TV Logic VFM-056WP

So, I walked into Abel Cine looking to buy a Marshall monitor with HDMI loop thru.  The salesman said I didn't want that, I wanted the TV Logic VFM-056WP.  I decided to go over to Filmtools and again asked for the Marshall and that salesman said I didn't want that, what all the kids were using was the TV Logic VFM-056WP.

The Marshall I was looking for was a 7" for a $1000 bucks.  The TV Logic was only 5.6" and was $1500.  So, why so much?

The TV Logic hass everything you want in a "ViewFinder Monitor".  It has false color, zebras, focus assist, built-in waveform and vectorscope, markers, audio, TC display, tally, etc.  And it has two things the Marshall doesn't offer:

First is resolution.  While most monitors these days are 800x500 the TV Logic is 1280x800, which means you can actually judge focus using it.  Plus, it has a special feature for zooming the image when used with a DSLR.

And second, and the big reason, is instead of just an HDMI loop thru it actually converts the HDMI signal into HD-SDI.  No more dealing with HDMI cables that slip out and are only good for 25 foot runs.  Now you can loop out with a BNC connector.

All this in a package that weighs less than a pound and can be powered by mains or the battery of choice.  It broke my heart to spend that much for a small monitor but I paid the $1500.  I've already used the HDSDI loop thru twice.  It works pretty darn good...

http://tvlogicusa.com/product/vfm056.php
http://www.abelcine.com/store/TV-Logic-5.6-inch-High-Resolution-Compact-LCD-Monitor-VFM-056WP/
http://www.filmtools.com/tv-logic-5point6-inch-lcd-w-waveform-monitor.html

Sachtler Ace Tripod

So, I walk into Filmtools looking for a DSLR monitor and there's the Sachtler Ace tripod.  It has a 75mm claw ball, takes a Manfrotto type quick release plate (which is nice when working with DSLR's) and I've been looking for a lightweight DSLR tripod.

How much and the answer is $535 bucks.  For just the head I ask?   No, head, plate, sticks, spreaders plus it comes with a bag.  I paid $13,000 for my Sachtler 30 so how can I pass up a $535 Sachtler?!!!

The Ace has 3 levels of friction plus 5 steps of counter balance.  I was working with someone who had just bought a Sachtler DSLR tripod for $1200 bucks and it doesn't have any springs.  I've used my Ace a few times and while the aluminum sticks aren't my favorite the "composite" fluid head works great... especially for $535 bucks!

http://www.sachtler-ace.com/
http://www.filmtools.com/sachtler-ace-tripod-system-1001.html

Canon C300 Footage

In case you didn't get to go to the Canon C300 event here's some behind the scenes of one of the films they showcased.  It's especially interesting because they shot both location and green screen on stage.

If you watch carefully you'll see the cameras are just prototypes with the various controls labeled in green tape.
http://www.cinemaeos.usa.canon.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=canon%20c300&utm_campaign=Project+A

And here's a link to the entire media gallery:
http://www.cinemaeos.usa.canon.com/media-gallery.php

How CBS Sports Uses GoPros On Live Sports Broadcasts

This BLOG is literally a nuts and bolts of how they get a signal from the camera, to the truck and into your TV.  It's the most thorough blog post I've ever seen on the subject and if you do live events it's a must read.

The blog covers both GoPro and GoPro Hero2 cameras, how to power them with A/C, what converter boxes to use, how far you can push a HDSDI signal and what to do if the run is longer than 300'.

http://www.tomguilmette.com/archives/3405

Canon C300 Event

OK, if you missed out on all the other Canon C300 events but still want to get your hands on this camera and shoot some footage here's your chance.  Canon will be hosting the free "Touch & Try:  EOS C300" at their brand new Hollywood Professional Technology & Support Center tomorrow, February 23rd.

Users will get some hands on time with the C300 and the technical staff will be available to answer questions.  Registration is required.

Register here or contact Canon Learning at 949-788-2314 or email at canonlivelearning@cusa.canon.com

The workshop is at:
Canon Hollywood Professional Technology & Support Center
6060 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA  90028

http://www.learn.usa.canon.com/events_calendar/event_details/cll_events/20120223_hollywood_try_c300_pro_cll.shtml

New Adapter & Firmware for FS-100

Sony has announced new lenses, new firmware and an auto focus adapter for the FS-100.

The $400 buck LA-EA2 adapter allows you to attach A-mount lenses to an E-mount camera and have continuous auto focus using "Translucent Mirror Technology".  Read it loses almost a stop of light.

You can buy the adapter now but you can't use it on your FS-100 until February when the new firmware will be available.   The firmware will also give you:
*  PAL recording
Camera profiles can be saved and read from a memory card
4x and 8x expanded focus magnigication
Selectable ISO or GAIN display
Selectable Focus indication in feet or meters
Selectable Shutter indication
Added 2.35:1, 1.85:1 and 1.66:1 aspect-ratio markers
On/off button for zebra and/or historgram overlay
And there will be an new 28MB AVCHD bit rate for 3D.

http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&partNumber=LAEA2#reviews

http://www.studiodaily.com/main/news/headlines/13604.html

VMI Hosts Panasonic Event On Tuesday

Nothing to do on Valentine's Day?  VMI is hosting a Panasonic event from 10:30a to 12:00p.  Panasonic's Bernie Mitchel will be on hand to demonstrate the full line of P2, AVCHD and 3D cameras, including the HPX-250, AC160, 3DP1 and the AF100.

I'd like to say I have better things to do on Valentine's Day than go to a camera seminar but actually I'm shooting Tuesday.

And besides, I think I've bought my last Panasonic camera after Panasonic Service made me pay for a repair on a camera that was under warrenty.  Suddenly, the viewfinder wasn't part of the camera.  Hmmm...

RSVP at https://vmivideo.dmplocal.com/main/index.php?p=surveysystem.respond.intro&survey_id=74

AVID Reports First Profit In 4 Years

Shares of Avid Technology jumped 25% to over $12 bucks a share and over 1 million shares changed hands in yesterday morning's trading. Why?  Avid reported a quarterly profit for the first time in 4 years.

Gross margins are up 54% while operating expenses fell 7%.  The profit estimate was 16 cents a share but actual returns were more than double at 38 cents a share.

I'm sure all the people at Avid want to thank to Apple and FCPx...

The D800 But Where's My 5DIII?

On Monday Nikon announced the 36 MegaPixel D800.   The one cool video trick it does is uncompressed video out the HDMI but the Panasonic G2 can do that already.

But what I was excited about on Monday was Canon was supposed to be announcing the new 5D Mark III, although it may be called the 5Dx to named like the 1Dx.  They've had prototypes shooting footage in Africa.  Supposedly, it can oversample giving the camera an effective 39 MP.

http://news.doddleme.com/equipment/new-dslr-announcements-set-to-slug-it-out-this-week/?utm_source=Daily+News+Template+version+2%2F8%2F12&utm_campaign=2%2F8%2F12&utm_medium=email