Feeding Frenzy in split frame!

[Dave Rilstone]

Hi everyone, having a spate of cold winter weather here in Ontario, Canada so I've been subjecting myself to further torture exploring Premiere Pro CS4. ;D

In this video clip, I video'd my backyard birdfeeders simultaneously using my 5D2 and 7D, using a Zoom H4N to record audio and sync'd later in post processing: www.vimeo.com/9101225

I describe the process a little further in my blog: rilstone-naturephoto.blogspot.com/

One side benefit to maintaining these birdfeeders is that the multitude of chirping sparrows are attracting local accipiters (Cooper's and Sharp-Shinned Hawks). Well, a benefit for me, maybe not the sparrows.....LOL Unfortunately these visitors only visit oh-so-briefly: they're quite breathtaking in how fast they flash by the birdfeeders from out of nowhere and are just as quickly GONE! Nonetheless, I'd love to get one of their attacks on video and/or still photo!

[Neon Rosell II]

Wow!! Great work on this clip, Dave!! Love the split frame rendition, shows the details on the birds and their behavior as a group. Excellent work!!

[Dave Rilstone]

Thanks, Neon. It's been fun doing this and I've been learning a lot in the process!

I'm contemplating ordering from B&H a Gitzo G-1539 HD Double Camera Platform to mount on one tripod. This clip was shot from the comfort and convenience of my home (through a thoroughly-scrubbed window), so using two tripods was a non-issue. Out in the wild hinterlands lugging out a double tripod setup would be problematic if on my own, to say the least. I'm currently using a Manfrotto 501 head which works OK (barely) with the 100-400L lens, so I'd probably opt for a second 501 head.

What I'm finding is that I need to establish a checklist when operating two cameras on manual video controls, plus an external audio recorder. So many things to remember doing and it's easy to forget something. One thing I've learned is on each camera to dial in EXACT video settings (including picture style) and register them both as, say "C3", to reduce potential for error.

[Neon Rosell II]

Thanks for sharing your technique, Dave. I'm also just trying out getting video footage with my 5DM2, I don't even bother to check the controls, ;D, I just rely on the monitor, if it looks good I press the record button. If you have time, check out what I've captured so far in my Exposure room site.

[Dave Rilstone]

Neon, you've got some stunning footage which looks great at 720p. Your technique is obviously working -- if it looks good on the monitor press the record button!

Over Christmas I downloaded Phil Bloom's DVD on making videos with the 7D (most of which applies to the 5D2 as well). His techniques go a little deeper than I care to go at times (including the accessories he recommends), but I found it great for understanding the why's and wherefore's of all the manual adjustments that can be made with these cameras.

That said, the proof is in the puddin', and your vidclips show very well IMHO!!