tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17385838629749371022012-01-25T10:40:57.399ZDavid Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4181100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-50066177321094217792012-01-19T19:02:00.003Z2012-01-20T00:02:08.384Z

Blackmagic Design's latest version of its HyperDeck Shuttle solid-state disk recorder adds broadcast-quality 10-bit recording and playback to Avid's DNxHD format, but still costs the same, at about £250/$345. The HyperDeck Shuttle 2 can run the HyperDeck 2.0 software (currently downloadable as a public beta), which adds DNxHD for five-times longer compressed recording than the existing

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-47222101882933513412012-01-10T17:10:00.003Z2012-01-11T12:36:36.199Z

JVC has launched the world’s first handheld 4K camcorder, this week, at CES in Las Vegas. The GY-HMQ10, which captures, records and plays back video at four times the resolution of HD, will have a list price [Updated] of £5,090/€5,850 and is expected to ship in March [the price had originally been given as $/€4,995, but prices have since been revised (I've only been sent UK and EU prices so far),

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-68715750638450121612012-01-10T17:00:00.002Z2012-01-10T18:00:59.773Z

PAG has released what it claims is an industry first, a compact new PAGlink charger that can do linked battery charging. The £416 PAGlink PL16 Charger can charge up to 16 PAGlink V-Mount Li-Ion batteries at once - eight per channel, on the compact, two-position charger. PAGlink batteries can be linked together in multiples - up to eight, to combine capacities for longer camera run time, and

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-18744299932395535302011-12-16T16:09:00.005Z2012-01-10T17:44:32.741Z

UPDATE - December 24: Matt Grant (@MGcam on Twitter) has won our Blackmagic Design HyperDeck Shuttle competition. Congratulations Matt... Many thanks to all of you who took part. [[Competition now closed....]] We recently reviewed Blackmagic Design’s HyperDeck Shuttle. Now we have one of the uncompressed portable recorders to give away. The very nice people at Blackmagic said we didn't have to

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-85866895340897979412011-12-13T17:29:00.001Z2011-12-14T16:10:05.009Z

Teradek's new Bond is claimed to be the lowest-cost device that enables on-location video transmission over mobile phone networks by combining multiple 3G dongles for fast, reliable upload speeds.  It should allow higher quality video to be uploaded to the internet or to a receiver from anywhere with access to a 3G network. Bond is based on Teradek's Cube encoder technology, and the

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-31816329092817405332011-12-13T13:57:00.000Z2011-12-13T13:57:31.379Z

Submissions opened today for the second Vimeo Festival + Awards, celebrating the most creative and original videos online. Vimeo (which we use to host our videos) will award Grants of $5,000 to all category winners as well as $25,000 for the Grand Prize winner. The number of online viewers has risen dramatically over the past couple of years, allowing content creators to reach a large audience

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-6749480576503708522011-12-11T00:02:00.002Z2012-01-19T23:59:18.059Z

[UPDATE: Matt Grant (@MGcam on Twitter) has won our Blackmagic Design HyperDeck Shuttle competition. Congratulations Matt] [UPDATE 2: Blackmagic has released new HyperDeck Shuttle 2, which adds ability to record Avid's DNxHD compressed format] There are now quite a few field recorders available to allow you record higher quality video from your video camera or DSLR. I reviewed the Ninja not

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-48583276752088104442011-12-01T17:40:00.001Z2011-12-01T18:00:10.413Z

The new PRG TruColor Foton uses remote phosphor technology to provide more accurate colour than LED lights. The small, lightweight variable-beam light is also claimed to be powerful, inexpensive and water resistant. It is the first portable broadcast lamp to use remote phosphor, where an internal light source strikes a crystal impregnated with rare earth elements that then glows brightly. The

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-30765156402480206752011-11-30T17:43:00.000Z2011-11-30T17:43:34.390Z

Sony is adding a "second screen", such as an iPad or smartphone, to its XDCAM workflow, to make it simpler to add metadata and integrate the file format with post. It has also started a Europe-wide tour offering day-long training seminars to users. The new XM Pilot wireless metadata system "speeds up your workflow and reduces your costs in post by allowing you to flow logging information and

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-57943718595413404312011-11-29T16:57:00.001Z2011-11-29T17:01:33.331Z

Anyone in London who wants to get their hands on the new Canon EOS C300 large-sensor XF camcorder has at least two opportunities in the coming week or so. Creative Video has a hands-on day with the EOS C300 on Thursday (December 1), with three sessions (at 10am, 2pm and 6pm), at CVP in Brentford, TW8 9EX (on the A4 near Sky). ProKit in Chiswick has its Digital Cinema Open Day from 10am to 4pm

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-64054036650975535882011-11-25T19:06:00.001Z2011-11-25T19:11:03.470Z

Autocue has developed a new professional, handheld camera stabiliser, the Motion Pro, for DSLRs and compact camcorders. "Autocue's Motion Pro is a great little handheld stabiliser. Like all stabilisers it takes a lot of practice, but the lightness of the device, coupled with the excellent build quality, makes this a great way to get those super slick shots without killing your arms," said

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-70054386960336908262011-11-18T17:56:00.000Z2011-11-18T17:56:35.718Z

Grass Valley has unveiled new 3D tools for its Edius multiformat nonlinear editing software and is adding 3D support for editing peripherals to provide a complete stereoscopic 3D post production workflow. The Storm 3G and Storm 3G Elite editing platforms will both be supported via the Edius timeline with stereoscopic 3D I/O through a single 3G SDI source and/or dual 3G SDI signals. “We see 3D

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-7474731887251314152011-11-18T17:32:00.000Z2011-11-18T17:32:06.050Z

