DSLR ACCESSORIES: BEST COMPACT FLASH CARDS
Posted by Peter Marsh in Articles, Technical Oct 24th, 2009 | 2 Comments
This is a pretty important thing to think about, considering video with a DSLR is captured at a higher bitrate. And on top of that, capacity of the card is equally as important (unless of course you’re ok with changing out the card every 8 to 12 minutes). So for those reasons, I’m making a few recommendations on cards that will work best in a production setting.
Now depending on what DSLR you are using, the card type may be different. Canon DSLRs use CF or CompactFlash cards. Panasonic and Nikon typically use SD cards. So the bit rate and price range will vary based on what you’re using. Call me bias if you’d like, but I’m a Canon guy, so I’ll mostly be talking CF cards. That just happens to be my experience level, so deal with it!
THE 1D MARK IV: KICKIN’ THE 7D’S TEETH IN
Posted by Peter Marsh in Articles, Cameras, Technical Oct 20th, 2009 | No Comments
IT’S HERE! IT’S SHEER MADNESS! GET USED TO IT!
Canon made it’s official press release today on the 1D Mark IV. For the longest time, the 1D line had been regarded as Canon’s “flagship” line of cameras and they proved that today with this guy. A lot was rumored, speculated, and discussed about this camera and for the most part Canon delivered everything we wanted and more. I’m for one incredibly impressed and for the projected price of roughly $5000, I feel like it really packs a punch!
Feel like the 5D Mark II is getting left in the dust? Worry no more, we’re finally getting the firmware update we asked for! 24P!
FIRST WAVE OF CANON 7D “ISSUES” ADDRESSED
Posted by Peter Marsh in Articles, Technical Oct 18th, 2009 | No Comments
Canon’s newest Video DSLR, the 7D, has only been out for a week or so and, as expected with any new piece of technology, people are already complaining…
The first reported problem with the 7D was apparently a pattern noise issue that showed up even at low ISOs. The issue pissed a lot of people off, but it wasn’t apparent with every 7D. Only a handful of 7Ds had this issue and Canon chalked it up as a manufacturer defect and replaced everyone’s 7D. Since then, there haven’t been any more reports and the camera is working better than ever. Or is it?
THE NEW NIKON D3s: VIDEO DISAPPOINTMENT
Posted by Peter Marsh in Articles, Cameras, Technical Oct 16th, 2009 | No Comments
“Nikon today announces the introduction of the D3S, the camera that enables professionals to take control of the unpredictable and extends the possibilities for action photographers everywhere. Built upon the widely acclaimed Nikon D3, the D3S advances low light photography to another level and sets in motion new creative options for multi-media movie shooting.” -DP Review
Nikon is marketing this camera as the “ultimate camera for news, sports and wildlife.” An interesting marketing ploy… And to be perfectly honest, it probably is the ultimate for that industry. As a still camera, the D3s is top notch and a hell of a choice for any photographer. But what about video?
The rumors for the longest time were this camera would be the first from Nikon to offer 1080p video at 24fps. That got me excited, because Nikon makes amazing lenses and I could only imagine how great the video would be. But alas, Nikon didn’t deliever… This camera, like all the ones before it, shoots only in 720p at 24fps. Don’t get me wrong, that is still nice HD, but it’s not full HD. But you don’t get manual controls or manual focus. The camera is completely auto in movie mode. And for the price range, ( a whopping $5100!!) you might as well go with the Canon counterpart that does shoot in 1080p at a fraction of the cost.
The real redeeming quality of this camera is the High-Sensitivity ISO set at an unmatched 102400. Nikon says it is “low noise” but I can imagine those images would be a little rough. It does have a full frame sensor though, so it might end up working out.
Complete Specs:
-12.1MP CMOS FX sensor 36.0 x 23.9mm
-ISO from 100 to 12800 (High ISO at 102400)
-9fps continuous shooting
-Fast Shutter Speed at 1/8000 sec.
-2 CF card slots
-Movie Mode 1280×720/24fps MOTION JPEG format
DSLR DESIRES: 3 OF 5 - DSLR 3D
Posted by Peter Marsh in Articles, Technical Oct 2nd, 2009 | 3 Comments
As promised, I have been investigating the possibilities of shooting 3D footage with your average DSLR, whether it be a Canon 5D or equivalent. Let’s just say, there are some interesting thoughts out there on what’s possible. But hell, I don’t rule anything out… At least not in this stage of the game.
Right now, there is nothing concrete for shooting 3D on DSLRs, but that game is changing. The biggest surprise is who is at the forefront: SONY.
CANON 1D MARK IV: WHAT THE ANNOUNCEMENT SHOULD HAVE BEEN…
Posted by Peter Marsh in Articles, Found, Technical Sep 30th, 2009 | 3 Comments
I’ve heard a lot of speculation over Canon’s recent announcement and what most people would have liked to hear…
The common theme was Canon’s follow up to the 1D Mark III:
The Canon 1D Mark IV
I would agree with them considering what this camera is supposed to be capable of. And of course the rumors have really been floating around about this guy…
WHAT SHOULD WE KNOW?
