Think Tank Retrospective 20 Review

Great review on the "Think Tank Retrospective 20" camera bag. Provided by Sam Hurd.

Panasonic HDC-SDT750 Consumer 3D camcorder

In just a few days, Panasonic will be introducing the world to the "World's first 3D Shooting Camcorder." If you remember, just a few months ago they released the AG-3DA1. With the 3DA1's $20K price-tag, the release of a consumer camera was in line. It is obvious that they are trying to get a jump on the 3D movement.

Sean at Engadget suggested that the camera is probably not so much "new" but rather a modification of a previous model. This is not out of the question, and many similarities can be seen when comparing to other models. The camcorder, which is expected to shoot 1080p AVCHD at 60fps, will be officially announced at a private exhibition in Tokyo this Wednesday [7/26/2010]. No pricing information has been released.

Youtube Plays 4k Videos

This is some footage from the RED One. Chances are more than 94% of viewers will not be able to play it back on their machines. Go ahead, try it! Select "Original" in the resolution from the selection box, and click the Full Screen button (WARNING! It may freeze your system!).

Youtube began accepting 4k videos about a month ago, and there are only a few up. This keeps them on par with their history of accepting the widest range of video formats. Making the 4k move literally means whatever type of video you have, no matter the origin, no matter the encoding and resolution, as long as it has a container you can upload it to Youtube. This is a claim that can not be made by any other site. And no matter Youtube's history, they remain the innovators of online video distribution. Here is the 4k playlist.

Short Film - Cyclus

Congratulations to the folks over at 3FG Productions. They produced a great short-film entitled "Cyclus." The film is about a guy with no short term memory, trying to figure out what he's doing. It was shot on the Canon T2i and won First Place at the 2010 Mozarkian Film Festival.

Canon Issues Firmware Version 1.2.2 for EOS 7D

Canon has released the latest firmware update for the EOS 7D.

From Canon:
EOS 7D Firmware Update Version 1.2.2
Firmware changes
Firmware Version 1.2.2 incorporates the following fixes.
1. Fixes a phenomenon in which the set aperture moves when shooting movies in manual exposure mode using some Canon lenses (such as macro lenses).
2. Fixes the AF point-selection behavior of the C.Fn III-7 (Manual AF pt. selec. pattern) custom function when set to [1].
3. Fixes the AF point display for the viewfinder electronic level when shooting in the vertical position.
4. Corrects misspellings in the Spanish and Thai menus for applicable products.

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Canon to make smaller SLR cameras

Yesterday, Canon's Masaya Maeda, head of tge Image Communication Products division, announced that Canon is currently working on smaller versions of their SLR cameras. The move is based off of Canon's long known strategy, wait until they do it, then do it better. These new cameras will directly compete with the mirrorless setup of Olympus and Panasonic, etc. Maeda did not, however, mention if the camera would in-fact be mirrorless. It is unlikely as Canon is very good about sticking to their formula. Maeda added in a Reuters interview:

"It's not a question of whether or not you have a mirror. There is a consumer need for good-quality cameras to be made smaller. We will meet that need."

Video Blog Tips #1 - Unboxing Videos

Unboxing videos have grown more and more popular over the past few years. On YouTube alone, some users have generated millions of views on their account just by allowing others to join in on their recent purchases. This is a great way to take advantage of all aspects of your craft. Use each element to your advantage.

A professional Photographer does not have much to offer if he or she can not reach their audience. In this age, there are so many avenues to take such as the internet, advertisements, blogs, social networks and of course word of mouth. Now, those that stand out are the ones going above and beyond. A simple unboxing video is a great way to broaden your audience and also a way to quickly put that new equipment to use.

Tips on a good unboxing video:

1) External audio. Audio is just as important as video. It is recommended to use an external audio source such as a personal recorder or a boom mic. Generally, on-board mics pic up a lot of background ambiance and offer low quality vocals at best. However, it is great to have the internal mic recording at the same time as a means for backup.

2) Keep it short. As with any visual story, it should be told in the least amount of time possible, without disregarding needed content. An unboxing video is just that, an unboxing. It does not take long and should not be weighed down with any unnecessary information. Also, if the video is too long, you may lose the interest of your viewers.