The new Matrox MC-100 is a dual SDI-to-HDMI mini converter that supports a wide range of display resolutions through 3G, Dual Link-, HD-, and SD-SDI, and lets users monitor, distribute, switch, multiplex, and converge video signals. It costs £349 ($495, €399) and can be used as an HD-SDI switcher, a distribution amplifier, a multiplexer, and a 3D processing unit. “Now, rather than purchasing

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-9287522648467389312011-11-07T17:45:00.000Z2011-11-07T17:45:29.371Z

Arri's Alexa is to gain full support for in-camera recording of Avid's DNxHD format as MXF files in the new year, giving users the same simple workflow it has offered for Final Cut Pro with Avid's Media Composer. It is something that Alexa users have been asking for, and Arri has been talking to Avid about, for a long time, and will mean that Alexa will be the first digital cinema camera to

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-23943112338716693782011-11-04T12:58:00.000Z2011-11-04T12:58:00.649Z

Red Digital Cinema has finally introduced its long-awaited Scarlet, low-cost digital cinema camera. The Scarlet-X will record 4K video from 1-30 frames per second, and also shoot stills in burst modes of up to 12fps at full 5K resolution, so that photographers and cinematographers can simultaneously capture motion and stills. Scarlet-X has a compact, modular design, like the high-end Epic, and

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-90890623368729238372011-11-04T12:46:00.001Z2011-11-04T13:05:47.447Z

Canon has entered the digital cinematography market with a $20,000 HD camera, the EOS C300, which is the first part of the new Canon Cinema EOS system, including lenses, and digital SLR cameras. The C300 will expand Canon's XF range, as it records the 50Mbps, 4:2:2 MPEG-2 MXF format to its dual Compact Flash card slots. It also has an HD-SDI port for uncompressed recording. Christina has the

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-23401287155170082162011-11-03T18:45:00.001Z2011-11-03T18:46:01.878Z

The Matrox Mojito MAX  is claimed to be a first professional I/O card with an onboard H.264 encoding accelerator. The new PCIe card includes SDI, HDMI and analogue HD/SD video and professional audio connections. Alongside the release, Matrox has announced support for the new Avid Media Composer 6, on this card and the rest of its MXO2 devices. The Mojito MAX offers broadcast-quality input and

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-67125782903067099932011-11-03T18:30:00.000Z2011-11-03T18:30:52.208Z

Blackmagic Design has released Desktop Video 9.0, a new software update for its products with advanced capture and playback for the Avid Media Composer 6 family (including Symphony and NewsCutter), for both Windows 7 and Mac OS X. Desktop Video 9.0 is a free download and includes support for all current DeckLink, Multibridge, Intensity and UltraStudio hardware, and allows Avid editors to use

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-37069079618905855032011-11-03T17:10:00.002Z2011-12-16T00:00:58.709Z

Christina has written a comprehensive piece on where to get free or low-cost and royalty-free music for your videos on her Canon XF Notebook site. Also worth a look are all her Training Course Notes pieces, on such topics as Peaking, Face Detection, Synchronising Timecode, and tapeless media. Although they are aimed at users of Canon's XF camcorders, a lot of the information, particularly for

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-82176525368777947512011-11-03T16:00:00.002Z2011-11-03T16:50:25.428Z

Avid has launched new 64-bit versions of its non-linear editing systems, with Media Composer 6, Symphony 6 and NewsCutter 10, which are claimed to offer "unparalleled workflow speed, flexibility and time savings." They are available for Mac OS (Lion) and Windows 7 (64-bit). They have been rebuilt from the core on a new open, 64-bit architecture, with a sleek, new User Interface, designed to

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-61868664619178047372011-10-28T17:26:00.003+01:002011-10-28T18:06:46.413+01:00

An impressive tracking shot of an exploding building won Guild of Television Cameramen member Michael Brennan the Best Risk Shot category at the Golden Eye 2011 International Festival of Movie and TV Cameramen, held in Batumi, Georgia. The low-angle slow-motion shot of a large building imploding, for Demolition, a documentary series for LWT and Discovery, was captured at 500 frames per second

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-50023533437107056522011-10-24T14:24:00.001+01:002011-10-24T14:31:21.635+01:00

The new GoPro HD Hero2 camera is much improved, with an 11-megapixel sensor that should perform better in low light, a higher-quality wide-angle lens, and the possibility to stream live video via WiFi. The original HD Hero has been widely used in broadcasting, as it can fit anywhere, comes with a waterproof housing, and costs so little, so the improved model should be very popular with

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-1115907939487473902011-10-21T17:56:00.000+01:002011-10-21T17:56:00.507+01:00

Grass Valley is aiming for dissatisfied Final Cut users, as well as owners of Adobe Premiere and Avid Media Composer, with a half-price competitive upgrade to the latest version of its Edius HD editing software. It will sell the Edius 6 non-linear editing software for €299 ($399), until the end of the year, to users of its main competing systems. “This activity is being sparked by Apple's

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-92174703914813032512011-10-21T17:20:00.000+01:002011-10-21T17:20:35.292+01:00

The latest version of Blackmagic Design's DaVinci Resolve (8.1) includes a several significant improvements, including support for Apple Final Cut Pro X XML and Avid AAF round trips  Resolve 8.1 also includes new layer node composite effects, ACES colour space support, Final Cut Pro 7 clip size and position support, new copy commands for grades, upgraded EDL features, support for Blackmagic's

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-65000580488738359072011-10-18T19:00:00.002+01:002011-10-18T19:04:39.421+01:00

Petrol Bags' new Deca Lightweight Audio Bag (PS614) is a lightweight professional audio bag to transport sound equipment comfortably, and keep it safe, organized, and accessible while working. Weighing 1.2kg (2.6lbs), the bag can accommodate an SD 788 mixer with CL8 controller attached and is padded to safeguard contents. Removable internal dividers offer custom configuration. There is free

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-31882241013504208252011-10-18T18:08:00.002+01:002011-12-15T23:54:20.749Z

HD DSLRs have been hugely popular, partly because of their low cost, but also because of the creative possibilities of the large sensor and shallow depth of field. Now Canon has announced its next generation DSLR, the EOS-1D X, which is positioned as "the film-maker’s DSLR" and addresses most of the main problems video users have with its 5D Mark II and 7D cameras. It will allow users to record

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-83736478137213362622011-10-17T17:18:00.000+01:002011-10-17T17:18:47.751+01:00

The new ExceLED 225 Nine Light from Videssence is a 225 Watt LED unit with an adjustable beam spread. In spot mode, with daylight (5600K) LEDs, the ExceLED 225 outputs more than 200 footcandles at 15m. It is claimed to provide "the long throw and high light levels required for film and video in large production studios and similar applications." The ExceLED 225 should provide a concentrated

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-62504444849656408802011-10-17T16:54:00.000+01:002011-10-17T16:54:55.961+01:00

Lemo’s new HD Z-Link is a compact digital optic link that provides multi-channel system camera-style video and audio connections, and control for studio cameras and camcorders alike over a single hybrid cable using Lemo 3K.93C connectors, effectively turning any camcorder into a broadcast system camera. “It has dual 1.5Gbps HD-SDI channels, which allows us to run 3D or connect two cameras,”

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-60518738153182567852011-10-16T19:18:00.000+01:002011-10-16T19:18:08.349+01:00

MacVideo Expo takes place in London on Tuesday (October 18), with lots of interesting sessions, with debate, demonstrations and discussions on all manner of Mac-related production and post production. It begins at 4pm with Expo organiser, editor, director and author, Rick Young presenting an hour-long session on: Getting to grips with Final Cut Pro X. At 5pm, there is a chance to visit the

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-61898149091803905812011-09-28T17:45:00.000+01:002011-09-28T17:45:27.674+01:00

PAG's new PAGlink system of smarter, smaller and lighter linkable batteries is claimed to have greater energy density than any other system marketed so far. The PAGlink V-mount lithium-ion batteries link together to multiply capacity and run-time, and can be transported in passenger aircraft without quantity restriction. They will power all classes of camera and allows users to link multiples

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-27917418484711904652011-09-27T17:25:00.000+01:002011-09-27T17:25:59.901+01:00

The new Matrix Cheese Plate from Anton/Bauer can be used to attach its Gold Mount batteries to Sony's PMW-F3, Canon's EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 7D and EOS 60D DSLRs, Panasonic's AG-AF100/AF101 and the Red Epic. The Matrix Cheese Plate mounts directly on a 15mm or 19mm rod system (15mm or 19mm clamp kits sold separately), to allow for easy mounting of a variety of Gold Mounts including: - QRC-DUAL PT

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-30615677174271834132011-09-26T17:43:00.001+01:002011-09-26T17:52:11.663+01:00

Sachtler has developed a completely new fluid head for its new Ace tripod system, which is designed for use with compact camcorders and DSLRs weighing up to 4kg. For Ace, the compact, durable and lightweight head has a completely new, patented, drag: Synchronised Actuated Drag, which is claimed to guarantee the accuracy and repeatability of its larger systems "at an astonishing price/

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-8884442254161044522011-09-23T18:54:00.002+01:002011-09-24T00:58:39.546+01:00

P+S Technik's new PS-Cam X35 combines the benefits of sync-sound and higher speed rates into a single, flexible digital camera, which can record at any speed from 1-450 frames per second. It has a Super-35 CMOS sensor with global shutter (which avoids rolling shutter jello effects), base sensitivity of 640 ISO, dynamic range of 11 stops, and HD-SDI outputs (1.5 or 3Gbps). Onboard memory (18GB)

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-42077598234235493082011-09-23T18:28:00.001+01:002011-09-23T18:32:23.611+01:00

Boxx TV's Cerulean is a new high speed, zero-delay, licence-exempt wireless link, that is at least as fast as fibre. The portable (5kg), point-to-point 3Gbps microwave link carries two video streams or one 3D feed, with no errors and no latency, making it an alternative to fibre on productions where cables would get in the way. It works with multiple camera feeds, and can also be a redundant

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-18859446047808794312011-09-19T19:17:00.000+01:002011-09-19T19:17:37.426+01:00

The UK Final Cut Users' Group is holding its first ever meeting in Scotland this Thursday (22 September), with an interesting looking line up. Doors open 6.30pm, and the first presentation starts at 7pm, with How To Edit with FCPX by Rick Young (pictured top), who will reveal what it is good for, how it works, and how to integrate FCPX into your current workflow. After a half-hour break, at

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-22275760283958322302011-09-18T17:43:00.000+01:002011-09-18T17:43:09.006+01:00

Arri has delivered production prototypes of its modular Alexa M camera to the Cameron Pace Group. The M was developed with CPG for use in 3D rigs. “The Arri team has been amazingly responsive to the needs of the 3D market by creating the Alexa M,” said Avatar director and CPG Co-Chairman, James Cameron. CPG will be the exclusive distributor of the Alexa M in its Phase 1 rollout. “The success

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-28300199715621522582011-09-16T18:25:00.000+01:002011-09-16T18:25:51.888+01:00

Rotolight’s new AlphaNova series of energy-efficient flood lights has a unique colour matching ability that will allow users set its colour via an iPhone and match the colour temperature seen by the phone’s camera. This would be useful where DoPs need to match the light on a character shot in a greenscreen studio to the light on location. The Magic Eye app also provides remote control over all

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-1104129332506988742011-09-16T18:08:00.001+01:002011-09-16T18:15:28.124+01:00

Canon’s new Digisuper 95 (XJ95x8.6B) is claimed to be the world’s widest-angle long zoom HD field lens, and should be of great interest to outside broadcast companies. “Normally when we make it wider, you get distortion, but here it is very minimal. It’s really fantastic,” said Ken Koyama, Canon’s European Broadcast Products Director (pictured). It augments Canon’s 86x, which is the biggest

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-2231646794084075032011-09-06T15:11:00.002+01:002011-09-06T15:13:58.737+01:00

ABC Products' new P15 remote head can support up to 25kg on its 2-axis model, or 15kg for the 3-axis version. Its modular design means that users opting for the lighter 2-axis version (12kg) can add the third later, taking the weight of the unit up to 19.5kg. “The P15's relative light weight means that it is equally at home rigged in the studio or quickly attached to a mobile crane or jib.

