Nikon D5200 24.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR has Clean HDMI Out, works perfectly with Atomos Ninja or Black Magic Hyperdeck Shuttle
Nikon really made it with the D5200 this time: the cheapo-camera is every DSLR-Filmers dream. Currently available for $796.95 new and around $600 used, it features clean HDMI out and an awesome color due to a sensor produced by Toshiba (the D600 and D800 feature a Sony sensor).
So we clearly have a winner here, which works perfectly together with the Atomos Ninja (available for $649.00) and also the Black Magic Hyperdeck Shuttle (available for $327.75)
With the current hype around the Black Magic Cinema Camera, this one might be a gadget to ease the waiting - since i already own a D800E, i ordered the Nikon D5200 as a second camera for filming only. The APS-C sensor of the camera offers a good and affordable solution to double the available optics (crop mode of ca. 2x). I might get additional wide angle lenses to cover 48mm and 70mm with the D5200.
LILLIPUT 5D-II High resolution 7″ HDMI monitor for DSLR Preview is a bargain with 1024×600 pixels
Today I want to give a recommendation for an affordable HDMI monitor for DSLR Shooters and videographers that need a bigger preview screen; owners of the Panasonic GH2 or the Canon EOS 5D will know what I am talking about: when you are shooting video, you need to have the biggest preview possible to ensure perfect focus - if you need extras such as zebra and focus peaking, you will definitely like the LILLIPUT 5D-II. Best of all: the monitor is a total bargain at $196 and includes battery adapter as well as a power supply.
Don't be distracted by the name: the LILLIPUT 5D-II was built for the Canon EOS 5D MKII but can be used with any camera that provides HDMI output. That includes the Canon EOS 5DMKIII (5D MK3) as well as Panasonic GH/GF/G and the Nikon D800, among other cameras such as Sony of course.
Screen size (diagonal): 7"
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Resolution (pixels) 1024x600 (native), 1920×1080 (maximum)
Pixel pitch (mm) 0.135×0.135
Viewing angle (degrees) 150º x, 130º y
Brightness (cd/m²): 250
Contrast ratio: 800:1
LCD backlight: LED
Video inputs/outputs: HDMI
The best thing about the package is the price tag:
$196 in the United States (via Amazon USA)
€320 in Europe (European Union) via Amazon Germany
Panasonic Lumix GH2 DSLR Video Shooter Kits for Sale: For Professionals and Starters
dslr4video asked me to point readers of the Nanofunk Blog to their current offer of Panasonic GH2 Video Shooter Starter KITS they are offering.
Their KITS offer not only the Panasonic GH2 Camera, but also 3 Lenses, high-quality Novoflex Adapter Systems and Tripods as well as other goodies such as the Rode VideoMic and Adapters to run the cameras from a power source.
Nanofunk already has the Panasonic GH2 and is totally hooked - currently the Panasonic GH2 beats the crap out of the Nikon D800 and the Canon EOS 5D MKIII when it comes to image quality in filming.
RECOMMENDED!
Olympus E-M5 OM-D System Camera is shipping in Europe!
The long-awaited and revolutionary camera for digital photographers and videographers is finally shipping in Europe! The Olympus E-M5 OM-D System Camera features a weather and waterproof case, as well as a new in-body image stabilization system!
The camera is perfect for low-budget film and video productions and if the only caveat (currently only HDMI out in "preview mode") would be fixed with a firmware update by Olympus, it could be used together with the Atomos Ninja HDMI Recorder or BlackMagic Design Hyperdeck Shuttle to record RAW video (respectively Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHD).
Evoking the classic design of the original OM Series introduced 40 years ago, and transforming it for the modern age, the Olympus OM-D Series is a new and entirely unique Micro Four Thirds camera system. It combines outstanding features found in the Olympus E-System DSLR line with those of the compact Olympus PEN® Series to meet the requirements of discerning photographers who demand more performance and portability from their interchangeable-lens cameras.
