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Saturday, November 26, 2011

Quick Links

Canon EOS C300 Price Drop Already? [CR1] | Canonrumors
When Canon announced the C300 they gave an approximate price of $20,000, though some reporters have said that it seemed like Canon hadn't really finalized the price. Canon still hasn't confirmed a price, but now there's reports that the price will be closer to $16,000, though there had been speculation that the street price would be about $16,000 when it was announced...



A hands on look at the Canon C300 | Philip Bloom | Blog
Philip Bloom got to spend some time with Canon reps discussing the C300 and reports:
Honestly the Scarlet and the C300 seem like two different cameras for two different markets to me. The Scarlet is aimed squarely at the lower budget narrative crowd (though not the micro budget as it still costs a lot) whereas the C300 feels to me like a great large sensor broadcast camera. The specs meet the minimum broadcast standard for the majority of big HD broadcasters. 422 50mb/s in camera which the F3 does not do (420 35mb/s)


The Canon C300: My Thoughts From The Euro Launch | Dan Chung
| DSLR News Shooter
Dan also was at the European launch of the camera, and offers his thoughts from the perspective of current affairs, factual and documentary shooters:
Canon have kept the body weight down and it’s not much heavier than a pro DSLR body like the EOS-1D X. For me this is critically important – it means I can use the camera in the way I did the 5D mkII before it – as part of my one man band backpack shoot kit. Pretty much all my support and stabilization gear was bought to work with DSLR and Sony EX1 cameras. With the C300 I would be fine using my existing tripod, Pocketdolly, Steadicam, Jib arm, car suction mounts, Shoulder rig etc… (assuming I use stills lenses not the heavier Cine ones).


Steven Spielberg on Digital Editing | Steven Awalt | Facebook
A short interview with Steven Spielberg, who used Avid for his two latest films, but prefers editing film:
Spielberg: We cut fast, but it takes a while to splice and to tape, and I get a chance to walk around and think. The whole new technology is sort of making me think a little quicker on my feet. I think much faster on my feet as a director on a film set than I do in an editing room, because I really prefer the downtime when Mike is out what we can "schneiding," which is cutting the stuff together that we already have agreed on the order of scenes and takes and choices, that I'll just take a walk around the lot.


Todd Solondz talks film school...and Charlie's Angels | Wendy Mitchell
| ScreenDaily
Solondz talked about his career and other things at the American Film Festival in Wroclaw, Poland:
Solondz also spoke about film school, both as a former attendee and as a current teacher at NYU. “Film school is a wonderful place for teachers, you need to find a way to earn a living and it provides you with security and benefits. For the students its questionable — For some people it can be very good. I love teaching, I have a good time. I look at the young students with so much ambition and my heart goes out to them. I’m so glad I’m not young anymore.”


Cameraman tales: Claude Meskens – out of focus | Terry Gallacher | Blog
Fascinating short piece out-of-focus footage, and how an obvious problem was overlooked:
I told Claude that nobody had consulted me on the subject back in London. I then said to him “Have you focussed the eyepiece”. He said “What do you mean”. I said “The eyepiece can be adjusted to suit your eyes so that, if you wore glasses, you would not need to wear them while using the camera”.


iPhone 4S | Jeremy Stamas | Camcorderinfo
An actual review of the video performance of the iPhone 4S:
Based on our variety of tests, as well as real-life shooting experiments, we feel the Apple iPhone 4S is better than most (if not all) of the budget ultracompact camcorders on the market. The iPhone 4S is the first phone from Apple to include a Full HD 1080p record mode, and the addition of that mode helped make the 4S capable of recording very sharp imagery. Video captured by the phone weren’t as sharp as some of the camcorders we compared it to, but the phone’s videos looked very good nonetheless.




Friday, November 25, 2011

mobislyder - from Glidetrack

Since I bought a Steadicam Smoothee for iPhone 4 I can't very well look down on the mobislyder...can I? And unlike the Smoothee, this will work with any phone, and some small camcorders too. I mean, it might be kind of fun and useful in some situations, particularly if you have a phone that does 1080p video!?

