First topic:
One of the challenges I face is to achieve the film look on a feature film - mainly in relation to dynamic range and tonal response - WITHOUT heavy color grading in post production. I'm not talking about a specialized color graded look like orange-teal, matrix green, or whatever.
These things are constant (between film and video):
1. 24p
2. 180 degree shutter or 1/50th shutter
3. Enough lighting to control the shadows and highlights at will, from shot to shot
4. Good production values - sets, costumes and props
5. Slow pans and tilts, etc.
Most feature films are made with cameras that fall into these categories:
1. DSLRs like the 7D, 60D, GH2, D5100, etc
2. 'High-end' Consumer grade, like the Panasonic AG-HMC40, Sony NEX-VG10, Canon XA10, JVC GY-HM100U, etc
2. Prosumer Cameras like the FS100, XF series, AF series, EX1, EX3, Sony F3, etc
3. Broadcast quality HD Cams, like the Sony PDW series, the Panasonic HPX series (AJ, AK), etc
4. Professional systems specializing in feature films, like Alexa, Red, Cinealta, etc
Various tests have been conducted to test the dynamic range, resolution, sharpness, etc of possibly every system, but nobody has created a real-world side-by-side test involving human beings in different lighting conditions to verify if the film look is even possible with any or all of these systems.
Another topic is:
Choosing the right codec and post production workflow has become part of the cinematographer's responsibility, since he/she will have to tailor, change or manipulate the lighting design of a video based on it. It would be very helpful in defining and outlining a methodology to select the right system for each project. Unfortunately, unlike 35mm or 16mm film, it is the limitation of each system that defines and categorizes it, and the lower you go, the more compromises or corrections you might have to make. A cinematographer who does not understand these technical issues is doing a disservice to the project, in my opinion (as a director).
Last topic for now:
Stereoscopy and 3D filmmaking, with its issues, challenges and rewards.
Hope this helps.