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-33525289062688278202011-09-06T13:06:00.000+01:002011-09-06T13:06:55.307+01:00

Fujinon has introduced new lenses for 2/3-inch and 1/2-inch format cameras, in its Select and Exceed series ranges. The 2/3-inch XA20sx8.5BMD (pictured above) and 1/2-inch XS20sx6.3BRM Exceed lenses "offer excellent telephoto performance at a price level you might expect of SD professional lenses," said Paul Goodwin, Divisional Head Broadcast & CCTV Products Division, at Fujinon's UK and

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-8921342021776669622011-09-06T12:10:00.001+01:002011-09-06T12:13:34.523+01:00

The new Leica Summilux-C lenses are the first cine lenses produced by Leica Camera. The T1.4 prime lenses have identical external dimensions, with focus and iris rings in exactly the same place, for ease of swapping, with a 95mm threaded lens front (they each weigh between 1.6-1.8kg). They also boast ultra high resolution and optimization for new digital sensors, which reveal more lens

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-71946988220235968522011-09-06T11:37:00.000+01:002011-09-06T11:37:58.709+01:00

The new Optimo 45-120mm S35mm cinematography lens from Angenieux has a zoom ratio of 2.7x and a reasonably fast aperture of T2.8 (wide open). It weighs less than 2kg, making it suitable for handheld or Steadicam work. Its optical design avoids breathing. It also has a 320º focus rotation with more than 50 precise focus witness marks. “Along with the cinematographer’s vision, lenses offer a

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-83030013372639878252011-09-05T18:49:00.000+01:002011-09-05T18:49:11.097+01:00

The first lights in the new Lowel Prime LED range, the 200 and 400 fixtures, should be available for delivery later this month. Lowel Lighting claims they will be brighter than similarly sized production LEDs, and also offer a wide 50º-beam angle making their output easier to use. Outputs are 4870 and 7095 Lux at 0.9 meters for the 200 and 400 respectively. The lights are compact at

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-62297478929890998092011-09-05T18:36:00.000+01:002011-09-05T18:36:28.406+01:00

Ianiro is showing prototype Fresnel-lens LED lights at IBC using newly developed LED arrays. Its new 180W device compares well against its similar-size Solaris tungsten 1kW. The prototype uses three Ianiro custom assemblies: Solaris LED C (cool white), Solaris LED W (warm white) and Solaris LED WT (tunable white), which it combines to give a more accurate light. Ianiro has been cautious about

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-39642883769139899492011-09-05T18:25:00.001+01:002011-09-06T10:13:13.176+01:00

The Fourth Annual Final Cut Pro User Group Amsterdam SuperMeet takes place next Sunday (11 September), to coincide with IBC. It will be at the Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky in Dam Square, with talks and demonstrations from filmmakers, colourists, and editors.  Speakers include: Michael Wohl, one of the creators of the original Final Cut Pro and an authority on Final Cut Pro X, which he will

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-21025501796896829402011-08-31T18:31:00.003+01:002011-09-02T11:34:24.435+01:00

Panasonic today launched the HDC-Z10000, which is claimed to be the first integrated twin-lens 2D/3D camcorder that is officially compatible with the new AVCHD 3D/Progressive standard.  The HDC-Z10000 is aimed at bridging the gap between amateur and professional user in both quality and cost.  It features two sets of 3xCMOS sensors, records Full-HD 50p (60p US) 2D and 3D images, and has two F1.5

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-12739000300877379962011-08-30T14:13:00.003+01:002011-08-30T18:57:48.954+01:00

Blackmagic Design has started shipping the world’s first video product with Thunderbolt technology.  The $995 UltraStudio 3D allows portable capture and playback with full resolution dual-stream 3D support. It also features: 10-bit hardware; dual link 3Gbps SDI; support for up to 1080p60 in SDI; component analogue and HDMI 1.4a connections; full SD, HD and 2K support; plus balanced analogue and

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-32363498212406441242011-08-28T17:17:00.000+01:002011-08-28T17:17:36.728+01:00

Canon has two new precision-matched wide angle and telephoto cine zoom lenses that are based on a new optical design platform and should be suitable for anything up to 4K production. The FK14.5-60mm wide-angle cine zoom and the FK30-300mm telephoto cine zoom incorporate breakthrough Canon optical designs claimed to optimise and enhance multiple imaging qualities while minimising optical

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-67579693496438181092011-08-28T17:07:00.000+01:002011-08-28T17:07:48.690+01:00

The new KJ20x8.2B IRSD HD lens is the latest in Canon's HDgc series of portable HD zoom lenses, designed to be affordable for both broadcast ENG use and freelance camera owners. It has a built-in 2x extender, a feature usually seen on higher-end HD lenses, giving a generous range of focal lengths, from 8.2mm-164mm to 16.4mm-328mm. It also boasts an enhanced macro function that effectively

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-20981581151156999372011-08-27T18:23:00.001+01:002011-08-27T18:25:25.369+01:00

Gekko Technology will introduce a new DSLR mount for its established lenslite at IBC. The mount will allow direct attachment of the colour-stable, robust ringlight to Canon 5D, 7D and Nikon D3 cameras. It will fix directly to the base of the camera via the tripod screw and secures 15mm bars that hold the lamp head on axis around the lens. The base of the mount has an additional fixing so the