It's supposed to start shipping December 12th, and will cost about $135.

Mobislyder: The New Star of Video Production in the Mobile Age

MOVE OVER Spielberg and Tarantino, the cinematic style of big movie making has gone viral with the launch of mobislyder - the world's first portable dolly designed specifically for smartphones and compact cameras.

The mobislyder, a new innovation from Glidetrack, the world's leading camera slider company, is set to revolutionise mobile device video production. Stylish and ultraportable, the mobislyder has been designed from the ground up to suit a broad range of small video-enabled devices - including iPhone, Android smart phones, smaller DSLR cameras and mini camcorders.

As video on demand becomes the medium of choice for businesses and individuals the mobislyder provides professionals and amateurs alike with the ability to create cinematic-style shots.

"For years sophisticated-looking camera moves were only available to professionals with big budgets and truck loads of gear. But now, with most camera devices capable of shooting HD video, mobislyder allows operators to take smooth tracking shots fit for the big screen -all with the sweep of a finger," said Alastair Brown, the 43-year-old UK entrepreneur who founded Glidetrack in 2008.

The name Glidetrack has now become synonymous with these types of cinematic gliding moves. There are literally thousands of user videos on YouTube and Vimeo created by people using the equipment to enhance the quality of their productions.

"We have been working on creating a smaller Glidetrack-style piece of equipment suitable for mobile devices such as iPhone and compact cameras for some time but until now the video quality wasn't quite there," said Alastair. "However, with the development of the iPhone 4S and other new generation devices capable of shooting full high definition video we fele the time was right to launch the mobislyder."

The new device, which retails at around £129 ($175 USD) but is being made available at a special launch price of £99 ($135 USD) in the run up to Christmas, is perfect for special occasions such as weddings, concerts, holidays, sports events, social media news reporting and even corporate promotions and PR videos.

With more than 200,000 videos uploaded to YouTube, and in excess of 1 billion views, every day the demand for good quality user generated content on the web is booming, especially among companies getting to grips with the value of video.

Various surveys into the impact of video suggests news releases with video links have a 300 per cent higher retention rate and 500 per cent more views than text only versions. Products promoted with video have reported increased sales of between 17 per cent and 36 per cent.

According to the latest industry figures total online video views are on track to grow by some 20% from 640billion last year to around 770billion this year while paid-for online video revenues will reach in excess of $3bn (USD). And with experts predicting sales of smartphones to exceed more than 450million worldwide this year volume is set to increase even more.

However, the more videos there are the more demanding and selective viewers are becoming.

"The days of shaky video being posted online are gone. People are becoming more demanding about what they watch which means companies or individuals need to improve the quality of their videos and mobislyder can help them do that," added Alastair.

"We see mobislyder as becoming the industry standard piece of gear for Ebay sellers, Amazon product videos, Bloggers - in fact anyone wanting to get high quality video on their site without breaking the bank."

Mobislyder





TASCAM Announces iM2 Stereo Microphone for iPad, iPhone 4(+) & iPod Touch

I've found my iPad quite useful for recordings meetings, and the idea of using a better microphone with the iPad (or iPhone) is intriguing. However, while the iPhone might be useable in an emergency, I'm not sure I want to use it regularly as a recording device; for one thing, you have to remember to put it into Airplane mode so you don't get calls while recording!

Anyway, Tascam announced this intriguing little add-on:


MONTEBELLO, CA (November 21, 2011) – TASCAM, a well known veteran for creating home recording devices, today introduced a pocket sized iM2 stereo mic for iPad / iPhone / iPod Touch. TASCAM’s iM2 turns the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch into a high-quality stereo recorder. A pair of condenser microphones – same high quality as TASCAM’s best-selling DR-series recorders – plugs into the dock connector of your Apple device. The microphones are adjustable over 180 degrees for optimal sound placement. The iM2 contains its own microphone preamp and analog-to-digital converter for low noise and premium audio quality. Unlike mics that use the built-in iPhone preamp, the iM2 can handle up to 125dB SPL sounds for the loudest concerts and instruments.

