Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Archives for 2011

Canon EOS Movie Plug-in-E1 for Final Cut Pro Updated

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Canon 1D Mark IV

Ahead of NAB 2011, Canon has announced an update to the EOS Movie Plug-in-E1 for Final Cut Pro.  If you aren’t familiar with the plug-in, it aids with importing .mov files from Canon DSLRs. It transcodes the files to Apple ProRes 422 much quicker and easier than using MPEG Streamclip, which is what we used before the plug-in originally came out.  The plug-in works with files from the Canon 1D Mark IV, 5D Mark II, 7D and 60D.

One of the previously frustrating features of the plug-in is that you have to maintain the folder structure of the CF card on which the files were captured – even if you move the files to your hard drive before you import the footage.  The updated version will make this process easier and allow users to import files from any folder “without needing to mirror the folder structure on the camera itself.”

Although many FCP users have developed a consistent workflow to accommodate this file structure when importing Canon EOS movie files, it will be a welcomed change to take this superfluous step out of the workflow.

Version 1.2 of the EOS Movie Plug-in-E1 for Final Cut Pro will be available to download for free on April 25, 2011.  Watch the front page for the link as soon as it is available.

 

Remote Exposure – New Book

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Remote Exposure is a new book from photographer Alexandre Buisse in which he discusses the “importance of having an efficient carrying system and a logical, planned workflow” while shooting in remote locations with adverse weather conditions.  “This book will guide you through the various options for equipment, since the requirement for lightweight gear that is able to withstand cold, adverse weather conditions presents unique challenges.”

Remote Exposure retails for $29.95; however, it is currently available for $19.17 from Amazon.com.

Apple to Unveil New Final Cut Pro on April 12

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It is pretty much all but confirmed that Apple will be unveiling the new “jaw dropping” version of Final Cut Pro at next week’s Final Cut Pro User Group SuperMeet in Vegas.

Apple itself has historically had little presence at the SuperMeets; however, this year, the presentation schedule has been wiped clear just a few days before the event.  The prior-scheduled presentations looked to be a pretty big deal in and of themselves – with Avid and Canon (among others) bringing in special speakers to cater to the crowd.  According to all reports, this schedule clearing was done at the behest of Apple. [Read more…]

Canon DSLRs Get Technicolor ‘CineStyle’ Profile

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One of the big news nuggets coming out of NAB 2011 is Technicolor’s announcement that it has developed a ‘CineStyle’ profile for Canon DSLRs.  According to the press statement, “Technicolor CineStyle provides cinematographers with a look that allows for the greatest image latitude as production photography moves into editorial and ultimately digital intermediate color-grading and delivery.”

The new Technicolor CineStyle will be unveiled next week at the NAB show in Las Vegas. There’s no word on delivery method of the new CineStyle to existing cameras; however, it makes sense to expect a firmware update soon (hopefully, next week).

Canon definitely has some “major product announcements” planned for the NAB show and, chances are, this new CineStyle profile will go hand-in-hand with whatever else Canon has up its sleeve for next week.

You can read the full press release from Technicolor below. [Read more…]

HDSLR Gear That Saves the Day

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I’ve been working on a short film project recently with my church (along with our in-house video director/my very good friend Nick, and some very talented volunteers). The short film is something we plan to use as part of our Easter morning service later this month.  We’re shooting it entirely on the Canon 5D Mark II and Canon 7D. We shot most of the scenes in one day at two locations (around 25 total set ups for a 16+ hour shooting day).  Yesterday, we wrapped up with the intro scene, which calls for the lead character in a vehicle talking on a cell phone.

I thought I would share some of the random little tools that really saved the day and helped us get the shots (and audio) that were critical to this production. [Read more…]

Westcott Spiderlite TD6 and 7′ Parabolic Umbrella Hands-On

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Westcott had a regular photographer’s playground set up at Photoshop World last week.  Even though it had just announced the TD6 Spiderlite and new 7′ Parabolic umbrellas, there were plenty to be seen and put through the paces on the expo floor between the great classes at PSW.

One of the cool things that Westcott does for the attending photographers is set up several shooting stations with lights and live models to give everything a good run for your money. [Read more…]

GE Micro Four Thirds Cameras Coming Soon?

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GE Digital Cameras looks to be adding Micro Four Thirds to its growing lineup of cameras.  If a report from CNet Asia is accurate, we could see GE-branded Micro Four Thirds cameras by the end of the year.

For those unfamiliar with GE Digital Cameras, General Imaging Company is actually the company that makes and sells GE Digital Cameras subject to a brand-licensing agreement with General Electric (the company that owns the ‘GE’ trademark).  Obviously, General Electric has at least some marginal oversight of the products and the use of its brand, but the actual company that is making and selling the cameras is a camera company. [Read more…]