New SNL title sequence and segments shot using Canon EOS 7D, 5D Mark II
By Nilay Patel 
posted Oct 2nd 2009 12:22PM
posted Oct 2nd 2009 12:22PM
Sure, we'd heard of indie flicks and rumors of studio films being shot on Canon's EOS 5D Mark II, but DSLR video just got a big kick into the mainstream: Saturday Night Live's new opening title sequence was shot using an EOS 7D. SNL director of photography Alex Buono saw that Dublin's People short and was so impressed that he switched over -- and what's more, he's even using the 5D and 7D to shoot various segments, like the faux-mercial for "Bladivan" embedded below. That's a big win for this new breed of video cameras -- and while we're stoked to see new tech take over the old, we're also patiently waiting for someone to start a site dedicated to identifying jelly-motion on network television.
[Thanks, Malkmus]
Pretty neat, but I notice a distinct lack of horizontal panning. Funny that.
not all film is made up of panning...
Jason, I realize that. Panning is also a significant weakness of DSLR video. As such, I think it's reasonable to notice that DSLR video demonstrations don't include horizontal panning.
Actually no - read my comment below, if you know what your doing, panning is not a problem at all. Only time you run into major jelly with CMOS sensors is when you have something you cant control such as a speeding train or fast moving cars. But, from a film making stand point these are all things that can be over come by changing shooting angle and other techniques. My point is that most of the "jelly" you see out there is because these camera's are in the hand of so many armature videographers.
Haha....'armature'.... people who are familiar with sculpting will find that funny.
Jason, True, I didn't read your comments below until after I responded here. However, the issue of 24p vs 30/60/whatever isn't really the issue I speak of. I'm not sure it's necessarily the issue you speak of. The effect I speak of is caused by a rolling shutter, which is due to (current) DLSR video not having the appropriate frame buffers. It is a real issue, even for professionals. Professionals can better hide the issue, like they did in the video above, but hiding an issue doesn't make it a non-issue.
The title sequence does have horizontal panning, just not the commercial. When used with a stabilizer such as a tripod or shoulder mount, or really anything other than hand, the motion looks fine. It is a limitation that hand-held panning results in jello, but it's a small caveat that doesn't seem to be keeping those that want to use these cameras from getting the results they want.
Yeah, the line between professional and prosumer tools is becoming very blurry, and that's only going to become more true as time goes on. With streaming HD and studio-quality tools available to everyone, there's never been a more exciting time to be an indie filmmaker! :)
This video put the 5D and 7D side by side, but to be honest, I can't tell what the difference is at all aha. Someone care to explain this to me?
http://www.tvlesson.com/video/39628_the-canon-5d-vs.-canon-7d.html
Ok in your example there are to spots to pay close attention to. Its the shots where you can see the outside light though the window. You will notice that the first shot where you can see the outdoors is with the 7D and the outside is almost completely white (blown out). The second shot towards the end that was done with the 5D the outside is not nearly as blown out. The 5D has a greater dynamic range - that is one advantage of it. Other then that its hard to justify the huge price difference between the 2.
don't forget that the 5D MkII is full-frame while the 7D is a 1.6x. Makes a huge difference with ultrawides.
That fake commercial really doesn't look very good. Not playing to the strength of these cameras.
The only reason "jelly-motion" exists is because these camera's are in the hands of so many armatures. A pro knows how fast to pan for 24p footage, and knows how to hand hold a camera without your typical sea sick style video footage. So, with these camera's in the right hands you will be hard pressed to find any "jelly".
Ive heard some pro's when in a pinch have taken a bad shot with these and sometimes that one bad shot couldve really been something. Its a pros and cons battle since there are few strong pros and few strong cons......
I agree, but these cameras really arnt meant for run and gun situations. What we are talking about here is Indi film making. All your shots will be set up and shot over and over till they are perfect. What your talking about is a missed opportunity, and your right these cameras are not good for run and gun style shooting.
"The only reason "jelly-motion" exists is because these camera's are in the hands of so many amateurs."
It exists because these cameras use a rolling shutter to capture each frame -- not because it's 24 fps. A rolling shutter is inherently worse than a global shutter for any applications involving motion and no amount of pro-ness will allow you to pan quickly or shake the camera without it looking like crap.
for a moment there i thought those were pikachus.
We use the 5D mark II for producing shorts for THQ owned Volition-Inc. We've done two live action shorts for the Red Faction Guerrilla Game:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKi5-ZSKh24 (The Ostrich)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nmzFW5QwOk (Wrecking Crew)
In terms of Jello: It happens, and I personally don't like it. Our audience doesn't care, so we shoot as if we're on CCD cameras anyway. Telling the story is way more important than technology.
Video is funny, but the Jello-vision is giving me headaches.
Is that the rapper plies on the photo
now if only they can make the show funny again...
All the new intro needs is more cowbell.
but the mark ii (lens + body) cost the same than a prosumer videocamera.
:-/
Is that you Chris Brown?
I'm sticking with 70mm film.
Anybody who see da leprecahun say YEAHHHH!!!