Ordinary cameras have a 2-axis image stabilization system, and it is not implemented in the camera body, but in the lenses - such as the mega O.I.S. from panasonic. The really awesome part of the Olympus OMD is the built-in image stabilization in the body! Compensating and correcting 5-axes of shaking and shift, this new I.S. is the future of portable digital video: it corrects horizontal shift, vertical shift and rolling camera shake - the gyroscopic sensors in the camera detect the amount of camera shake and the IS unit automatically compensates.
Olympus OMD E-M5: combatting bodyshake for vertical, horizontal, pitch, rolling and yaw. IS compensation is effective up to a maximum of -5 EV.
[Update] Thanks to thayermc for pointing out that currently clean HDMI out is crippled. I hope this will be fixed in a future firmware.
Canon 5D Mark III is hacked (Hello World) Magic Lantern soon
as reported by eoshd: the Canon EOS 5D MKIII was already hacked by the Magic Lantern team showing a "Hello World" on the internal LCD of the camera. That means Magic Lantern for the Canon EOS 5D MK3 is around the corner! If we will see a clean HDMI output and a solution to the rather soft image of the 5D3 compared to the Nikon D800 is not sure at the moment.
If we get clean HDMI, that means we could use RAW HDMI recorders such as the Black Magic Design Hyperdeck Shuttle or the Atomos Ninja 2 to record the best output image possible - but maybe the internal cranked-up codec from Magic Lantern will already do the trick, as can be seen on the Panasonic GH2 which beats the crap out of the internal codec of the 5D MKIII by simply providing a smarter and better looking image quality on the software-side.
The soft image of the Canon 5D MKIII is a disappointment up to now, we can only hope for things to get better with a little help from the modding scene.
DSLR Rig Shoulder Mount Pad Steady Rig Stabilization System for EUR 100
DSLR Rigs go for as low as 100€ (130 US$) on ebay. But are they any good? How do they compare to expensive DSLR Shoulder Rigs and should you care?
pictured: DSLR Rig Shoulder Mount Pad Steady Rig Stabilization System for 7D 5D Mark II Z7 from filmcity23 (international orders)
Short answer: go for the cheap Rigs! They are quite durable and you can buy another one if it breaks.
Longer answer:
The upgradeability of the cheap rigs are limited. Furthermore the materials used are also cheap, so of course, if you are a pro-shooter you might want to get the more expensive Rigs, such as the Proaim DSLR KIT-3 or the (very expensive) Redrock DSLR Cinema Bundle. If you are beginner or intermediate, you should definitely try the cheap Rigs for a little over 100€, since they are often sufficient. Stabilizing the video output and generating good footage should be your main concern - after all the rig is not visible on your footage.
Panasonic GH2 beats the crap out of Canon EOS 5D MKIII (MK3)
"Now here we are nearly 4 years down the road from the original 5D Mark II that started it all. What do we have? A 5D Mark III with video quality dated to the tune of nearly 4 years." (eoshd)
I am a big fan of the Panasonic GH2, but since the Canon EOS 5D MKIII and the Nikon D800 were released to the public, I am thinking of switching gear. Currently, there is a fight between the D800 and the 5D3, but the Panasonic GH2 seems to still beat the crap out of Canon. Did Canon finally lose the DSLR wars?
The Panasonic GH2 is a bargain on amazon US:
($899)
($849)If you are into second-hand gear, you can get your hands on the Panasonic GH2 starting at $400. Go and get one, while they are still cheap ;)
Canon can still turn the wheel around, by releasing a firmware upgrade. Currently, the EOS 5D MK3 has very poor video quality - only the reduced rolling shutter and moire are worth an upgrade - although the price of the Canon is far too high. I totally have to agree with EOSHD on this one.
Nikon D4 16.2 MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) already on eBay
The 16.2 MP full frame DSLR camera Nikon D4 is already available on eBay.
Starting bid is US $6,350.00, let's see for how much it will finally sell.
