on a movies transfer to the big screen?

because im working on a movie that we're going to screen at our local theater and idk how the hv20 standard image quality will hold up. any ideas? thanks

FEDFiLM

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

A 35mm adapter will give you much better control over depth of field which is an essential part of the 'film look'. You also have the choice of every SLR lens ever made + a few film lenses with the right lens mount. As far as I've heard, full HD 1920x1080 shouldn't be 'blown up' to more than about 120 inches or so (with prosumer projector) - to avoid pixelation.

Image quality is very hard to define, though. If you're serious about making movies with an HV20, there is no way around an adapter.

[lartrak]

If he's doing it at a local theatre, they may have a good quality 2k projector for him to use. I've seen DVDs blown up to theatrical size (modest theatrical, maybe 25 foot diagonal) on one of those, and provided you have a dark theatre, it actually can look pretty decent. Not as good as 16MM or 35MM, of course, but quite watchable.

So I have to imagine an HD image would hold up even better.

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

Some good 'color grading' software is essential too to get the 'right' look.

[FlowmotionParkour]

did u pay for the magic bullet looks? if u have a download link pls send me it.

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

Yes, I paid for it - didn't find a way around that :)

[dickaldordavid]

Your a true artist! Wondering if this camera and a Letus35 Mini can hold my Canon 100 - 400 L IS lens??

Dave

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

I dont think that would be a problem. I've used my 200mm f/2.8 with a 2x extender with no extra support. However, you can buy/make an extra support bracket and attach it on the rods - just to be on the safe side.

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

You could see my flickr photos of that setup here: flickr dott kom / pixelviking

[dickaldordavid]

Interesting! that makes for a nice zoom with built in stabilizer!

Hm now really want this camera... !

Dave

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

The IS in the lens only works when attached to a DSLR but of course you have the IS in the HG10 which is OK to have turned on, if you are zoomed-in enough on the ground glass (inside the adapter.

[dickaldordavid]

Aha ok, got it. Thanks for your time and answers. Great video u made! totally cool!

Dave

[calebdunteman]

Dude! This is cool! I have this camera. How do you make it so that the video can be viewed in Hd?!?!

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

YouTube has edited their 'upload' page. Have a look - it should give you the answer :)

[Max6446]

when you capture to your computer, do you have a special fire wire cable, because I have the same camera and when I make movies, they don't have nearly the same quality.

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

I'm not sure what you mean by 'quality' - quality could be many things.

I use the standard USB-mini USB cable that comes with the HG10. I don't think firewire is an option with the HG10.

You have to understand that I use a Letus35 adapter with Canon EF lenses which gives the HG10 a whole new dimension. I also use Magic Bullet Looks software (a plug-in for color grading).

With any camcorder, the most important part in editing and rendering correctly. What editing software do you use?

[Max6446]

I use Final Cut. And I was wondering if you had any specific capture settings, or if you just plug in your camera and capture on its defaults.

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

I use the software that came with the HG10 to transfer data to my PC (if that's what you were thinking about)?

[CITGProductions]

he uses sony vegas. i'll help you out on monday night, just send me a private message now so i wont forget.

[ignorant27]

I just saw the HD version! AND WTF this camera is fucking brilliant i have never seen anything like it! And nice focusing there mate!

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

Thanks. Make sure to have a look at the Letus35 and Magic Bullet Looks software. The HG10 didn't do it on its own... :)

[crazyspooks10]

around 40 to 45 secs you change up the focus on the gate to the background (train) and then back to gate. How do you change it from the focus on to the front object to background? Very nice clip 5/5

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

Most camcorders have sort sort of manual focus but in my case I use a 35mm adapter and a Canon EF lens. Tell me if you want to know more about 35mm adapters and I will send you a few links... You could also start your search at letus35 dott kom (the adapter that I use).

[alephek]

Thank you so such for sharing!!creative!!!

[gerry1976]

When you use Sony Vegas Platinum you have to download the most recent version of Platinum go to Options and click download and then you'll be able to work with Platinum. It will not work out of the box.

[SeanSennett94]

What are your settings...sorry for botherin ya again

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

What settings are you thinking about. HG10 settings?, rendering settings? or something else?

[SeanSennett94]

hg10 settings

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

This was shot in TV mode, 25p (PAL), 25 fps, Daylight (white balance), Neutral color mode, HXP (highest quality 15.000kbps).

The HG10 is set to manual focus (MF) because of the adapter.

[SeanSennett94]

so 1/25 tv mode?

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

Yes.

[SeanSennett94]

okay thnx

how come you dont use cinemode?

[SeanSennett94]

Kay I have the Canon HG10 And it shoots in High Definition (AVCHD) Format. When I import it to Sony Vegas pro 8 the preview is really choppy it skips through frames and the audio is fine though. And when Rendering what should I rend the file as? and whats better to use for this camera Vegas pro 9 Or Vegas platinum?

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

AVCHD is a very compressed format. It's choppy for all of us who use it. If you want, you could render it in a lossless format first then import it again. That will take time, but the footage will be more smooth. It also has to do with your PC of course. It takes a strong PC to edit HD footage.

As for the best way to render, I'll send you a personal message with a link.

[SeanSennett94]

I sent you a pm one more thing adding to it do you use platinum or pro?

[gangstarapper55]

whats that song called? i love it

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

Music:

CALLmeKAT "Not awake"

It's in the credits... at the end :)

[skidexford]

QUESTION!!!!

do u use Sony Vegas Pro ?

i bought Sony Movie Studio+DVD but i am unable to use the footage i have on my hg10 to edit. i researched online and i found that the .mts files that come from the hg10 are not compatible with Sony Movie Studio. they did say it was compatible with Sony Vegas Pro. WHAT DO U USE? PLEASE HELP!!!

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

I use both Platinum and Pro and they both accept the files from the HG10. Just upgrade to Platinum and you will be good to go.

[skidexford]

wait, why do u use both? the .M2TS files are compatible with platinum?

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

Well, I started out with Platinum (which supports .m2ts files) but now use mostly the pro version.

You can download a free trial version of both platinum and pro, if you want to test it out before you buy...

[bluecrestarts]

hello, how do you edit your 24f in sony? how do you do the pulldowns? thanks.

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

Since I'm in Europe (on a PAL system), I don't have to do pulldown. Only NTSC users need to do that. Have a look at this page: vimeo dott com/forums/topic:3671

Choose the Sony Vegas tuturial.

Eugenia (the Vimeo user) will tell you all about pulldown if you send her an email.

[MyStormVideos]

hi im also a HG10 user would you beable to know if this magic bullet application would work with my corel ulead videostudio 11 plus thanks great job putting this together

[MyStormVideos]

my videos can be seeon on HD web called vimeo HD 1280x720 username 08865NJmale enjoy

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

It will not work with Corel Ulead. You need one of the following:

redgiantsoftware dott com/products/host-applications­/

[killakori]

It will work with Corel Ulead...at least version 11.5. I use Corel and Vegas Pro to edit my HG10 footage. They both work great. Correct me though if you were not referring to 11.5v

[Chozen1one]

is it easyer to color grade with the 35mini

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

The Letus35 Mini doesn't really do much to the color. Magic Bullet Looks works the same whether you are using an adaptor or not.

[Chozen1one]

thanks, i just have a hard time with the color. i always seem to darken everything to much, where my actor gets blended in with the background, instead of standing out, i figured this letus might help. once again thanks

[senyores2000]

great work man. is the mbl1 the same as the editors.. is that the latest of magic bullet version

[RicoBergholdtHansen]

This is the first version that works with Sony Vegas (hence version 1.1). It's equal to the newest / current versions available for other editing software.

[senyores2000]

i am saving money for the letus mini. i notice the difference from your past videos and the letus really gives drama and mood..i can only envy your vids from now on .. hahahha

good work!