AJA’s CION 4K camera begins shipping

One of the most interesting cinema cameras this year has been AJA's CION. It promises to deliver 4K images with excellent colour and latitude, coupled with a lightweight shoulder mounted design. The camera finally began shipping today just in time for Christmas. To coincide with the launch AJA have just posted a technical video showing what the camera is capable of. It covers Exposure Index, Gamma and In-Camera Color Correction options available with the CION in 4K and in HD.

www.newsshooter.com/2014/12/23/ajas-cion-4k-camera-begins-shipping

Dejero Releases Live+ NewsBook Software for Mac

WATERLOO, Ontario — Dejero, a provider of remote video transmission solutions, announced the debut of its Live+ NewsBook software for Mac notebooks. The new software transforms a Mac notebook into a "go-anywhere" video uplink solution for transmitting live HD or SD video feeds, as well as recorded and edited files, back to the broadcast facility.


http://www.tvtechnology.com/product-news/0095/dejero-releases-live-newsbook-software-for-mac/273404

Big update for Blackmagic's URSA: "It's like having a whole new camera..."

Black Magic's ambitious full-size 4K production camera, URSA, is a new product, but with this latest firmware update, it's already taking some interesting new directions.

The key new capabilities include 80fps recording, in RAW or ProRes, and visually lossless 12 bit compressed raw recording. There's a new way to handle slow motion too: the sensor frame rate and the project frame rate are decoupled, so high speed footage can be previewed at normal playback speed for instant review of of slow motion.

www.redsharknews.com/production/item/2184-big-update-for-blackmagic-s-ursa-it-s-like-having-a-whole-new-camera

What’s New in Large Format Sensor Cameras

NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES — It wasn't all that long ago that the single-sensor color camera design was for cheapie consumer cameras. However, large-format single-sensor cameras have today taken over a significant part of the professional camera market, especially for 4K production. Companies that have entered that market have been staying busy improving their wares.


http://www.tvtechnology.com/equipment/0082/whats-new-in-large-format-sensor-cameras/273093

Sony FS7 field report week 1: The Canon C300 killer?

I was lucky enough to purchase one of the first Sony FS7 production cameras and have been using it for just over a week. In the first of this series of reports I'm going to focus on what this camera is actually like to use in the field and the tips and tricks to turn it into a production tool. The big question for me was: Would I be happy replacing my trusty Canon C300 with this camera?

www.newsshooter.com/2014/11/01/sony-fs7-field-report-week-1-the-canon-c300-killer

ARRI go large – New Alexa 65 shoots 6.5K with a sensor about three times bigger than Super35

There had been rumours but today we got the confirmation. ARRI have built a super large sensor 6.5K version of the Alexa. The sensor is slightly larger than a 65mm 5-perf film frame and is comprised of three Alexa sensors that are arranged vertically and seamlessly stitched together.

www.newsshooter.com/2014/09/21/arri-go-large-new-amira-65-shoots-6-5k-with-a-sensor-about-three-times-bigger-than-super35

AJA CION can do skintones in beautiful ungraded footage

As if $8995 production models on show in Amsterdam weren't enough, AJA stokes excitement for its upcoming CION 4K camera with a showreel of beautiful, ungraded footage.

This is going to create quite a stir.

AJA has released ungraded footage from its new 4K CION camera and it isn't a Log style, low contrast mess but looks great right out of the camera! AJA seems to have managed to really get the colour science together on this one. This is apparently straight out of the camera footage with no tweaking of any kind taking place in post.

www.redsharknews.com/technology/item/2024-new-4k-aja-cion-can-do-skintones-in-beautiful-ungraded-footage

Sony PXW-X200: HD XDCAM with wireless streaming

Hot on the heels of Sony's announcement of the rather impressive looking PXW-FS7 comes the PXW-X200, the official successor to the PMW-200.

Sony is really moving fast to bring its range of cameras bang up-to-date to keep up with demand. Unlike the previous PXW models, the PXW-X200 incorporates a ½" Exmor™ 3MOS sensor. This points to the sensor being improved, and in fact, a different model to the one that is currently in the PMW-200.

www.redsharknews.com/production/item/2021-sony-pxw-x200-hd-xdcam-with-wireless-streaming

Sony PXW-FS7 Camera Full Specs Leaked | Cinescopophilia

Camera Christmas has come early… As the inventor of the term Unicorn camera, I give you the next rare thing, the PXW-FS7 or the Narwhal camera specs.

Leaked of course, not by Cinescopophilia.

cinescopophilia.com/sony-pxw-fs7-camera-full-specs-leaked

News: Panasonic Introduces AJ-PX800 2/3”, 3-Chip P2 HD Shoulder-Mount With AVC-Ultra Recording

(Newark, New Jersey--September 4, 2014) Panasonic has announced the AJ-PX800, a new 2/3-inch, three-chip shoulder-mount camcorder with AVC-ULTRA recording. Weighing a little over 6 pounds, the PX800 is the industry's lightest camcorder in its class.

http://news.creativecow.net/story/876957

News Shooter | B+H give first look at Panasonic HC-X1000 4K camcorder

2014 is clearly the year of the 4K camera. The new Panasonic HC-X1000 is a conventional camcorder design but with 4K recording at up to 60fps at 150Mbps or alternatively HD recording at up to 200 Mbps in ALL-I mode. It can record in different file formats with MP4, MOV and AVCHD all offered depending on the resolution and frame rate.

www.newsshooter.com/2014/09/03/bh-give-first-look-at-panasonic-hc-x1000-4k-camcorder

News Shooter | BIRTV 2014 video: Chinese inventor hacks an old tape based Sony ENG camera to shoot 2.7K by putting a GoPro inside

Plenty of TV stations and freelance cameramen have old Betacams and DV based cameras lying around gathering dust. Imagine if you could upgrade them to 2.7K, or even 4K shooting? One Chinese inventor has been trying to do just that.

http://www.newsshooter.com/2014/08/31/birtv-2014-video-chinese-inventor-hacks-an-old-tape-based-sony-eng-camera-to-shoot-2-7k-by-putting-a-gopro-inside/

Internal 4K Recording Coming To The Sony F5…For Free??