3) Video Quality. With digital prices dropping across every manufacturing line, there is no excuse to offer poor quality video. The development of "Flip" style cameras was a great launch into consumer HD, and these little gems can be had for as little as $200USD. One YouTube user that has had great success with these cameras is MysteryGuitarMan, who recently crossed over the 1,000,000 subscriber mark.

5) Keep it simple. At the end of the day, no matter what type of video you are producing, you are telling a story. Certain elements are needed to tell a story and it is your job to control those elements. An unboxing video does not need any fancy editing, just basic color correction. Don't over-think it. And as with all your work, include something in the video to let the viewers know who you are. This can be a watermark, credits or even just simple splash of personality.

Sony Handycam NEX-VG10

Last month Sony released details on the NEX-5, their Micro Four Thirds camera. The point-n-shoot style body is praised for mirrorless setup and APS-C sized sensor. And now, the NEX line is looking even more promising with a look at the Handycam, marked the NEX-VG10. They wisely tag the camera as the "worlds first interchangeable lens HD consumer camcorder. Just as the rest of the NEX series, it accepts Sony's new "E series" lenses. The camcorder shoots 1080i to it's 14.6MP Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor. Sorry film-makers, no 24P.

Suggested Retail: $2000USD - Press Release

FREE Professional Photographer Magazine

Professional Photographer Magazine is a great place for the amateur and professional alike. They offer insight on business plans, tutorials and technical details to suit almost any aspect of the craft. Not only is it a great site to visit for a refresh, but they also give you the option to sign up for their newsletter, and offer a free online magazine. Click here to download this months issue. This organization should be on every Photographer's email list. For more, visit: http://www.ppmag.com/.

Solar Eclipse 2010

img courtesy cbc.ca

If you are in Easter Island, you are in for a treat this Sunday, July 11. There will be a total solar eclipse prominently visible from the island, also darkening the skies of the Cook Islands and part of Chile. On this day, the population of the remote island will likely double. Earlier this year, India saw what was this centuries longest solar eclipse lasting over 11 minutes. The eclipse this Sunday will be visible for close to 5 minutes, so have your cameras ready. For more info, visit FromTheOld [non-photography related site].

iPhone Fashion Shoot

We constantly embrace new technology, and that new technology is part of a digital revolution that has been taking place since the release of the not so popular Contax N Digital. Right now we are living through what will be in the History books of the next century. More specifically, we are talking about Digital Cameras. Film has always been king, and only recently has digital become a noteworthy rival. Motion film cameras can still be found on most Hollywood sets, but the still camera has been digital for some time.

This sort of "digital awakening" has further extended the notion that each piece of equipment is a tool. A tool that will complete a certain task and deliver a specific look. Sometimes, it's just to have some fun. This may be what Photographer Lee Morris [F-Stoppers] had in mind when he decided to do a shoot solely with the iPhone 3Gs.

For more check out FStoppers

Tokina 16-28mm f2.8 Press Release

Tokina has announced the release of it's AT-X 16-28 f2.8 Pro FX lens. The full frame lens features a new AF system and a weather-sealed body. Third parties are really starting to get it, each year Tokina and Sigma release better and better glass. Even Tamron is becoming a key player. Of course, this will be reflected in the price. The 16-28 will begin shipping this Fall with a $1400USD price tag, which is about $49 cheaper than the Canon 16-35 II [however $450 cheaper than the Nikon 17-35]. An obvious advantage to the Canon would be the extra 7mm of reach, this is a big deal on short focal lengths. It will be interesting to see how these do in the market.

PRESS RELEASE [JAP]

T2i Firmware update v1.0.8

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From Canon.jp:

What's new in Version 1.0.8?

The following fixes have been incorporated.

1. Fixes a phenomenon in which the set aperture moves unexpectedly when shooting movies in manual exposure mode using some Canon lenses (such as macro lenses).

Supplemental Information: This phenomenon involves the aperture of the lens moving unexpectedly when the focusing ring moves (during focusing). Please note that aperture values also change when operating the zoom ring of a zoom lens that has variable maximum aperture values; however, this is a normal operation because the camera controls aperture values properly depending on the focal length (zoom position).

Michael Bay using the ARRI Alexa on Transformers 3

If you remember back in March, we introduced you to the new digital line of cinema cameras by ARRI, the worlds leading supplier of film equipment. The new platform is already being put to use. Michael Bay is currently shooting the new sequal to Transofmers using a 3D version the Alexa.