Canon 5D Mark III (5DMK3) manual online (download inside)
The official Manual for the Canon 5D MKIII has surfaced. (thanks planet5d for hosting the file)
Also downloadable: Canon EOS 5D Mark III Pocket Guide
Sony Alpha SLT-A57 with APS-C Sensor supports 1080p full HD Video with 60 FPS
Sony unveiled the Sony Alpha SLT-A57K 16.1 MP Exmor DSLR HD Video Camera with a CMOS Sensor, Translucent Mirror Technology, 3D Sweep Panorama and 18-55mm Zoom Lens. The midrange d-SLR features a 16-megapixel, APS-C-sized sensor and is positioned to compete with Canon's EOS Rebel T3i and the Nikon's D5100. It can be pre-ordered on amazon already, for a price of $699.
Sony has announced the SLT-A57, a replacement for the original A55 fixed-mirror, electronic viewfinder DSLR. The A57 still features a 16MP sensor and LCD viewfinder but incorporates them into essentially the same body as the more expensive A65. Use of the latest Bionz processor means the A57 offers a wider-than-ever selection of photographic features and image processing modes. There's also an optional HVL-LE1 video-lighting LED panel.
Key Specifications:
16.1MP CMOS sensor
Latest Bionz processor
Larger, FM500H battery (same as A65 and A77)
ISO 100-16000
Auto ISO 100-3200
1,440,000 dot LCD electronic viewfinder
920,000 dot bottom-hinged rear LCD
10 frame per second continuous shooting mode with AF (12fps at 8.4MP crop)
Picture Effects processing options
Clear View Zoom up-sizing digital zoom
Peaking manual focus guide overlay
1080p AVCHD 2.0 movies at 60 or 24 fps (50 or 25 in Europe)
Sadly, neither the Atomos Ninja 10-Bit Uncompressed to Apple ProRes Field Recorder nor the Black Magic HyperDeck Shuttle Raw Video HDMI Recorder
supports 50frames and 60frames in Full-HD (1080p), so we are limited to the internal recordings on the camera. The Sony Alpha SLT-A57 supports AVCHD 2, so the video output should be decent. We are looking forward to example videos and will keep you posted on updates.
Canon EOS 5D MKIII (MK3) Sample Video/ Movie Roundup
The Canon EOS 5D MKIII looks good on paper: 91MB/s h264 codec, less moire and antialiasing, better low-light performance. Here are some example videos from the web that showcase the new and upcoming DSLR video beast from Canon. (thanks to dslr4video)
Canon 5D3 Video Sample with EF Lenses
Canon 5D Mark III first sample short movie, Canon 5D MK III, 50mm f1.4
Canon EOS 5D Mark III 720P SHOTS (NO COLOR CORRECTION)
Opteka SteadyVid PRO Video Stabilizer System for Digital Cameras/Camcorders/DSLR looks promising
The Opteka SteadyVid PRO Video Stabilizer System looks very promising and also got some recent reviews (see the unboxing video below). For a steadycam tool it it very cheap - especially when filming with the Panasonic GH2 or soon hopefully the D800 or 5D3 this will be my tool of choice: just ordered myself one. Here is the Opteka SteadyVid Pro on Amazon.com.
The Opteka SteadyVid PROis a video stabilizing system designed to reduce shake and stabilize video on cameras and camcorders weighing up to 5 lbs (2.26kg). The SteadyVid PRO features aluminum construction, adjustable mounting plate, comfort grip handle, super-smooth gimbal, sprit level and includes 2 removable weights in addition to the main counterweight.
Key Features
* Supports up to 5 lbs (2.26kg)
* Adjustable mounting plate for on the fly precise balancing
* Comfort grip handle
* Super smooth gimbal for accurate motion
* Spirit Level
* Includes 2 add-on weights in addition to the main counterweight
Finally! The Canon EOS 5D MKIII (MK3) is here (soon)! (Pics inside)
[Update 2012-3-11] The Canon EOS 5D MKIII (MK3) can be pre-ordered at Amazon.com. Also, the Canon EOS 5D MKII (MK2) is currently selling for 1.599€ as B-Ware on Amazon Germany.
After years of waiting it finally happened: Canon will present the 5D MKIII in the upcoming days. Canonrumors reported, the camera will be announced Friday, March 2, 2012.
