dslr video
Canon 50mm F/1.8 EF Lens $99 In Cart Deal
For anyone shooting with Canon bodies, or using Canon EF lenses on a budget the 50mm F/1.8 is highly recommended as a lens to start out with. The plastic body won't take abuse out on the field, but for under $100 dollars it offers a fast wide aperture, sharp images, and a shallow depth of field. This is an EF (not EF-S) lens mount, so it will cover a full frame camera like the 5D / 6D or work on any other Canon DSLR. This will also work on BlackMagic Cinema Cameras with the EF Mount.
If you're just working with basic kit lenses, here's the time to grab the nifty-fifty. The Canon 50mm f/1.8 II Lens drops down from $125 to just $99 bucks when added in cart via Adorama. (click More Details on the Product page to see this price) Brand New, USA Warranty, Free Shipping, and 4% Reward *(found here).
Canon 50mm F/1.8 AutoFocus Lens
BlackMagic Announced New Price for 4K Cinema Camera – $2995
According to BlackMagic Design, the Blackmagic Production Camera 4K is now shipping at a new low price of US$2,995. This new low price will be available for all customers, including existing pre-orders. The Production Camera 4K is a Super 35 sensor with Global Shutter.
BlackMagic Design Production Camera 4K
About Blackmagic Production Camera 4K
Blackmagic Production Camera 4K is a super high resolution 4K digital production camera for Ultra HD television production. Featuring a large Super 35 sensor, professional global shutter as well as EF and ZE compatible lens mount, the Blackmagic Production Camera 4K captures high quality ProRes™ files, giving customers a complete solution to shoot amazing high resolution music videos, episodic television productions, television commercials, sport and documentaries.
The Blackmagic Production Camera 4K has everything customers need right out of the box including a built in SSD recorder, rechargeable battery and a large 5” LCD touchscreen. In addition to focusing and monitoring shots, the touchscreen also lets customers enter metadata and change camera settings all on a single easy to use interface. Customers also get a full copy of DaVinci Resolve for amazing quality color grading and finishing for Mac OS X and Windows computers.
Key Features
Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 resolution
ProRes 422 (HQ)™ recording
Super 35 sensor
Global shutter
EF and ZE compatible lens mount
Built-in SSD recorder
5” LCD touchscreen
Metadata entry
6G-SDI output for 10-bit HD and Ultra HD
Availability and Price
The Blackmagic Production Camera 4K is available now for US$2,995 from Blackmagic Design resellers. Check out more detailed specs following the product link below via B&H. I didn't find any price chafes from the original $3995, but any pre-orders should have the price adjusted before it ships. They claim that they are starting to ship today.
Panasonic DMC-GH4 Product Gallery and Specs – Announced
Panasonic LUMIX GH4: Incredible Photos… Breathtaking 4K Cinematic Video
Sample: 4K Video from YouTube
Available for Pre-Order Now
 PANASONIC DMC-GH4 CAMERA BODY |
 DMW-YAGH INTERFACE UNIT |
Product Description
The LUMIX GH4 builds on the legacy of the renowned LUMIX GH3s image quality and world class video capabilities. Now supporting 4K quality video, the Panasonic LUMIX GH4 allows photographers and cinematographers to explore above and beyond with in camera creative options and astonishing focus control that sets the new standard for mirrorless hybrid photography.
When combined with one of the many LUMIX G Lenses or movie industry PL mount* cine lenses, the LUMIX GH4 provides the ultimate platform for video. Photographers will enjoy the controls and image quality expected of a professional grade main system camera for still and hybrid photography. Both will enjoy the durability and lightweight portability that a modern mirrorless DSLM digital camera offers over legacy DSLR systems.
The LUMIX YAGH interface unit mounts to the bottom of the Panasonic LUMIX GH4 and provides an added level of system connectivity the GH4 supporting the audio and video needs of professionals.
Front facing screw holes provide expandability for rail systems and added stability for PL mounts. 2 XLR input terminals for audio support and 3G-SDI video output.
Below specifications at announcement time (Feb 7 2014) are subject to change
• XLR (monaural, 2ch)
- Line / Mic / condenser mic input (+48V supply) switch
- Volume control for L / R, separately
- Audio level display monitor
• 3G - SDI terminal
- 4K2K (YUV = 4:2:2/10bit) video output
- FHD (YUV = 4:2:2/10bit) video output
- Monitoring through with time code
Panasonic DMC-GH4 via Adorama
PANASONIC DMC-GH4 CAMERA BODY |
DMW-YAGH INTERFACE UNIT |
Make sure you check out the various pages in the Gallery.