Internal 4K Recording Coming To The Sony F5…For Free.

One of the main differentiators between Sony's F5 and F55 cameras is the ability for the latter to record 4k XAVC footage internally to its SxS cards, but this might all be about to change.....

Filmmaker Paul Ream has uploaded a test video to Vimeo that appears to show 4k footage recorded internally to the cheaper Sony F5 camera, a camera that can only 'officially' record up to 2k.  Details on exactly how this has been achieved are sparse at the moment, but Paul promises to reveal all on the next episode of the Extrashot Podcast.  I think we can safely assume that like Magic Lantern's 5D Raw hacks, this is some sort of custom firmware update.

http://provideocoalition.com/dcarr/story/sony-f5-internal-4k-recording-update

Sony F5 Internal 4K XAVC Recording (Hack?) For Free | 4K Shooters

Just as I was browsing my twitter feed yesterday, I came across an interesting tweet by @PaulReam who apparently has "unlocked" internal 4K (4096 x 2160p) XAVC recording on his Sony PMW-F5. 

www.4kshooters.net/2014/08/25/sony-f5-internal-4k-xavc-2550p-recording-hack

Sony Launches New PXW-X500 XDCAM Shoulder Mount CCD camcorder with XAVC | XDCAM-USER.COM

Today Sony launched a couple of the new cameras. The MC2500E a very low cost, fairly basic shoulder mount AVCHD camcorder with a single 1/4″ CMOS sensor and a new full size, shoulder mount XDCAM camcorder the PXW-X500.

www.xdcam-user.com/2014/08/sony-launches-new-pxw-x500-xdcam-shoulder-mount-ccd-camcorder-with-xavc

News Shooter | Convergent Design Odyssey 7 and 7Q get another new firmware update – adds 1080P 50 and 59.94 ProRes recording

Convergent Design is pumping out  firmware releases for their Odyssey 7 and 7Q recorders at an astonishing rate. With only 29 days passing since the last release the latest one adds a raft of new features such as 1080P 50 and 59.94 ProRes recording and improved high frame rate recording for the Canon C500. It is good to see a company committed to steadily improving their product. 

While this release is perhaps not as feature heavy as the last,  it does provide some very useful additions that users will welcome. This is what has been added according to Convergent Design: 

• Higher Frame Rates For Apple ProRes 422(HQ) In 1080p 
Apple ProRes 422(HQ) recording is now enabled in 1080p50 and 1080p59.94. A very useful addition as there has been a distinct lack of 50 and 60p external recording options available in any recorder on the market. This is of course available on the 7 and 7Q.  

www.newsshooter.com/2014/08/19/convergent-design-odyssey-7-and-7q-get-another-new-firmware-update-adds-1080p-50-and-59-94-prores-recording

ARRI Amira Review - No MagnoliaNo Magnolia

This week I had the pleasure of heading in to ARRI HQ in Uxbridge to test their latest camera, the Amira.

Unveiled at last years IBC show in Amsterdam, the ARRI Amira is seen primarily as a documentary camera, aimed at productions such as Natural World, Sports and high-end Ob-Docs. It's also been suggested it'll be a great B-Camera when shooting primarily on the ARRI Alexa.

www.nomagnolia.tv/arri-amira-review

Sony PXW-X70 Professional XDCAM Compact Camcorder PXW-X70 B&H | B&H Photo Video

Sony PXW-X70 Professional XDCAM Compact Camcorder PXW-X70 B&H | B&H Photo Video

Features

Sony's PXW-X70 Professional XDCAM Compact Camcorder is about the same size as a conventional 1/3" professional compact camcorder, but it features a 1" type sensor, which is larger than a super-16 sized sensor and more than eight times the size of a 1/3" sensor. The larger Exmor R sensor size provides for more cinematic appearing depth of field than a 1/3" sensor is capable of and features a back-side illuminated design for improved low light performance. It features an integrated 12x optical zoom lens with a manual lens ring for zoom/focus control, and a three level switchable ND filter. The top handle incorporates two 3-pin XLR inputs for recording audio from XLR microphones.

The camera records HD video using the XAVC Long-GOP codec with 4:2:2, 10-bit color sampling at 50 Mb/second, providing footage with a high data rate that is suitable for broadcast applications. The camera features two SD card slots, allowing simultaneous and relay recording, and both a 3G-SDI and an HDMI output. The camera supports control via Wi-Fi using smartphones or tablets and the optional Content Browser Mobile application. Planned upgrades will allow the camera to record in 4K UHD as well as add file transfer and streaming via Wi-Fi.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1072752-REG/sony_pxw_x70_professional_xdcam_compact.html

News Shooter | Can the Panasonic GH4 + Canon’s C300 and C100 go hand in hand – Nicos Argillet reports on his testing

After spending a week with the GH4, I had to fly to Georgia in the Caucasus to direct a documentary for France 5, one of the French national TV channels. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to test the GH4 in a real production environment and see how it could match our C300 and C100 in the field. Here is a quick edit of the results.

Note that I am not a colorist nor a pixel peeper but a director and DP who is trying to understand his tools and share what he learned. All shots were only slightly graded in Premiere CS6 using the basic color correction tools to match exposure and roughly set the black/white/saturation levels.    

www.newsshooter.com/2014/07/29/can-the-panasonic-gh4-canons-c300-and-c100-go-hand-in-hand-nicos-argillet-reports-on-his-testing

The biggest challange yet to the Canon 5D? We review the Sony Alpha 7S

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Sony's Alpha 7S, with its outstanding low light performance and full-frame, full-sensor video readout, is now right at the top of the list for those looking for an alternative to the "convientional" video DSLRs. 

www.redsharknews.com/technology/item/1856-the-biggest-challange-yet-to-the-canon-5d-we-review-the-sony-alpha-7s

Rotolight ANOVA from the eyes of a DoP by Alasdair McBroom tv-bay articles

Belfast based Photographer and DoP, Alasdair McBroom talks about his experience of the Rotolight ANOVA V2 that he used to light his latest projects working along side Director / Writer Stuart Drennan (Hollyoaks, BBC, Channel 4) for their TV and Film Production Company, Wolfhound Media.

