Slider systems are getting more and more popular these days, and there are currently a huge variety available. The CamTram came well before the rush of other systems, but still holds its own as a versatile tool, both as a slider and dolly. I put together a series of videos going over the many features and options of the system. Check out the these hands-on videos to learn more about the CamTram and the new accessories that expand the system even further.

Then read our client testimonials to hear what others are saying about their experiences with the CamTram and the creative uses they’ve found for it.

Canon’s much anticipated EOS C300 and C300 PL mark the beginning of a new series of cinema cameras from the company. While the small form factor, large sensor revolution can be credited to Canon HDSLRs, up until recently Canon has been mostly silent while we’ve seen cameras from Panasonic and Sony that really capture the momentum of the industry. While Canon told us that they would be designing a new cinema camera, we were pleasantly surprised at the results when they previewed the camera for us. Because of the rather unique form factor, we put together a lens and accessories guide you can check out here.

Soon after the announcement of the EOS Cinema C300, Canon brought the camera by and let us check it out. I put together this video with my first impressions of the camera. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by both the quality and functionality of the C300. The quality of the image, skin tone rendition and overall resolution make a good impression. Also the form factor, which seemed strange at first, allows the camera to fit nicely in your hand and is fun to operate. Check out my video above to learn more.

We carry a huge variety of equipment here at AbelCine, and it is a constant challenge to stay on top of what is changing. For our clients this can be even more of a struggle, so we put together these firmware blogs to let you know what’s out and what’s coming soon for your gear. On our last Firmware Friday blog we mentioned new firmware for the Sony PVM series OLED displays and we have a new update for that. In addition, the Panasonic AF100 and Atomos Samuri have new firmware out, and we have some more details on the Sony F3 1.31 firmware on the way.

…continue reading Keeping Up with the Firmware: Friday Edition

I often get asked about the stuttering video motion, or judder, seen in 24p video. Even though we have all been watching or shooting 24p for years, for many of us it is new to see true 24p (or 23.98p) video displayed on a monitor.

24p is ‘jumpy’ by its nature, but the look of 24p video in a digital video camera can still come across a little more ‘jumpy’ then you’d expect. There are several reasons for this, which I explain in article for HDVideoPro magazine called “Did I Judder.” As part of the article, I put together these two videos to show the difference between native 24p video and 24p converted to 60i. I did this because much of the 24p content we see has been converted to 60i already, which has a smoothing effect that is very noticeable on television.

…continue reading 24p Judder and 60i Conversion

While there are several electronic viewfinders available on the market today, we’re excited to see a new high resolution option that culminated from a partnership between Alphatron and TVLogic. Manufactured by TVLogic, the new EVF035W-3G viewfinder features a 3.5″ display with a stunning 960×640 resolution panel, which is the same size and resolution as the Retina display from Apple’s iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. Aside from the beautiful display, some key features include HD/SDI loop-through and HDMI input/output. The viewfinder is expected to ship this March for $1,395. More information will be available shortly, but in the meanwhile you can check out a sneak preview online. You can reserve yours today by placing a refundable $100 deposit.

It’s been another exciting year in our industry, with lots of evolutionary and revolutionary changes. Many of the trends we’ve seen coming for the past several years came to fruition in 2011, leaving some to wonder what comes next. Let’s take a look back and see if it can help inform us a bit on what’s to come in 2012.

So…is film dead now?

Pundits have been predicting the end to film as a production medium for decades, but now it seems that the writing is on the wall. Digital Cinema camera technology has advanced to the point that nearly all production for television has moved to electronic acquisition. Currently the majority of high-end features are still produced on 35mm film, but it appears only a matter of time before this completely transitions as well. Most lower- to medium-budget productions are already being shot digitally, and numerous notable high-end productions are as well. In particular, shooting digitally for 3D productions is significantly more advantageous compared to film. This has also spurred the rollout of digital projection, as this is again far easier to accomplish for 3D presentation. The final nail may be the financial advantage to studios distributing movies digitally rather than with film prints. Fox has already notified theater chains that it plans to eliminate film prints sometime next year. Without the steady income stream of film prints, plus TV and commercial production, the economic model supporting film stock producers and processing labs will eventually no longer function. We may look back on 2011 as the last year film had a significant, dominant position in the industry, before becoming relegated to “niche” productions.

…continue reading A Look Back From Behind The Lens