It may seem like a simple topic, but a properly balanced fluid head is a necessity for getting that perfect shot. The process of balancing a camera on a fluid head can be quite simple, or rather time consuming, depending on your camera setup. Using a Libec RS-250M tripod and a Sony EX1R, I put together a quick example of how to balance with just the camera, and then again with more accessories added. Watch the video above to see the process.

I’m often asked about the available solutions for attaching accessories or external recorders to camera rigs. One solution for 15mm lightweight or 19mm rods is the new Anton/Bauer MATRIX cheese plate. This versatile cheese plate allows for both vertical and horizontal mounting, and it fits most standard accessories. Watch my video above as I detail how to attach an AJA KiPro Mini to the MATRIX plate.

AbelCine offers a variety of microphone choices to complement all of today’s Compact HD cameras. Video professionals often ask us which microphones they should pair with their cameras, so we put together this breakdown of popular options. Watch the video and read on for a rundown of the various makes and models available for all types of applications and camera builds.

…continue reading At the Bench: Audio for the Video Pro

ARRI has released their Anamorphic De-squeeze download license for purchase. This eagerly anticipated license for the ALEXA will correct the “squeeze” effect that occurs when shooting with anamorphic lenses. With the license installed, ALEXA and ALEXA Plus cameras with the Software Update Packet (SUP) 4.0 can now readily accept anamorphic lenses with 1.3x or 2x magnification. Anamorphic lenses contain optical elements that capture a 2.39:1 image and squeeze it onto the 1.78:1 ALEXA imager. With the Anamorphic de-squeeze activated, the image appears “normal” in the camera for monitoring and playback.

The Anamorphic De-squeeze includes four modes for monitoring: De-squeeze off, De-squeeze 2.0x, De-squeeze 2.0x & magnify, and De-squeeze 1.3x.

De-squeeze 2x

2x Anamorphic lenses squeeze the image by a factor of two. In 2x, the de-squeezed full sensor image appears normal in the viewfinder and monitor with extra recording image area to the left and right of the 2.39 aspect ratio.

De-squeeze 2x & Magnify

In 2x & magnify mode, the 2x image is enlarged to practically fit the 2.39 aspect ratio, with little extra area on the left and right. This mode is for monitoring use only, as it does not work in Playback mode.

De-squeeze 1.3x

Developed specifically for the 16×9 sensor, the 1.3x anamorphic lenses squeeze the image by a factor of 1.3 instead of 2. Used with 1.3 lenses, the De-squeeze 1.3x mode will compensate for the squeeze and fit the 1.78:1 (16×9) sensor size.

For more information, download ARRI’s white paper on the Anamorphic De-squeeze option.

Nexto has released its latest in their series of data backup devices, the NVS-1501. The NVS-1501 is essentially a scaled down version of their NSV-2500 and NVS-2525 models. The big difference between these models is the number of different cards it can read directly. The NVS-1501 supports CF, SDHC/SDXC, Memory stick, and more. It does not support SxS or P2 cards. The NVS-1501 serves as a temporary download station, hard drive, and has the ability to mirror to an external drive. It accepts cards formatted in the standard FAT32 format, which means it works with a wide variety of cameras including Sony, Panasonic, JVC, and Canon. For a full list of supported video formats that the NVS-1501 can preview, check out Nexto’s chart here – Supported Video Format for Preview.

…continue reading At the Bench: Nexto NVS-1501

16×9 Inc is releasing their Compact Cine Base system for the new generation of large-sensor camcorders. The system is ideal for the Panasonic AG-AF100, Sony PMW-F3 and NEX FS-100 camcorders. It allows the camera to be built in a full 15mm or 19mm studio configuration or lightweight 15mm mode. It is composed of three sections: the dove tail, the baseplate and a spacer.

The dovetail has been tapped with 3/8-16 holes for balancing your camera plate anywhere along the length of the plate. These holes are offset from the center approximately 5mm, and alongside are a series of 3/8-16 and 1/4-20 tapped holes. This will accommodate camera plates that incorporate tie-down screws in these two sizes. The offset is minimal, so no need to worry about mounting your camcorder to this platform. The ends of the dovetail are comprised of spring loaded offsets. In order to take the camera off the plate, simply slide the end over so that it is flush with the rest of the rail – a clever idea that makes mounting/dismounting the camera fast and secure. Keep in mind that this dovetail is exclusive to the 16×9 system; other top plates will not mount directly to the dovetail.

The baseplate is machined for 15mm lightweight rods and has a dovetail on top. The dovetail is the interface for the camera spacer. Spacers are separate from the baseplate – if you own multiple cameras, only the spacer needs to be purchased separately. The bottom of the baseplate shares two sets of tapped holes as well and the center is a combo of 3/8-16 and 1/4-20 tapped holes. The offset tapped holes are a set of three 3/8-16 taps. The baseplate will interface with third party 15mm and 19mm studio top plates and the 15mm lightweight spacing will accommodate handheld rigs as well as lens supports.

16X9 Inc. PL Adapters are available now at AbelCine. The baseplate, dovetail and risers will be available soon. Watch my video above for more details on the Compact Cine Baseplate system.

EDIT:

We have received requests to see more of the 16X9 inc. Compact Cine Baseplate.  Click the stills below for a closer look.

As with most of today’s cameras, it is important to check that your Panasonic AG-AF100 is up-to-date with the latest firmware, lens files and scene files. We do our best to keep everyone informed on the latest firmware release here, but the process of applying the new firmware can often be a bit confusing. In this blog, I will explain how to locate and load these different files for the AF100.

Firmware updates are available from Panasonic’s website. As of this posting, the current firmware version is V1.15.

…continue reading AF100: Scene Files, Lens Files & Firmware