Panasonic DMC-GH4 via BHPhotoVideo
Panasonic DMC-GH4 + Interface Unit w/ Time Code
Panasonic DMC-GH4 4K MFT Camera (body only)
Panasonic YAGH Interface Unit XLR inputs HDMI - Time Code for GH4 Camera
Panasonic DMC-GH4 4K Mirrorless Camera
Well, here's a couple of specs gathered from a few different sources about the Panasonic DMC-GH4 (not GH4K). A Quad Core Processor, with a 16MP sensor to offer less noise and improved dynamic range. Max ISO 25,600 and a max photo burst mode of 12fps.
Obviously 4K Video with a max frame rate of 96fps. Since the DMC-GH4 will have a bit rate of up to 200Mbps (GH3 is 73Mbps), it will require those special Panasonic microP2 SDXC cards. Panasonic will offer an adapter that sits under the camera with (2) XLR audio inputs, and (4) SDI terminals, Micro HDMI, and Audio Out port. So far no official release date or pricing. Let's see how this all pans out compared to a Panasonic official announcement.
Panasonic GH4K GH4 G4K Camera Announcement
The rumors are in place that Panasonic will make an announcement this friday (Feb 7th) for a GH4, GH4K, or G4K camera. I shot this image below over at CES2014 last month, which could very well just be a GH3 with a 4K sticker, but i'm guessing they wouldn't pull such a stunt without having a plan in place.
Don't quote any of this, but I did manage to pull one Panasonic rep aside and he confirmed that Panasonic was indeed 'working' on a GH4K camera, and it will be highly based on the GH3 form factor. Most of the features are geared towards 4K Video, while photography features may only have slightly impressive specs over the existing GH3 (burst mode, megapixels, etc).
While mirrorless ILC and DSLR shooters require an extra XLR preamp for audio, the GH4K may have an optional bottom adapter (in place of a battery grip) that adds professional XLR inputs to the camera.
Just a few months back, Panasonic had also released a new SDXC UHS-II compliant flash card microP2 Memory Card with the same form factor as a full-size SD card. It features a maximum read speed of 2Gb/s and a maximum write speed of 200Mb/s using the AVC-Intra200 recording format (excluding 1080/60p/ 50p). It is rumored this card will be required to capture the full data rate from the GH4K. BTW, these cards are available now (found here).
Panasonic SDXC UHS-II compliant microP2 Memory Card
As I understand, the GH4K will not replace the GH3 camera, instead it would be a new more expensive camera targeted to hybrid photo/video professionals. Even so, my guess is it will still be cheaper than a Canon 5D Mark III. If most of what we're hearing on the internet is true, this will be a very interesting camera to add to the bag.
(Note) Even if we hear anything about a 4K mirrorless camera, it could be a long way out before it is delivered. Blackmagic took about 9 months to ship the BMCC after it's NAB announcement.
Best DSLR Video Hybrid BackPack Roller Bag?
Whenever possible i'd rather be cruising around an event with a Roller Bag, but when navigating through crowded areas nothing is more convenient than a backpack. I've got a few more conventions to cover this year, and i'm specifically looking into a Hybrid Backpack / Roller bag.
There are of course a few small requirements.
1: Solid build as a roller, and fairly comfortable as a backpack.
2: Must hold a 15" MacBook Pro Retina Laptop Also.
3: Padded dividers for small Camera Gear.
4. Must be Airline Carry-On Compliant
So far i've narrowed it down to a few, and here's my list of Hybrid Rolling Backpacks i'm currently looking into.
Lowepro Pro Runner x450 Rolling AW Backpack - Two wheel roller with room for a Laptop. Straps to cart around a Tripod if needed. It appears to be on the smaller side, maybe not enough for my gear. For travelers this does not have many external pockets for quick access to small accessories (cell charging cables, car keys, etc).
Lowepro Pro Runner x450 Rolling AW Backpack
Tenba Shootout Rolling Backpack (Large) - This looks more like an actual backpack than a rolling case - probably more comfortable as well. Easy to get your laptop out when going through airport security without opening up the entire case. Bungee straps on the exterior to quickly hold gear as you move around, and small external pouches for access for small accessories. Not many individual pockets for sorting small items, but I can always buy small pouches.
