Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

 

Syrp Genie Firmware Upgrade 2.6

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Syrp Genie

Syrp has updated the firmware for the original Genie to version 2.6. The new firmware adds teh ability to connect two Genies together for 2-axis control (pan and track).

This firmware update is also required for pairing the Genie with the Genie Mini for pan and track motion. In order to pair the devices together, you’ll also need to pic up the Syrp Sync Cable.

Also included in this update is enhanced preview accuracy, ‘non real-time’ preview and the ability to turn the LCD off during a recording, along with other bug fixes.

The new firmware can be downloaded from Syrp’s support page.

Learn the Benefits of High-Speed Sync in Daylight

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXS_NleLDq8&w=700&showinfo=0&rel=0]

This short video from Profoto shows how shooting with high-speed sync flashes in daylight can help bring back details in the sky. The advantage of high-speed sync is that you can shoot at much higher shutter speeds than the x-sync rating of your camera. Most systems allow you to go up to 1/8000s, which means you can bring ambient light down without needing a ton of light from your flash.

In this case, they used a single B2 head in a softbox to balance the flash and ambient light. While the Profoto kits can be very expensive, the same effect can be achieved using smaller and more affordable speedlights. If name brand speedlight kits are still too expensive, third-party speedlights are available with the high-speed sync feature for less than $100.

Lexar Professional Workflow HR2 Thunderbolt 2 & USB 3 Card Reader Hub Review

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Lexar Workflow Professional HR2

The Lexar Professional Workflow HR2 Thunderbolt 2 and USB 3.0 4-bay card reader hub is a solid and speedy solution for managing multiple media formats and multiple, simultaneous memory card imports.

The HR2 gives you four bays to mix and match however you want. If you shoot on only SD or CF cards, you can fill all the bays with SD card readers or CF card readers. This will allow you to import 4 cards simultaneously with a single Thunderbolt 2 (or Thunderbolt, USB 3.0 or USB 2.0) connection. [Read more…]

4K Video – Is it worth it?

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NFmpJNvd4k&w=700&showinfo=0&rel=0]

Here’s a great video from Linus Tech Tips that gives some insight to the 1080p/4K debate and some practical considerations for shooting, editing and exporting in one over the other. It pays particular attention to online video use (and specifically with regard to YouTube videos) and how they use the Panasonic GH4 and Sony FS700 as 4K shooting options.

I have been a proponent of shooting 4K and editing in a 1080p timeline to afford additional reframing options (or even 1080p footage in a 720p timeline if you are limited to HD cameras). The above video, however, makes the additional argument for 4K exports even if you are working in a 1080p timeline. That’s a new consideration for me but, given how YouTube treats 4K files, is certainly worth considering and testing in the future.

For those of you who shoot video, what format do you prefer to shoot, edit and export?

[YouTube via Reddit]

These Production Promos for the Rugby World Cup Will Make Every Cameraman Smile

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL1KPB8l1N0&w=700&showinfo=0&rel=0]

In the lead up to the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Sky Sport released a series of advertisements featuring a lighthearted play on the camera and production crew and their readiness for broadcasting all 48 matches live.

From assembling cameras blindfolded to learning the first rule of being a cameraman, the quips in these ads will surely make you smile. Check out the rest of the series below. [Read more…]

Watch a Guy Surf While He’s on Fire

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VjThEE1vgw&w=700&showinfo=0&rel=0]

Check out this GoPro HERO4 video of surfing personality Jamie O’Brien riding a barrel on his surf board while he is literally on fire. Because surfing wasn’t cool enough already.

If you like this kind of surf video, O’Brien has a popular web series filled with crazy, surf-inspired nonsense from Red Bull called Who is JOB 5.0.

[via GoPro]