We have opened up our very own Asian centric 4k Stock Footage Store Page. Check it out!
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ: Slow Motion Video Production
Frequently asked questions on how to shoot a slow motion video.
In the realm of video production, slow motion video entails capturing and playing back footage at a pace slower than the standard 25fps, contrary to the real-time recording. While a regular video camera adheres to the 25fps standard, specialized slow motion cameras operate at frame rates starting from 500fps. Any frame rate surpassing 25fps up to 300fps is deemed as slow motion, with anything above 500fps classified as super slow motion.
Slow motion is a film making technique to keep audiences engaged in the storytelling. Slow motion shots serves the purpose of highlighting intricate details and, to direct the audience attention to focus on certain elements in the shot the director wants to convey. Just like how icing enhances a cake flavour, slow motion should be used selectively to ensure it maintains its allure and enchantment for the audience. Too much of it, it will have a reverse effect.
Creating a true super slow-motion video requires specific equipment, such as the high-speed camera Phantom Flex 4K. While various software can simulate slow motion, the most realistic results come from using dedicated hardware like this camera. It's through such tools that one can truly appreciate the visual impact of super slow-motion footage. You will be able to clearly see the difference between slow motion videos created by software and from a dedicated slow motion camera.
Slow motion enhances the visual impact of a scene, allowing viewers to delve into the unique features and subtleties of the subject being recorded. Even an ordinary object, like a tomato, can be transformed into something extraordinary when viewed in slow motion.
The distinction between super slow motion and slow motion lies in the frame rates. Super slow motion involves shooting above 500fps.
The human can only see a difference in frame rates when its doubled. Thus consider doubling your frame rates, such as from 50 to 1 00fps, 1 00fps to 200fps, 200fps to 400fps, 400 to 800fps and so forth. In-between frame rates have little effect on visual impression.
Developed by Vision Research, widely know as VRI, the Phantom Flex 4K represents a cutting-edge slow motion camera tailored for the film and video production industries. Renowned for its exceptional capabilities in capturing slow-motion footage, the Phantom Flex 4K features a proprietary S35 CMOS sensor combined with a distinctive color science crafted by VRI, resulting in a unique visual aesthetic that sets it apart from its competitors.
We currently offer both hourly rentals (minimum of 3 hours) and daily rentals for the Flex 4K camera, inclusive of Phantom Tech support services. Reach out to us for further details on our current rental options, as we also provide customized rental solutions tailored to suit your specific video production requirements. Contact us now.
It has a dynamic range 1 1 .5 stops and effectively maintains the black levels, all while keeping noise to a minimum. While shooting at 25fps is feasible with the Flex 4k, it is advisable to avoid it due to the creation of large raw (.cine) files.
The Flex 4k has the capability to shoot at 1,000 fps in 4k DCI 1 .90:1 (4096x2160), approximately 2,000 fps in 2k (1920x1080), around 3,000 fps in HD (1280x720), and even faster at lower resolutions.
We offer PL and Nikon mounts for our Flex 4k camera.
It initially records to the camera’s internal RAM, which must then be transferred to an onboard removable storage known as Cinemags. These proprietary storage solutions are remarkably fast, enabling image transfers in under 30 seconds from the Flex 4k's internal RAM. With such rapid turnaround times on set, efficiency is key in film and video production workflows, where production time is money.
It is the native raw file format produced by Phantom cameras. A Phantom technician can assist you in offloading .Cine files from the Cinemag to your portable SSD using dedicated software. Depending on your shooting requirements, we recommend having at least two USB-C SSDs, each with a capacity of 1 tb or 2tb, for seamless transfers. Remember, it's always best practice to create double backups of your raw footage.
Here’s the link: https://www.phantomhighspeed.com/products/cameras/4kmedia/flflex4k
Absolutely, setting the sensor resolution to 2752x2304 on the camera will enable you to do so. The maximum frame rate will automatically default to 938 fps. Our knowledgeable Phantom technicians will be available on set to provide assistance during the shoot :)
While a standard video camera records 25 frames per second, the flex 4k camera has the capability to capture 1 000 frames per second. This represents a 40x increase in the number of frames within the same time period. The essence of super slow motion lies in the abundant details captured, ensuring that nothing escapes the lens as compared to conventional video cameras.
There are various approaches to achieve this:
- Through a 1G ethernet cable connecting the camera to a PC laptop running VRI’s Phantom Camera Control (PCC) software.
