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.
In recent years, we’ve come to rely on iPhone’s as a readily available source of information, and this goes for on-set reference tools as much as any other area of life. iPhone apps have been developed for nearly every aspect of production, and now there are apps designed for those working in the Grip and Electric departments.
theGripApp (Enlightened Shenanigans, $4.99) is designed specifically as a reference manual for those working as grips, describing itself as 25% dictionary, 25% equipment stats, 25% descriptions of equipment, and 25% practical applications. A wide variety of equipment is presented, from dollies to flags to cranes, all with detailed specs and images directly from the manufacturer. In fact, the app is helpfully organized into four categories (Dolly, Cranes, Hardware, Rigging) to make it easier to find exactly the information you’re looking for.
Enlightened Shenanigans also makes another app, setLighting ($9.99) that presents a wealth of information, in this case on lighting equipment. It is organized (similarly to theGripApp) into four categories: Lights, Power, Bulbs, and Useful. The app provides a guide to the most common lighting units in the production world, including images, specs, available accessories, and bulb options. An especially helpful feature is the power distribution cheat sheets, such as the amperage usage chart and the maximum ampacity chart. setLighting is a great reference guide for anyone working with fixed lighting.
Ever since Mitch’s original iPhone app blog, we’ve been discovering more and more apps that we think our clients will find useful. Check out our iPhone Apps for Modern Cinematographers resource for a list of apps, organized into categories such as FOV calculators, timecode, filters, etc. Don’t forget to bookmark the page, as we will be continually updating and adding more to our list.
There’s a lot to be thankful for this Friday, as there have been several important firmware update announcements across the board. In addition to the ARRI ALEXA update released on Wednesday, BlackMagic Design, Sony, and Sound Devices all have announcements to get your weekend off to a great start.
BlackMagic Design HyperDeck Studio:
The uncompressed HyperDeck Studio recorder will gain compressed recording capability with a free update slated for “the end of this month.” DNxHD recording and playback of MXF files will be added, promising an expedited workflow for those working with Avid Media Composer, as well as a big advantage for those that do not require uncompressed files.
Sony NEX-FS100
Sony will be releasing an major update to the popular AVCHD Super35 NEX-FS100 by early 2012. One of the most requested features is the ability to switch between NTSC and PAL recording, which Sony has added to this free update. In addition, you will be able to:
The new firmware will also allow you to use the new Sony LA-EA2 Alpha to E-mount adaptor with full support for continuous phase-detect autofocus, auto iris, and lens metadata on most Alpha mount lenses.
…continue reading Keeping Up with the Firmware: Friday Edition
Sound Devices is known for their high-quality and robust sound recorders and mixers, so we were all surprised to see them announce a video recorder. However, after receiving our first demo units, we were not surprised to see how well made they are. Like all Sound Devices products the PIX 240 is very durable and solid. If you haven’t read about it yet, the PIX 240 records in ProRes or DNxHD formats onto SSDs or Compact Flash cards. It has both HD-SDI and HDMI inputs, as well as timecode and sync connections. And, it also works as a nice small monitor; the built-in LCD has a 800×480 resolution and wide viewing angle. Watch my video above to learn more about the PIX240 and all of its different options.
As IBC 2011 winds down, we’d like to take a moment to share some of the more exciting developments. In addition to the announcements from AJA, Arri, Blackmagic Design, Panasonic, and Sony, there were a few other highlights from this year we thought were worth mentioning.
Atomos has announced a very clever field converter that’s about the same size as a Sony “L” battery aptly called the Connect. Available as an SDI to HDMI or HDMI to SDI converter, the Connect features a built-in battery that will power the converter for two hours. Alternatively, you can attach a Sony “L” battery to power the Connect that will also pass power through to another Sony “L” device, such as the Atomos Ninja recorder. This will actually provide uninterrupted power to your Sony device, which is a nice touch. Other impressive features include a test pattern generator and real-time 3:2 pulldown removal that will extract 24p or 30p from a 60i signal (or 25p from a 50i signal for our PAL readers). This means that if you’re using a camera that only has an HDMI output (such as the Sony NEX-FS100) or a recorder that does not offer 3:2 pulldown removal, you can use the Connect for “on-the-fly” 3:2 pulldown removal. Pricing for the US has yet to be determined, but the current MSRP is €249.
…continue reading IBC 2011 Updates: Wrap up
AJA has made several key announcements at IBC this year, including updates for the KiPro Mini, the Thunderbolt based Io XT, the new KONA LHe Plus, and a new Up/Down/Cross mini converter .
The popular KiPro Mini external recorder will be updated to support the Avid DNxHD codec, bringing direct-to-edit capabilities for Avid Media Composer based productions. This free update will be available via firmware sometime in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Building upon their announcement from NAB, AJA has revealed the Io XT, a Thunderbolt based I/O device. With two Thunderbolt ports, the Io XT can be daisy-chained to other Thunderbolt devices or displays. Inputs and outputs include two 3G/HD/SDI ports with support for 4:2:2 and 4:4:4, one HDMI with 3D support, component, composite, and multiple audio inputs and outputs. The Io XT is a powerful addition to your Thunderbolt capable machines. Expected to ship Q4, 2011 with an MSRP of $1495.
…continue reading IBC 2011 Updates: AJA
The team over at Blackmagic Design must read our blog, because less than a month after my HyperDeck Shuttle video, they’ve announced a new mounting plate that’s admittedly a bit more elegant than using dual lock. Offering multiple 1/4″ 20 and 3/8″ 16 threads, the mounting plate is also threaded for Anton Bauer Gold Mount and V-Lock style battery plates and is machined to match the contours of the HyperDeck Shuttle perfectly. Expected to ship early Q4, the mount plate will retail for $99.
…continue reading IBC 2011 Updates: Blackmagic Design
