Top Gear photography/cinematography
Discussion
Does anyone else think that the camera work/photography Top Gear have used recently is "award winning". I'm thinking with particular regards to the track tests (for example, the E-type and the DB5 last episode)... the composition, lighting, filtering etc was stunning.
I think one that stood out for me too was back (ages ago) when they did the Enzo. I remember the camera work being just amazing then.
Anyway - just thought I'd share my opinion! ;) I think whomever would be in control of that (producer/director/camera man/all of the above) deserve a pat on the back.
I think one that stood out for me too was back (ages ago) when they did the Enzo. I remember the camera work being just amazing then.
Anyway - just thought I'd share my opinion! ;) I think whomever would be in control of that (producer/director/camera man/all of the above) deserve a pat on the back.
I do entirely agree that effort had obviously been made with respect to the pieces, however, from a certain level I do sometimes wish we just saw the car, and heard the engine. Period.
While the effects and cinematography (to use your word) are VERY VERY good indeed, truly, sometimes it does prevent you from seeing aspects of the car you may otherwise have seen.
Not a criticism, merely a comment.
Thanks
Tony
While the effects and cinematography (to use your word) are VERY VERY good indeed, truly, sometimes it does prevent you from seeing aspects of the car you may otherwise have seen.
Not a criticism, merely a comment.
Thanks
Tony
Although I mustn't be the only one to notice the shocking vignetting in many of the articles? I too think it's great stuff though.
Also very very good is the camera work in the "Digital Picture of Britain" series - not the work from the photogs being filmed but the actual video stuff - superb.
Also very very good is the camera work in the "Digital Picture of Britain" series - not the work from the photogs being filmed but the actual video stuff - superb.
I have been amazed at the quality of work that goes into TG for a long time now, although sometimes I do think that they verge on the over-use of special effects/arty composition which can detract from the main feature (i.e. the car) somewhat. As an example, the Maserati Coupe feature this week had a lot of irrelevant shots but I still thought it was excellent.
Anyone remember the 550 vs Vanquish article from last series; they must have hired an ultra expensive piece of kit for filming the wheels spinning in super slo-mo but boy did it look good; more like watching a film. Love the filter effects thay use and the use of sunlight and foreground is absolutely superb.
That's the one I meant when I said it was an Enzo. 
- gorgeous!tonyhetherington said:
I do entirely agree that effort had obviously been made with respect to the pieces, however, from a certain level I do sometimes wish we just saw the car, and heard the engine. Period.
When the Stig is driving, why can't we just hear the engine instead of music?
The vignette and the graduated filters do look stunning, especially as the "glossy" shots. But I would like to see less of it as they get into the article, I feel a bit like I'm having to work to look through the filters at the item. Given the number of pics I have Photoshopped / mangled over the years I kinda feel in a position to comment 
I get the feeling though that the Top Gear cameramen really know their job though, and even without filters the pics would look stunning. The misty haze in part of the E-Type/DB-5 segment complemented the cars styling and paintwork absolutely perfectly.
The latest cliché effect that seems to be doing the rounds in TV ads is to partially desaturate and whack up the contrast.
Mike
I get the feeling though that the Top Gear cameramen really know their job though, and even without filters the pics would look stunning. The misty haze in part of the E-Type/DB-5 segment complemented the cars styling and paintwork absolutely perfectly.
The latest cliché effect that seems to be doing the rounds in TV ads is to partially desaturate and whack up the contrast.
Mike
trackdemon said:
Anyone remember the 550 vs Vanquish article from last series; they must have hired an ultra expensive piece of kit for filming the wheels spinning in super slo-mo but boy did it look good; more like watching a film. Love the filter effects thay use and the use of sunlight and foreground is absolutely superb.
I was going to comment on that one... it was absolutely fantastic photography, it's repeated on one of the Discovery channels quite regularly and I never tire of watching it...
Wasn't it a 575 tho?
slinky
587racing.com
The video equivalent of EVO's photography. While I agree that TG's swing towards enterainment over objectivity is a concern, the creativity in the footage is very welcome.
I can get all the pictures and video I need of any car right here from PistonHeads, so I'll happily take some evocative video with big production values and good camerawork.
I'm told that all of the effects are in-camera, but I'm not buying it for a second. Why wouldn't you grade and filter that footage in post? It has to be at least 10 times easier to achieve the same results. Having said that, you can't polish turds and the operators clearly earn their money!
Oh, to have their resources!
Gruffy
I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the wonderful Weissman vs Tuscan 2 footge yet?
I can get all the pictures and video I need of any car right here from PistonHeads, so I'll happily take some evocative video with big production values and good camerawork.
I'm told that all of the effects are in-camera, but I'm not buying it for a second. Why wouldn't you grade and filter that footage in post? It has to be at least 10 times easier to achieve the same results. Having said that, you can't polish turds and the operators clearly earn their money!
Oh, to have their resources!
Gruffy
I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the wonderful Weissman vs Tuscan 2 footge yet?
slinky said:
Anyone remember the 550 vs Vanquish article from last series; they must have hired an ultra expensive piece of kit for filming the wheels spinning in super slo-mo but boy did it look good; more like watching a film. Love the filter effects thay use and the use of sunlight and foreground is absolutely superb.
I was going to comment on that one... it was absolutely fantastic photography, it's repeated on one of the Discovery channels quite regularly and I never tire of watching it...
Wasn't it a 575 tho?
slinky
587racing.com
Indeed it was! Find it here: www.finalgear.com/downloads/topgear/5/4/
Gruffy said:
I'm told that all of the effects are in-camera, but I'm not buying it for a second. Why wouldn't you grade and filter that footage in post?
Some of the effects are present at the time of filming, but not all
Gruffy said:
The operators clearly earn their money!
Indeed. The guys who shoot the film inserts for TG are extremely talented. But it's not just the filters and effects that make it as good as it is (obviously it helps!) but it is the shot composition that is used and the fact that some of the guys can see an angle for a class shot that others would reject out of hand.
Agreed.. Stunning composition, which leaves me incredibly humbled.
I would agree however that the filter use is a little over the top occasionally but the vignettes do a lot to concentrate the eye on the area of interest in an otherwise average shot.
The programme has a distinctive style, which remains constistant.
Top Gear cameraman… surely the best job in the world!
I would agree however that the filter use is a little over the top occasionally but the vignettes do a lot to concentrate the eye on the area of interest in an otherwise average shot.
The programme has a distinctive style, which remains constistant.
Top Gear cameraman… surely the best job in the world!
Gassing Station | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff