A Little Taste

A little taste as to what I'm up to in California, and I mean little.

Look for some more stuff in a week or two.

New GoPro, Hero+

http://www.activelifestore.com/electronics/gopro-cameras.html

http://www.reddit.com/r/gopro/comments/1nebmy/gopro_hero3_improvements_leaked/

Looks like it will be some minor firmware upgrades to the Silver and Black editions.  The GoPro page is already up.

Specs from u/vlsi_comparch

Hero3+ Black:

20% smaller and lighter housing (waterproof to 131’/40m)
SuperView video mode captures the world’s most immersive wide angle perspective
Auto Low Light intelligently adjusts frame rate for stunning low light performance
33% improved image sharpness and reduced distortion
Faster built-in Wi-Fi for enhanced connectivity to the Wi-Fi Remote (included) and GoPro App
25% longer battery life
Upgraded audio performance

Hero3+ Silver:

20% smaller and lighter housing (waterproof to 131’/40m)
2x faster image processor enables 1080p60 and 720p120 fps video
Enhanced low light performance
Improved image sharpness and reduced distortion
Faster built-in Wi-Fi for enhanced connectivity to the Wi-Fi Remote (sold separately) and GoPro App
25% longer battery life
Upgraded audio performance

Short Anti-Bullying Videos

On Friday, Aaron Pate and I, along with some volunteers from the theater department filmed four short videos for an anti-bullying campaign.

Hallway Scene

The series is comprised of 4 short videos depicting different scenarios where bullying takes place.  Our actors were wonderful and I will be sure to post some links once I'm done editing.

Party Scene

Interview Scene

We shot in a room called the "Black Box" and it is just that a room painted completely black.  So I brought in a three point lighting kit.  Two soft-boxes lighting the front and then a 500w backlight. Aaron and I wanted the background to be complete dark to add to the severity of the subject but to also allow for some ambiguity to where these situations may take place.

Lighting Diagram for Hallway Scene

In post, I added various tweaks, a slight curve, color correcting, etc. Then added an effect called Neat Video, which does an amazing job removing rain and resharpening. Finally, added the plug-in Film Convert which can color footage to match different film stocks, my specs below.

I got a chance to use the new Kamerar slider I reviewed last week and noticed some new things.   It bows pretty far on each ends with a full load and the ball head is definitely rubbish.  But besides some small things that can be worked around it held up pretty well and is defiantly work a $100 investment!

Interview scene set-up
Sorry for the horrible quality. 

Why I'm switching to Canon

My first DSLR was a Nikon d3000 that I got as a christmas.  I considered myself a Nikon fan boy and tried to be loyal to my brand.  As the d5100 came out, I pouched and purchased one with its ability to record video.   At an amateur level with limited experiance, I was thoroughly impressed.  But having my hands on it for a couple years, and being considered a 'professional' videographer, faults are appearing.  My two grievous with the Nikon d5100 are:

1. When you enter live view to record a movie, you can adjust the aperture but the camera will ignore it. Take a shot at F8 and then enter live view, set aperture to F1.4 and hit record – the manual states it should record at F1.4, the screen is telling you “F1.4″ and yet the movie is being shot at F8!
2. Critically shutter speed and ISO are controlled automatically by the camera in live view and movie mode, although pressing and holding AEL for the duration of the shot prevents them from changing. Yes shutter and ISO are adhered to in live view mode, just not by the display or movie. For example you can set ISO 100 and 1/30 and hold AEL whilst hitting the record button but it’s awkward and means you have to have your hand on the camera even when recording.

You can 'fix' the non manual movie mode by setting the AE lock, but it sit tries to compensate slightly.  But more importantly, by investing in a Nikon body I shouldn't have to fix an issue.  It shows that Nikon's focus is on Photographers and as a still camera the d5100 is great, but it appears Canon invests more into DSLR Video shooters.

Luckily Nikon glass is compatible with Canon bodies with the Fotodiox Lens Mount Adapter, so I can keep my precious 35 and 50mm f/1.8s

But what body?  I'm leaning towards a T3i which I have experience with and savings some money to invest in glass, or the now outdated 60d.  Who's prices have dropped with the release of the d70.


Here's an in depth video Dave Dugdale produced comparing the two:

Let me know what you think.  T3i or 60d or something else? And if anyone is looking to buy a camera...

I'll pass on the Black Magic Pocket Camera

Update: Found this in depth overview of the Pocket camera.

New York City | "Color Commentary" on the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera from H. Paul Moon on Vimeo.

Upon first heard of the BMPC a couple months ago.  I researched the new camera awaiting its release and two things jumped out at me. (1) It records in RAW and Apple ProRes.  That seems so cool. Having the same ability to control your video as you do a RAW photo.  Correcting overexposure, playing around with Clarity and split-toning, it sounds awesome! (2) Its the size of a large phone!  When I think Raw video, instantly I'm hit with an image of a Red Dragon or Cineflex.  But to be able to shoot 13 stops of dynamic range with something that fits in the palm of your hand, sign me up for two!

BMPC - $995

Then, I see the price - $995. Which, I guess is reasonable, but in my budget that's not going to happen.  Excluding the cameras blatant faults.  Philip Bloom posted an instagram photo of 15 batteries he used on a single day shoot. 15! 15 batteries for a day.

Cheesey Cam's reaction:

Blah! Day 1 with (2) #BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Cameras, and one appears to have sensor issues. What do you think? http://t.co/2V85jQ7Mrk
— CheesyCam (@cheesycam) September 5, 2013

Dave Dougdale from learngdslr.com also expressed some concern about the focusing:

I really liked the comment by Mauricio Fernández on Dave's Youtube page which really sums the Pocket Camera up:

I really like the BMCC, but this one... not so sure. It has a smaller sensor, so your 50mm would be like a 100 mm, it eats up batteries and sd cards like candy, the controls are not user friendly at all, and not even a 2K or 2.7K option. So, again... why would I buy this as opposite of a... let's say... 70D?

So....

If I had $1000, what would I spend it on?

1. Canon T3i (body) - $499
2. Canon 50mm f/1.8 - $99
3. Neewer 5-in-1 reflector - $17
4. Extra Battery - $42
5. Zoom H1 - $99
6. Rode Videomic - $150
7. SD Card - $26
8. Tripod - $40
9. Fader ND Filter - $10
10. Carry Speed View Finder - $34

Total = $1016

OR

1. Canon d60 (body) - $699
2. Canon 50mm f/1.4 - $399

Total = $1098