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-71984232179393466152011-08-26T18:37:00.000+01:002011-08-26T18:37:14.331+01:00

Vision Research's latest Phantom v641 digital high-speed camera can shoot full HD at up to 2,560 frames per second. The v641 has a four-megapixel 35mm-format CMOS sensor (which can capture 2560x1600 images at up to 1,450fps), and is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, the Phantom v640. Other new features include: Dual power inputs for battery backup or hot-swapping batteries; a

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-24298934072332705112011-08-26T18:23:00.000+01:002011-08-26T18:23:34.647+01:00

Fujinon has developed a new HD motor drive lens, synchronisation unit, and wireless controller for 3D and robotics. The XA4x7.5BMD-D3R/L motor drive HD zoom lens comes in right and left lens versions. It has a F2.8 maximum aperture over its 7.5mm to 30mm focal length. Minimum focus distance is 450mm. "For the size/weight these are unique to Fujinon," said Paul Goodwin, Divisional Head

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-85710966559651437522011-08-26T17:47:00.001+01:002011-08-28T16:51:11.662+01:00

When Final Cut Pro X launched there was a lot of incorrect information about what it could and could not do. One experienced editor reviewer said FCP X couldn’t do overwrite edits and that you could only change a clip's speed by 25% and 50%. Both statements are untrue. To really find out what it can do and get some hands-on experience it is useful to get some training. A classroom-based course

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-15129807115864625702011-08-24T14:57:00.000+01:002011-08-24T14:57:51.959+01:00

Petrol Bags has three new bags for DSLR cameras: the Digiback Jr. DSLR Backpack; the DSLR Campack Plus; and the DigiSuite DSLR Camera Case. The €155/£130 Digiback Jr. has an upper compartment contoured to fit a DSLR camera with the lens mounted. When outfitted with a telephoto or other extra long lens, the camera can be inserted vertically. The lower chamber has room for many accessories.

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-87440399046398909642011-08-17T19:13:00.000+01:002011-08-17T19:13:28.093+01:00

Cooke Optics, will show a new pair of 135mm lenses for its 5/i Prime and Panchro lens sets at IBC. The 135mm for the 5/i (pictured above) has T1.4 speed and the 5/i’s signature focus ring that illuminates when required, eliminating the need for external lights that might affect the shot. The Panchro 135mm (below), which is being shown as a prototype, will join Cooke's smaller, lighter weight

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-17849915103096168342011-08-17T18:02:00.000+01:002011-08-17T18:02:35.093+01:00

The new Optimo 45-120mm S35mm cinematography lens from Angenieux has a zoom ratio of 2.7x and a fast aperture of T2.8 (wide open). It weighs less than 2kg, making it suitable for handheld or Steadicam work. Its optical design avoids breathing. It also has a 320º focus rotation with more than 50 precise focus witness marks. The Optimo 45-120mm has similar specifications to the 15-40mm and 28-

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-31223411275894588352011-08-17T17:13:00.000+01:002011-08-17T17:13:32.276+01:00

Until a few years ago, Vortex Communications manufactured the ScriptBoy Wireless Timecode Clipboard. It was "well-liked and hundreds are probably still in regular use," said Vortex director, Ian Prowse. "Then the RoHS lead-free directive came along, which meant that our custom-produced LCD Display was no longer allowed to be used in the product and the whole setup cost for a re-fabrication would

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-4349603426812192702011-08-04T18:56:00.001+01:002011-08-21T17:02:38.898+01:00

Teletest’s new Binorig is claimed to be "the world’s most affordable, fully motorised broadcast S3D camera rig," as it will cost under £10,000. Designed for use with cameras such as Sony’s HDC-P1 or PMW-EX3 and the Red One, Teletest managing director, Nick Rose (pictured), claims that the Binorig is as good as rigs that cost four or five times as much. Its first batch of ten Binorigs has

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-37227136016990837352011-08-02T18:17:00.001+01:002011-08-02T18:21:02.249+01:00

Hitachi's new 3Gbps HD 1080p broadcast camera system, based on its SK-HD1200 camera, will have variants for 3x slow motion, point-of-view, wireless, fibre, triax, and solid-state recording. Several models were shown at NAB, but the SK-HD1500 3x slow motion version will be launched at IBC next month. It offers native 1080/150i and 50p (or 720/150P), and has three 2.3Mpixel 2/3-inch IT-CCDs,

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-81434497485869814732011-08-02T17:41:00.002+01:002011-08-03T15:53:25.016+01:00

Vimeo, the internet video hosting site popular with video makers (and the one we use at UrbanFox...), has gone commercial, with the launch of Vimeo Pro, aimed at small businesses, facilities and production companies, who want the cheapest, high-quality host on the web. At $199 a year, for 50GB of video files (about 500 five-minute HD videos) and 250,000 video plays, Vimeo Pro will be a great

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-22028976671769392742011-07-28T17:14:00.000+01:002011-07-28T17:14:22.597+01:00

The new Glidecam iGlide Smartphone Mount is designed to allow smart phones such as Apple's iPhone to be attached directly to its HD-1000 Hand-Held Camera Stabilizer, to transform mobile phone video into smooth, professional-looking footage. The lighter the camera, the more prone to shake it becomes, and mobile phones are amongst the smallest, lightest cameras, so need stabilising more than most

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-18589616794964640322011-07-28T17:04:00.000+01:002011-07-28T17:04:45.143+01:00

Chrosziel's new Aladin Mk II is an eight-channel lens remote control, offering 3D control capability and versatility. It includes a modular handset and a small receiver that controls up to eight motors, which it calibrates automatically. For more advanced setups, the receiver has a display, so there is no need for an extra monitor. For stereoscopic 3D shooting, the Aladin Mk II is claimed to

