Sony NEX FS700 Rumor: 4K for $8K?

Will Sony shake up NAB with the FS700?  Gosh, I hope so.

Sources say FS700 does 4K via 3G HD-SDI to an external recorder, has built-in ND filters and slow-mo up to 960fps (at reduced resolution).  It isn't clear whether it records 1080 or 4K internally but who cares?  I do care it still has an E-mount which means you have to use some kind of lens adapter.

While neither Sony or Panasonic have yet to hint at 4K cameras, JVC and Canon have already announced 4K products. In fact, if Sony rolls out the FS700 at NAB it's expected that Canon may show a working model of their 4K EOS DSLR.

I would think the FS700 would blow the RED Scarlet, Canon C300 and even their own F3 out of the water.  But they would probably own the market when the camera delivers in June.  And it be a great 2nd camera to the F65.

http://www.eoshd.com/content/7710/the-sony-nex-fs700-4k-for-8k
http://www.nextwavedv.com/rumor-sony-to-announce-nex-fs700-at-nab-shooting-4k-960-fps-for-8k/ 

"Paying To Work For Free" VFX Business Model

Digital Domain has opened a VFX school in Florida called Digital Domain Institute.  Students get a chance to learn from real industry professionals, right?  Kinda.

According to DD's CEO, "...30% of the workforce at our digital studio down in Florida is not only going to be free, with student labor, it's going to be labor that's actually paying us for the priviledge of working on our films."

That's right, government funded Bachelors and Master's programs where students pay Digital Domain to work for free for Digital Domain.  Let's see India and China match that!  BTW, tuition is $105,000 for non-residents not including food, housing, transportation, etc.

I can't wait until Paramount, WB, Fox and all the rest open up film schools.  Hey, wait a second, I'm going to open a film school and get students to pay me to do my work!

Read the whole article at the VFX Soldier VFX blog:  http://vfxsoldier.wordpress.com/2012/03/26/the-paying-to-work-for-free-vfx-business-model/

Using the C300 with the AJA Pro Mini

Don't want to be stuck with the C300's internal compressed recording?  The Ki Pro can now be triggered to record via the C300 and remove the pull down to record 23.976 thanks to the latest v3.0 firmware.

The C300 doesn't output 23.98P but adds a pull down for 59.94 interlaced output for monitoring.  The Ki Pro Mini isn't usually able to remove pull-down but it can for the C300.

The how-to steps are listed on the AbelCine site:  http://blog.abelcine.com/2012/03/28/using-the-c300-with-the-aja-ki-pro-mini/

Canon 5DIII Philip Bloom Review

Here's a link to Phlip Bloom's review of his Canon 5D Mark III.  His comments are usually true, to the point and fair.  So, what's the verdict?

Mixed.  Let's face it, this camera is $3500 and for $5000 you can get the Sony FS100 which is a superior video camera.  But that's comparing apples and oranges. The FS100 doesn't take stills and it's not as stealthy, if you get my drift.

So, comparing apples to apples, is it worth to upgrade from the Mark II?  In a word, yes.  The cleaner ISO's, audio improvements and the lack of moire is worth it.  Just don't expect less jello effect or to actually do serious audio with this camera.

http://www.studiodaily.com/2012/03/philip-blooms-canon-5d-mark-iii-video-review/

Variable ND Filters

One of the cons of shooting with a DSLR or the FS100 is the lack of built-in ND filters.  You'd like to use a matt box but some EF zoom lenses actually extend when you change focal length so matt boxes won't work.  That leaves screw-on ND filters.

Using a complete set of ND filters can be a pain so some shooters opt for Variable ND filters.  They are basically two polarizing filters set to rotate against each other.  I'm not a polarizer fan because of the color shift.  And I'm not sure they should be called ND filters because the N stands for Neutral and using polarizers will change the color.

Also, you can get a "X bar" across the image as you go darker, especially with a wide angle lens.  There's a great video clip on this blog showing the X bar problem.  Also, this is a 2 page blog so be sure to read both pages:
http://provideocoalition.com/index.php/awilt/story/quick_look_variable_nd_filters/

Easy Release Paperless Release Form

Need a way to release talent and locations out on the road and don't want to carry a bunch of releases?  Easy Release is a electronic release form app that can be used on an iphone, ipad and the Android.

A Wizard style interface guides you step-by-step.  Fill out the information, optionally take a picture of the talent, have them sign on the touch screen using their finger and with a click email the form as either an PDF or JPEG.

It must be legally binding if Getty Images approves it.  And it's only $10 bucks...

http://www.applicationgap.com/apps/easyrelease/

http://news.doddleme.com/equipment/mobile-apps-for-filmmaking-easy-release-review/?utm_source=Daily+News+Template+version+3%2F26%2F12&utm_campaign=3%2F26%2F12+us&utm_medium=email

Okii FC1 USB Remote Focus Control for Canon DSLR's

Zacuto is now selling the Okii (pronounced like "I'm proud to be an Okie") FC1 Focus controller for basically all Canon EOS DSLR's.  The FC1 actually controls the motor in autofocus lenses so it won't work on a manual focus lens... and can be noisy for people using the camera mic.

The good news is it uses the Canon USB protocol so it doesn't interfere with the HDMI port and has been tested with a 25m cable so you can use the FC1 on a jib.  The really cool feature is the FC1 can save four focus points so you can use it as a shot box.

The bad news is it uses Canon USB protocol which means the lens is sent many small messages to move focus instead of one big one.  This means it stair-steps:  Focus changes in small jerks instead of one smooth move.  This is acceptable on some lenses/focal lengths, not acceptable on others.  The FC1 is really more of a remote focus than a Preston replacement.

But the FC1 controls more than focus.  It can remotely set f-stop, ISO, shutter, focus box and start/stop the camera and capture still frames.  And it's also only $400 bucks.

If you don't need to control focus but need a remote for everything else Okii also has the MC1.

There's a video on the Zacuto website plus Gray Jones has a great review at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7dv4lPF6Fc

http://store.zacuto.com/FC1-USB-Focus-Controller.html

Sony Education Center for DP's

Not to be outdone by Canon, Sony is opening own Education Center in Hollywood. Well, Culver City.  The Sony Digital Motion Picture Center (DPMC) is set to open May 1st on Stage 7 at the Sony lot.

The DMPC will offer training for cinematographers and post production types on the use of Sony's Super 35-sized digital sensors including the F65, F3 and FS100.  Developing the curriculum is Curtis Clark, ASC  who works with the ASC's technical committee.

http://www.studiodaily.com/2012/03/sony-to-open-education-center-for-dps-in-los-angeles/

Starbucks Bans Screenwriters

Starbucks bans screenwriters from all 19,435 locations.

Also, Nicolas cage fires sixth grader responsible for picking his movie roles and George Lucas decides to release his chest xray and colonoscopy video in 3D.

http://hollywoodandswine.com/starbucks-bans-screenwriters-from-all-19435-locations-worldwide-wga-vows-fight-decision/

PhotoRec Digital Picture and File Recovery

Are you anxious every time you format a data card?  Breathe a little easier with PhotoRec.  PhotoRec is an open source (read free) multi platform (PC or Mac) data recovery software.  This means PhotoRec may be able to get pictures and video files off of cards that have been formatted.

I admit it, I made a mistake.  After shooting/editing 25 hours in a row I took a picture on a card I'd already downloaded.  After 2 hours sleep I woke up feeling like someone hit me with a 2x4 and formatted the card thinking I'd downloaded everything on it.  To make matters worse, I then started shooting both stills and video on the SDHC card.  I went to check the shots, realized my mistake and immediately pulled the card.  Here's the shot that was erased.

PhotoRec ignores the file system and goes after the underlying data so it may work even if your media's file system is corrupted.  The program is a command line application so you need to be comfortable with that but it does walk you through the recovery steps.  It does need to know what it's recovering so it knows what's garbage and what you're trying to recover.

Hopefully you'll never have to use PhotoRec but I know from experience tired people make mistakes.


http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/PhotoRec

Files recovered by PhotoRec
http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/File_Formats_Recovered_By_PhotoRec

Digital Bolex 2K Raw Camera

The big surprise at SXSW is the Digital Bolex which uses a 16mm sized Kodak CCD that outputs a 2K, 12 bit, 4:4:4 signal.   This is recorded RAW in Adobe Cinema DNG, TIFF, JPEG sequences on dual CF card slots through an SSD buffer drive.  The file size is 2 to 3 MB per frame.  Expect 8-10 minutes of recording on a 32 GB card.

C-mount will be the standard lens mount but PL, EF and even B4 will be available.  Imagine all the ENG glass out there.  The D16 will also have 2 channel, 16 bit, 48 kHz audio with XLR inputs and 1/8" headphone jack.

So, what's the downside?  With a top speed of 400 ASA it would be considered slow these days.  The standard video output for monitoring is only 640x480 and BLACK & WHITE!  And the 16mm sized sensor won't deliver that shallow depth of field that's so popular these days.  But what do you want for $2500 bucks for the first 100?

The first 100 cameras will be available this summer and can be pre-ordered through Kickstarter.   More models are promised in Fall at $3300.

http://www.digitalbolex.com

And read Phillip Bloom's thoughts: http://philipbloom.net/2012/03/13/digitalbolex/

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/joedp/the-digital-bolex-the-1st-affordable-digital-cinem

Blackbird Camera Support

Camera Motion Research's Blackbird Camera Stabilizer is a bigger version of a Merlin type steadicam/Glidecam HD.  The longer arm should give better stabilization (higher ratios or moment of inertia to weight in all axis) and they claim only weighs a half a pound more.

But the area to control pan and tilt is just as small.  There isn't a pole to get a hand on, just a tiny place to pinch with your thumb and forefinger.

Thanks to my buddy/actor/director/filmmaker d. david morin for this action photo of the Blackbird being used with a 5D on a doco in Kenya.  d. david used to live in DTLA (that's DownTown LA for you non SoCal people) and is the only filmmaker in Nairobi with two 5D's and a 60D.

The Blackbird is only $485 bucks but then again you can build your own $15 Steadicam.

http://www.camotionllc.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da4dTGk-G6g&feature=related

Sony F65 8K Camera

Now that they're delivering the Sony F65, here's an older but great blog about the camera.

The name is the price:  You too can pick one up for $65,000.

http://provideocoalition.com/index.php/awilt/story/quick_look_sony_f65_4k_digital_cine_camera/

Canon 5DIII

Canon announced the new 5D Mark III on March 2.  I say that in the past tense because they annoucned in Asia and Europe and that was last night to us so I've been able to read a lot of blogs about the camera. As you can see in the pictures, the 5DIII has been put into basically a 7D body with 7D controls.

The two biggest surprises are the 5DIII is not a big jump in technology (no recording in raw, no clean HDMI, etc.) which make the Nikon people very happy with their super fast 36MP D800.

The other big surprise is the price:  The 5DIII is $3500 bucks, which is a thousand dollars more than the Mark II and only $1000 less than the price of an FS100, considering to have a functioning video camera you still need a $400 Zacuto VF. When the 5DIII is available at the end of March the street price will be around $3200 bucks but still a pretty steep jump.  So, what do you get for that extra $1000 bucks?

A lot of things... if you're a still photographer.  For the video person here's the list:
Headphone jack
Time code
Dual card slots
Better image quality with new processors
Faster by 2 stops:  Noise level on MIII at 6400ASA same as MII at 1600ASA
Video clips are now 30 minutes instead of just 10 minutes.

I've only had heating issues with 7D's but now with the body switch and the 30 minute recording the camera might even get "hot" even faster.

Here's the official Canon press release:
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/about_canon/newsroom/press_releases?pageKeyCode=pressreldetail&docId=0901e024804686e2#