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by Mary Latvis · Posted 12/04/2019
Shallow depth of field, large-format sensors, longer lenses, moving subject and camera positions—all these factors present a challenge when keeping your video shot in focus. “But my camcorder, DSLR, or mirrorless camera now has touch focus and autofocus,” you say? While such systems continue to improve, they do not provide the fine-tuned, immediate control that you get using a dedicated follow focus system. Consider that, when touch focusing, you probably grasp your camera with only one hand to free the other for touching the screen and you’ll
by Jennifer Hahn · Posted 11/22/2019
Video cameras have only recently begun to add water resistance to their built-in housings, but even with that protection, they will still need protection from rain or being totally submerged in water. It's a scary prospect to submerge your hard-earned gear, so let's look at some options that will protect your investment when you really need that water shot but the mega-budget, slow-motion effect just doesn't work for you.
As has been previously
by Steven Gladstone · Posted 11/12/2019
When I was younger, 360° films/video meant a huge rig with nine cameras pointing outward in a circle. 360 divided by 9 gives you 40, so each camera had a 40° angle of view, horizontally. The film would be made using these monstrous rigs, sometimes slung from helicopters to get travelling shots of packs of animals hunting in Africa. Of course, you would only have the chance to see this if you were at an exhibition or theme park of some kind. 360-degree movies represented this incredible undertaking that was out of the reach of anyone not making
by Steven Gladstone · Posted 11/05/2019
In the ever-changing, innovative world of video production, making a new camcorder-purchasing decision requires up-to-date knowledge of the latest features available, along with an understanding of tried-and-true technology. Even seasoned professionals will need to take some time to research the myriad choices offered, then carefully determine which camera fits their needs. The specific requirements of wedding videography add another dimension to the process.
Reliability, exceptional video in low-light conditions, and high optical zoom range
by Jennifer Hahn · Posted 11/04/2019
You've been recording with your great new action camera—maybe a GoPro, Osmo Action, or one of the many action cameras available—but the included accessories may not be very helpful as you try to enhance your production. The good news is: there is a ridiculous number of accessories you can purchase. The bad news is: there may be too many to choose from. While you can probably find basic accessories from the manufacturer of your camera, there are many third-party manufacturers making creative and useful accessories for action cameras. Let's look
by Mary Latvis · Posted 10/30/2019
Shooting video with your DSLR or mirrorless camera and ready to invest in a set of your own lenses? Start building your “glass” kit with a trio of cine-style lenses chosen to suit your current shooting style and to keep for years to come. Choose from a classic 24/25, 50, and 75/85mm set, a trio of longer lenses to compress your depth of field for dramatic, intimate closeups, or a trifecta of wider focal lengths for travelogues, establishing shots, or immersive closeups. Here are a just a few selections from the array of
by Jennifer Hahn · Posted 10/29/2019
In a way-back-when era, I had just purchased my Sony XDCAM PMW-EX1R for corporate and documentary projects and was getting lots of work with matching EX1 productions, since it was a pretty popular camera. So, it amused me when I saw the 2009 feature film, Public Enemies, and learned that the PMW-EX1 gen 1 was used as a B camera to the production's Sony F23 main camera for a few action scenes and close-quarter interiors. As I started to do more of my own productions, I needed to choose which B camera I was going to use for my events and
by Shawn C. Steiner · Posted 10/24/2019
Remember the Canon 5D Mark II? Feels like ages ago in the world of technology. When it was released, it boasted an at-the-time-unheard-of capability of recording full-frame Full HD video at 30 fps. Jump forward a decade and full-frame 4K video is now an expected function of DSLRs and mirrorless. Cinema cameras were fairly content with their Super 35 sensors—after all, most existing lenses were built around the format. The past couple of years have seen a substantial shift, however, as RED, ARRI, Canon, and Sony released new
by Steven Gladstone · Posted 09/19/2019
High end is a subjective term, and in terms of high-end lighting for film and video, you will be able to find such light fixtures in use on a variety of productions, in the middle of a cornfield on the next indie smash, or hanging in a studio grid for next summer’s blockbuster. Really, the best definition for what makes a light high end is that whatever it does, it does it well, without hiccups or failures, and is clear and simple to use, with good ergonomics. If you need to tape a gel to the light fixture, then you’re either not using it the
by Steven Gladstone · Posted 09/18/2019
Filmmakers, take heed: the Leitz Cine Primes and Zooms are sharp, with natural-looking bokeh and round, out-of-focus highlights, and they cover VistaVision. Lenses, not diamonds—it is lenses that are forever, or at least a long time—provided you get the right one. Even in this digital age, with new sensors and new cameras coming fast and furious, your lens investment can outlast the most recent camera. The lens that
by Rich R · Posted 09/09/2019
The new school year is right around the corner, and there’s no better time to take your classrooms into the 21st Century by replacing that dusty, chalk-stained slab of slate at the front of the room with an interactive whiteboard solution. There are a lot to choose from, but hopefully this list will help you narrow it down.
Projectors
Epson’s BrightLink series of short- and
by Eric Calvi · Posted 09/04/2019
Making videos for YouTube, Facebook Live, and other online video platforms? Of course you are; creating content is what you do! But “content” encompasses many things, with scenarios ranging from reviews and instructional videos in the studio, to travel vlogs, on-location shoots, or run-and-gun interviews at trade shows—all requiring different microphone setups.
You know that your audio quality can make or break your video piece, but what system should you use to get the best sound possible, no matter the location or situation? Should you go
by J. Carlos Perez and Shawn C. Steiner · Posted 08/21/2019
Congrats on starting film school! Your first day of classes is around the corner and you are probably already trying to figure out what equipment you’ll need to get started. Fortunately, most programs have many important tools available for students—namely big stuff such as camcorders and lights. Still, there are accessories, expendables, and other pieces of gear that you’ll want to have on hand or own yourself. So what exactly do you need to be prepared for film school? Luckily, not all that much.
What camera do I need?
To get started, you
by Jennifer Hahn · Posted 08/21/2019
Congratulations! Your project includes a scene using chroma key and you've just recorded your green screen footage. Or did you use blue screen? Or maybe even a white background? Your next challenge is finding the right software tools to edit your footage in post-production so your final scene doesn't look like the weatherperson on public access TV. The basic process is to import your green screen footage into software with chroma key tools, to apply a key (remove the green) to the background, leaving your subject completely free of the green
by Mary Latvis · Posted 08/20/2019
With apologies to Kermit the Frog, as well as Wayne and Garth, it is easy being green and you are worthy! Worthy of using green screen effects, that is—read on to learn what components you can use to add an impressive green screen (chroma key) effect to your video project.
Background
To get that zesty, rather odd shade of green as a background for your talent or product you can choose between paper, fabric, or paint. Paper is the most affordable option, but it’s less durable than cloth or paint. Options include the