Also enclosed in the iM2, is a stereo limiter to tame sudden loud sounds. The microphone level is adjustable with a knob on the side, making it quick and easy to adjust without looking at the unit. It’s powered through the dock connector so no battery is required. A USB input is provided to charge your Apple iOS device for long recordings, either through a computer or TASCAM’s PS-P515U power adapter.

“The iM2 stereo mic was a natural succession after our well-received launching of the iXZ mic/guitar interface in September. Anyone can come out with an iOS product, but we want to ensure that our portable devices are of the utmost quality and I believe this product will be another hit with our customers.“ said Paul Jenkins, Senior Vice President for TEAC America.

The ultra-portable iM2 is a must have for musicians who want to capture inspiration on their iPhone or iPad without sacrificing recording quality. iM2 is the perfect recording accessory for musicians of all skill levels available now at an unbeatable street price of $79. A PCM Recorder app, a perfect companion to the iM2 will be available shortly on the iTunes store at no charge.

  • Stereo condenser microphones for iPhone 4, iPod Touch or iPad dock connection
  • High-quality stereo condenser microphones – same as our best-selling DR-series recorders
  • Microphones adjustable 180 degrees front to back
  • Built-in analog to digital converter and microphone preamp for low noise recording
  • 125dB SPL maximum level for recording loud shows without distortion
  • Switchable limiter attenuates high-level signals to prevent recording overload
  • Adjustable input level control
  • Powered through iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch dock connector
  • USB input allows the iPhone or iPad to be charged from a USB connection or optional TASCAM PS-P515U
  • CD-quality digital recording (44.1kHz/16-bit linear PCM)
  • Compact size ideal for mobile use
  • Compatible with iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod Touch 4G, iPad, iPad 2

Tascam: iM2 product page
B & H: Tascam iM2 Stereo Microphone for Apple iOS Products




Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Canon M400, M40 & M41 - a trio of camcorders at bargain prices



I'm usually wary of Black Friday sales, as I get enticed into buying something that's old or discontinued, and that I don't really need.

That said, several online retailers are offering Canon's M400, M40 and M41 camcorders at substantial discounts through November 26th. These camcorders were released just this year, and have received pretty positive reviews. Features include:

  • 2 x SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card Slots
  • 2.37MP 1/3" CMOS Sensor
  • 10x HD Video Lens
  • Dynamic SuperRange Optical IS
  • Canon DIGIC DV III Image Processor
  • Microphone and Headphone Connections

The M4x range is Canon's mid-level consumer camcorders, but with the $250 rebate, the M40 now costs as much as Canon R21, which is in their budget line!

Differentiating between them? The VIXIA HF M400 [$329] is the base model. It has only the dual SD SD/SDHC/SDXC slots for recording. The VIXIA HF M40 [$349] adds 16GB of internal memory, and built in HD-to-SD down conversion. The VIXIA HF M41 [$399.95] has 32GB of internal memory, and adds a color viewfinder.

Which to get? I'd probably choose either the M400 if you're looking to save the most money, or the M41 if you will be shooting outside and like to use a viewfinder. 16GB cards are going for about $20, so the M40 isn't a bad choice; though if 16GB isn't enough space for your regular shooting, then it may be better to just buy a 32GB SDHC card, which are currently selling for $40.

According to several sources, these cameras share the same sensor as the HF G10 [$1,499] and the XF100 [$3,795], and while they don't have the same inputs, features and image processing, they'd make excellent B or C cameras to work with those camcorders.


Resources:
  • Canon HF M41 vs HF-s100 vs 7D | Bob Nagy | Vimeo
    Compares video shot with the HF M41 to the HF-S100 (previous generation) and the Canon 7D.

  • Vixia HF M40 | Kaitlyn Chantry | Camcorderinfo
    It turns out that Canon’s gamble to put all new sensors into the 2011 consumer lineup has really paid off. The flagship HF G10 put up impressive numbers in low light performance—without much of a penalty to sharpness. For just [], you can get virtually the same stellar performance in the Canon Vixia HF M40.