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-19222677469860109442011-07-25T17:57:00.003+01:002011-08-22T23:41:56.111+01:00

Petrol Bags has a new camera bag for users of video-enabled DSLR cameras. Based on its popular Dr. Petrol models, the new Dr. DSLR Camera Bag is a practical design in black 900D and ballistic nylon fabrics, and even has internal lighting. Inspired by the traditional doctor’s bag, this semi-rigid equipment bag is designed to hold a video-enabled DSLR camera and accessories comfortably and

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-51240835581430729112011-07-25T17:46:00.002+01:002011-07-25T18:11:50.701+01:00

German camera accessories company, bebob has added two new 75Wh battery models to its range.  The 75 and 75plus are extra light and thin batteries designed for powering LCD-monitors and small camcorders, such as the Sony F3, Canon DSLRs and Panasonic's AF101. The 75plus battery model stands out thanks to four built-in Hirose-4Pin connectors, with both 7.2v and 12v available, meaning that this

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-27064591994779274862011-07-22T16:36:00.001+01:002011-07-22T16:39:47.303+01:00

Datavideo's free dv Prompter software is now available for Google's Android platform.  It can be downloaded from the Android Market, and will run on any Android device running Android 1.5 or above. It follows in the wake of Datavideo's Apple iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad app (which is now on version 1.3 with support for a new wireless remote). There are several other prompter apps available for

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-11170336226264471182011-07-21T16:58:00.001+01:002011-07-21T17:04:51.796+01:00

Apple released its latest version of OS X yesterday, Lion (10.7), and Blackmagic Design rapidly released a software update for its desktop video products to add full support. Its Desktop Video 8.2 software update includes support for Apple’s new Core Video and Core Audio processing pipelines for professional grade video and audio functionality across a wide variety of applications, and supports

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-12760119830756238592011-07-21T16:23:00.001+01:002011-07-21T17:11:50.661+01:00

Miller Camera Support’s Compass range of fluid heads has been extended with the release of the new Compass 12 system packages. This is claimed to bring "premium camera support with optimal professional performance in cost effective systems package pricing". The Compass 12's easy to use design offers a wide payload range, selectable pan and tilt drag settings, and illuminated bubble level in a

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-31464189844783717992011-07-21T16:08:00.001+01:002011-07-21T16:11:04.862+01:00

Anton/Bauer has introduced new battery packs for the Arri Alexa, Sony PMW-F3, Panasonic AG-AF100/AF101 and DSLRs. The new additions to its Gold Mount system will include the QR-HotSwap-AR for Arri's Alexa digital camera system, the QR-Locaster for the Arri Locaster light, the QRC-Dual-PT for the Sony PMW-F3 camera, the QR-C80P for the Panasonic AG-HMC80 professional AVCCAM HD shoulder-mount

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-3584973558620345572011-07-21T15:46:00.000+01:002011-07-21T15:46:15.688+01:00

The new Sky Studios, which started broadcasting recently, is Europe's most environmentally friendly broadcast centre.  I visited the west London facility, which was  known as Harlequin 1, and talked to some of the people behind it, including Alistair Watters, Harlequin One programme director (pictured top). It has eight studios (five of which will be in operation initially), 45 edit suites, 14

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-57555989918152858422011-07-12T16:46:00.001+01:002011-12-15T23:50:53.476Z

Arri has released the latest software update for its Alexa cameras. The Alexa Software Update Packet 4.0 provides new features and improvements for both the Alexa and Alexa Plus models. The Alexa range is also expanding, with two more models due for release before the end of the year: the Alexa Studio, featuring an optical viewfinder and 4:3 sensor, and Alexa M, with a separate camera head for

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-66157180608585498442011-07-12T16:38:00.000+01:002011-07-12T16:38:26.509+01:00

IDX Technology's new V-Mount sleeve and Mounting Adaptor simplifies attaching an AJA Ki Pro Mini digital recorder to a camera. The A-E2KPm is designed to securely house the Ki Pro Mini and mount conveniently to an ENG camera V-Mount connection. It has an integral P-V2 plate that allows direct attachment of IDX 14.4v V-Mount Lithium Ion batteries to provide simultaneous power for both the Ki Pro

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-89521569291637924292011-07-12T16:29:00.000+01:002011-07-12T16:29:15.320+01:00

The distributor Holdan UK has introduced two new on-camera LED lights from Datavision that are higher performing and lower priced than the "extremely popular" low-cost units they replace. The new Datavision 850 Lumens LED-130 (£99) and 1050 Lumens LED-170 (£129 - pictured) improve markedly on their predecessors. Light output is increased by 60% and 100% respectively, despite retaining the same

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-58703657546768726362011-07-04T17:50:00.005+01:002011-07-04T18:19:32.810+01:00

Final Cut Pro X is a radical revamp of the world's most popular broadcast editor, but that revamp isn't proving popular WITH broadcast editors. As with most things Apple does, its release of FCP X has resulted in a lot of noise, heat and light (admittedly not so much of the latter). It appears that while FCP 7 users merely wanted a faster horse (with reins that could be controlled from their

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-61588662477237353732011-07-01T17:21:00.000+01:002011-07-01T17:21:00.041+01:00

DaVinci Resolve 8, billed as "a major new update to the world’s most advanced colour correction tool", is now available. New features include: stabilization, multi-layer timelines, XML round trip with Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro, OpenCL support, digital noise reduction, and auto 3D alignment. Blackmagic Design claims it is the most widely used colour grading system for Hollywood feature

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-14576486507325022802011-06-30T15:00:00.001+01:002011-06-30T15:02:46.848+01:00

GenArts has introduced Sapphire Edge, a new budget visual effects plug in, for Final Cut Pro and Sony Vegas, with support for FCP X (now in beta) scheduled for August. The $299 plug-in comes with more than 350 high-quality preset looks that are quickly applied to any video, via its Preset browser (the FCP X version will be integrated into the X interface). Looks appear to be easy to customise,