A regular source of information says the new 1D will introduce the DIGIC V processor. This processor will not only be faster, but it will also be geared to video recording. The faster processors will allow for RAW video to be shot.
SHOULD WE BE EXPECTING THIS SOON?
There is still no solid information in regards to when we can expect an announcement. I get random emails saying October or February. It’s all guesses at the moment.
I don’t know about you guys, but I think the introduction of a DIVIC V processor would be the “biggest announcement in the company’s history,” right?
CANON SEPT. 29 ANNOUNCEMENT: BIGGEST PRACTICAL JOKE IN HISTORY
Posted by Peter Marsh in Articles, Found Sep 29th, 2009 | No Comments
Are you kidding me Canon? Please tell me this is a joke!
This is what you told us:
Mark the calendar
During this fall, Canon will make one of its largest and most important launches in the company’s history and we hope you can attend. During a luncheon, you are invited to listen to CEO Jouko Tuouminen, Marketing presiden Monica Forsberg and trend analyst Magnus Lindkvist, talking about tomorrows trends and factors of success in the continually more digitalized everyday life.
And now here is what you gave us:
Press Release
Canon Inc. (Headquarters: Ota-ku, Tokyo, Canon or less) and Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq: San Jose, Calif., Adobe Systems below) is aiming to achieve a high level of security of electronic documents in an office environment, Document agreed to continue to collaborate in the global sales activities in the field.Canon and Adobe Systems Inc., since 2005, for the purpose of realization of an efficient document workflow, and enhance collaboration of both products has been promoting high-quality solutions.
This collaborative effort, electronic document security system for Adobe “Adobe ® LiveCycle ™ Rights Management ES (following” LCRM “)” and Canon copiers “imageRUNNER ADVANCE (Advance runner image under” iR-ADV ” ) “※ series about sales activity in the whole world together, that we are providing strong security for electronic documents in an office environment.
This document was generated from the computer, ranging from electronic documents from paper, as well as to comprehensively reduce the risk of confidential information is improperly handled, can improve business productivity be.
Under the collaboration, Canon and Adobe, government agencies and local governments, and existing large companies spread around “LCRM” the user “iR-ADV” to introduce a series, users of Canon copiers for the “LCRM” and recommended the introduction of each, “iR-ADV” series and “LCRM” Document will strengthen the provision of a combination.
However, in Japan “LCRM” introduction and system development and related products to customers will be responsible Adobisoryushonpatona Kiyanonsofutouea Corporation.
Canon and Adobe use and promotion of enhanced security and information will continue to provide high-value, collaborative environment to maximize efficiency in operations related to document the evolution of business and customer development, growth We intend to contribute to.
Ok, so yay for those people who wanted more secure PDF options…
But really?? “Biggest announcement in the company’s history”?? For Canon’s sake, I hope they’re messing with us, because for us DSLR folks, we’re pissed…
THE RUMOR MILL: NIKON D3s OUT IN OCTOBER
Posted by Peter Marsh in Articles, Found, Technical Sep 28th, 2009 | No Comments
For those of you who were wondering when Nikon was planning to bounce back to all of the recent Canon buzz, here’s your answer!
The Nikon D3s
An update to the beloved Nik0n D3, this guy has some pretty sweet rumored specs and finally a jump into the Full HD world.
Most notably:
-12.1 MP FX sensor (at a 1.3x crop)
-14 fps in still mode (whoa!)
-1080p HD video at 24fps
-ISO 200 to 12800
-Brand New HI-3 ISO range at an expandable 102400 (WTF?!)
No real word yet on whether Nikon is gonna tackle the various frame rates that the Canon 7D is doing, but there is still time. Word on the street it will be announced October 15th.
LENS TALK: THE BEST FOR THE 5D AND 7D
Posted by Peter Marsh in Articles, Technical Sep 26th, 2009 | 2 Comments
If you’re as much of a film junkie as I am and spend most of your time cruising through videos on Vimeo, then you’ve noticed that almost every DSLR video out there was made using different lenses. Half the time people are using lenses that have been sitting in a drawer for years that they haven’t found a good use for until now. The other half are usually professionals with seriously expensive glass that produce a mind blowing image.
So what makes a good lens? If I’m making a film, what lenses should I have? These are good questions, but just like everything else in the world, it boils down to your creative preference. We can only tell you what will work best with your DSLR.
GREEN SCREEN AND YOUR DSLR: THEY SHOULD BE FRIENDS
Posted by Peter Marsh in Articles, Technical Sep 24th, 2009 | 2 Comments
Now here’s something I’ve been asked about many times over and it’s definitely something I’ve been interested in for a while, so I’ll do my best to give you the info…
IT ROCKS!
We all know what’s possible with a green screen, and how creative you can get with the subject matter. Such greats like 300 and Sin City showed us that it’s possible to create an entire world without leaving your basement. And such pieces of crap like Superman Returns and The Spirit make us wish it wasn’t so easy to do. But it really is! And with the larger sensor size and light sensitivity of DSLRs, it’s even easier than before.
