Dawson Boyle: Cinematographer, director and filmmaker in Charleston, South Carolina.

Hey Dawson! Thanks for the suggestion! I actually own a 77mm anamorphic filter from Cinemorph and I love it. As for the speed booster option - I would get one, but I heard you lose the sharpness that you would get from a set of primes with it. Is that true?

I believe its the flare option that can make your image less sharp, but I'm not sure i look into it for you! :)

I have been looking at the Rokinon lenses for my Sony FS7. since the kit lens Sony includes, a 28-135 zoom is not wide enough for a lot of my work. I was looking at the 14mm T3.1, and so far, I've heard good things. The Rokinon Cinema kit is a great range to start, 24/35/50/85, and costs less than one CP 2 prime. If you haven't touched one of these lenses, they are light, and the gears work nicely. I have no personal footage, but from the reviews, they look like the full frame lens has no vignetting, and looks pretty sharp throughout most of the frame. If you have the $2000 for the lenses, I think it's a good initial investment.

yes i am aware of that, most of the shooting ill be doing is with lighting gear and not just light available so I'm sure ill be fine

I say Sony FS7

at almost twice the price

how are you liking full sale? thats where i want to go after i get out of the marines!

I attended Full Sail and graduated from the Digital Cinematography BS program. My advice is to plan to heavily supplement your education with advanced programs in digital camera technology and hands on lighting and composition. I am currently in LA taking my level 2 courses in Expanded Cinematography at the Global Cinematography Institute and honestly, in the 4 combined weeks of training I have received here, I have learned more than I did at Full Sail. The advanced camera technology, lighting techniques, image control and pipeline management of the DPs role is truly absent in the Full Sail curriculum. I don't mean to be harsh, the program has its strengths, but it's weaknesses are glaring. Understanding essential concepts at a deep level such as color space, RAW format vs RGB, lens technology, how to test a cameras dynamic range are all critical and therefore you have to supplement. As a DP you have to be 50% artist/50% mad scientist. These topics are the tip of the iceberg. You won't receive the in depth exposure to these topics at Full Sail. But you will have fun and you can make it work if you go in knowing its shortcomings.

Get the most out of your education. Take the classes you need, then take a few that relate to your discipline. Check books out on filmmaking and cinematography from the library. Read journals and websites about filmmaking. Always be learning and growing in your craft, and you'll surpass your fellows. Eventually you'll find your particular style, and see what you might want to specialize in. Maybe you just want to be a camera operator or camera assistant, or perhaps you'll be a great DP or colorist. You'll never know where this might take you, and that's part of the excitement!

I use After Effects for everything so learning it is a great idea!, just search getting started in After Effects on youtube and watch a few it took me a couple of weeks to get 100% confident and once you learn its ui you will find its extremely simple! :)

I was considering on offering a beginners course to cover all of the basic fundamentals of Adobe After Effects. Something that would get you familiar with the layout of the program all the way up to tracking and green screen techniques. All in one place where those interested in learning the program can do so at their own pace all in one place.

Anything to show? Followed from awhile back. Learned anything you would like to share?