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-5676165345739365302011-06-24T17:16:00.001+01:002011-06-24T17:20:20.611+01:00

B Hague has introduced a new Pro Cam-Slide using a roller within the sleeve that it claims will create "easy smooth camera movements far superior to standard sleeve bearings used by other suppliers." This is thanks to its use of the latest Igus Hybrid Roller Bearings running on an Igus WS-16-60 Linear Rail. The rail is 1metre long, and the camera is mounted to a sliding carriage allowing users

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-4141271329071785862011-06-24T14:50:00.008+01:002011-12-11T15:27:17.315Z

[UPDATED with SSD info] Blackmagic Design's new HyperDeck Shuttle, its low-cost uncompressed on-camera recorder, started shipping today, apparently to high demand.  [See our review of the HyperDeck Shuttle] The $345/€235/£215 unit can capture uncompressed 10-bit video onto laptop-sized (2.5-inch) Solid State Disks, and offers i/o at up to 3Gbps SDI or via HDMI 1.4a. The compact deck is

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-91770811362116156772011-06-22T18:31:00.001+01:002011-06-22T18:32:05.419+01:00

Grass Valley has announced several upgrades for its Edius 6 nonlinear editing system, including the ability to ingest live video on one Edius client while beginning to edit on a different system, as well as extended file format support. With Apple having delivered a Final Cut Pro upgrade that has fewer broadcast features than the previous software, Grass Valley is enhancing its broadcast

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-12266561165516901772011-06-21T19:24:00.006+01:002011-07-04T18:17:40.148+01:00

Apple has released Final Cut Pro X, "a revolutionary new version of the world’s most popular professional video editing software", at the lower price of £180/$300. There is no longer a Final Cut Studio, but Motion 5 and Compressor 4 have also been released (now just £30/$50 each at the Mac App Store). So far only the English-language versions are available to download, but versions in other

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-412402133317023292011-06-21T18:59:00.001+01:002011-06-23T12:27:15.217+01:00

Following its well-received DSLR Light-Jib, ABC Products has launched Jib 100, which can support up to 20kg (more than four times the payload of the light jib), for use with larger cameras.  The Jib 100 is claimed to be "extremely sturdy", manufactured to a high specification with a robust, rigid structure. Its build quality means that it should have the reassuring strength and stability to

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-70233574157920988612011-06-16T17:10:00.001+01:002011-06-21T17:45:05.636+01:00

The Final Cut Pro User Group SuperMeet will take place on Thursday (June 23), with an opportunity to see Apple's newly-released Final Cut Pro X. This is the second SuperMeet in London (it was previously held in 2009), and it returns with perfect timing just as Apple releases FCP X. The SuperMeet will again be held in the Great Hall at the Kensington Conference and Event Centre. The most recent

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-24689618626208616242011-06-13T15:08:00.000+01:002011-06-13T15:08:36.308+01:00

Sonnet Technologies and Panasonic have introduced higher-speed SD card technology conforming to the new UHS-I standard, that promises to greatly reduce file transfer times from camera to post. Today, a class 10 SDHC card can record and transfer files at up-to 30MBps, but this is set to at least triple with UHS-I, which allows speeds in excess of 90MBps – although as ever, real-world performance

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-27198750675279936092011-06-13T14:36:00.001+01:002011-06-13T14:37:50.651+01:00

Boxx.tv, which specialises in 5GHz camera links, has launched a new hotspot service useful for news coverage and developed a prototype IT-based camera link using low-cost components that it will launch at IBC. Its new Street-Live network of wireless hotspots should allow broadcasters to stream live pictures for significantly less than the cost of a satellite truck. It is being set up, initially,

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-46112580439834522762011-06-01T21:08:00.000+01:002011-06-01T21:08:36.524+01:00

Photon Beard has announced a new, highly efficient lamp based on Light-Emitting Plasma. The Photonspot Nova 270 is a focusable daylight balanced source with a Fresnel lens, aimed initially at the location market as a lightweight replacement for smaller HMI's. "It is the first luminaire in our industry to use this technology. It is very energy efficient - more so than HMI or LED," stated Peter

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-1307423216368948252011-06-01T21:03:00.000+01:002011-06-01T21:03:24.289+01:00

Anton/Bauer has introduced a QR-HotSwap-AR Gold Mount, which can take two batteries, for the Arri Alexa digital camera system. The Gold Mount enables users to quickly snap on a battery and provides three solid mechanical connections that lock into place, providing secure contact for uninterrupted power and self-cleaning gold-plated pins rated for high-current. The QR-HotSwap-AR allows for

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-19713018463275671552011-06-01T21:00:00.000+01:002011-06-01T21:00:03.590+01:00

The first of LMC's all-new Antelope MkII cameras was destroyed when some 500 fans staged a pitch invasion at the Frankfurt Arena, knocking down the system including an expensive 100x lens and the tripod. The high-speed camera (serial number 001) got a shot of its assailant as he grabbed it, and he was identified by the police and arrested the same night. It happened following a Frankfurt vs

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-8519246746099144552011-06-01T19:18:00.001+01:002011-06-01T21:09:49.017+01:00

Our friendly local dealer, Prokit, has become the exclusive UK distributor for Wise, the Taiwanese manufacturer of S2 Express Cards.  The 32GB S2 Card fits in any ExpressCard reader or SxS recorder, such as Sony's XDCAM EX camcorders, like the new PMW-F3 (pictured above). Uniquely the S2 Card also has a built-in USB2.0 port, for direct download to PC or Mac without the need for a card reader. 