The Camera will be 22megapixels qnd feature an improved auto focus system with 61 points AF. 5D mark 3 also will have 100% viewfinder coverage, slightly larger LCD screen and dual CF/SD card slot. This camera is targeted for professionals or enthusiasts who want a lighter and more affordable cameras.
SPECS
22mp
61pt AF
100% VF
3.2″ LCD
Dual CF/SD Card Slots
Price: Around $3500 USD
The release of the Canon 5D MKIII might bring down the price of the Canon EOS 5D MKII which is still at 2399$ in the US and EUR 1.756,42 in Europe. I will post more information as it becomes available.
Next Canon 5D Mark III (5D X) announcement in the next days
[Update] the Canon EOS 5D MKIII has been announced and can be pre-ordered at Amazon.com. Also, the Canon EOS 5D MKII (MK2) is currently selling for 1.599€ as B-Ware on Amazon Germany.
According to various sources, the long awaited successor to the Canon 5D MKII (MK2) will be announced in the next days. Canonrumors reports an "announcement on February 27 or 28, 2012 (depending where you are on earth)".
Specs:
* 22mp
* 61pt AF
* 100% VF
* 3.2″ LCD
* Dual CF/SD Card Slots
* Price: Around $3500 USD
The picture below was taken by Stephen Oachs when he spotted a Japanese photographer field testing the mystery camera in Kenya: the photographer explained he was taking a new 200-400mm lens with a built-in teleconverter for a test-drive, but the camera body also looked unfamiliar. Design changes seem to be:
- No popup flash
- Joystick on the battery grip
- Screen appears wider (although it could be distortion)
- New button layouts
- New Scroll wheel
The full-frame 5D3 is expected to be GPS enabled and feature eye control auto focus. A sensor resolution in the 22 megapixel range along with shooting at 6.9 frames per second and 61 auto focus points have also been reported. Canon recently replaced both the 1D Mark IV and 1Ds Mark III models with the EOS-1D X digital SLR.
Once the 5D MKIII or the 5D X is announced, we can expect it to show up at amazon.com so we can post preorders. The same can be seen with the Nikon D800, which can be preordered on amazon germany and amazon UK.
New Olympus OM-D Camera is said to beat Panasonic GH2 in video quality
A new camera from Olympus will be released soon: the Olympus OM-D, styled after the classic OM-1 manually operated 35mm single-lens reflex camera. The Olympus advert features the words "Oh My Goodness", with the O and the M highlighted in bold. The OM-1 is a 35mm SLR film camera harking back to 1972. It's likely that the new camera would directly compete with the Fujifilm X Pro1, which was announced at CES, and also features retro styling and interchangeable lenses.
According to 43rumors, the "New Olympus OM video quality is better than on the GH2!" - but what does that mean exactly? First of all, Olympus is said to have reduced the "jello effect" as well as improved the dynamic range of the sensor. The question remains, what's the new sensor that could achieve such specs?
Here is a roundup of the rumored specs:
Olympus OM-1n with 50 mm / f 1.8 lens. Body weight 510 g only Author: Jmak, Source: Wikipedia
* 16 million MegaPixel Sensor
* Micro Four Thirds Mount and Sensor
* built-in electronic Viewfinder
* weather sealed magnesium body
* new AF System
* ISO range: 200 - 25600
* EVF which will simulate the pentaprism design
* The built-in flash will have a GN=10 (Guide Number)
* 5-axis shake reduction
* Fast AF & 3D tracking
* Two colors will be available: black and silver
* Weather sealed magnesium body
* Camera width: 121mm
* Weight: 425g
Rumours suggest that the OM-D will be presented on February 8th, during the CP+ photography show, taking place in Japan (home of Olympus).
Still, the Panasonic GH2 is a good choice for film makers and photographers alike (starting at $650 in the US and €695 in Europe), since it is currently cheap and has the same mount as the upcoming OM-D. If the OM-D firmware can be hacked remains unclear - it is a fact though, that hacking will take its time, since the Panasonic GF3 hack is also not even done yet.
Rode VideoMic HD Brings Serious Audio to HDSLRs: NTG3 technology, SD card and Blimp!
