Lytro's Light Field Camera

It's an over-used phrase but the Lytro's Light Field Camera really could be a game changer.  

I've always said that everything can be fixed in post except focus.  With the Light Field camera that's no longer a problem.

http://www.lytro.com/cameras

Zacuto's Camera Shootout 2011 Part One

Here's the link to Zacuto's Camera Shootout 2011: Part One.   This year Robert Primes, ASC compared 12 pro large sensor cameras and part one specifically looks at dynamic range and latitude.  

You don't have to watch the full 30 minutes.  What you really want to see is:
The Shadow Detail Test at 12:16
The Highlight Detail Test at 17:56
Over and Under Exposure Latitude at 21:26.

What's interesting is how the different camera's latitude range is divided between shadow and highlight.  It reminds me of the adage, "Expose for the highlights in video, expose for the shadows in film".

I'll cut to the chase:  The Sony F35, Alexa and Red MX are the big winners and probably in that order, although it's really hard to see noise and detail on a highly compressed web video.

On the other hand, some of the cameras are one tenth the price of the big boys but give 90% of the picture quality... and you can light around that difference.

Unfortunately, they don't rate the ASA of the different cameras.  The test was shot at 320 ASA (maybe so film could be included) but I'd really like to see the same tests at 800 ASA.  

http://www.zacuto.com/the-great-camera-shootout-2011/episode-one

DIY Equipment

Trying to save some money on camera support gear?  Get out your PVC cutter....

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/7g7nma/www.abracadabravideos.com/DIY/DIYpage1.htm

Viewfactor

Remember the old America the Beautiful film at Disneyland?  Ever wanted to do Circle-Vision 360 yourself but thought it was too expensive?  Now you can.

Saw this at the Viewfactor booth at CineGear Expo.  There's but nothing about on the website but still... pretty cool.  Now, if they just made something for "bullet time"...

Spintec Rain Deflector

Saw the Spintec Rain Deflector at Cine Gear.  What a great gadget for shooting in rain or mist.

A little expensive at $1725 bucks but I guess if you have to have one, you have to have one.  I think you can rent it for $225 a day.  But $225 bucks buys a lot of Rain X...

http://www.innovision-optics.com/prod/spintec.shtml

Alexa Studio

The Arri Alexa and Alexa Plus is going to be joined by a third model, the Arri Alexa Studio.

The Studio incorporates 2 major differences.  First, it has a 35mm sized 4x3 chip for shooting anamorphic.  And second, the Studio will come with an optical viewfinder for the old school film types.  They were still showing the mock-up at Cine Gear.

Arri claims that it's easier for the operator to judge focus with an optical viewfinder rather than electronic but now that the A/C's have a monitor and people back at video village are watching large HD monitors I think everyone on set can judge focus.

http://www.arri.com/press/press_english/press_release.html?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=668&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=1781&cHash=74419939d9

SpyderCrane Mini Crawler

Creepiest thing I saw at CineGear was the SpyderCrane Mini Crawler.

The SpyderCrane was designed for confined areas, able to get through doorways but it looks really great for getting a lift on uneven ground or slopes.

http://www.spydercrane.com/mini%20crawlers/mini_crawlers.html

Old School TV Cameras

Eyes of a Generation is a great site for those interested in old time TV equipment... and no cracks!  Although I do have to admit I think I ran a TK-47...

Although, I do have to admit I think I ran a TK-47...

http://www.eyesofageneration.com/cameras.php

Sony F65

Sony enters the 4k market with the F65.   They'll give RED a run for the money with this camera with an 8k sensor.  The F65's got a 20 Megapixel Super 35 sized sensor with an active image area of 18.3 Megapixels with a 1.9:1 aspect ratio.

I got my hands on it at CineGear and it basically feels very F35ish.

The battery looking thing is actually a  dockable SRMemory Card recorder.  The capacities available are 256 Gb, 512 Gb 1TB.  This is where the data rates don't add up.  A memory card recording at 24 fps will store about an hour of footage in 4K16bit RAW and up to 8 hours of HD.

http://pro.sony.com/bbsccms/ext/digitalcinematography/f65.html

a Sony FS-100

Here's something impressive I saw at CineGear.  I also saw this Sony FS-100.  That chip is the same one as the F3, which is 40% larger than the chip on the Panasonic AF-100.

Is the picture quality as good as the F3?  In a word, no.  But the 100 is $6000 and the F3 $16,000 and the picture difference isn't worth $10,000 grand.

But they did dumb down the FS100 to get you to spend the extra money.  The F3 is 10 bit, the 100 is 8 bit.  The F3 has HDSDI for outboard recording and the 100 only has HDMI.  As an operator, my biggest pet peeve is the 100 doesn't have behind the lens ND filters.  But strangely, the 100 records full 1080 at 60 frames where the F3 can only record slo-mo at 720 lines.

The F3 also has a zoom rocker switch and the 100 doesn't, although the 100 has the e-mount which allows for both auto-focus and auto-iris.  Birger Engineering also showed their  follow focus/lens control which fits between the lens and the camera body which allows yout to control focus and iris thru the lens' electronics  I bet this ends up as an iphone app before long.

Here's an AF100 Overview by Able Cine and a bunch of good stuff at Cinema 5D.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ol3Lx2gvo0&feature=related

http://www.cinema5d.com/news/?category_name=fs100

http://www.birger.com/

RED Scarlet/Epic Light

New test footage from the Epic Light renamed back to the Scarlet again.
RED Scarlet Test Footage on reduser.net.

The Scarlet does have the 2/3" chip so depth of field is forever but I do like the way the RED handles the highlights.  Take a look, look takers...

http://reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?59527-Scarlet-8x-internal-120FPS-test

Technicolor CineStyle

Log space comes to the Canon 5D.  Technicolor as been working with Canon USA to create CineStyle which puts the standard H.264 REC709 color space into a log color space.  This includes both video and stills.

What does this mean to you the user?  Like all log space recordings, the image looks very low contrast and washed out on the monitor but all the detail is recorded, especially in the shadows.

This also means that you have to color correct every shot you take.  No wonder Technicolor is giving it away.  And by last Saturday, according to the Technicolor guys at CineGear Expo 35,000 people had downloaded CineStyle.

Even if you were at CineExpo it was easy to miss the sign that directed you to Technicolor where they were showing off CineStyle and what you could do with it, especially using Technicolor's DP Lights on-set color correction system.  Technicolor has a suite of new products, including DP Lights, Share Vue, Your Vue, Movie Slate and CineStyle.

CineStyle will work on any DSLR but it is optimized for the 5D II, which is what they see being used as a second camera in work they are taking in shop.

And check out some examples of log space shooting at Phillip Bloom's blog.

http://www.technicolor.com/en/hi/cinema/filmmaking/digital-printer-lights/cinestyle

http://www.technicolor.com/en/hi/advertising/commercials/digital-printer-lights

http://philipbloom.net/2011/05/10/various-example-of-technicolor-cinestyle-for-canon-dslrs/

Continuity for iPad

Know any Scripty's?  Continuity is probably not ready for prime time but one to keep your eye on this app.  iPad only.

http://continuity.n00bdev.com/

http://www.ipadappsdude.com/continuity-utilities/

Chinese 3D Porn

Finally, proof that 3D is not a fad: Chinese 3D porn.

You can't even make up stuff like this...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/apr/06/china-3d-porn-film-released

TechnoJib

Looking for something like a TechnoCrane but lighter, cheaper and can be operated by one person?

The TechoJib comes in two sizes:  The TechnoJib 15 with a 9' reach and the TechnoJib 24' with 15' of extension.

The jib can telescope out at a rate of 5' per second, fast enough to knock any grip or talent to the ground in less than 3 seconds!

The west coast contact is http://www.telescopicjib.com/

AE: Creating An Audience With One Person

A neat little After Effects tutorial.

http://ae.tutsplus.com/tutorials/vfx/creating-a-full-audience-with-depth-from-one-person/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+aetuts+%28Aetuts%2B%29

Luminair ipad/iphone app

The Luminair ipad app almost makes me want to be a Lighting Director again.  No more dimmer board 'cause you carry it around in your pocket.

Thru DMX you can control a Universe (512 channels) with a single ipad.   512 channels sounds like a lot but these days lights use multiple channels, 23 channels for a moving light and 3 channels for each LED light.  But these are grouped so you can change colors instantly with a simple picker.

I was talking to an LD for the Food Network who now has to use two separate Universes to light his show.  He has one ipad/Universe just for moving lights and another ipad/Universe for LED washes and tungsten sources.

Plus, he has two more in back-up running blacked out in case the primary ipads freeze on him... which has happened to him on a live show.  I've been there!  He simply unblacks the back-ups and runs the show on those.  So, a dimmer board with 1024 channels and a back-up dimmer board for $2400 bucks... the price of 4 ipads.

While he runs his own board in the booth, his gaffer is on the floor with the iphone app, focusing lights, etc.

Manufacturers are just starting to make lights with built in routers so each is like a mini-computer that can be controlled wirelessly.  Then all you have to do is figure out how to make those lights battery powered and we'll never have to run a cable again!

Check out the videos on the website and on youtube.  This one will lead you to a bunch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5yJQ8RzIZ0&feature=related

http://synthe-fx.com/products/luminairipad
http://synthe-fx.com/products/luminair

More on FCP X

Larry Jordan gives a better report on the new FCP X.  He brings up a bunch of stuff I never knew like no matter how much ram you have in your computer FCP 7 was never designed to use more than 4GB.

FCP X is a whole new animal but that triggers bigger questions such as will my FCP 7 project open up in X?  Like Larry says, it's not only what they're talking about but what they're not talking about.

http://www.larryjordan.biz/app_bin/wordpress/archives/1452#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed

Black Magic Hyperdeck Shuttle

OK, this is a little cheaper.  Still uses the expensive but fast SSD (more expensive than cards) but the drive unit it cheap, just $345.

http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/hyperdeckshuttle/

FCP X

Why is it called FCP X?  Because it's not a new version of the old FCP.  It's completely new, made to take full advantage of newer computer technology.  Plus, it's only $299.

Note there's no mention of "Studio".  No Color, no Soundtrack but perhaps that's all ready built in.  Available in June.

http://philipbloom.net/2011/04/13/new-apple-64-bit-final-cut-pro-x-announced-for-299-available-in-june/

Script Cops

Script Cops.  I do love the bit at 3:39... or does it make me a little nervous?

http://vimeo.com/7027154

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