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-24121504979083511622011-05-30T17:32:00.001+01:002011-05-30T17:35:32.017+01:00

The Gear Factory, the kit hire division of The Post Factory Group, has received what it claims is the first Red Epic-M in the UK (outside of Panavision and Red Europe) and although the camera is still in development, it sees great potential for high-end use. “This is the handmade version of the Epic which Red are issuing in limited numbers to people with a history of working with them”, said

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-64625294567691841382011-05-24T17:22:00.000+01:002011-05-24T17:22:41.237+01:00

London-based 3D specialist Decode will launch two new high-end 3D mirror rigs next week at Cine Gear Expo 2011 in Paramount Studios, Los Angeles (2nd-5th June). D-Rex will be a large 3D rig for full size cameras such as the Arri Alexa, a fully loaded Red Epic, or other large broadcast cameras. It is the first UK designed and built rig for these cameras. D-Raptor will be a smaller rig for

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-47693775234888114072011-05-23T18:45:00.001+01:002011-09-23T18:40:24.274+01:00

At the upcoming Cine Gear Expo (June 2-5), P+S Technik will unveil its new 35Digital all-purpose camera, the PS-Cam X35, which it claims will be "a robust and reliable workhorse expected to blaze new trails in the digital camera field," writes David Fox. P+S has said little about the camera, merely releasing a photograph and putting up a teaser website. However, a preliminary pdf spec sheet

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-56575921427085277762011-05-23T18:27:00.004+01:002011-05-23T18:46:14.595+01:00

P+S Technik has announced a new lens mount adapter for the Sony PMW-F3 that will allow the camcorder to be used with a wide variety of still photo lenses. The IMS camera mount, the PS-IMS-F3, will work with "virtually every 35mm lens" including Nikon, Leica and Canon mount lenses. There will be eight different lens mounts available, which are claimed to be easy to swap. They are: Professional

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-20095188330886058672011-05-22T23:13:00.000+01:002011-05-22T23:13:02.680+01:00

Steadicam is the company that made possible all those smooth, flowing shots you see in movies or captured by the fittest people in the stadium for most of those cameras used to run the touchline for sports coverage. Now, if you shoot video on an iPhone or other mobile, you can also use Steadicam technology with the new Steadicam Smoothee. We wrote about it back in February 2010, after seeing a

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-88677671315252395092011-05-21T12:20:00.000+01:002011-05-21T12:20:01.140+01:00

The new Lexar Professional USB 3.0 Dual-Slot Reader should significantly speed up file transfer times for anyone shooting on Compact Flash or SD cards compared to existing USB 2.0 readers – provided you have a USB 3.0 connection on your computer. Given the overheads of the USB protocol, and the speed limitations of the memory cards themselves, users should perhaps see a tripling in real world

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-87700900273154328582011-05-18T16:22:00.000+01:002011-05-18T16:22:40.577+01:00

Chrosziel has announced new lightweight support accessories for two of the latest Sony camcorders, the NEX-FS100 and PMW-F3. The layout of the LightWeightSupport (LWS) 401-429 (pictured top) for the Sony NEX-FS100 ensures that a follow focus can be added to all relevant lenses. The platform has been adjusted to the camera base and allows the camera to move as far as possible to the front edge

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-340025765858370122011-05-16T14:35:00.000+01:002011-05-16T14:35:57.011+01:00

Litepanels' new higher-output LED panel can illuminate subjects that are up to about 7.6 metres (25 feet) away. The lightweight H2 Hi-Output LED lights can provide HD-friendly daylight using an array of 72 single Watt 5600K colour temperature LEDs that are focused to a 10° angle. A 100W H2 fixture apparently provides light output equivalent to a 1.000W legacy lighting fixture, and as LED

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-22227587041215091622011-05-13T18:38:00.001+01:002011-05-13T18:55:34.512+01:00

The re-allocation of frequencies for wireless audio in the UK and elsewhere in Europe could have hidden consequences for events and outside broadcast companies. With the switchover from analogue to digital transmission, the EU and national regulators are keen to sell off spectrum to mobile operators. However, this Digital Dividend will partly be paid for by the loss of frequencies for

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-8377499059749278842011-05-10T16:53:00.000+01:002011-05-10T16:53:47.689+01:00

WWProd, an Alpe d'Huez-based production company specialising in extreme sports, particularly skiing, has bought JVC GY-HM100 ProHD camcorders for use in its Sphinx-cam miniature helicopter systems. To capture aerial shots, Lionel Géhin, WWProd's founder, designed a remote controlled multi-rotor machine for filming in-flight. The compact Sphinx-cam Pro XL6 and XL8 machines can carry 2.5kg and

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-57821142549162359372011-05-09T17:17:00.000+01:002011-05-09T17:17:10.017+01:00

America’s Cup yachting will get a lot more close-up coverage starting with this year's preliminary races, thanks to the fitting of 40 HD cameras on competing yachts.  As it progresses, there promises to be at least 80 on-board HD cameras and up to 200 microphones in place for the Louis Vuitton Cup and America's Cup in 2013. Coverage will also include what the organisers, the America’s Cup

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-75492285402136525872011-05-09T16:27:00.000+01:002011-05-09T16:27:35.188+01:00

Vinten has devised a new 3D wedge adapter for its OB and studio heads, which balances rigs that cannot be mounted to a conventional head in a balanced position. It is designed to facilitate the proper balancing of under/through beamsplitter 3D rigs and allows more clearance for the under-slung camera, which increases the amount of downward tilt available. The adapter offsets the head’s level

David Fox and Christina Foxnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738583862974937102.post-81983806952791514242011-05-09T12:53:00.001+01:002011-05-09T12:57:48.978+01:00

Researchers at the University of Warwick have been working on a High Dynamic Range video camera that creates imagery more representative of real world lighting. If you include the eye's ability to quickly adapt to changing lighting conditions (automatically adjust its ISO rating in camera terms), we could be said to have a human dynamic range between light and dark of about 20 or 21 stops (

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