  • Canon VIXIA HF M400 | Lori Grunin | C|Net
    A fine follow-up to last year's M3xx series, the Canon Vixia M4xx series should please most home-movie-oriented videographers despite its relatively high price. If you don't need the EVF, the M400 is your best buy, but if you'll be shooting a lot in sunlight, it's worth it to step up to the M41.


Quick Links

Extra Ordinary | Sony
Sony UK has Philip Bloom making some movies, and there's a chance to win an NEX-FS100 (though it seems to be limited to people living in Europe):
Sony Professional has teamed up with director Philip Bloom to create the 'Extra.Ordinary' series of short films, looking at how to create amazing footage from everyday events. Click here to access our Extra.Ordinary Facebook hub to see the videos as they go live, and discover the techniques Bloom used to shoot these remarkable films.

Also, enter your own film idea to be in with a chance to win a Sony NEX-FS100EK, and have Philip Bloom make your idea into film reality!


To buy a Scarlet EPIC or not to buy, that is the question… | RedUser
There's been some Philip Bloom bashing on the RED forum after his comments about the EPIC. Jim Jannard comes to the rescue:
Anyone who suggests that Philip is being paid by another company to write negatively about his own camera is nuts... and the inference won't be tolerated.

Philip had issues early on and hopefully we have addressed them. Stuff happens.

Jim


Sony PMW-F3 Firmware Update v1.2 | Sony
The free version 1.2 firmware update for the PMW-F3 has been released.



Sony's F3 Makes its Feature Debut on The Ghost of Goodnight Lane | Bryant Frazer | Studio Daily
Using the PMW-F3 to shoot a feature:
Those considerations led him to the Sony PMW-F3. When upgraded to the S-LOG-enabling firmware and paired with the CineDeck EX, it allowed footage to be recorded in all flavors of Apple's ProRes codec as well as in 4:4:4 uncompressed. "When we started shooting S-LOG, it was a whole different ball game," Bijan says. "We shot the film using two F3s on as many scenes as we could. I thought about shooting the whole thing uncompressed, but I did a test between ProRes and uncompressed and you couldn't really see a difference. The uncompressed files just ate up so much hard drive space, and it's harder to edit with them because they're so big.


Zeiss CP.2 lenses and Canon C300 & Scarlet | Zeiss | Facebook
Zeiss posted this comment about using CP.2 lenses with the new cameras:
Here some key facts about the angular field of view of our CP.2 lenses on the C300 and RED Scarlet-X. The CP.2 18mm/T3.6 covers 75.9° with the Canon C300. The CP.2 100mm/T2.1 has an angular field of 20.4° when used with a full-frame camera. For cameras with a Super 35 sensor, such as the RED Scarlet-X, this corresponds to a value of 14.2°.


Is 4K in Your Future? | Oliver Peters | TV Technology
Pros, cons and other info of moving to 4K:
There is no single 4K size, since it varies with how it is used and the related aspect ratio. For example, full aperture film 4K is 4096x3112 pixels, while academy aperture 4K is 3656x2664.


Hollywood's big data problem | Yevgeniy Sverdlik | DataCenterDynamics
And something to think about if you move to 4K: Hollywood will soon be buried under the digital data:
Peter Ward, a digital entertainment technology consultant whose client list includes Sony Pictures (the company that produced Fincher’s film), says a film such as The Social Network takes up to about one petabyte of storage space.

One petabyte is about 1/14 of all data generated annually by Large Hadron Collider (LHC) experiments.


8 Reasons Aspiring Film Makers Fail to Ever Make Any Money! | Den Lennie
| F-Stop Academy
Den explains why he thinks most people fail; in some depth, but here's the list:
  1. Lack of training
  2. Attempting to do everything yourself
  3. Poor website
  4. Poor attitude
  5. Unrealistic expectations
  6. Poor organisational skills
  7. Giving up too soon
  8. Lack of professionalism



Tuesday, November 22, 2011

More on the coming Sony NEX-FS100 firmware upgrade

Paul Antico passed along this link to a post from Mark Forman listing the expected firmware additions to the Sony NEX-FS100 and HXR-NX70U cameras.

