When we got a call asking for a 1-on-1 C300 course, we brought in Polly Morgan, who was the DP on “Mobius.” “Mobius” was commissioned by Canon and shot on the C300 for the launch of the cinema camera.

When Polly shot “Mobius”, the C300 she used was a prototype, so the buttons were not even labeled. Luckily for us, Mark brought a C300 with properly labeled buttons! Phew.

Here are some tips from Part 1 of the “C300 Crash Course”

1. Color Space: Know where your piece will be shown. If your work will be shown on TV, or on the web, you do not need to shoot in a 444 color space. As Polly mentions, TV’s color space is Rec. 709 and all the extra information from a 444 source will be wasted. However, if you are doing Visual Effects, this is where a 444 color space would come in handy.

2. Beware of making adjustments that would give your footage a harsh, digital look. However, adjusting your Gamma (contrast), and Color Matrix can help you create a filmic look.

3. Polly’s personal preference for the Sharpness setting is -2.

4. When setting your Color Matrix, pay attention to the way the colors are digitally replicated. Yellows may lean toward a mustard tone, while some blues may seem more purple.

Interested in having your own private Canon Boot Camp? We realize not everyone can fit our schedule into their production time frame. If we can possibly accommodate for a private one-on-one Canon camera class, we will! Just give us a ring or send us an email.