Thanks to photography bay I just read about the upcoming Rode VideoMic HD (not availale yet). It sounds like a dream come true: the technology used is from the Rode NTG-3 (even the NTG-2 kicks ass and is highly recommended), furthermore it has a wind and shock-protection as well as integrated SD-card recording (!).
There’s no way to know just how much of NTG-3 tehnology is going to show up inside this new VideoMic HD; however, if it’s anywhere close to the quality and isolation that it delivers, we could be in for a real treat.
* Integrated digital recorder (microSDHC)
* RF-bias, true condenser shotgun microphone (based on RØDE NTG3 technology)
* Line and Mic (mixer) inputs (with ‘plug-in’ power)
* High level headphone amplifier for monitoring
* Three-level High Pass Filter (0, 75Hz, 150Hz)
* Integrated Blimp wind protection and shock mounting
* Multi mode outputs (Dual mono/split 0db and -10db for auto safety/dual mono + 20dB)
* High frequency ‘boost’ switch for increased intelligibility at distance miking
* Utra-lightweight metal casing
* Quick release mounting system
Computer Displays (Monitors) for editing 2K, 3K and 4K Video Footage (above 1920×1080) “Retina”
The sensor sizes and resolution for digital video and film increase, but what displays for editing can be used when exceeding the full HD (1920x1080) resolution? Here are some opinions and examples.
1920x1080 Full HD (comparable to 2K)
Dell UltraSharp U2711 27-inch.
For the penny saver: you could use a Full-HD LCD Television (LED) with HDMI to monitor your edits. You can get them starting at $600 via Amazon US (starting at around 500€ in Europe). Since you might produce for TV or youtube anyway, this might be the best way to go, since it is also a cheap solution.
If you need to have a higher resolution (~2.5K 2560 x 1440) the Dell UltraSharp U2711 27-inch might be the Monitor you are searching for.
3K Footage (e.g. from the RED Scarlet-X)
IBM T221 22-inch QUXGA-W LCD Monitor
There is a 22.2" LCD Monitor with the resolution of 3480 x 2400 pixels - the Viewsonic VP2290B-2 22.2" and it's twin: the IBM T221. That's 9.2 Megapixels (!). The Viewsonic VP2290B-2 is available as Refurbished for $3.500 on Amazon, the IBM T221 is available used for $1.675.
You might still be lucky and get a bargain via eBay, though:
a) $1500 (€1.140) IBM T221 IPS, including a LFH-60 to DL-DVI Adapter
b) $600 for a Viewsonic VP2290b (!) with free shipping. Plus there are some more of that IBM monitors available from that seller.
4K Footage (e.g. from RED Scarlet, RED Epic, Arri Alexa, etc.)
Sony VW1000ES 4K Projector for $28.000. You might get second hand 4K Projectors starting at $2.000 already.
The EIZO DuraVision FDH3601 with a 4096 x 2160 resolution (2160p) sells for around 36.000$. You might be cheaper off with a 4K Beamer (Projector).
While the Sony VW1000ES 4K Beamer sells for around 28.000USD, the Christie Mirage S+4K 3D DLP Projector with 5000 Lumen sells used for $5,980.00 on Amazon. Still, the question is if you care about a second hand beamer: if you own 4K production equipment, you most likely have the moolah to get yourself a brand spanking new 4K projector as well.
5K Footage and above, up to 8K (e.g. from 5K RED Epic or 2x RED Epic)
If you want to go all way up to next-level 8K, you can get the recently announced 85 inch 8K Monitor. Make sure to already start saving some bucks, though.
Strangely, the trend of the past years seems to be in decreasing the pixel resolution on the displays (since there are mostly mobile screens deployed). We can expect a pixel bump in 2012 though, since the upcoming iPad 3 (and it is said also MacBook Air and MacBook Pro) will most possibly have Retina Screens with 2880x1800 pixel resolution (source: ArsTechnica).
Recommended Reading: make sure to read "The Truth About 2K, 4K and The Future of Pixels" for some background information on pixels and sensors.
