Steve221221 Loc: Metro Detroit

I'm planning to record a play on stage and want to use my Canon T3i for B-roll (Canon XH-A1s for 'A'). I want to 'set it and forget it'. Since I will not be able to focus for up stage vs back stage I'm hoping to have deep enough depth of field so I don't have to. The cameras will be about 80 feet away from the stage so that shouldn't be a problem, right? Also, lighting will be all over the place... bright spots, then a 'night scene', so use auto exposure? Or should I use some manual mode to force the frame rate to match the other camera?

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

You've got some real issues as I see it. The first, of course, is light. It takes lots of light to get a deep DOF. The less the light, the wider the aperture, the shorter the DOF - an idea I'm sure you know.

Second is record time. You do understand that dslr cameras have a record time limit - as in about 12-minutes. This due to sensor heat. dslr sensors tend to heat as the trillions of electrons pass through them. When that temperature gets to high it will begin to damage the sensor and other components so the camera has a built in safety - it shuts down automatically.

Good luck

Steve221221 Loc: Metro Detroit

Well, the play was several months ago and this is what I noticed:

The camera did shut off frequently (which I thought was due to the "4 GB limit" vs overheating). I have since found 'Magic Lantern' that will automatically restart recording after about 2 seconds.

When I restarted the camera manually, I just refocused. Only 'B' roll so not the end of the world.

My issues in post was color match between the two cameras.

Tks for the response.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

Color match is always a problem... or at least can be. Using a switcher with an adjustment for brightness and color is always the best bet on multi-camera shoots but with us
amateurs, I am now, that kind of money isn't an option.

Good luck