NAB Feature: Tools and News for the Video NovicePDN Gear Guide teams up with tech expert Bob Rose to highlight the best of NAB.April 18, 2008 As told to Maria Wakem, Editor
Canon XL H1S and XL H1A Both the Canon HLH1S and the Canon HLH1A are recent upgrades in the XL series of Canon HD camcorders. Both feature an updated Canon 20X HD Video lens with three independent manual adjustment rings (focus, zoom and iris), as well as enhanced manual focus and zoom controls which can now can be set to mimic the feel of a traditional manual lens -- the focus ring has adjustable tension and the iris ring has been placed on the lens itself. The camera's electronics have also been enhanced, allowing you to zoom and focus simultaneously. If you have only one chance to get a shot, rely on the camera's improved auto-focus, which works better and faster than previous models. And, the camera menu system is now completely customizable, which may seem intimidating to first-time users, but experimentation will allow you to make the camera your own. Photographers especially will find the Total Image Control feature useful. You can select from a total of 23 custom image presets and range of color image presets to emulate any look you like, much like choosing a film stock. Store nine different film “looks” on-board the camera and more on an SD memory card to give greater versatility, as well as the ability to share the image settings across a wide range of pro Canon video camcorders. Note that the only difference between the H1S and the H1A is the HD-SDI output with embedded audio and time code, providing a raw, uncompressed signal. The H1S has SMPTE Time Code input and output terminals, and a Genlock output terminal for multi-camera shooting situations. Why photographers will love it: For anyone starting to use a video camera for the first time it's a great camera. It's been created based on the feedback of real world end users. All of the buttons and the general layout of the camera are very friendly, and for seasoned photographers, the placement of shutter, the iris, and all of the feature control sets are fairly easy to embrace. Both new versions accept interchangeable XL lenses, and Canon EOS still camera users will be happy to learn that with adapters, they can use their lenses on these camcorders as well. Bob's advice: Unless you're looking to work primarily in multi-camera set-ups, you can save yourself the $3,000 and opt for the more cost-effective Canon HLH1A. You are also going to need a slightly larger Steadicam to hold the weight. Price: Canon HLH1S, $8,999. Canon HLH1A, $5,999.
The purpose of any Steadicam is to allow you to avoid camera shake by providing balanced stabilization regardless of whether you’re in a fixed position or moving with your subject. The Steadicam comes in a range of models from the ultra-light Merlin to the more advanced Pilot, Archer, Flyer and Clipper models. What’s new is the option to make extended shooting with the Merlin nearly effortless by adding an accesory Arm and Vest, much like the same ones that come standard with his bigger brothers. First-time users should keep in mind that learning how to use a Steadicam is much like learning how to dance, as you must master how to balance the weight of the camera and keep it straight as you walk, run, kneel, pan, zoom or all of the above. Why photographers will love it: Photographers like to being able to shoot at any angle, but in order to do so and keep your camera or video camcorder really steady, you need something like a tripod. A Steadicam takes things one step further by stabilizing your shooting in a free format, allowing you to go upstairs, downstairs, run around and ultimately choose from more positions than just the vertical and horizontal panning controls on a tripod head would allow. An added bonus: you can also mount your pro D-SLR on a Steadicam, so it's both video and still image friendly. Bob's advice: Now you can start with the basic Merlin and know you have a smooth upgrade option. Price: Steadicam Merlin, $849. Merlin Arm/Vest/Gimbal Upgrade Kit $1,995.
Tiffen has been producing award-winning optical filters for almost 70 years, and they are now offering imaging professionals and enthusiasts digital emulation of the same optical filters, along with a full range of other visual effects such as Easy Mask and the entire range of Rosco and Wratten color gels. Available in a number of configurations, the complete software package edition can mimic the look of more than 1,000 varied effects and gels, factory pre-sets and custom effects. The Dfx software is also available as a plug-in for Adobe Photoshop, Apple Aperture 2.1, and now, for video post-production software favorites Apple Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects and Avid Editing Systems. Why photographers will love it: The beauty of this program is whether you're a still photographer or a moving image cinematographer you can preview your filter effects and also share your vision before committing to a post-production final. Some software packages provide bits and pieces of filter and special effects, but the Dfx Suite is the only one to offer a comprehensive set of tools. Bob's advice: Click here to download the software here and try it for free for 15 days. Price: From $99.95 to $599.95 depending on version. Adobe CinemaDNG More of an industry effort than an actual product, CinemaDNG is an initiative Adobe announced this week. Right now filmmakers are facing a lot of roadblocks in terms of the proprietary nature of the files coming out of high-end digital video cameras. Adobe's CinemaDNG initiative will help to standardize the video field by creating a uniform format that will be based on the foundation of Adobe's still image DNG format. The company is currently working with customers, software vendors, camera manufacturers and other players in the motion picture arena to figure out how to preserve pristine data (i.e. a digital video equivalent of a negative), so that files can be archived and accessed in the future regardless of what camera was used to create the file. Why photographers will love it: Adobe is helping to define an industry-standard approach that benefits the entire film-making ecosystem. Bob's advice: Look forward to the time when filmmakers, editors and video equipment manufacturers can experience a smoother, more streamlined workflow. Price: Not applicable. This is intended to be an open, publicly documented standard that Adobe would not license, and is free for everyone to use. Bob Rose is New Jersey-based technology consultant and Senior Technical Editor for AfterCapture and Rangefinder. |
The latest addition to the PDN family, the PDN Gear Guide in print, has a total circulation of 30,000, and covers the latest and greatest in photographic equipment. Initially created in 2006 to be the official guide to PDN's annual flagship photography event, PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo, the PDN Gear Guide is now also available online for gear news and updates 365 days a year.
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