For the NEX-FS100:
  • Added 50Hz recording system (PAL): 1920x1080 50p, 50i, 25p and 1280x720 50p.
  • Camera Profile (camera settings can be saved to and loaded from a memory card).
  • Additional 4x and 8x Expanded Focus magnification: (with user selectable focus area).
  • Selectable ISO or GAIN sensitivity display.
  • Selectable Focus indication in FEET or METERS (E-mount lens only).
  • Selectable Shutter indication as EXPOSURE TIME or SHUTTER ANGLE.
  • Added the following Aspect-Ratio markers: 2.35:1, 1.85:1 and 1.66:1.
  • Display ON/OFF button enables Zebra and/or Histogram overlay onto video output.
  • Compatible with the new A-Mount to E-Mount adaptor, model LA-EA2. One push Auto-IRIS and Continuous 15-point, Phase-Detection Auto-Focus operation with most Alpha A-Mount lenses is available. Lens metadata is displayed onscreen and stored real time to image file.


The noteable change for the HXR-NX70U is a fix to the zoom rocker switch operation, adding selectable zoom speed. Some reviewers found the original zoom very difficult to work with.

Quick Links

Red Scarlet, Canon C300, and the Paradox of Choice | Stu Maschwitz | Prolost
A very long, thoughtful post that looks at not just the Scarlet and C300, but the Sony PMW-F3, NEX-FS100, Panasonic AG-AF100 and DSLRs as well. It may be better described as a Super35 roundup:
But perhaps the most shocking capability of the C300 is its latitude. It’s here that the comparison with the Alexa is most surprisingly appropriate. The C300 simply has a jaw-dropping ability to hold shadow and highlight detail in the same frame. Check out this frame from Mobius, shot in near-noontime sun, with only natural light.


Den Lennie Reviews the Cineroid LED | Den & James | Vimeo
A video review of the Cineroid.com LED light.
The output is super bright and has a CRI of over 90 making it very colour stable and consistent. It has a built in fan also to keep the heat-sink cool and further maintain colour accuracy. You have the option to switch the fan to off/on or auto if you are recording sync sound and want to lose the fan sound although it's barely noticeable.


An Open Letter To Adobe Systems | Scott Kelby | Blog
Scott is President of The National Association of Photoshop Professionals, and he's not too happy about Adobe's planned change to their upgrade policy:
While I understand that Adobe needs to make business decisions based on how it sees market conditions, I feel the timing of this new pricing structure is patently unfair to your customers (and our members). Here’s why: You didn’t tell us up front. You didn’t tell us until nearly the end of the product’s life cycle, and now you’re making us buy CS5.5 for just a few months on the chance that we might want to buy CS6 at a discount when it’s released. Otherwise, we have to pay the full price as if we were never Adobe customers at all.


After Effects Apprentice Free Video: Creating 3D Objects using Adobe Repoussé
| Chris and Trish Meyer | ProVideoColation
A tutorial that shows you how to create the illusion of 3D:
3D in After Effects is really what’s know as “2.5D” - the layers have no actual thickness or depth. If you want the illusion of extrusion, volume, and depth, you will need to create those objects in a dedicated 3D program, a special plug-in, or - if you have access to the Production Premium or Master Collection suites from Adobe - inside Photoshop Extended to later import into After Effects.


Top Five Media Composer 6 Features | Bryant Frazer | Studio Daily
Five reasons to upgrade to Avid Media Composer 6:
Native support for AVCHD and RED Epic
Media Composer expands AMA support to handle bleeding-edge RED Epic files as well as the highly compressed AVCHD footage output by many consumer and “prosumer” cameras.


RC Helicopter Cinematography - A look behind the scenes | YouTube
A narrated slide show (with some video) that shows the preparation - and gear used - for RC helicopter shots: steadi3d.com



Final Cut Pro X Links:



A D V E R T I S E M E N T


B & H is offering the following rebates:

Monday, November 21, 2011

LockPort7 Universal - Press Release


After the great success of the LockPort5 and LockPort7, LockCircle is announcing the professional LockPort Universal. The LockPort Universal is a new product developed to help avoid damaging your 5D and 7D mini HDMI camera port. The LockPort Universal protects definitely the fragile output on your camera from tough production abuse with a rock solid universal clamp and a smart mini to full-size HDMI adapter.

