Panasonic VariCam 35: 4K RAW Cinema Camera, Shoots 120fps

by Eric Reagan in Panasonic

Panasonic is on a roll lately in the 4K department. Back at CES 2014, we saw the Lumix GH4 Micro Four Thirds 4K camera and the 4K action camera. We saw a 4K VariCam concept camera teased as far back as NAB 2012. Now, we are finally seeing some details on a 4K VariCam model as the camera approaches an official launch.
The initial impressions from the 4K concept a couple years ago suggested that it

LaCie Ships Thunderbolt 2 Portable Drive For 4K Video Editing

Cupertino, Calif. — Seagate Technologies has expanded its premium LaCie line of portable storage products for use with Apple computers with Thunderbolt ports.

The new LaCie Little Big Disk, featuring two Thunderbolt 2 ports, delivers read/write speeds up to 1,375MBps and is being marketed specifically to professionals who edit 4K video in the field.
The portable drive has twin 500GB PCIe Gen 2 solid-state drives for 1TB of storage.
In addition,

Nikon D4S Completely Unveiled

by Eric Reagan 

After a tease at CES 2014 earlier this year, the Nikon D4S is now completely unmasked. Not a whole lot of surprises based on what we thought the D4S would have. As expected, it gets the Expeed 4 processor and captures 11fps still images and 1080/60p video. It also offers max sensitivity up to ISO 409,600 and features a 2.7x crop mode in video capture for extended reach while maintaining full HD resolution.

Nikon D4S New Features

AJA Io 4K Gains 50/60 fps 4K/UHD High Frame Rate Support with v10.5.1 Software

AJA Video Systems released the free v10.5.1 Mac software driver package adding 4K/UHD high frame rate support to AJA’s Io 4K, its popular device for professional video I/O, updated and customized for Thunderbolt™ 2 technology and the latest 4K workflows.

The new software upgrade adds Io 4K support for 50,59.94 and 60 fps capability at 4K (4096 x 2160) and UltraHD (3840 x 2160) resolutions. This high frame rate support is critical

Panasonic has shown the world a new amazing product. The GH4.

Panasonic has shown the world a new amazing product. The GH4. 

This camera is the first mirrorless stills hybrid that seems to be able to do it all. This one is amazing

Blackmagic Design announced the Blackmagic Production Camera 4K is now shipping and with a new low price

Blackmagic Design announced the Blackmagic Production Camera 4K is now shipping and with a new low price of US$2,995. This new low price will be available for all customers, including existing pre-orders. Blackmagic Production Camera 4K is available now from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide for only US$2,995.

DOLBY TO INTRODUCE NEW VIDEO STANDARD

Dolby Laboratories, world famous from pioneering sound quality, has announced it is to move into

GoPro Wins Emmy Award

GoPro  announced that the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has recognized the company with a 2013 Technology and Engineering Emmy® Award in the category of Inexpensive Small Rugged HD Camcorders. GoPro was selected for its groundbreaking HERO3 camera technology, which has enabled television production professionals to capture engaging perspectives that were never before possible.

Wildlife Videographer Captures Serengeti with Drone Helicopter

The beautiful aerial video of the Serengeti was captured with a BeetleCopter drone and a GoPro HERO3+ by wildlife filmmaker Will Burrard-Lucas.

He writes, "To get this footage I was sometimes a kilometre away from the copter, operating it via a live video feed. These devices have incredible potential in wildlife filmmaking and photography; they are quieter and more manoeuvrable than a normal helicopter so they can get closer to animals with minimal disturbance."

Watch below and read more here.

Panasonic Shows Prototype High-Speed SDXC Card for Use with 4K Lumix Camera

by ERIC REAGAN on JANUARY 9, 2014

in PANASONIC

In yesterday’s post about the Panasonic 4K Lumix camera, I noted that the camera had a SDXC card slot, which suggested highly compressed 4K footage. However, today I found out that Panasonic is planning to use a new SDXC standard with

Sony launches the world’s smallest and lightest 4K camcorder

It’s the first 4K Handycam® that features a large back-illuminated 1.0-type Exmor R™ CMOS sensor. Far larger than the sensor in normal consumer camcorders, this captures flawless 4K Ultra HD images (3840 x 2160 pixels) with four times the detail of Full HD while also allowing beautiful bokeh background blur effects.

