Mini Skater

The Mini Skater is new take on an old idea.  I've always just used a skate board or put the camera on a blanket and pulled it around but this can be much more precise.

See the degree markings around the wheels?  There's a chart that tells you at what angle to set the wheels to  get a certain dolly circumference.  This means repeatable dollies around a point.

Plus, there's a quick way to adjust the tilt.  But you still can't tilt while shooting.  Pretty cool demo reel...

http://www.budgetvideo.com/detail.php?prod=47799dcf15bd3&sub=44a8523202cea

Top 10 Dying Industries

For those of you planning to spend money on post stuff at NAB... like FCP whatever.  Well, at least I'm not in newspapers or clothing manufacturing.  And I really did get out of post back in 1994.

I do love the guy's rant at the bottom of the blog....

http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2011/03/28/top-10-dying-industries/

Sony F65 8Kx2K Sensor Camera

Sony has announced its newest CineAlta camera featuring an 8K x 2K chip. That gives the new 8K CMOS inside a total pixel count of 20.4 million pixels, far more than the roughly 8.8 million pixels of the current 4K x 2K sensors in other existing cameras on the market (read RED). 

The new sensor size obviously also brings with it higher color reproduction and resolution than can be captured by those other 4K sensors (read RED). But don't confuse sensor size, pixel density and resolution with the recording format. The images are still recorded and output in 16-bit RAW 4K (16:8:8)!

It is unofficially called the "F65." The official name will be released at NAB, where Sony will be showing a prototype along with a 1 TB SR memory card that can hold up to 60 minutes of content shot at 24 fps (more on that new card below, in the HDCAM-SR section). At the time, executives estimated the camera would begin shipping in early summer. 


www.studiodaily.com/main/technology/newgear/13027.html

Shooting News With The iPad

A news station does a shootout between a Varicam and an iPad.  Okay, we all know the P2 looks better but it doesn't have a built in transmitter like an iPad.  I can see Anderson Cooper carrying one around in some Middle East country.

To see the future, click the link, link clickers...

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvspy/wkrg-tests-ipad-2-against-traditional-news-camera_b7913?c=rss

Sony NEX-FS100

The NEX-FX100 is Sony's answer to the Panasonic AF100.  The Sony FX100 has been described as a combination of EX-1 and DSLR with it's Super 35mm sensor, XLR inputs, headphone jack, etc.  The FX100 records the usual AVCHD to cheap SD cards and can also record uncompressed 4:2:2 from the full size HDMI connector.

Your first question is how much and when?  It priced like the Pansonic 100 and was slated to be available late summer/early fall, but we'll see if the earthquake changes that.  My first question is why they both have to call their cameras the 100.  I guarantee this will cause some confusion.

Watch the demo, it's really informative.  And watch the rock video at the end.  The DOF is great but I'm not crazy about how it handles highlights and the bokeh of that lens.  The overall picture looks filmish but the highlights scream video.

http://blog.planet5d.com/2011/03/hot-first-video-from-the-just-announced-sony-nex-fs100e-–-digital-super-35mm/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Planet5dBlog+%28Planet5D+Blog%29

Tape Stock Shortage

Is it time to start hoarding tape stock?  And camera parts?

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/could-electronic-equipment-shortages-caused-by-japan-disaster-hinder-tv-news-operations_b58321?c=rss

5D Magic Lantern 5.0 Firmware

Magic Lantern AJ5.0 Firmware for the 5D that gives you zebras, false color, headphone jack and a bunch of other stuff.

Tempting... but still a Beta version.

http://www.movingimagecork.net/2011/03/19/magic-lantern-v2-for-canon-5dmk2/

http://blog.planet5d.com/2011/03/fantastic-new-magic-lantern-canon-eos-5d-mark-ii-firmware-version-announced/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Planet5dBlog+%28Planet5D+Blog%29

SideKick HD

Something I've heard about from a couple of different sources is the SideKick HD from Fast Forward Video.  It's a portable digital video recorder with HDSDI and HDMI inputs/outputs that captures 4:2:2/10 bit video straight to Pro Res.  What's also cool is it has a built in 4" LCD monitor.

The bad news?  It cost $2500 bucks.  The even worse news?  It uses removable 2.5 SATA solid state drives that cost $867.95 a piece... and that's at B&H!

http://www.ffv.com/products/high-definition/sidekick-hd/

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/755016-REG/Fast_Forward_Video_301_TA090_1_sideKick_HD_Portable_Digital.html

Manos: Hands of Fate

For those of you who bemoan how things have changed, not shooting film anymore or that all web video is crap I give you Manos:  Hands of Fate.  Which translates into Hands: Hands of Fate.  Check out that lipsync, the whole film was looped.

Makes you feel better about your work now, doesn't it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBAMDPLo70o

And listen to the Torgo Dance, if you dare.  If only this was a ringtone.  It's stuck in my head now and will be stuck in yours all weekend...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW5GbHShsjY&feature=related

Zylight IS3

The Zylight IS3 caught my eye, specifically this knob on the back of the Zylight IS3.

Sure, you can adjust intensity and color temp but you can also control plus and minus green.  Nice!

http://www.zylight.com/servlet/Page?template=p_i_is3

lynda.com

I was having a discussion last night about "free" tutorials on youtube.com vs. linda.com.  And then this crossed my desktop this morning:

Beware Bad FCP Tutorials
http://www.studiodaily.com/blog/?p=5693

Does everyone know about lynda.com?   It's a website that has video tutorials on just about every program anyone in production and post-production uses.

It can be a lifesaver, especially in the wee hours of the night when you're on deadline and have a problem you just can't figure out how to solve.  Or you know you've done something before but it's been a year since you did it and can't remember how you did it.  And this always happens about midnight when it's too late to call west coast friends and too early to call people in the east.

I'm not getting paid or have some affiliate program or own stock in the company.  But at least go to the site and bookmark it for some late night.  And check with your friends to see if anybody already subscribes, not that I'm saying that you should use that friends account.  That would be wrong.  Like downloading songs for free and I know none of you would do that.

http://www.lynda.com/Member.aspx

Segway Dolly Shots

A DP in South Carolina is using a modified Segway to get some pretty cool shots in this Demo.

He swears he isn't using a Steadicam (which I've seen used with Segways before) but he's got to be using something, especially since you lean to move the Segway and the horizon stays level enough in the shots.  I'm guessing he's using one of these things while riding.

I'd love to see a shot of him working the Segway.

http://www.vimeo.com/21024469

Technicolor To Open New Film Lab In Glendale

I read this headline and thought film isn't dead, yet.

Then I read deeper into the article and it turns out the new lab will replace the much larger Technicolor lab at Universal Studios that is shutting down in June.  About 100 of the 360 workers laid off will be re-hired at the new lab.  Yikes.  No matter how they word it that still means 260 people will be out of a job.

The new lab will focus (pun intended?) on 70mm prints which are still in high demand thanks to IMAX.

Film isn't dead but it gets closer each day...

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/02/technicolor.html

Lumix FX77 Beauty Retouch Mode

The new Panasonic Lumix FX77 has a "Beauty Retouch Mode" that lets you clear skin blemishes, whiten teeth, lift cheeks, emphasize eyes and add make-up right in the camera.

Use the touch screen to change what you think needs fixing.  Why wait for post?

How soon until this is in every camera?

http://www.petapixel.com/2011/03/02/panasonic-lumix-fx77-can-whiten-teeth-and-apply-makeup-to-faces/

Multiplying Actors in Post

A good "How'd-They-Do-That" article about Multiplying Actors in FCP and AE.

What's interesting is the green treadmill.

 And it's the color correction that really gives the shot it's cold Battle of the Bulge feel.  You don't have to shoot in the snow and the mud!

Watch the trailer but be sure to scroll down and read the article.


http://www.studiodaily.com/filmandvideo/currentissue/Multiplying-Soldiers-in-Final-Cut-and-After-Effects_12954.html.

Cineroid EVF

A review on the Cineroid EVF

I don't like the separate battery but it looks like a good product... with a terrible name.

http://vimeo.com/20020137

Chicken Powered Steadicam

Here's science at work:  The Chicken Powered Steadicam.

What's attracted my attention was the camera:  The 808.  If you think the GoPro is too expensive, this is the camera for you.  The cheapest I found it was $13 bucks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adlgpovEv7g&feature=related
http://www.wordplop.com/2010/10/15/the-808-keychain-micro-camera/
http://www.meritline.com/car-keys-micro-camera-camera---p-45412.aspx?source=fghdac

Sony F3 Firmware Upgrade Cost

The Sony PMW-F3 costs a whopping $16,000 (you could buy 3 AF-100's for the same money) but is supposed to be worth the cost because of the S-log and dual link option.  What Sony doesn't mention is the firmware upgrade to get these functions was going to cost more.

Sony just tweeted the cost of the firmware upgrade.   To get the dual link RGB, S-log, 3G, and 9 pre-loaded LUTS to monitor the S-log is going to run you another $3500 bucks.

Here's a little more about the advantages of S-Log.

The biggest disadvantages are you do have to color correct everything in post and I've read that when you use S-Log mode you loose a stop.



http://twitter.com/CineAltaNews/status/42450178967474176

http://provideocoalition.com/index.php/sony/story/log_rolling_with_the_sony_f3/

Epic Test Footage

Epic M8 Test Footage worth watching... and the camera doesn't look bad either.

http://www.freshdv.com/2011/02/epic-beauty-footage.html

Furio Dolly

The Furio is a motorized dolly with a telescopic lift and a remote head that can run on straight or curved track only 16" wide.  This is great for directors trying to hide cameras in other camera's shots.

But it doesn't come cheap.  It rents from anywhere between $1200-1700 a day, plus operator.  But now you can shoot award shows and you don't have to wear black...

Tower Cam

Here's a camera support system you'll probably saw on the Oscars operated by my old friend Dave Eastwood.

The Standard Tower Cam can go from 5'-15' as fast as 3' per second while carrying 132 pounds (I guess that means I can't ride along).   You can also hang the Tower Cam upside down from the grid so the camera comes down.

There's also different sizes:  The Tower Cam XS is 3'-5, the FX is 6'-16' and the Tower Cam XL goes 10' to a whopping 32'.

Finally, there is the CruiseCam, a remote controlled motor assisted dolly.  You can mount a Tower Cam onto the CruiseCam for complete remote operation, like a Furio, but the Cruise Cam can also be controlled by a riding operator via a foot pedal.

He's rents these along with all his jibs and Steadicams.  Check out his website at http://www.fluidpicturesinc.com/

Field of View Calculator

Here's somehting handy, the AbleCine Field of View Calculator.

Not only does it compare Field of View for just about every popular camera but shows a Sensor Size Overlay, gives the dimensions of the sensors and tells you the crop factor in both directions.

http://www.abelcine.com/fov/

Canon RC-6

My buddy Jeff Vasquez has been working on a Stand Up Paddle Movie and has been getting some great stills and video using his Canon 7D and some very long glass.

Telephoto lenses not only magnify the image but every time you touch the tripod or camera.  Jeff found that every time he started the camera he would get a little vibration at the head of each shot from pushing the start button.  I've heard others are having the same problem.

A cheap solution is the Canon RC-6 remote control.  Only $30 bucks MSRP and even less at B&H and Amazon.  But the trick is the IR sensor is on the front of the camera.  I've been told the IR signal will bounce off the walls in a small room so you can start the camera from behind.  But outside you'll need to hold the remote in your lens hand.  Tie it off to the camera and after starting the camera just let go of the remote.  Or at least that's the theory...

http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_246251_-1

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&N=0&Q=&Ntt=%2Bcanon+Rc-6+Remote&A=endecaSearch

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-RC-6-Wireless-Controller-Digital/dp/B0037NX6JY

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001483690867&ref=ts

http://www.vasquezstudios.com/

Tilt Shift Taco App

After playing with Brad Hagen's AF-100 over at Video Resources we went to lunch.  Brad had previously told me about this cool Tilt Shift App for the iphone and I had downloaded the free version.  When the food came instead of eating hot food we took pictures of our plates.  That's what happens when DP's go to lunch together.

I decided to use the window to backlight my taco and used a white paper napkin leaned against my water glass to fill.  I thought I was pretty cool until I saw Brad using the chrome napkin dispenser as a reflector...

Check out Brad's Blog, The Happy Fork and see what he had for lunch and more of the Tilt Shift app.

http://artandmobile.com/tiltshift/

http://www.thehappyfork.com/

The Ninja and the AF100

I went to Video Resources last week to check out their Panasonic AF100's and see what they are using for lenses.  Brad Hagen was an early RED adopter (he bought RED cameras #15 and #16) and got his two AF100's back in December.

BTW, last year Brad upgraded his two RED's to MX cameras and wouldn't go back.  You can check out tests between the old chip and the X on his website ShootWithRed.  Brad says he shoots anything with audio with the RED and carries his 5D for b-roll.  Now he's starting using the AF100 in the same role as the RED because the AF100 has XLR inputs, level control, proper monitoring, etc.

While the AF100 has the large sensor shallower depth of field of the RED there is a huge difference in data rate.  That 25mgps Panasonic codec can't compete with R3D.  But Brad is looking to close the gap with the help of a Ninja.

No, not some guy in black pajamas but the Atomos Ninja, a new box that accepts HDMI in and uses swappable hard drives so you can archive using cheap hd's.  Plus, it's only $1000.

And what about my original interest, what is he using for lenses?  Mostly his RED zooms.  I've heard more than one person complain about the RED zoom but they looked pretty sharp to me, especially for the price.  I wasn't looking at a chart (but then again, I don't shoot charts) but it looked about as sharp as the prime we also tried (Brad has a full set of RED Pro Primes).

And he had a little Panasonic G 20mm f1.7 pancake lens that looked pretty good... especially for $350 bucks!  What was really surprising was the weight:  The AF100 weighs less than three pounds.  Add the pancake lens and a battery and the total rig couldn't weigh four pounds.  Now there's a camera even I wouldn't mind using on a Steadi-cam.

http://www.atomos.com/
http://www.videoresources.com/
http://shootwithred.com/
http://www.red.com/store/lenses/product/red-zoom-18-50mm-t3-i

Arri Alexa Direct To Edit

A really funny video showing the Arri Alexa Direct To Edit feature.

What makes it even funnier is it was shot on a Red....

http://www.freshdv.com/2011/02/inspiration-alexa.html

Do You Like Fighting Robots?

Didn't take a job today because the production got bigger as the budget got smaller.  Hmmm.  A lot of that going around....

http://vfxsoldier.wordpress.com/2010/11/04/do-you-like-fighting-robots/

I especially like the tag line "Commentary On The Visual Effects Industry's March To The Bottom".

First RED EPIC M8 Footage

Here ya go:  http://www.freshdv.com/2011/02/epic-m8-footage.html

Only it's not exactly the Hobbit.  Can't believe it takes that many people in post to make these images...

Sachtler DSLR Tripod

Now that I'm so used to a very light head I wonder if this Sachtler isn't overkill for a 3 pound camera?  But I do like that dovetail plate that gets the camera and lens up above the adapter plate.

http://www.sachtler.com/en/fluid-head-cine-dslr.html

What A VFX Artist Really Does

Have you ever wanted to work on cool movies and do those big visual effects?

Maybe this will change your mind:
http://www.cracked.com/article_18486_the-5-miserable-vfx-jobs-that-make-movies-possible.html

Alexa Simulator

This is fun... if you're a camera geek like me.

It's a Alexa Simulator that allows you to play with, uh, I mean, learn the software menu structure on the Alexa.

http://www.arridigital.com/simulator/index.html

Shooting in LOG

 Confused about shooting log?  No, not this. Here's a pretty good explanation.

http://blog.abelcine.com/2011/02/03/why-shoot-in-log/

Go Pro LCD

I'm sure you all know about the GoPro.  You can buy these things off the shelf at the local surf shots.

One of the Go Pro's big limitations was it didn't have an LCD screen to set a shot, it was more of a point and shoot thing.  Well, Go Pro has come up with a monitor that includes a screen and speaker for only $80 bucks!

Moreover, they've got a clever way of attaching it so there's no wires and you can easily detach the monitor to keep the camera as small and light as possible.  One caveat, it can't be used with the cheaper 960 and 170 models because they don't have the back port.

I guess you could buy just one monitor and use it to set all your shots.  I've worked with both the Sony and Panasonic lipstick cameras and the cheap one cost over two thousand.  That means you could buy 10 Go Pros... and a monitor for the same price.

I think this is going to give Sony and Pansonic a run for their, I mean, your money.

http://gopro.com/hd-hero-accessories/lcd-bacpac/

Eye Direct

Eye Direct:  Solving the problem of getting non-talent to look in the camera lens?

Or just creepy?

http://philipbloom.net/2011/01/27/eyedirect/