The LockPort Universal plate is designed to fit easily every head, baseplate, sliding plate, support out there using the original camera screws already there. Ready in 10 seconds! The LockPort Universal safely secures a 90° FRONT/REAR mini HDMI to full-size HDMI adapter, protecting forever the “expensive to repair” mini HDMI port on your expensive HDSLR camera. The Adapter has gold plated contacts and the full-size female output allows you to use stronger standard HDMI cables, you can purchase everywhere!

Standard size HDMI plugs locks securely in the socket – no signal loose, and if somebody walks over your cable, the plug still can pop-out saving your camera from falling on the ground.

The full-size HDMI 90° output can be used in FRONT or REAR position (2 different adapters) to reach the best cable ergonomics solution on your rig set-up! The LockPort Universal adapters are availbale in FRONT and REAR editions, also available in kit or sold separately to upgrade the kits or like spare parts! Instant reverse output direction set-up.

Coming soon, the LockPort Universal Z for Z-Finder Pro users!

Can be ordered now, shipped in 24 hours! Price List USD 109,00


LockPort Universal highlights

  • Works with both 5D and 7D cameras.
  • Saves the “expensive to repair” mini HDMI port on your 5D and 7D camera.
  • Full-Size HDMI output allows you to use stronger standard cables.
  • Standard size HDMI plugs locks securely in the socket – no signal loose!
  • 90° FRONT or REAR output editions.
  • No loose of video signal anymore! The full-size HDMI output has stronger locking capabilites.
  • Gold plated contacts.
  • Rock solid UNIVERSAL ultra-low base clamp, can work on every plate, head, sliding plate, rig, support out there.
  • Better cable layout on your rig set-up.
  • No longer camera screws, use all the camera screws already out there.
  • Ready in a few seconds.
  • Instant reverse output direction set-up.

LockCircle

Okii Systems Releases New MC1 USB Mini Controller for Canon EOS cameras

Okii has now formally announced the USB Mini Controller for Canon cameras. It's listed on their website at $230, and "ships in 1 to 2 Business Days." Here's the press release:



Apex, NC, November 21, 2011 – Okii Systems is pleased to announce the new MC1 USB Mini Controller. The MC1 is a wired USB remote designed for Canon EOS Digital SLR cameras with video capability. Similar to the EOS Utility on a computer, the MC1 uses Canon's USB protocol to allow control of a wide range of abilities, but without the limitations and bulk of being tethered to a computer. When mounted near a rig handle, it provides easy access to camera functions such as video start/stop, digital zoom, and settings changes. The use of USB rather than infrared insures reliable operation regardless of the remote or cable orientation, and makes it possible to use the MC1 at longer distances (e.g., on a crane or boom) with non-powered USB extension cables. An optional automatic recording restart feature is included, which can stop and restart video recording at 11-minute intervals for long film sequences, or can act as a fail safe.

The MC1 is approximately 3" x 1.5" x .75" and weighs 3.4 ounces. It connects to the camera with a standard mini-B to A USB cable (the same cable used to connect a Canon EOS camera to a computer). Three 1/4"-20 mounting points on the top and sides are provided to secure the MC1 to a rig or handle.

Canon EOS Compatibility:
  • 1D Mark IV
  • 5D Mark II
  • 7D
  • 60D
  • 600D, T3i, Kiss X5
  • 550D, T2i, Kiss X4
  • 500D, T1i, Kiss X3

Features:
  • Initiates video start/stop, image capture, digital zoom, autofocus, and live view
  • Controls ISO, aperture, and shutter speed
  • Optional 11-minute automatic recording restart
  • Does not interfere with HDMI output for external monitors or electronic viewfinders
  • Uses standard mini-B to A USB cables to connect to the camera
  • Non-powered USB extension cables extend range to 25+ meters
  • 30+ hour battery life on two AAA alkaline batteries
  • Also compatible with AAA lithium and rechargeable batteries
  • Three ¼”-20 threaded mounting points on the top and sides
  • Constructed of CNC milled 6061 aluminum
  • Approx. 3" x 1.5" x .75" dimensions and 3.4 oz (96 g) total weight with included batteries
  • Made in the USA

Okii Systems specializes in custom software and embedded systems applications for the photography and film industry. The newly released MC1 follows the widely anticipated Okii USB Focus Controller that debuted in early 2011. The success of the USB Focus Controller prompted the company to expand its product line. More innovative products are anticipated in 2012.