Tenba Shootout Rolling Backpack (Large)
Think Tank Photo Airport TakeOff Rolling Camera Bag - I've seen this bag many times. Easy to get your laptop out when going through airport security without opening up the entire case. Room for a big laptop, but not super comfortable as a backpack. Not too many external pouches for small accessories. One great thing about Think Tank besides being a solid roller bag, many of the parts can be replaced if you can ever find a way to damage it.
Think Tank Photo Airport TakeOff Rolling Camera Bag
Tamrac 5797 Evolution Speed Roller Backpack - I'm really gravitating towards this one. I've seen this at a few conventions and it looks comfortable as a backpack, yet still very solid as a roller bag. Lots of room for a big laptop and camera gear. Designed with many external pockets and easy access openings for common gear. Many small pockets for keeping small items organized and sorted.
Tamrac 5797 Evolution Speed Roller Backpack
Vanguard The Heralder 51T Rolling Backpack - The only Roller Backpack on four casters (that I could find). Oh how I love to travel with roller bags that have four casters. Room for a large laptop inside or a smaller laptop on the outer pocket. Although you can mount a tripod on the side of the bag, that is not really the ideal spot when navigating through a crowd. I like how the dividers can be removed quickly turning it into a basic roller when you're not using it for camera gear.
Vanguard The Heralder 51T Rolling Backpack
If you have experience with any of these Roller/Backpacks, or suggestions with other models you'd like to share, let me know in the comment section (here).
Rode invisiLav Discreet Lavalier Mounting System
NEVER HAVE A MIC IN SHOT AGAIN WITH THE NEW RODE INVISILAV
Monday February 3rd 2014, Sydney Australia – Australian pro-audio manufacturer RØDE Microphones has announced the invisiLav mount, designed to aid in the discreet concealment of lavalier microphones under clothing. The invisiLav’s soft silicone construction absorbs noise and vibration, while a wide, flat profile provides coverage from the elements and allows for versatile mounting options.
Primarily for use with the company’s Lavalier and smartLav microphones, the invisiLav will support any lavalier-style microphone with a capsule head up to 5mm in diameter. It features two mounting points for scenarios where a redundant mic is required, as well as cable management clips on the side.
Available in either a pack of three pieces or a bulk pack of ten pieces (found here), the invisiLav comes with pre-cut, skin-safe adhesive (ISO 10993) that can be used to mount the invisiLav to either the body or to fabric. The invisiLav itself is also made from a medical-grade skin-safe material (USP® Class VI/Ph. Eur/ISO 10993-1), so it can be mounted on the body without fear of irritation.
Product Highlights
For Concealing Lavalier Mics
Aborbs Noise & Vibration
2 Mounting Points for Redundant Miking
Made of Skin-Safe Material
Includes Skin-Safe Adhesive
Listec PW-04 Mobile Portable Teleprompter
A teleprompter may not be for everyone, but if you've got a set of important bullet points to cover, or a script that has to be hammered out by your talent, a simple teleprompter can be a huge time saver. Here's a look at the Listec PW-04 Portable Teleprompter that works with a simple smart phone.
Using a quality 'glass' beam splitter is important. Not just for optimal reflection of your scrolling text. Cheaper versions made with acrylic can soften your image and often require you to boost your ISO (increase noise) as it cuts out light entering the lens.
I own several large prompters today, but a pain to setup and travel with. I actually saw this Listec over at WPPI last year, and when I saw this Listec PW-04 on sale (-$120 dollars right now) I just had to grab one. This works seamlessly with the coverage I do using the GH3 camera + 12-35mm F/2.8 OIS lens.
[Note: the 12-35mm F/2.8 also works with the BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera]
If you want to use this with larger DSLR cameras like Canon, the 50mm F/1.4 also uses a 58mm thread, so it would work perfectly. The system packs up nicely, sets up quick, and can be used handheld or tripod mounted. Albeit small, it's very usable from a distance and allows your talent to look directly into the lens maintaining good solid eye contact with the audience viewing the final video.
For more info about the Listec Teleprompter PW-04 sale check it out at B&H (click here).
Listec Portable iPhone Teleprompter with BT Keyboard