- Using the onboard camera controls which provide quick access to adjust key settings such as Resolution, ISO, White Balance, Frame Rates, and navigation to sub-menus.
- Utilizing wireless controls via Bluetooth or WiFi (Our Preferred method!)
Through the integration of 3rd party Bluetooth wireless controllers like SEMOTE or a basic WiFi router linked to the camera via a Fischer ethernet cable and employing the iOS app, IPHANTOM. This setup enables remote camera operation, granting the Director of Photography and camera crew flexibility to work and maneuver the camera without being restricted to a laptop.
Such functionality defines the unique capabilities of the Phantom Flex 4k compared to other phantom cameras.
While on set, our Phantom technicians will handle the camera setup and operations, allowing the DOP (Director of Photography) to concentrate on the creative process. Despite the user-friendly interface of the camera, the presence of a knowledgeable individual like a Phantom tech on set ensures smooth operations, freeing up creative bandwidth and eliminating concerns about camera configurations.
To download a Phantom Cinemag, one must use the Cinestation, a specialized reader designed for Cinemags. This reader is interconnected to our computers via 1 0G ethernet to facilitate fast offloading. For optimal performance, it is essential to have a highspeed USB-C SSD due to the large size of Phantom Cine files.
When shooting slow-motion videos, it is recommended to avoid fluorescent lighting and tungsten lights below 2k. With the significant advancements in LED technology, there is now a wide array of high-quality choices available in the market. LED lighting options such as the Nanlux Evoke 2400B and the Aperture Electro Storm XT26 are getting popular with super slow motion DPs/Gaffers.
To ensure proper lighting, it is crucial to set the fixtures to 'HIGH SPEED' mode without dimming them. Maintaining maximum power is essential, and to reduce intensity, one can use diffusions, flags, nets, or adjusting the distance of the lights from the subject.
For scenarios requiring color accuracy, like when shooting beauty products, HMI or Tungsten lights with higher wattage are recommended, although they come with their own challenges.
Checking for flicker in LED lights is vital before shooting slow motion footage, as flickering can negatively impact the quality of the video. It is advisable to address any flickering issues during the production stage rather than relying on post-production fixes. Testing all lights for flicker using a flicker meter during the shoot can prevent potential headaches during post-production.
In addition to lighting recommendations, we provide complimentary consultations before your shoots. Feel free to discuss your requirements with us, and we will offer tailored advice on lighting solutions.
In order to view and edit .Cine files, you have the following NLE options:
- Davinci Resolve
- Adobe Premiere
- Ottomatic O/Dailies with Phantom Fuse
- Sliverstack with Phantom Fuse
- Assimilate Scratch
- Editready
- Seance
For backing up .Cine footage, you can utilize PHANTOM FUSE software along with:
- Hedge
- Shotput Pro
Certainly! By adjusting a super slow-motion video filmed at 1 000fps to a standard 25fps speed in the post-production phase, one can effectively convert it. Simply modify the clip's speed to 1000% and you will obtain a 25fps video. Filming in 1 000fps offers various options for editing in the post-production stage, allowing for enhanced creative flexibility in the final result. You get 2 options for the price of one :)
Applications of slow-motion videos span across various fields. Here are some main examples. Slow motion videos can be used in:
- Food Shots by highlighting the intricate details of food items, be it in the realm of food manufacturing, restaurant scenes, fast food chains, or gourmet product displays. (Can we Insert single frame example to each and every category below from (1 in 1000 frame gallery)
- Commercials, slow-motion videos serve to infuse visual allure and captivate audiences effectively.
- Feature Films leverage slow-motion sequences to enrich storytelling, crafting unforgettable moments like the iconic forest fight scene in “Sherlock."
- Nature documentaries captures the grace and beauty of birds, insects, and animals in their natural habitats.
- Lifestyle content, showcasing the beauty of everyday moments in a unique and mesmerizing manner.
- Sports enables viewers to witness the detailed movements of athletes with higher frame rates, like the intense muscle contractions and movements when they jump hurdles.
- Dance performances are elevated through intricate slow motion shots, highlighting the elegance and precision of movements.
- Industrial Manufacturing and Tests, slow-motion videos offer valuable insights to industrial designers, aiding in the thorough testing and evaluation of products before they hit the market for quality assurance purposes.
Asia's Specialist in Slow Motion Video Productions
184 Stirling Road, Singapore 140184
© 2024 T-Eight Pte Ltd | All rights reserved