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#

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

Black Magic's $995 TV Studio

The ATEM Television Studio is Black Magic's lowest cost TV studio in a box (scroll half way down the page to find it).   The ATEM has a switcher with up to six camera/vtr inputs, 2 still store channels, and 8 channels of digital audio.  The output of the ATEM is mpg4 and quality of the mpg4 file is adjustable for live streaming or recording to hard drive.   There is also an HDMI and SDI output for monitors.

I spent a day working with it and although you can use the mouse I found myself using the keyboard as the switcher, using the number keys to set preview and the enter key to make transitions.

The actual hardware is single space rack mounted unit that's just an inch thick not including the heat sync.  It has four HDMI inputs and four SDI inputs, although only six are usable at a time.  And the output can be HD (both flavors) or SD.

So what's the downside?  The audio seems the weakest part.  It has no analog inputs so you need some kind of analog to digital adapter.  When I used it this created a four frame audio offset (audio first) so everything is barely out of sync.  You have to use some kind of audio delay device.

But the image quality is good, we were able to use 3 different model of cameras and they matched well plus the ATEM didn't seem to mind different camera frame rates.  In a test we had one camera shooting 24p and the rest 60i and the switcher cut beautifully.

This is the future of multi-camera TV, it's just that 5 years from now we'll have it built into all our laptops and be able to use our wireless iphones as cameras.  Here's a great blog about the for you potential webcasters.

http://www.studiotech.tv/studiotech-the-television-studio/

http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/atem/models/

Rode DSLR Mics with Built-In Recorder

Rode has a pair of new mics specifically built for the DSLR market, each with a built in microSD recorder.

The VideoMicHD is a cardioid shotgun with 3 different recording options: 2 channel mono, 2 channel mono with one channel attenuated 20db for clipping problems and a balanced audio signal.  It also has a mini-plug input.

The VideoMicPro doesn't seem to be very pro at all but still is able to record.

But doesn't this give you all the disadvantages of dual system sound with none of the advantages?  And how do you adjust levels when you're recording without shaking the camera?  In fact, I don't see an level control anywhere?  I just don't get it...

http://news.doddleme.com/equipment/rode-announces-a-pair-of-dslr-centric-microphones/

JVC 4K Camcorder at CES

JVC launched the new GY-HMQ10, a 1/2" CMOS 8.3 million pixel sensor camcorder that captures and records 4K (3820x2160) at 24p, 50p and 60p.  It records 2 hours of AVCHD video to SDHC or SDXC cards at a bit rate of up to 144Mbps.  That's a lot, like what my F900 puts out.

The f2.8 10x zoom is glued on the front (no interchangeable lenses) and although it's being called a consumer camera it has XLR inputs with phantom power.  Also how many consumer cameras allow live monitoring/projection via four HDMI terminals.

This won't be the last 4K camera from JVC.  It is expected 4K pro cameras will be announced at NAB.

http://www.studiodaily.com/main/news/headlines/13621.html

Film Slowly Fades To Black

Within the last year, ARRI, Panavision and Aaton have all ceased production of their film cameras to focus exclusively on the design and manufacture of digital cameras.  According to ARRI, the company has only built film cameras to order since 2009.  Panavision built its last Millennium XL in 2009.

Film Craft, a lab in Detroit, closed its doors after 90 years of business, leaving one film lab (Astro) in the Midwest.  And despite Cinesite, Kodak is slowly fading to black as they prepare to file Chapter 11.

I've been predicting the end of film since the Ikegami EC 35 with it's fancy Plumbicon tubes but now that the end is actually here it's kinda sad.  I'll miss the sound of film purring through the gate.

But I won't miss the weight of a Platinum with a grand on my shoulder...

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kodak-prepares-chapter-11-bankruptcy-278689

http://www.ikegami.com/br/products/sdtv/ec35.html