The 4K sensor is paired with Sony’s ultra-powerful BIONZ X processor that employs area-specific noise reduction and detail reproduction technology for incredibly vivid, lifelike footage that’s closer than ever to reality. Together with the camcorder’s advanced Cinematone Gamma/Colour function, progressive 25p recording gives a sumptuously warm, rich look to your footage.

The Handycam® AX100E uses a newly-developed ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens with

Sony’s New HXR-NX3 Professional Handheld HD Camcorder Adds Wi-Fi Connectivity, Remote Control and Easy Video Sharing Capabilities

Sony’s new HXR-NX3 professional handheld HD camcorder enhances Sony’s proven imager technology and performance with features like Wi-Fi capability and MP4 recording for seamless connectivity with computers, smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices.

The latest addition to Sony’s NXCAM line, the compact HXR-NX3 model combines Sony’s leading lens and sensor technology with a new large-scale integration (LSI) chip. The result is

Matrox Maevex™ Series Any Video, Anytime, Anywhere

The Matrox Maevex video over IP solution consists of the Maevex 5100 Series encoder/decoder pair that extends 1080p60 video and audio over a standard IP network. Matrox PowerStream software is used to remotely discover and manage the Maevex network, allowing administrators to adjust multiple stream parameters. Based on a dedicated H.264 encode/decode platform, Maevex Series enables excellent-quality, cost-effective video extension and playback over standard LAN connectivity at user-defined low bit rates for minimal network bandwidth consumption.



Video and audio over IP

What Gravity’s Box Office Triumph Means for the Future of 3-D Film

• By Jennifer M. Wood

Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) hurtles into space in Gravity. Image: Warner Bros

It happens every two years. After months of debating the financial viability of 3-D in the movie marketplace, a film comes along that silences the naysayers who describe the technology as nothing more than a money-grubbing gimmick. In 2009 it was James Cameron’s

Sony RX10 Hands-On

by Eric Reagan on October 24, 2013

in Sony

The Sony Cyber-shot RX10 is essentially a RX100 with a massive 24-200mm f/2.8 lens. And it looks like this is going to be a great combination.

I was surprise at how light the body is when I picked it up. I was expecting it to have more of a mirrorless or DSLR feel to it; however, it’s really just plastic housing holding the guts of a RX100. (Update: Apparently, the housing is magnesium alloy with some weather sealing; however, it just doesn’t have a very

Raw Canon DSLR vs. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera vs. Panasonic GH3

Andrew Reid of EOSHD performs an in-depth camera test pitting the raw Canon 5D Mark III and Canon 7D against the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera and Panasonic GH3.
He writes, "The 5D Mark III raw (from Magic Lantern), if it were a film stock, would be Fuji. Warm vivid colours which may need taming a bit in post. The Blackmagic is more Kodak, cooler and more muted, it often requires the opposite treatment in post to the Canon cameras. The 7D is totally back from the dead – with Magic Lantern raw and the Mosaic Engineering VAF-7D tested here, it offers lovely image quality from a Super 35mm sized sensor, at a similar price to the Pocket Cinema Camera. The Panasonic GH3 – best of the standard system cameras out of the box without modifications does a good job keeping up with them."
Read the full story here.

Introducing the All New Mac Pro

Apple redefined pro computing with the launch of the all-new Mac Pro®. Designed around an innovative unified thermal core, the Mac Pro features the latest Intel Xeon processors with up to 12 cores, dual workstation-class GPUs, six Thunderbolt 2 ports, PCIe-based flash storage and ultra-fast ECC memory. Packing amazing performance in a stunning new design, the all-new Mac Pro starts at $2,999 (US) and will be available in December.

3 New LED Lights from Fotodiox are Lightweight with Barn Doors

by Eric Reagan on October 17, 2013

in Lighting

Fotodiox has announced three new high-intensity LED lights: the Fotodiox LED-312D, LED-312DS, and LED-1024AL.
The LEDs are upgrades to its past best sellers, and come complete with all-metal barn doors that lock on and stay in place no matter how it’s mounted, to shape and control lighting.

Sony A7 and A7R Officially Unveiled

by Eric Reagan on October 16, 2013

in Sony

Sony has taken the wraps off two of its worst kept secrets, the Sony A7 and Sony A7R full frame mirrorless cameras.

Stunning Special Effects Make-Up Meets 6K with New RED Dragon Footage

Check out some more stunning footage from the RED Dragon, this time from Phil Holland who shows off the detailed work of a make-up artist with his short "It's Just Paint." It was shot in 6K.
Watch below.

Nikon D610 Announced

Nikon D610 Announced (a D600 with a New Shutter)

by Eric Reagan in Nikon

Nikon has finally take the official wraps off of the frequently-rumored Nikon D610, which serves as a direct replacement to the Nikon D600.

Nikon D610 Key Features

GoPro Hero 3+ Unveiled

by Eric Reagan on October 1, 2013

in GoPro

GoPro has announced a refresh to its Hero 3 camera with the Hero 3+.
It is a mild upgrade to the Hero 3; however, the updates address some of the key criticisms of the Hero 3. The Hero 3+ features 30% more

Nikon 1 AW1 is a Waterproof Mirrorless Camera

by Eric Reagan

Nikon has just announced the

A First Look at the Sony PXW Z100

Corporate filmmaker Matt Davis provides a first look at the Sony PXW-Z100 4K camcorder in the video found below.
He says, "The Z100 has got a big, huge 4K emblazed on the side of it. It's proud to be a 4K camcorder. But it's also a really good HD camcorder. This is a 10-bit 4:2:2 recorder using the F5 and F55's codec. And it's got HD-SDI out, it's got timecode in and out. This is a serious piece of kit."
Watch below and read more here on Rick Young's Movie Machine.

LiveU Announces Seamless Integration with NewTek TriCaster

LiveU announced the release of LiveU Link, a software-based solution allowing seamless integration between LiveU’s portable uplink units and the TriCaster multi-camera live production system. With this integration, LiveU becomes a member of the NewTek Developer Network.
Customers can connect their LiveU device and stream live video from the unit to LiveU’s proprietary server, which automatically pushes the stream to a selected TriCaster producer with pre-configured settings.

“This is terrific news for users seeking an effortless way to

High Output LED Field Lighting Solution by Litepanels and Anton/Bauer

Litepanels is pleased to announce the Hilio™/HC Field Lighting Package. This package is designed to provide the Hilio’s high output daylight balanced illumination with a convenient and portable DC power system from Anton/Bauer for ultimate mobility. Portable and high output, this field lighting solution kicks off with special pricing of 30% off when purchased through authorized dealers

BLACKMAGIC POCKET CINEMA CAMERA NIGHT TIME TESTING AT 1600ASA – AND IMAGE QUALITY ISSUES

BLACKMAGIC POCKET CINEMA CAMERA NIGHT TIME

By site editor Dan Chung:

Sanlitun, Beijing – shot on a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera and graded with Filmconvert from Dan Chungon Vimeo.

Telestream Announces Major Wirecast 5 Release

Telestream today announced a major upgrade for its Wirecast® live streaming production software. Wirecast 5 adds enhanced encoding and playback options; a new, more efficient user interface; high-quality screen capture; and more flexible input/output integrations for easier, high-quality live streaming.

“With Wirecast 5, we’ve solidified our position as the easy to use, all-in-one, live streaming production software,” said

PANASONIC PRESENTS NEW ULTRA WIDE ANGLE CAMERA AT IBC ‘13

Panasonic Professional Camera Solutions announces its new Ultra Wide Angle Camera at IBC 2013. This camera consists of a unique panoramic video shooting system which combines four AW-HE120 cameras. The Ultra Wide Angle Camera is capable of producing panoramic images in HD quality making it ideal for capturing sports games and events.
Panasonic’s Ultra Wide Angle Camera consists of four lightweight AW-HE120 HD integrated remote cameras, assembled into a

Telestream Initiates Open Source x265/HEVC Project

Telestream today announced the public availability of an open source H.265 (HEVC) encoder. The new x265 project is aimed at the creation of the world’s most efficient, highest quality H.265 codec. Conceived by Telestream, the x265 project was co-founded and is being managed by the company’s development partner, MulticoreWare Inc. The H.265 initiative is being introduced under both an open source and commercial license model.

“Telestream and Multicoreware have had great success in