New firmware for the Nexto Video Storage Pro (NVS2500) was recently released, which adds several new features to the product. These updates include preview support of AVCHD clips, preview support of the new Canon XF300/305 video format, and greatly improved data protection and backup options. One of the new backup options includes the ability to copy data back to Compact Flash and SDHC cards. It may seem a bit odd to backup video footage shot on one memory card to another, but there are some advantages. Compact Flash and SDHC memory are relatively inexpensive, easy to find, and fast to download. So if you are working with P2 or SxS cards, the Nexto can copy them to its internal drive, and then to another card for delivery or storage. Or if you are working with CF or SDHC, the Nexto can be used to make a copy. Why walk away from set with one memory card when you can walk away with two? Because the Nexto is not capturing video in real time, you could even utilize cheaper cards with slower read/write speeds as backups. Download the latest firmware here, and make sure to read Nexto’s workflow document to learn about their new data protection and recovery options.

Recently, I got a chance to play with one of Canon’s newest lenses the HJ15ex8.5 2/3″ ENG-style HDTV lens. It features Canon’s advanced Vari-Angle Prism Image Stabilizer (VAP-IS) technology, allowing users to adjust for specific shooting situations – perfect for handheld work while walking, running, or on a moving vehicle. Check out the video to see my overview of the lens’s key features.

The NAB trade show floor opens tomorrow and manufacturers are just jumping to get new product out there. Press releases have started flooding in, and we are all doing our best to stay on top of them. I could write blog posts about all of these products, but for now we will keep it brief. We will be posting throughout the show, so stay tuned for blogs and video blogs.

Keep reading after the break to see some of the latest products we have been following:

…continue reading Some Early NAB Announcements

A new plugin from Canon is available for Final Cut Pro and is free to download. Final Cut Pro users (versions 6.0.3 – current 7.0) will be able to ingest footage from the 1D Mark IV, 5D Mark II and 7D through “Log and Transfer”. This is a huge step forward for HDSLR shooters, because it greatly improves the workflow in FCP. Here is some basic info on what the plugin allows:

• Clips ingested using “Log & Transfer”
• Archiving
• Timecode Generation
• Auto File Import
• Auto Transcode
• Auto Data Input
• Selectable ProRes formats in FCP7
• Selectable ProRes formats in FCP6

Download the E-1 plugin on Canon’s site here.

Canon has released ANOTHER firmware update for the 5D Mark II. The last firmware (2.0.3) had a small bug in it, which caused audio to stop recording when using the custom modes C1, C2, or C3. This is not a big deal for us movie shooters, but the good news is Canon has addressed the issue and released firmware 2.0.4. Download the new version here. Thanks Canon for the quick fix.

Canon has just released their latest firmware for the 5D Mark II (2.0.3). Find the firmware here. Follow the instruction to install the firmware on your camera yourself. Tomorrow (Tuesday, March 16th) we will be hosting a firmware upgrade party in our NYC office. Come by to celebrate the release, get your camera upgrade by us, and see a presentation from Jon Fauer, ASC. Upgrades will be performed all day, and presentations start at 6pm. Hope to see you there.

Canon announced today that new firmware for the 5D Mark II camera will be available on March 16th. This is a highly anticipated upgrade that adds 1080 24P (actual 23.98) and 25P recording to the 5D Mark II. Previously 1080 30P was the only supported recording format, and filmmakers have been asking for 24P for sometime. The 30P record mode has also been updated to be 29.97, which will ease editing problems with true 30P footage. With this upgrade also comes the ability to adjust audio recording levels manually. On screen meters will be available to monitor levels and adjust. Additionally Canon has added a new histogram display for shooting movies in manual exposure, shutter-priority (Tv) and aperture-priority (Av) have been added, and exposure modes will also be available in movie mode. This is exciting news, so we will be holding a 5D Firmware Download Party on March 16th in NYC. We will have Canon experts on hand to discuss the new features of the camera, and we will upgrade any 5D Mark II for free. Check back for more information soon, and find the firmware here when it is posted.