Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
I recently took this ARRI Fresnel 3-Light kit for a spin while shooting a couple of interviews. I was seriously impressed with the ease of use and overall performance while working with these ARRI fresnel lights.
Read the full review over at Tech Tilt: ARRI Fresnel 3-Light Kit Review.
First up, I’ve got a more in-depth overview of the Sony NEX-VG10 over at Tech Tilt.
And second, I just wanted to point out that the location product shots of the NEX-VG10 appear to have been captured with a Sony A850 and Zeiss lenses. I realize that’s not quite as juicy as a 5D Mark II on Sony’s set (and I’m sure this will generate the obligatory “who cares” comment), but I figured I’d give Sony a bit of credit where credit is due.
Want an affordable way to catch the live view or video feed from your DSLR’s LCD display? Does $200 sound about right? [Read more…]
The Litepanels MicroPro Hybrid is a new flash and continuous output light source that is geared toward DSLR shooters who crossover between stills and video. The MicroPro Hybrid is an LED light source that draws 9 watts and operates on 6 AA batteries. Because it uses LED bulbs, almost no heat is generated from the device.
The continuous light mode is fully dimmable from 0% to 100%, while the “flash” feature produces a 400% brighter burst. To enable the flash feature, you just need to plug the MicroPro into your camera’s PC port.
The MicroPro Hybrid includes a ball head shoe mount with a 1/4-20 thread. Of course, it can also be mounted off-camera for other lighting situations.
The MicroPro Hybrid delivers 5600° K daylight balanced output and includes three filters – a 3200° K filter, a 1/4 warming filter and a diffusion filter.
You can find the MicroPro Hybrid at B&H Photo.
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…]
Think Tank Photo has put together a free buyers guide addressing all the gear decisions that go into putting together a DSLR video kit. Check out the press release below for more details. [Read more…]
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.
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…]
Leave Me is a short film that centers around a broken Canon DSLR and the images within. While the human element makes the film, it’s a very cool use of a camera to tie it all together.
The film was shot with a Panasonic HVX200 with a Brevis35 lens adapter and Nikon primes.
Extra credit if you can identify the camera in the film.
Remember that photo of the Gorillapod Magnetic attached to my car from the other day?
Well . . . I couldn’t resist. [Read more…]