MOPAR National drag race event, Aug 4, 2024

[Nevyn72]

I forgot to add: The reason the rig I’m configuring for the car/truck race includes add-on microphones is two-fold: Because it will be an incredibly loud/noisy environment, I’ll probably need to reduce the output level of the mics before inputting it into the camera. Otherwise the sound recording will be distorted. The “-20db” setting on the Panasonic audio adapter probably won’t be enough. The add-on mics have a -20db switch which may be enough to address this issue. But if not, I can also plug inline a -25db “PAD” between the mic & the audio adapter. This is the kind of flexibility an add-on mic offers, especially if the mic has XLR connectors. Other loud environments, such as a rock concert or factory, may require similar solutions.

The other reason the small pile of add-ons are temporarily on top of my camera is because I want to record stereo sound, not mono. So 2 mics are required, and because of the loud environment, I need 2 of every one of the distortion-preventing solutions.

In a quieter environment, the camera’s built-in mics, or a single add-on stereo mic, could be an adequate configuration. Every situation is unique.

If -40db is not enough, than I hope you have good hearing protection

 

[PJD]

If -40db is not enough, than I hope you have good hearing protection

“I hear you!”

This week I purchased new 3M earplugs. In addition to that I also plan to wear my Sony over-the-ear headphones NOT playing audio. So the headphones will be an additional layer of protection and NOT themselves a sound source.

(As noted earlier in this thread, I’ll do a playback sound check early in the day, but when I do it I’ll stand far away from the track where it’ll be a bit quieter.)

Hopefully that will be enough. TBD.

2 more tips for Timothy: A tiny portable audio recorder can be invaluable in many situations. Sync-up its recording later in the edit. Also, the new version of the Panasonic audio adapter enables 32-bit float recording. Can more easily allow distortion-free recording in loud(er) situations when used correctly. Like I said, sound recording technique is a big universe!

 

[Nevyn72]

Also, the new version of the Panasonic audio adapter enables 32-bit float recording

I really want to buy the new one, but it is not compatible yet with the S5iiX. If it is, including 32-bit float, than I will buy it asap

This week I purchased new 3M earplugs. In addition to that I also plan to wear my Sony over-the-ear headphones NOT playing audio. So the headphones will be an additional layer of protection and NOT themselves a sound source.

Smart move!

 

[PJD]

I really want to buy the new one, but it is not compatible yet with the S5iiX. If it is, including 32-bit float, than I will buy it asap

Ah, my mistake. It looks like the new DMW-XLR2 audio adapter currently works with the GH7 (I don’t know about the S9?)

I wonder if it might work with S5_ cams after a future firmware update? We’ll see.

 

[Nevyn72]

Ah, my mistake. It looks like the new DMW-XLR2 audio adapter currently works with the GH7 (I don’t know about the S9?)

I wonder if it might work with S5_ cams after a future firmware update? We’ll see.

It won't, the S9 has a cold shoe, not a hot shoe...

 

[PJD]

It won't, the S9 has a cold shoe, not a hot shoe...

Ah (again): Another reason for me to have no interest in the S9 (the other reason is no EVF). Cheers!

 

[inspiredtimothy]

In many situations, a barebones camera configuration (the camera with its built-in mics, a lens or two, a few filters, internal SD card/cards, and an in-camera battery or two) can be all you need to get great results. But in just as many other situations, additional gear may be required.

Adding an on-camera mic will of course require a single cable plugged into the camera‘s mic input. There are many wired mics available , such as from Rode & Sennheiser , just to name two.

A camera-mounted mic won’t necessarily be much improvement compared to the camera’s built-in stereo mics — unless it’s breezy/windy. In the latter case, superior windscreen options are available for (or included with) add-on mics. The tiny Smallrig fur windscreen for the S5 built-in stereo mic helps a bit, but isn’t as effective as a good-quality windscreen on an add-on mic.

Add-on wired stereo mics are available from several manufacturers, and some of them have a single cable with a plug compatible with the camera’s mic jack.

In general, a mic’s sound quality is proportional to its cost. No surprise there. There are many reviews & sound samples online. Microphones are a whole universe, so enjoy your research!

There are also many different wireless mic systems (mic, transmitter, receiver) available. A wire connects the camera-mounted receiver to the cam’s mic input. Again, a whole universe. The good news here is prices for wireless mic systems have dropped rapidly in recent years. Lots of reviews & sound samples online.

Having said all that, one of the most important things to know about microphones usage is to position the mic as close as possible/practical to the sound source. This is key! For example, even a very expensive camera-mounted mic will pick up a lot of undesirable room echo (or other distractions) if the sound source is a person speaking softly several feet from the camera. The same mic placed a few inches from the person’s mouth will yield vastly better results. “Microphone technique” is another universe to explore!

This might be an oversimplified question, but will a small shotgun mic plugged into the camera mic jack give me better audio than built in options for family video?

I find I'm getting too much surrounding noise from cicadas, cars, etc from the built in mic

 

[Nevyn72]

This might be an oversimplified question, but will a small shotgun mic plugged into the camera mic jack give me better audio than built in options for family video?

I find I'm getting too much surrounding noise from cicadas, cars, etc from the built in mic

Yes it would give better quality, at least if it is from a good brand like Roode. However i think you still would have issues with the surrounding noise. However Davinci Resolve 19 Studio had a solution for that. You can lower the background sound, works as a charm. (Voice Isolation). 18.5 also has it but is improved with version 19.

 

[inspiredtimothy]

Yes it would give better quality, at least if it is from a good brand like Roode. However i think you still would have issues with the surrounding noise. However Davinci Resolve 19 Studio had a solution for that. You can lower the background sound, works as a charm. (Voice Isolation). 18.5 also has it but is improved with version 19.

I do remember seeing a lot of really great demonstrations of that effect in Davinci! Do you know if any potential hardware solutions that would give a better starting point? I prefer to not have to edit smaller clips so they can be shared more quickly

 

[Nevyn72]

I do remember seeing a lot of really great demonstrations of that effect in Davinci! Do you know if any potential hardware solutions that would give a better starting point? I prefer to not have to edit smaller clips so they can be shared more quickly

You can buy a directional microphone, but tham you might have troubles if the voice is not directly in line of sight, but I think @charles knows more about this than I do.

 

[PJD]

This might be an oversimplified question, but will a small shotgun mic plugged into the camera mic jack give me better audio than built in options for family video?

I find I'm getting too much surrounding noise from cicadas, cars, etc from the built in mic

In many (but not all) situations, a relatively inexpensive wireless microphone, worn by an adult family member -- who is standing/sitting as close as possible to the primary desired sound source -- will produce better results than a camera-mounted microphone. For example:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1486321-REG/saramonic_blink500b1_blink_500_b1_camera_mount.html

The key is positioning the microphone as close to the desired sound source as possible. It's physics. Alternatively, specialized sound isolation software in post can sometimes produce good results, but again not always, and as you say may not be practical for various reasons.

 

[PJD]

Sam & I decided we'll record the MOPAR car & truck race at the dragstrip tomorrow in 4K DCI 60p "ProRes 422" format instead of h265 (HEVC). We figure since we're putting in a fair amount of effort to record the event anyway, the additional quality possible with ProRes 422 will be worthwhile.

However, since ProRes 422 files are so much larger than h265, I needed to buy a bigger SSD. I'm aware Panasonic recommends a different drive than the one I bought, but I'm fairly certain the one I bought (Kingston SX1000 2TB) will work fine. When I test it using Blackmagic DiskSpeedTest, it reports the drive can record 4K 60p "ProRes _HQ_" without a problem. Note the data rate of ProRes _HQ_ is much higher than ProRes _422_, so it should work fine.

The Kingston 2TB SSD drive has a metal housing. To mount it on my camera, and to help keep the drive cool, I used gaffer tape to very securely attach it to a small metal plate, which in turn is mounted on one of the SmallRig cage cold shoes. The metal-to-metal contact should act as an effective heatsink. Refer to the photo below.

The stereo microphone rig consisting of a pair of MXL-606 mics on Sennheiser isolation mounts, plus the magic arm for the sun shade if required, are mounted via a cold shoe (note the red arrow in the photo). No tools required, and it easily fits in my backpack with the camera & other items.

The all-important paperclip visible in the photo is for adjusting the PAD/roll-off micro-switches on the barrels of the microphones.

So, I think I'm ready for tomorrow's race event. If I remember to snap photos (and not only video) I'll post a few good ones here soon. Edited video later. Wish me luck!

 

[Pete_W]

Good luck Peter!

 

[PJD]

Another small but potentially important detail: I improved the physical protection for the USB-C cable connection on my camera.

As far as I can tell, SmallRig doesn't sell a cable-clamp for the specific SmallRig model cage I own. So that's why I improvised the following solution.

I added a small metal "arm" which has multiple 1/4-20 threaded holes in it (this was a scrap metal item which I cut & shaped to fit). I put two 1.5" bolts up through two of the threaded holes to act as cable "guides", and covered the bolt threads with heat-shrink tubing so they don't damage the USB-C cable. Then I bolted the arm to the bottom of a bracket which I'd previously added to the side of the cage (the bracket which holds the SmallRig NPF battery plate).

The result isn't perfect, but it does help protect the USB-C cable/connection from the bottom & sides. I later plan to replace the 1.5" bolts with 3" bolts (covered with heat-shrink tubing) to similarly protect the HDMI, headphone & mic input connections.

I wish camera manufacturers would relocate at least some of these connections to the top of their cameras. People typically mount most add-on devices above the camera, so putting the ports up there might make sense. However, a camera with connections on top could be more expensive to manufacture, so it's a trade off.

 

[CharlesH]

However, since ProRes 422 files are so much larger than h265, I needed to buy a bigger SSD.

It is amazing, as a project gets closer to filming the investment always goes up.

Sam & I decided we'll record the MOPAR car & truck race at the dragstrip tomorrow in 4K DCI 60p "ProRes 422" format instead of h265 (HEVC). We figure since we're putting in a fair amount of effort to record the event anyway, the additional quality possible with ProRes 422 will be worthwhile.

Definitely the way to go. h.265 is LongGOP and not as good with high speed motion. You could also use any of the All-I (h.264) formats to catch the speed but if you have enough memory ProRes is the best bet.

Ironically, I almost always use ProRes with a SSD on my S5IIx, but next week I'm filming something where I need the redundancy of backup, so I just reconfigured the camera to record video to both cards. And I'll be using All-I. The S5IIx is such a versatile camera.

 

[Nevyn72]

Good luck Peter, hope your recordings will be like they are planned and imaged.

But most important: hope your day will be lots of fun

 

[PJD]

Today's video shoot in Woodburn, Oregon went well, considering it was very hot trackside (>100F). No technical issues with my S5iiX rig. I shot about 180 video clips (4K DCI 60p ProRes 422), plus a few dozen hi-res 96MP stills. My friend Sam shot a similar quantity with his S5iiX. It'll take us a while to sort through it all, but here's a random frame from one of my video clips, and a couple of stills. We got shots from many different angles (not shown here). There were many, many cool cars to see! More later.

• Panasonic - DC-S5M2X
• 50.0 mm
• ƒ/1.8
• 1/125 sec
• Center-Weighted Average
• Manual exposure
• ISO 640

• Panasonic - DC-S5M2X
• 50.0 mm
• ƒ/1.8
• 1/500 sec
• Center-Weighted Average
• Manual exposure
• ISO 1250

 

[PJD]

Many, many, cool cars (these images are compressed from hi-res RAW stills) ...

• Panasonic - DC-S5M2X
• 39.0 mm
• ƒ/11
• 1/100 sec
• Center-Weighted Average
• Manual exposure
• ISO 100

• Panasonic - DC-S5M2X
• 27.0 mm
• ƒ/11
• 1/80 sec
• Center-Weighted Average
• Manual exposure
• ISO 100

• Panasonic - DC-S5M2X
• 27.0 mm
• ƒ/6.30000019074
• 1/250 sec
• Center-Weighted Average
• Manual exposure
• ISO 100

===

 

[PJD]

Another frame from my video ...

 

[PJD]

Another frame grabbed from one of my S5iiX 4K 60p video clips. This week I finally got a copy of my friend Sam's video footage, so now I can start editing "soon".