"The Rotolight Anova V2's came to me quite by accident, and in hindsight it's one of those accidents that you end up really appreciating."

www.tv-bay.com/articles/Rotolight_ANOVA_from_the_eyes_of_a_DoP/1089.html

Ready, steady, level! – the new Sachtler Speed clamp put to the test

I have used Sachtler's professional tripods for more than 20 years. For news and documentary work you cannot beat them. At NAB earlier this year I stumbled across the company's newSpeed Level Clamp. Replacing the regular twist lock clamp it is designed with squeeze handles that let you accurately and easily level your fluid head, No more twisting and untwisting, simply squeeze the handles, position the head and then release to set it in place. It takes a moment.

www.newsshooter.com/2014/07/08/ready-steady-level-the-new-sachtler-speed-clamp-put-to-the-test

News Shooter | B+H drop price of the Canon C300 to $11,999 US

The Canon C300 is probably the single most popular camera for mid level production right now. Broadcasters like the BBC and Al Jazeera use them for much of their factual programming – in large part due to their lighter weight, 50Mb/s internal recording and moderate price.

It is interesting therefore to see that B&H have just dropped the price of the C300 from $13,999 to $11,999 (via a $2000 instant saving at checkout) and applies to both EF and PL versions. Last year B+H made a similar reduction dropping the camera from $15,999 to $13,999.

www.newsshooter.com/2014/07/02/bh-drop-price-of-the-canon-c300-to-11999

RedShark News - A new generation of Litepanels

Even though an array of LEDs can be any shape or size, square seems to be the dominant form factor, and one foot by one foot is a pretty good size. It's the one chosen by Litepanels for their previous and new LED panels, the ASTRA 1 x 1 Bi-Color Panel, which has just been announced.

www.redsharknews.com/technology/item/1732-a-new-generation-of-litepanels

Sony launch PXW-X160

Sony has today launched the PXW-X160, the latest addition to the Sony XDCAM™ Series of professional camcorders. The PXW-X160 features three 1/3" Full HD Exmor® CMOS sensors and a newly developed 25x optical zoom G-Lens that extends from a 26mm wide angle. It can record in XAVC Intra and Long GOP, enabling 10-bit sampling for high-definition recordings with rich tonal expression, as well as MPEG HD422 at 50 Mbps, a format widely preferred by today's broadcasters and production houses. It can also record in MPEG HD420 at 35 Mbps, AVCHD™ and DV formats.

www.top-teks.co.uk/sony-pxw-x160

Sound Devices Creates Video Devices; Ships New Video Recorders | TVN Playout Blog

Sound Devices has now created a new sister brand, Video Devices. The company also said it is shipping its new PIX 270i and PIX 250i rack mounted tapeless, filed-based video recorders.

The PIX 270i and PIX 250i replace tape- and disc-based video decks for a complete offering that addresses a range of multiple-source video productions, including mission-critical studio applications, live sports and mobile production.

http://www.tvnewscheck.com/playout/2014/06/sound-devices-creates-video-devices-ships-new-video-recorders/

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Massive codec upgrade for Sony's PMW-300 and PMW-400

A surprise upgrade for Sony's shoulder-mount ENG cameras means they can record HD with the same quality as visually lossless ProRes

www.redsharknews.com/production/item/1719-massive-codec-upgrade-for-sony-s-pmw-300-and-pmw-400

Hands on with Panasonic 4k Varicam 35

The Varicams don't feel too heavy. I would say they are slightly heavier than a Sony F55 with a R5 recorder attached. The B4 mount Varicam HS version felt nicely balanced on the shoulder when coupled with a broadcast ENG lens. With a lot of the new breed of cameras, the lens feels too close to you when it's on your shoulder, but the Panasonic felt like it was in the right spot. It really did remind me of using a traditional ENG camera in terms of its handling.

www.newsshooter.com/2014/05/29/exclusive-matt-allard-goes-hands-on-with-the-new-panasonic-4k-varicam-35

The evolving review of the Panasonic GH4

The evolving review of the Panasonic GH4

Normally I would steer clear of in camera effects that burn in adjustments because in other cameras this was never a good idea and would result in image deterioration. But this does not seem to be the way with the GH4. Have a look at the short video below shot with screen overlays via the Atomos Ninja Blade for an idea of the results.

I wanted to see what in camera colour profiling would be like on the GH4. For this test I put the Luminance Level to 16-235 opposed to the higher 16-255. Mostly because I want a simple path of handing on files to production without wording about Luminance clipping.

Starting at Cinelike V I reduced the sharpness to -5 to take the edge away from the USM style in camera sharpening. I also but the Noise Reduction to -5 to remove the plastic mush that can occur in the images. I set the Saturation to -5 and +1 on Hue for personal preference.

http://philipbloom.net/2014/05/12/gh4/

Arri Alexa vs. Canon C500 Camera Tests | Hurlbut Visuals

In this corner, weighing 13.7 lbs. and a height of 13 inches and boasting 2.8K imagery, The Arri Alexa!!!!!
In the other corner, weighing 6 lbs. and a height of 7 inches displaying 4K capture, TheCanon C500!!!!

When we started prep on Need for Speed, the Director Scott Waugh wanted me to do an extensive camera test of all of the possible players on the market so that we could find the visual voice of Need for Speed. This was a daunting task to pull off. Zacuto had done the Great Camera shootout. I loved the in-depth tests that the experienced cinematographers had put them through. However, when you are going for a specific look, these tests need to be done internally so that you can personally see which camera sensor responds best with the specific way that you expose.

http://www.hurlbutvisuals.com/blog/2013/10/arri-alexa-vs-canon-c500/

New Rokinon 12mm T2.2 Cine Lens for Canon EF-M Mounts | Video & Filmmaker magazineVideo & Filmmaker magazine

The Rokinon 12mm T2.2 Cine Lens for Canon EF-M Mount is a wide-angle lens optimized for digital cinematography. The lens produces an image circle that will cover APS-C sized sensors or smaller. For use with a follow focus unit, the focus and aperture rings feature industry-standard 0.8 pitch gearing. The aperture ring is also de-clicked to allow for smooth iris pulls while shooting. Focus, aperture, and depth of field markings are on the side of the lens to aid focus pullers, who typically operates on the side of the camera.

http://videoandfilmmaker.com/wp/index.php/new-gear/new-rokinon-12mm-t2-2-cine-lens-canon-ef-m-mounts/

News Shooter | Would you recommend the Panasonic Lumix GH4? – Sky News cameraman Andy Portch gives his perspective

The Panasonic GH2 was genius. I loved the little camera; amazing video quality, great gamma options, superbly positioned controls, neat fit in your hand. The Micro four thirds sensor perfect for news with access to shallow or deep depth as required from a super compact camera body and lenses. I shotoutstanding stories with this little gem.

The GH3 was ghastly; unusable viewfinder, awful video with jittering and stair-stepping. Hard to use controls and layout. I tested it through prototype to production, but didn't buy it.

Now with the GH4 the goodness is back. It shares the GH3 zero body styling and slightly tricky controls, but everything else in the GH4 has massively improved. Without doubt the video quality is exceptional. The EVF is clear and sharp (monochrome if desired) without the edge smear that marred the GH3. Manual focus peaking works well with different colours and levels available. Selectable zebra at percentages you choose. Synchro scan shutter adjustment eliminates flicker shooting computer screens. Timecode has familiar options to my broadcast camera. There is a huge range of Gamma mode and curve settings, codec choices up to 4K and a terrific Lumix menu.

www.newsshooter.com/2014/05/08/would-you-recommend-the-panasonic-lumix-gh4-sky-news-cameraman-andy-portch-gives-his-perspective

TVTechnology: Choppers v. Drones for ENG

At the same time, it costs anywhere from $600,000 to $1 million a year to maintain, fuel, man (two pilots) and fly a chopper on an as-needed basis, at a time when TV stations are cutting news staff to save money.

"In contrast, a news drone can cost as little as $3,500," said Ian Hannah, owner and operator of Avrobotics, a Toronto-based aerial footage company that flies video drones within stringent Canadian aviation regulations.

www.tvtechnology.com/news/0086/choppers-v-drones-for-eng/270052

ikan Shows Off New 2K 8.9-Inch & Full 1080p 5-Inch LCD Monitors with SDI, HDMI, & Multiple Scopes « No Film School

At NAB this year, ikan showcased a few upcoming monitors with some strong features. The VX9i-2K takes up to 4:4:4 2K resolution via 2x 3G-SDI, HDMI, component, or composite inputs with active cross-conversion available for HD-SDI/HDMI output. It's also sports pretty much all the scopes you'd ever need with 5″ of screen real estate still available for live monitoring out of its 1920×1200 display. Meanwhile, the DX5 is an impressive little guy featuring full 1080 resolution on its 5″ screen, the likes of which we don't see very often. Check below for more details and our NAB 2014 interview with ikan.

http://nofilmschool.com/2014/04/ikan-vx9i-2k-full-1080p-dx5-lcd-monitors-3/

Forget 4K and 8K… How about 18K?!

As many of you have already read from my post here, when I was at NAB two weeks ago, I had my ultra high definition illusions shattered by NHK's Super Hi Vision 8K presentation. It stunned me how realistic it looked, and the 22-channel sound made it almost as if I was at the fireworks show depicted in the presentation. It felt that realistic. So when I read about a new camera created by Forza Silicon that had an 18K CMOS chip, I thought… will we even know what reality is in the future?

http://news.doddleme.com/equipment/forget-4k-and-8k-how-about-18k/

6K Resolution for Under $10K: Kinefinity KineMAX 6K Camera Gets Official Pricing « No Film School

Kinefinity, the Chinese company that has been making scientific cameras for years, is now making some waves in the cinema camera market. Their first two models received a bit of attention for the features offered in such affordable packages, but now we are getting the next generation of those models, the KineMINI and KineMAX, which give 4K and 6K resolutions, respectively.

http://nofilmschool.com/2014/04/6k-10k-kinefinity-kinemax-camera-price-cost/

GoPro Hero4 rumored to arrive this summer, will shoot 4K at 30 fps, slo-mo videos

GoPro Hero4 rumored to arrive this summer, will shoot 4K at 30 fps, slo-mo videos.

As far as the tech world goes, the Internet is one big rumor mill. There's hardly a company these days that can keep its new products a secret until the official announcement date. Now it seems that the maker of everyone's favorite action camera, GoPro, has fallen victim to an information leak: details about the allegedly upcoming GoPro Hero POV cam are circulating on the Net, which claims enhanced 4K video capture and a boost to specs. Based on the specs, the new camera may seem like a typical upgrade, but there's actually some significant tech here.

http://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/gopro-hero-4-said-arrive-summer-will-shoot-4k-video/

RedShark News - How does NAB change the landscape if you're a camera hire company?

While for most of us the blizzard of new cameras at NAB is a chance to daydream over what we might buy, or at least think of being extremely nice to the bank manager next time we see them, for people like John Brennan, MD of the UK's largest hire company ProCam, it's all about how many they might have to buy of what model to satisfy demand.

www.redsharknews.com/business/item/1629-how-does-nab-change-the-landscape-if-you-re-a-camera-hire-company

Want That 70MM Look? Pentax Jumps Into Medium Format Video with the 645Z « No Film School

Ricoh, who now operates the Pentax brand, has just introduced the first sub-$10,000 medium format camera capable of shooting HD video, the 645Z. While it's not going to be your everyday shooter for video, it's certainly going to provide a very different aesthetic from even the large sensor 5D Mark II or Mark III. This is the first time it will be relatively affordable to acquire footage that more closely matches the angle of view of 65mm film.

http://nofilmschool.com/2014/04/70mm-pentax-645z-medium-format-video-price-availability/

Sent from my iPhone

Should Photographers Care About 4K?

Should Photographers Care About 4K?

If you had to summarize this year's NAB Show in Las Vegas in one word, it would probably be "4K."

The NAB (Which stands for National Association of Broadcasters) Show is the world's largest Electronic Media show, and deals largely in video. But, this year, at least one of the announcements had interesting implications for the still photography market.

http://petapixel.com/2014/04/14/care-4k/

News Shooter | NAB 2014 video: Lumos lights bi-colour LEDs claim 98 CRI accuracy

Newsshooter technical editor Matt Allard talks to Doug from International Supplies about the latest range of Lumos LED lights. These Korean made lights claim to have extremely accurate colour reproduction thanks to their high colour rendering index (CRI).

www.newsshooter.com/2014/04/12/nab-2014-lumos-lights-98cri-bicolour-leds

News Shooter | NAB 2014 video: Libec ALLEX tripod and slider combo system

Newsshooter's Chuck Fadely talks to Jose Larios of Libec about their new ALLEX system. This is a modular tripod system designed for DSLR filmmakers. This lightweight system includes a head, tripod and slider, which can be configured to suit your shooting situation.

www.newsshooter.com/2014/04/12/nab-2014-video-libec-allex-tripod-and-slider-combo-system

Sony Announces F5 to F55 Upgrade, FS700 Zoom Lens Support & Optical Adapter for B4 to PL « No Film School

Holding true to their philosophy to make the F5/F55 remain viable for a long time to come,Sony have introduced an upgrade that effectively turns your F5 into an F55. For the FS700, Sony are releasing a free FS700 firmware upgrade for E-mount zoom lens support. Also, for those of us with a few B4 lenses sitting around, Sony has announced a new 2-part optical B4 to PL adapter with an electronic lens interface. Hit the jump for our interview with Sony on the NAB floor:

http://nofilmschool.com/2014/04/sony-announces-f5-f55-upgrade-fs700-zoom-lens-support-optical-adapter-b4-pl/

Early Footage, Full Specs, & Why the AJA CION is the Most Exciting New Camera at NAB 2014 « No Film School

This week has been a crazy one for camera announcements. Not only did Blackmagic blow the lid off of NAB once again with theannouncement of the URSA camera, but Digital Bolex brought their A-game to the world of black and white cinematography, and Apertus (despite the fact that they couldn't make it to NAB) announced that the Axiom Beta is well on its way. Perhaps the most interesting camera announcement, however, came from hardware-manufacturer AJA, as they announced the arrival of a brand new 4K cinema camera simply called CION. We just got wind of the full specs on this camera, and even caught a glimpse of some early footage.

http://nofilmschool.com/2014/04/early-footage-full-specs-why-aja-cion-is-the-most-exciting-new-camera-nab-2014/

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New from RED: SCARLET DRAGON for $14.5K, DRAGONColor & 4K 3G-SDI Module « No Film School

What would the NAB show be without some sort of announcement from RED? This year we've got a slew of news from the company, including Scarlet Dragon shipping info, a 4K broadcast module to send out up to 4K 60fps over 4 3G-SDI ports, Epic-M Monochrome details, new color science and even a handy RED-specific multi-tool.

http://nofilmschool.com/2014/04/red-scarlet-dragon-dragoncolor-4k-3g-sdi-module/

NAB 2014: Sony kicks it up a notch with the α7S 4K Full-Frame Camera

It's that time of year again, NAB is off and running and we've had a great start with the Blackmagic Studio and URSA Cameras and now the Sony α7S.

While it only sports a 12.2-megapixel 35mm full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor, it has been paired with the high-speed BIONZ X image processing engine. But it's the camera's sensor sensitivity that's the star of this show, capable of shooting at a jaw-dropping ISO 409,600 with very little noise.

http://news.doddleme.com/equipment/sony-kicks-it-up-a-notch-with-the-%CE%B17s-4k-full-frame-camera/

Blackmagic Design: URSA

Introducing Blackmagic URSA, the world's first high end digital film camera designed to revolutionize workflow on set. Built to handle the ergonomics of large film crews as well as single person use, URSA has everything built in, including a massive 10 inch fold out on set monitor, large user upgradeable Super 35 global shutter 4K image sensor, 12G-SDI and internal dual RAW and ProRes recorders. Because the sensor and lens mount assembly can be changed, you can choose EF or PL lens mounts, or even a broadcast video sensor with B4 mount. This means you can upgrade to the latest sensor technology in the future and keep your investment in the camera body!

www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/blackmagicursa

Digital Motion Picture Cameras in 2014: The Next Chapter | Filmmaker Magazine

Do we need to trade up our cameras? How soon? Are more resolution, bit depth, frame rates, color space even critical to what we do? I offer this year's camera round-up as a snapshot of where cameras stand as we head into this year's milepost NAB — and a guide to where I think they, and we, are going.

http://filmmakermagazine.com/85259-digital-motion-picture-cameras-in-2014-the-next-chapter/#.U0J2Q-29LCR

Panasonic Unveils New Details of the Modular 4K Varicam, Plus Sexy New Pictures « No Film School

About a month ago, the future of Panasonic's video production tools became clear when we got the first details of the brand new Varicam camera system, which consists of a 4K-capable s35 module, a 2/3 HD module, and an external recorder that is interchangeable between the two systems. While all of the official details will be released at NAB in just one week's time, the director of Panasonic's digital imaging division, Kunihiko Miyagi, has just divulged some new information and given us some new pictures at which to grovel. Check it all out below.

http://nofilmschool.com/2014/03/panasonic-unveils-new-details-of-4k-varicam-new-pictures/

NAB Show 2014: Cameras.

LAS VEGAS—Much of the camera buzz at the 2014 NAB Show will be about 4K imaging, although there's still a thriving market for conventional HD camcorders as well. - See more at: http://www.c2meworld.com/creation/nab-show-2014-cameras/#sthash.opT0Idq2.dpuf

http://www.c2meworld.com/creation/nab-show-2014-cameras/

Trying out the Canon C100 Autofocus…does it actually work? Can autofocus in video every truly work?

Trying out the Canon C100 Autofocus…does it actually work? Can autofocus in video every truly work?

I don't believe in autofocus for video. It can't work. I doubt it will ever work in the way I would want it to work. 

That's a bold statement to open this post with. Let me explain. For my entire 25 year career it's been manual focus all the way for a reason. Manual focus works, well, it works as well as the person pulling focus, and 99.9% of the time that is me. My brain knows what I want to be in focus within my frame. My brain knows when to keep something in focus and something out, no matter what the composition. My brain knows exactly when I want to pull between certain things at a certain speed, changing speed, perhaps even going back. The options are infinite…simply down to what I see travelling down the optic nerve to the cerebral cortex where the decisions are made triggering impulses that travel down my spinal cord through the motor neurons for the appropriate muscles and releasing a chemical which then causes my muscles to react in a way that hopefully keeps my shots in focus…see EASY!!!  Not much for a camera to replicate then?!

http://philipbloom.net/2014/03/28/c100autofocus/

Panasonic introduces the HX-A500 4K wearable camcorder

Panasonic introduces the HX-A500 4K wearable camcorder.

Panasonic has unveiled the world's first 4K 30/25p wearable camcorder, the HX-A500. Following in the dua-body footsteps of the HX-A100, the camera part of the new 4K-toting device can be worn on the head sans helmet thanks to head mount, while the main body – which now includes an LCD monitor for checking shots on the go – sits in an armband worn by the user.

http://www.gizmag.com/panasonic-hx-a500-wearable-4k/31393/

News: Flovel to Introduce High-Sensitivity HD Camera at NAB 2014

News: Flovel to Introduce High-Sensitivity HD Camera at NAB 2014.

FLOVEL FZ-B3 camera has an unprecedented low-light sensitivity of 0.003 lux for color motion shooting. Employing 3 HbCMOS technology, its three CMOS color image sensor enables operators to capture high-fidelity color images with low noise at high sensitivity. The new compact camera records in 1080i (59.94Hz or 50Hz) and 720p (59.94Hz or 50Hz) HD-SDI formats. 

http://news.creativecow.net/story/875000

TV Technology: Sinclair Chooses Cellular Newsgathering Without a Backpack

TV Technology: Sinclair Chooses Cellular Newsgathering Without a Backpack.

Sinclair Broadcast Group, owner of more TV stations than any company in the country, is leveraging the benefits of video transmission over cellular IP networks while also expanding the reach of its newsgathering capabilities with the addition of JVC's GY-HM890 ProHD shoulder-mount camera. The camera's built-in streaming engine allows live HD transmission from the field. The company has ordered 70 of the cameras for its local news operations.

http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/sinclair-chooses-cellular-newsgathering-without-a-backpack/269657

Sony PMW-F55 Cameras Capture New TV Series in 4K

Sony PMW-F55 Cameras Capture New TV Series in 4K.

He also wanted a camera with a relatively simple workflow that would be reliable enough for a two-month shoot. He said, "My research favoured the Sony PMW-F55 for this job, but at that time I was one of the first to purchase the F55. There was no time to try one out before placing a pre-order. I was impressed with the versatility of the camera. Having a choice of codecs, high sensitivity and low noise, and the compact lightweight size were factors, but the onboard compressed 4K option was also a huge draw card for me."

http://www.digitalmedia-world.com/Cameras/sony-pmw-f55-cameras-capture-new-tv-series-in-4k.html

Get Shooting: How To Build Your Starter Videography Kit For Around $1000

Get Shooting: How To Build Your Starter Videography Kit For Around $1000.

No videography set is complete without a camera, just like no first-aid kit is complete without bandages.  These three cameras range between the prices of $500-$700, and will be the bulk of your budget.  Instead of jumping in head-first and buying a pro video camera, you can get nearly the same quality by investing in a digital SLR that can record video.

http://inventorspot.com/articles/build_your_own_starter_videography_kit_around_1000

2014 NAB Show Preview: First Look at the Trends, Tools and Technologies

2014 NAB Show Preview: First Look at the Trends, Tools and Technologies.

It can't shoot 4K, but I suspect many camera buyers will still be lining up to get close and personal with the ARRIAMIRA. Touted as the ideal documentary camera, it's really a lighter, smaller sibling of ARRI's Alexa. The two share a sensor design, but the AMIRA maxes out at 2K (2048 pixels) and records using the Apple ProRes codec family to cards without any camera raw recording options. It starts at $39,999, but a fully optioned camera with accessories (no lens) can run you northwards of $60K. ARRI is taking a gamble without a 4K product by banking on the look championed by the Alexa to win over users from Sony and RED.

http://www.creativeplanetnetwork.com/dv/feature/2014-nab-show-preview-first-look-trends-tools-and-technologies/65827

Black Magic Camera Bursts Into Flames, Immediate Suspect is The Internal Battery - DIY Photography

Producer Forest Gibson was shooting a kickstarter campaign using a Black Magic 2.5K when the camera suddenly burst into flames. The crew immediatly left the location, but then came back using damp towels as (somewhat of ) protection.

www.diyphotography.net/black-magic-camera-bursts-flames-immediate-suspect-internal-battery

News Shooter | Chinese KineMAX 6K RAW cinema camera development announced

The second big camera announcement of the day from Kinefinity is their development of a brand new 6K camera. Details are fairly scarce at the moment but this is what we have:

The KineMAX 6K is a Super35 CMOS camera which can record a maximum resolution of a whopping 5760×3240 pixels at up to 30fps. Put another way that is nine times the resolution of HD or 2K. This is combined with a claimed dynamic range of 14 f-stops and 12-bit colour depth. By utilising pixel binning techniques the camera can also record 3K with a claimed 16 f-stop dynamic range and 14-bit colour depth. If true this is pretty staggering and quite an achievement for any company, let alone a Chinese one.

http://www.newsshooter.com/2014/03/03/chinese-kinemax-6k-raw-cinema-camera-development-announced/

RedShark News - Are cameras getting a bit too "DIY" these days?