Canon 5D Mark II – Merging AJ and Unified Magic Lantern versions
Magic Lantern, the alternative firmware for Canon cameras is currently running on 550D/T2i, 60D, 600D/T3i, 500D/T1i, 50D 5D Mark II and 1100D. The Unfied Version is not running on the 5D MKII yet (although you can get early access by donating via paypal) - but the long-term plan is "merging the AJ 5.x firmware with the unified one currently running on smaller cameras". This is good news indeed (see the HDR-Video option of ML Unified). You can also read the review of ML Unified on EOSHD.
Meet the new 5D Mark II Magic Lantern Unified from Andrew Reid on Vimeo.
here is out only wanted feature:
* more work on HDMI output for the 5DMKII so it is fully usable with the Atomos Ninja
You can support the development by sending them a small donation: http://goo.gl/gvD8Q. Here is the original sendout from the magic lantern user group:
Following the small, but positive feedback from this thread [ http://bit.ly/ml-unified-5D2 ], I'm glad to announce the next long-term direction of Magic Lantern: merging the AJ 5.x firmware with the unified one currently running on smaller cameras.
I need your help. As explained in the previous post, a good port (one suitable for paid jobs) requires me having a camera for testing. On 550D/60D ports, crashes are almost non-existent, audio meters are calibrated, HDMI monitors are fully usable and so on. So, if you like this idea, you may help me buy a 5D2 by:- a small donation (you don't need a PayPal account for this): http://goo.gl/gvD8Q
- or by spreading the word, since right now there are not many users familiar with both ML versionsFeature-wise: I'd like to ask the users who have tried both AJ and Unified ML (especially those using both versions in a regular fashion) to comment on this. Main question: what's the best of both worlds? What do you like better in AJ 5.x and what do you like better in Unified? Big thanks to all ML community for making it possible!
Alex
Magic Lantern Unified: High Dynamic Range VIDEO feature (HDR Video) for Canon DSLR cams
Magic Lantern Unified looks promising: High Dynamic Range VIDEO for Canon cameras:
============== UPDATE ================
available for download now!
magiclantern.wikia.com/wiki/Release_2011Dec22
======================================
Demonstration of the new and free High Dynamic Range VIDEO feature for control over ultra contrast situations.Discussion, workflow, RAW footage, FAQ:
vimeo.com/groups/74140/forumthread:250295Magic Lantern is a custom firmware add-on for Canon dSLR cameras. It is not a hack, or a modified firmware, but it runs alongside Canon's own firmware, booting from the card every time you turn the camera on. The only modification to the original firmware is the ability to boot software from the card.
HDR Video: what does it mean? It does not output pre-processed HDR video from the camera, rather it blends the alternative high ISO / low ISO frames together in post (see this discussion thread at Vimeo). There is of course a difference if you use two Canon 5D MKII for generating a HDR movie (as this guy did) compared to this "hack", although the development of Magic Lantern continues to impress!
Keep on rocking! We can't await clean HDMI output for the 5DMKII to use it with the Atomos Ninja (if this hack is possible at all...)
RED announces the Scarlet-X 4k Camera to compete the Canon C300 for DSLR film makers
Just as Canon announced the C300 DSLR Video Camera - RED, the company behind the legendary RED EPIC camera, announces the RED SCARLET-X with Canon EF or Arri PL mount: a 4K camera with a price starting below 10.000US$. While the Canon C300 is a 1080p camera that uses 4:2:2 sampling, (50 Mbps MPEG2) and captures a total of 3840x2160 pixels with its Super 35mm image sensor, the RED has other specs: 440Mbps RED REDCODE RAW format at 444 , 12fps at 5K, 25fps at true 4K, 30fps in 3K and 60fps in 2K.
Canon also announced a real 4k Camera to be available somewhere in the next year. So 2012 could become the real year of DSLR Video.
