Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Manfrotto Now Distributing Genus DSLR Cinematography Gear

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Manfrotto just announced that it will serve as the exclusive US distributor for Genus matte boxes, bar systems, sunshades, viewfinders and shoulder mounts geared toward the DSLR cinematographer.

“I am thrilled with this agreement,” said Wayne Schulman, video sales and product manager for Manfrotto Distribution, US. “I view this as a strategic partnership between Genus and Manfrotto/Vitec group to provide the videographer and photographer with a complete camera support system of the highest quality while also offering the most value. Genus’ current product line, which includes a DSLR/Video shoulder mount, follow focus systems and matte box systems along with other interesting accessories for HD video and DSLR’s, is extensive and is a perfect match for Manfrotto Distribution. I am also excited about the future products from Genus which we will have the opportunity to bring to market over the next several months.”

It looks like B&H is already stocking a full line of Genus gear, which you can browse here.

 

Zacuto Z-Finder Review

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If you’ve got any interest in using a DSLR as a serious video camera, chances are that you’ve heard of the Zacuto Z-Finder.  As I have been learning the ropes of shooting video on the 5D Mark II, I’ve found the Z-Finder to be an indispensable piece of equipment for mobile operation of the camera.

Read the rest of the review at Tech Tilt: Zacuto Z-Finder Review.

DSLR and “Larger Sensor” Video Cameras Will Shake Things Up – Again

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Nearly two years ago, Canon changed the game (and, perhaps redefined the game) with the introduction of the 5D Mark II.  (And, while the Nikon D90 was the first DSLR to hit the scene with HD video capture, few will argue that Canon’s 5D Mark II was the real game changer.)  As the story goes, the addition of HD video to the 5D Mark II was almost an afterthought, which isn’t too far fetched of a story – given the rough implementation and numerous workarounds required to get a polished video out of the camera in those early firmware versions.

And then there was Reverie.

Reverie changed the way we looked at this new camera before we even knew what it was supposed to do.  I’ve heard Vincent Laforet recount the almost accidental acquisition of a prototype 5D Mark II a couple of times now.  He had the prototype camera in hand for roughly 72 hours and really made the most of that time.  That accidental spark ignited a huge flame in demand for the 5D Mark II – as well as a demand for knowledge to learn what it takes to do the same thing with a $2700 (at the time) camera.

A new niche market was born almost overnight. [Read more…]

Panasonic Micro Four Thirds Camcorder is Looking Pretty Sweet

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That’s the new Panasonic Micro Four Thirds AG-AF100 AVCCAM camcorder up there.

Interchangeable lenses? Check.

Big sensor? Check

I think Panasonic is going to make a whole of friends with this one. To see all the goods that were just spilled, courtesy of a product brochure from Panasonic, head on over to Tech Tilt.

Video Stabilization Options

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I just wanted to pass along a little update for those of you into video cameras and accessories.  Over at Tech Tilt, I’ve recently review the Barber Tech SteddiePod, which is a pretty darn sweet, all-in-one video camera stabilization device.  It does a lot of things from steadicam-type shots, to doggie cam, to boom shots.  It’s also got a nice little fluid head built-in.  You can find the whole review, which includes some sample footage, here:  SteddiePod Review.

After using the SteddiePod for a while, I started thinking about ways to DIY a similar device on a shoestring budget.  So, I took $30 to Lowe’s and Wal-Mart, and came away with what I call a DIY GlidePod.  While it’s not as pretty as the SteddiePod, it can do many of the same types of shots.  Of course, the SteddiePod is a smoother, more refined device, but the DIY GlidePod can get the job done for the backyard cinematographers out there.  So, if you’ve got $30 and an hour to kill, you can see how to make your own DIY GlidePod here.

I’ve had some great suggestions on ways to make the GlidePod better, along with alternatives that do a better job with some of the shot types from the GlidePod.  If you’ve got other ideas, feel free to drop a comment here or over on the GlidePod post.

If you’re interested in video gear and accessories, you’ll be able to find camcorder reviews and such over at Tech Tilt in the future.  However, I’ll also provide occasional updates on noteworthy gear here at Photography Bay.

Functional RED EPIC in the Wild

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The EPIC was announced by RED in November 2008, with an estimated availability date of Summer/Fall 2009.  Now that we’re pushing Summer 2010, some pre-production models are finally starting to surface.  The Bui Brothers got some hands-on time with a pre-production RED EPIC at Cine Gear 2010.  Check out the short video below to see a peek at how the EPIC handles. [Read more…]

Canon Shows Off 1D Mark IV in the Hands of Vincent Laforet

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Vincent Laforet VW Commercial

Canon has launched a new Shooter’s Insight video series in the Canon Digital Learning Center featuring the 1D Mark IV with Vincent Laforet.  A number of episodes appear to be in the works and “coming soon” that will focus on Laforet’s use of the 1D Mark IV in a recent VW spec commercial.

More on this series can be found online at the Canon Digital Learning Center.

Mastering HD Video with Your DSLR – Book Review

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So, you’ve got that Rebel T2i, 7D, 5D Mark II, D300s, D5000 or any other number of DSLRs that can record video.  But how do you get a worthwhile movie captured, edited and in front of others’ eyeballs?

A decent starting point for answering that question can be found in Mastering HD Video with Your DSLR from Helmut Kraus and Uwe Steinmueller.  [Read more…]