If there is one word that I think sums up the thinking behind modern camera design it is modularity. When the Red One was released into the world it was seen as a revolution. It was conceived as an infinitely configurable camera, with a number of add on modules available for it. Since then many cinema style cameras have followed suit. Add on recorders have become normal, with Sony's latest cameras being designed to take additional modules that blend in seamlessly with the body design. Arri's Alexa has taken things further and designed so that the sensor is field replaceable, and the recording media type is also upgradeable. However modularity in video cameras is not a new idea.

www.redsharknews.com/technology/item/1512-are-cameras-getting-a-bit-too-diy-these-days?utm_source=www.lwks.com+subscribers&utm_campaign=fa3fda9fe6-RSN_Mar07_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_079aaa3026-fa3fda9fe6-74739809

ARRI Group: AMIRA | The new documentary-style camera

Featuring the same sensor and exceptional image quality as the ARRI ALEXA, AMIRA records superior HD 1080 or 2K pictures that are suitable for any distribution format. With a dynamic range of more than 14 stops, low noise levels, subtle highlight handling, natural color rendering, breathtaking skin tones and speeds of up to 200 fps, AMIRA will deliver stunning, life-like images.

http://www.arri.com/amira/

Panasonic VariCam 35 4K Camera Specs and Details:

Panasonic have unveiled a lot of details about their 4K camera/recorder, the VariCam 35. The Panasonic VariCam 35 incorporates a newly-developed super 35mm MOS image sensor and the company's AVC-ULTRA family of video codecs.

http://cinescopophilia.com/panasonic-varicam-35-4k-camera-specs-and-details/

If You Want to Rig Up Any Model of GoPro, Check Out the New Mount from Wide Open Camera « No Film School

Wide Open Camera, who is no stranger to GoPro mounts and cages, has designed a new version with the help of Snake River Prototyping. Besides being cheaper and more modular, this mount is capable of mounting any of theGoPro cameras released in the last few years, from the HD Hero to the camera released last fall, the HERO3+. Click through for more on pricing and what the mount can do for you.

http://nofilmschool.com/2014/03/wide-open-camera-go-pro-mount-snake-river-prototyping/

Kinefinity Gets Serious with New 6K KineMAX & 4K KineMINI RAW Cameras « No Film School

No that's not a typo. RED DRAGON is about to get some company as far as 6K is concerned. Chinese camera maker Kinefinity, who has so far produced two cinema cameras, the KineRAW S35 and KineRAW-MINI, has just announced that they are working on a brand new 6K camera, the KineMAX 6K, and a 4K version of the MINI. Check out specs and pricing for both models below.

http://nofilmschool.com/2014/03/kinefinity-new-raw-cameras-kinemax-6k-kinemini-4k/

The 12 Most Desired Final Cut Pro X Features | Filmmaker Magazine

Final Cut Pro X (FCP X) was announced in April of 2011 and released in June of the same year. In the nearly three years since its release I have slowly increased the amount of work I do with it. As of this writing I am in the early stages of editing a feature-length documentary using Final Cut Pro X. I agree with the post-production masses that say Apple should have handled the launch of FCP X much better than it did. I could go on and on about what I wish they would have done differently. I won't. That is not the purpose of this article. It is also not a point-for-point comparison of editing apps. And I'm not here to debate whether it's a pro tool or not either. Many people have been cutting great things with FCP X just like with Avid, Premiere and previous versions of FCP. What I do want to do here is look at where FCP X currently is and what I hope Apple does to continue to grow it and make it better.

filmmakermagazine.com/84632-the-12-most-desired-final-cut-pro-x-features#.UxXyRKwgHCR

Panasonic Announces Pair of New VariCams

Panasonic has finally announced the 4K VariCam that they've been teasing at NAB with prototypes. The new VariCam 35 will offer 4K Raw with frame rates that support up to 120 fps. But that wasn't enough, because they also announced a 2/3″ VariCam HS, which can shoot 1080p at 240fps. Yikes.

http://news.doddleme.com/equipment/panasonic-announces-pair-of-new-varicams/

Nikon Formally Announces Its D4S Flagship HD-SLR Camera

Nikon Formally Announces Its D4S Flagship HD-SLR Camera.

Photographers, the day you've been waiting for is here. Nikon has released its new top of the line follow up to the D4, the D4S. In fact, Nikon is marketing the camera not just as a DSLR, but an HD-SLR. It promises a host of new features and insane 409,600 ISO rating. However, if you want the best, you're going to want to take your black card out. Let's take a look.

http://geekbeat.tv/nikon-formally-announces-its-d4s-flagship-hd-slr-camera/

Canon 5D Mark III vs Canon 6D: a sensible buyer's guide.

Canon 5D Mark III vs Canon 6D: a sensible buyer's guide.

DSLR Video Shooter has posted an interesting comparison video at their youtube channel. Two cameras compared are Canon's DSLRs: 5D Mk III and 6D. 5D Mk III currently costs $3,399.00 at B&H, while 6D costs $1,899.00, so almost half the 5D price. What's the point of comparing two cameras that differ so much in price? It goes without looking into specs and feature lists that 5D Mk III is far superior in almost every  aspect, and yet, there's a point in that! And the conclusions drawn at the end of the video are more than reasonable.

http://www.motionvfx.com/mblog/canon_5d_mark_iii_vs_canon_6d_a_sensible_buyers_guide_,p3129.html

Panasonic unveils its first mirrorless ILC with 4K video recording

Panasonic unveils its first mirrorless ILC with 4K video recording.

Panasonic's DMC-GH4 has a magnesium alloy frame.(Credit: Panasonic)

Panasonic has decided to up the ante in the mirrorless ILC market by introducing its first DSLM with 4K video recording capability. In case you are wondering, Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (DSLM) is what Panasonic calls its mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (ILCs) these days.

The DMC-GH4, successor of the DMC-GH3, has an improved image processor that allows high-speed signal processing required for 4K video recording.

http://asia.cnet.com/panasonic-unveils-its-first-mirrorless-ilc-with-4k-video-recording-62223589.htm

Ravelli ATD Professional Tripod Dolly for Camera Photo Video

Ravelli ATD Professional Tripod Dolly for Camera Photo Video.

The Ravelli ATD Tripod Dolly is an excellent dolly for use with your professional camera and video tripods, light stands, and background stands. The most important feature of a good dolly is good wheels. After all, the point of a dolly is to be able to smoothly move your tripod from one place to another. Unlike less expensive models with smaller plastic wheels, our dolly uses large 3″ diameter wheels with all metal ball bearings and a rubber outer surface for an ultra smooth roll. The ATD also features one step easy locking wheels. Once you get the dolly where you want it, all you have to do is "step" on the locks for one or more of the wheels. Some competing models including the best names such as Bogen, Manfrotto, Quickset, and Linhof re Read More…

http://wefonline.com/ravelli-atd-professional-tripod-dolly-for-camera-photo-video/

Is the DSLR dead for Online Video? A World Press Photo Connected Learning discussion

Is the DSLR dead for Online Video? A World Press Photo Connected Learning discussion.

Is DSLR video a thing of the past?

In 2007, no one could have predicted the impact the Canon 5D mkII would have on online video journalism; not even Canon. But five years on, many multimedia journalists are questioning whether the DSLR is still the best tool.

In the second part of my Gear Guide for the World Press Photo Connected Learning Multimedia course, I host an online discussion with Dan Chung and Matt Ford to talk about the DSLR as a video tool. We debate the pros and cons of the three emerging camera types multimedia journalists are using for video – the DSLR, the dedicated large sensor video camera and the ever-impressive compact mirrorless cameras – and consider if the DSLR is still the best way forward for people just starting out in multimedia journalism.

http://www.newsshooter.com/2014/02/09/is-the-dslr-dead-for-online-video-a-world-press-photo-connected-learning-discussion/

News: Blackmagic Design Announces Blackmagic Production Camera 4K is now Shipping with a New Low Price!

News: Blackmagic Design Announces Blackmagic Production Camera 4K is now Shipping with a New Low Price!

(Fremont, California--February 10, 2014) Blackmagic Design today announced the Blackmagic Production Camera 4K is now shipping and with a new low price of US$2,995. This new low price will be available for all customers, including existing pre-orders. Blackmagic Production Camera 4K is available now from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide for only US$2,995.

http://news.creativecow.net/story/874425

Lighting for Video: Light Stands

Lighting for Video: Light Stands.

In our ongoing series on Lighting for Video we're taking a look at the different types of professional film/video lights, and their subsequent accessories. In this video, we examine the different types of light stands and make considerations for which to use in different video/film productions situations.

http://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/lighting-for-video-light-stands/

Panasonic Announces Five New Full HD Camcorders

Panasonic Announces Five New Full HD Camcorders

[CES 2014] Panasonic has unveiled its 2014 lineup of high quality camcorders which consists of five models capable of capturing video in full 1080p HD. The flagship model is the Panasonic HC-2850 which features Twin Camera. This camcorder can capture picture-in-picture video through a sub-camera that's located on the side of the LCD screen, allowing it to capture two scenes at once. There are a lot of possibilities, users can make use of the two cameras to capture a variety of shots simultaneously, such as close-up and landscape in the same direction, front and side shots and even of the person alongwith the object that's being filmed.

http://www.ubergizmo.com/2014/01/panasonic-announces-five-new-full-hd-camcorders/

Inter BEE 2013: Newsshooter talks 8K cameras with Astrodesign in Film School - Filmmaking

Inter BEE 2013: Newsshooter talks 8K cameras with Astrodesign in Film School - Filmmaking

Inter BEE 2013: Newsshooter.com editor Dan Chung has a look at the Astrodesign 8K camera designed for Japanese broadcaster NHK.

http://vimeo.com/channels/filmschool/79844208

This Camera Stabiliser Seems To Defy The Laws Of Physics

This Camera Stabiliser Seems To Defy The Laws Of Physics

Though it may look fake and unreal and impossible and not allowed on Earth, the camera stabiliser in the video is completely real. You can't make it shake. It's like magic decided to defy physics and ignore gravity. All I want to do is park myself in front of a mirror and do as many twists and turns and spins as possible to see if I can get the camera off track. Like this guy.

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2014/01/this-camera-stabilizer-seems-to-defy-the-laws-of-physics/

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera Review: Small, Fussy, Beautiful

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera Review: Small, Fussy, Beautiful

The announcement of Blackmagic's $3000 RAW-shooting Cinema Camera in 2012 caused such a stir that not many could have anticipated a followup model, so soon, that was a fraction of the cost and a fraction of the size. The Pocket Cinema Camera continues forging the path of the upstart high-end video camera.

What Is It?

It's a surprisingly small $1000 video camera with a super-16 size sensor (a bit smaller than micro four-thirds). It takes micro four-thirds lenses and shoots ProRes or CinemaDNG RAW footage to SD cards. The basic innards are the same as the original Cinema Camera, just outfitted to squeeze into the 5-inch wide, 12.5 oz magnesium alloy body.

http://gizmodo.com/blackmagic-pocket-cinema-camera-review-small-fussy-1493925302