For additional information please visit www.okii.net and the MC1 product page at http://www.okii.net/product_p/mc1.htm.


Quick Links

Red Scarlet X Footage #001 - Botanical Garden (30 Seconds) | Tonaci Tran | Vimeo
Footage shot on the Red Scarlet X using Zeiss Super Speed and Color graded in Redcine X Pro (Alchemy). There's also links to full frame grabs and the R3d files.



SuperMacro - Sony FS100 - Zeiss ZF.2 | Tommy Soulier | Vimeo
A supermacro video created with a "back to front lens in front of the first one" using a Zeiss ZF.2 85mm 1.4 and 35mm 2 on a Sony NEX-FS100.



Kicking the Tires on Avid Media Composer 6 | Scott Simmons | ProVideoCoalition
Scott offers his initial thoughts after spending a few days with the new release of Avid Media Composer:
So Avid did what was a smart, cautious move. With MC6 they’ve ported the application to 64bit which provides a modern foundation to move MC into the future as we’ve discussed before. They’ve also freshened up the interface with a more modern look. Stereoscopic editing has been enhanced to make Media Composer the only real choice for serious 3D. An online marketplace has been added to purchase different types of content and plugins from within the application. Most importantly, the cost of Avid hardware has been greatly reduced while opening up Media Composer to any piece of 3rd party hardware that supports it.


Pimp Your After Effects | Stu Maschwitz | Prolost
Stu explains how he likes to set up parameters and preferences for After Effects, as well as some sources for scripts and add-ons:
After Effects is a professional tool by any measure, but it is designed for a broad user base. So an artist who plans to push it hard will want to tune the application accordingly. Here’s what I do to a default installation of After Effects to prepare it for my special kind of abuse.


3 New Takes On Personalized Web Video | Sarah Kessler | Mashable
Short write-ups of three web video apps:
Rawporter helps you get credit and compensation for valuable images you snap during newsworthy moments. iBroadcast.TV makes creating a personalized channel for YouTube videos easy. Bambuser puts the power of live video in the hands of anyone with access to a smartphone.


53: Using Photoshop for Video | Larry Jordan | EditSmarter
A one hour, $29.99 lesson on using Photoshop for video:
Larry Jordan shows you how to use Photoshop to prepare images for video; resize and deinterlace video stills; repair, scale and correct problem images; and how to use the video retouching capability in Photoshop to fix problems that Final Cut Pro just can't solve.


If You Hope to Have Your Film Distributed, Get These Free Documents from the Tribeca Film Institute Now | No Film School
Links to the kinds of documents you need to have if your film is picked up by a distributor:
...if your film is acquired, you do not simply send over the movie itself, but also need to have a cornucopia of legal documents ready, including photo releases, chain of title, music cue sheet, and an errors & omissions policy.


One-click Transitions in Final Cut Pro 10.0.1 | MacBreak Studio
Changes to the way transitions can be applied in Final Cut Pro X are explained: Transitions are like swear words; they are most effective when used sparingly.
Mark Spencer shows Steve Martin how to add Transitions to your edits in the new Final Cut Pro X. He also shows you a trick to add a transition to multiple edit points at one time while maintaining the storyline structure of your project.
YouTube: MacBreak Studio: Episode 142 - One-click Transitions in Final Cut Pro 10.0.1



Justin Olsen Shoots Amazing Mountain Bike Photos With a Chest-Mounted DSLR
| Stan Horaczek | Pop Photo
Never mind helmet cams, this guy mounts a DSLR on his chest!
I had been fooling around with hanging the camera around my neck and sticking the lens through a hole in my jacket. Through trial and error, I came up with the idea for my current rig. A few months later I was approached by Camelbak with an assignment for some custom POV images of one of their team riders hitting some fairly big bike jumps. In order to accomplish this I was going to have to put my camera in a very risky situation and that motivated me bring this idea to fruition.