Here is the original press release from RED.COM
(via red.com/press):
RED STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD, Hollywood, Calif., November 3, 2011 – RED Digital Cinema has officially released its third industry-changing camera, the Scarlet-X. With burst modes up to 12 fps at full 5K resolution alongside 4K motion capture from 1-30 fps, the camera allows professional photographers and cinematographers to simultaneously capture motion footage and still content. Never miss a shot. Ever. Scarlet-X’s compact design, endless modularity and advanced feature set provide a future-proof solution catering to every shooter’s needs, leaving one-dimensional DSLRs and 1080p camcorders in its wake. Priced at under $10,000, Scarlet-X advances RED’s vision to democratize superlative cinema and professional photography.
Scarlet-X comes standard with a Canon EF or PL mount, which can be swapped easily using Scarlet-X’s interchangeable lens mount system. Panavision, Anamorphic, and Nikon lenses are also compatible with the camera, providing ultimate freedom when it comes to creative decision-making. The addition of HDRx reaches up to 18 stops of dynamic range, bringing digital images closer than ever to the natural perception of the human eye.
With the innate ability to capture 5K REDCODE RAW stills and true 4K motion footage, Scarlet-X produces visually lossless files that can easily be graded and finished. Combining all of the finest qualities of cinema and photography into one camera, Scarlet-X allows the customer to have the best of both worlds. Compromise nothing. Shoot everything.
“The future is dependent on those who push… not those who react,” said Jim Jannard, founder of RED Digital Cinema.
RED is now taking orders on RED.com for Scarlet-X.
Since delivering their first camera – the RED ONE – in 2007, RED Digital Cinema has jumped ahead of the pack over camera companies that had dominated the market for decades. Feature films shot with RED cameras such as the Academy Award-winning movie “The Social Network” and the more recent “Contagion” have contributed to a lineage of cinematic success. Since the 2011 introduction of DSMC (Digital Still & Motion Camera) technology, photography icons like Bruce Weber, Greg Williams and Inez + Vinoodh have used RED cameras to shoot covers and spreads for the some of the most influential fashion magazines in the world.
Follow the announcement at REDUSER.net/SCARLET.
[Update 20.11.2011] Philip Bloom posted a balanced take on the Scarlet. Worth a read.
Recommended reading on this topic: The Truth About 2K, 4K and The Future of Pixels
Canon launches the C300 cinema camera: a competitor for Red Scarlet and Arri Alexa?
Canon recently unveiled its C300 cinema camera at Hollywood's Paramount Studios, in front of a huge crowd. Cameras such as the Arri Alexa and RED EPIC dominate the digital filmmaking world - the Canon C300 aims at people that are into professional DSLR Video and want to take a step further.
It will cost somewhere in the range of $20,000. It contains a Super 35mm CMOS sensor and delivers up to 4K resolution with the outfit's new "top-end" EF zoom lenses, which come in four flavors: two 14.5-60mm lenses and two 30-300mm. And the lenses keep on coming, with three EF prime lenses in 24mm, 50mm, and 85mm variations. That CMOS sensor offers 1920 x 1080 pixels for the reds and blues and 1920 x 2160 for greens.
Mobius - 1080p HQ from Vincent Laforet on Vimeo.
iPhone 4S / Canon 5d MKII Side by Side Comparison
***You can download the full 1080p version of this video for a more accurate presentation.
Here's a "fair" test between the iPhone 4S and the Canon 5D MK II. I made a little rig that allowed me to shoot both cameras at the same time side by side. All scenes are perfectly synced together so you can pause and scrutinize the frames! See photo of the makeshift rig in the photo area.
Exposure, shutter speed, frame rate and picture style were matched as close as possible between the two cameras. (I used the Zacuto Z-finder to help me adjust exposure for both iPhone and 5D)
This test shows that the tiny F2.4 lens and sensor on the iPhone are pretty nice. It even got a little depth of field!
I did not overlay the exact ISO and Stops 5D settings per shot. It was too much to keep track for this simple test. To be fair I matched 5D exposure to the iPhone so no "Cinestyle" / 24p here.
Here are the settings:
iPhone 4S
- AE.AF locked. That's all you have!
Canon 5D MKII
- Canon 50mm 1.4
- ISO 160 ~ 640 (varied per shot to match the iPhone)
- F 7~22 (varied per shot to match the iPhone)
- Shutter 1/60th
- