Introducing DSLR Cinematography from Zacuto USA on Vimeo.
Photography Bay covered this a while back, but Zacuto just dropped a press release detailing their link of DSLR cinematography gear for the Nikon D90 and Canon 5D Mark II, along with the above video and several resources on their site geared specifically toward these kits and accessories. Obviously, Zacuto is serious about DSLR cinematography.
Has a new niche been born?
More from Zacuto:
Zacuto DSLR setups: http://zacutoDSLR.com
Steve Weiss filmmaking Blog: http://zacuto.blogspot.com/
Zacuto On-line Store: http://store.zacuto.com/
Press Release:
Chicago, IL – November 12, 2008 – Forget everything you know about DSLR cinematography; this is the future of camcorders and Zacuto’s DSLR Baseplate Kits are the new standard for DSLR cinematography. The new Nikon D90 and the Canon 5D Mark II with super 35 (DOF) depth of field are revolutionizing the industry so much that even RED One Digital has taken notice and is redesigning the Scarlet into a DSLR.
Available now, the new Zacuto DSLR kits: Docu, Cine, Newsman, Indie, and Filmmaker are universal and will work with all cameras and accessories. Zacuto kits allow users to make DSLR’s work much like camcorders. All kits are balanced which is critical for smooth movement and less user fatigue in both tripod and handheld use. Zacuto’s trademarked Z-Release (quick release) allows for fast installation of components like an articulating arm, matte box, follow focus, wireless mic, on-board monitor, an audio adapter, and more. Zacuto kits give you all the components you need for your camera package right out of the box and at a discounted price compared to buying the components ala carte. With various price points, no confusion, and the ability to be used with a tripod, steadicam, dolly, handheld and shoulder mount; you can purchase the kit that is perfect for you and your type of shooting. All Zacuto products are made in the USA and come with a lifetime warranty.
See Steve Weiss, Jens Bogehegn and Scott Lynch of Zacuto USA in their new HD video “Introducing DSLR Cinematography” on Vimeo user name ZacutoUSA. http://vimeo.com/2223602
· Zacuto DSLR Docu kit (tripod kit) # Z-DSLR-DOCU
Entry level baseplate kit to mount a follow focus and matte box.
· Zacuto DSLR Cine kit (tripod kit) #Z- DSLR-CINE
Key features include a follow focus and lens gear.
· Zacuto DSLR Newsman kit (tripod & handheld shoulder mount kit) #Z- DSLR-NEWS
Great for the run n’ gun shooter – a balanced handheld kit ready for any accessories.
· Zacuto DSLR Indie kit (tripod & handheld shoulder mount kit) #Z- DSLR-INDIE
This is the ‘filmmaker-light’ package that includes a follow focus and lens gears for 4 prime or zoom lenses. This kit is perfect for current matte box owners.
· Zacuto DSLR Filmmaker kit (tripod & handheld shoulder mount kit) #Z- DSLR-FILM
The key features of this kit are the ability to mount a Beachtek audio adapter (DXA-5D), a special unit for the Canon 5D Mark II. This unit has 2 XLR inputs, audio meters and a headphone jack for monitoring sound. This allows for audio level control before being recorded by the Canon 5D Mark II. You can also mount an on-board monitor for both handheld and tripod use. This kit comes with a set of 4 ZipGears so all of your prime lenses can get geared for follow focus use. The included case lets you insert you camera package fully assembled saving you time and wear.
DSLR camera’s typically have low lens mounts, making it not possible to mount a matte box without raising the camera very high. The combination of Zacuto’s height adjustable Universal Baseplate and their new Z-Spacer allows you to mount any matte box or follow focus, like the Z-Focus, to any DSLR. Not only can you mount any matte box, but you can make your matte box a swing away by using the new Zacuto Zwing-away adapter included in the Zacuto DSLR Filmmaker kit. The Zacuto Z-spacer is specific to DSLR cameras; otherwise, all previous Zacuto equipment owners can mount DSLR cameras into these configurations with their existing Zacuto equipment. Zacuto has additionally created a universal case that keeps the camera package assembled for shipment, making it a stand out from the rest and a complete turnkey solution.
“The principles of camera mounting are the same no matter what the camera. You want to keep the front as light as possible so when shoulder mounted you won’t need as much counterbalance weight.” begins Steve Weiss, Product Designer, Zacuto USA. “I think it’s actually harder to get good shots with a DSLR then with a camcorder. You tend to get a lot of rocking motion, left to right, which is not a very desirable look. Additionally, the lack of DOF makes it hard to keep things in focus – especially in handheld mode. I agree the price of cameras has dropped, but nothing has changed in how you would use them. If you want to have balanced handheld shots you need a teeter tauter type system so that when it’s on your shoulder you can take your hands away and the camera package floats. If it’s not balanced your hands will get tired in minutes. If it is balanced you can shoot all day, like a traditional ENG style camera.”
“The reason the camera package is so long is that it is designed to be able to shoot with your head far enough back from the cameras monitor so that you can focus in handheld mode.” starts Jens Bogehegn , Product Designer, Zacuto USA. ”If your head were any closer to the camera you would be cross-eyed and not be able to focus on the cameras screen. One cool thing about these camera screens is that they are very high quality and great for focusing. Originally, we thought we could make the package very short when your eye was using the optical viewfinder, but that gets shut off when these cameras shoot video. Too bad,”
Zacuto DSLR Baseplate Kits include configurations of:
– Universal Baseplate
– Z-Spacer
– Zgrips
– Shoulder Pad
– Zicromount III
– Zamerican V3 Large Arm
– (2) Z-mount II
– Z-Focus
– 6” Zwhip
– (1) Universal Zip Gear
– Zwing away adapter
– Universal donut
– Storm case and custom foam insert
Outfit your DSLR camera today with Zacuto gear!