Philip Bloom Slow Motion Water Balloon #2 | eeyorehoop | YouTube
Philip Bloom gets water-ballooned at a workshop at Rule Boston Camera:





Sunday, November 20, 2011

Quick Links

To buy a Scarlet or not to buy, that is the question… | Philip Bloom | Blog
Philip offers his thoughts on the Scarlet:
First off, and this is the biggie. Buying a Scarlet is NOT going to make you a better filmmaker. It is NOT going to make your camerawork any better. It WILL cost you more than many of you think financially. So I just want to put down the facts on paper so you can make a better informed choice and also my opinions…less important than facts but may be worth listening to! These facts are gathered from my own experience as a RED Epic owner for the past 5 months…


Here’s how to make a fantastic, professional music video for under £50 ($80)
| Mike S | WireFresh
An intriguing story of how a music video was shot for practically no money by someone without any formal video background:
We were intrigued enough to write to them to ask them how it was done, and were amazed by what they told us: the whole thing was done on a budget of less than £50 and filmed and produced entirely by the singer, Mark West – who has had no training as a cameraman or photographer.


From Still to Motion - The Business Manifesto | Richard Harrington | Scribd
Richard's thoughts on success in the video business presented in an electronic book:
You are about to read the twelve most important things I've learned about the business of video production. These are my opinions, but are formed from my lifelong career as a journalist, storyteller, and business owner.


Lens Bracelet | Adam Elmakias
Bracelet's that look like lens rings!
In early 2010, Adam Elmakias created his first set of Lens Bracelet™ bracelets to be used as a promotional tool for his photography. Starting off with a single design, based on the 50mm, Elmakias began sharing the bracelets with friends, photographers and fans, giving away nearly 250 bracelets as he toured throughout the US and Canada.


Quick Look: Canon EOS C300 LSS 1080p Camcorder | Adam Wilt
| ProVideoColation
An older post I think I missed, with some great pictures of the C300, including comparisons to other Canon cameras.
The C300 has a Canon EF lens mount with electronic iris control and full lens data reporting in the viewfinder, but no autoexposure or autofocus. The C300 PL has an Arri PL mount (pretty much the standard for cine lenses), with no electronic connection for Cooke or Arri lens data. Lens mounts are not interchangeable; it’s one or the other.


Three companies, three different approaches to 64 bit | Philip Hodgetts | Blog
Philip looks at the different paths Adobe, Avid and Apple took to get to 64-bit applications:
Adobe relies on its own proprietary media engine. Avid relies on its proprietary media engine. Final Cut Pro X relies on AVFoundation, which only exists on OS X and iOS and is very, very new to code to0. (This was the likely reason that broadcast video out was delayed, because they had to wait for AVFoundation to be finished before BMD, AJA etc could even start work on drivers no longer based on QuickTime.)


Professional USB Controller for Canon HDSLR coming soon | HD Cam Team
The folks at HDCamTeam has been playing with a new USB controller for Canon DSLR's and have posted a few details:
  • Very nice set of features including: Start/Stop video recording, still image capturing, ISO/Aperture/Shutter speed adjustment
  • Extra Auto-start function, which allows you to record video passing the 4GB file size limit


News: Adobe changes upgrade policy for customers | Toolfarm
Adobe plans to get tough on those that don't upgrade regularly:
In order to qualify for upgrade pricing when CS6 releases, customers will need to be on the latest version of our software (either CS5 or CS5.5 editions). If our customers are not yet on those versions, we’re offering a 20% discount through December 31, 2011 which will qualify them for upgrade pricing when we release CS6."



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Once again the Adobe Press eBook Deal of the Week is Adobe After Effects CS5 Visual Effects and Compositing Studio Techniques by Mark Christiansen: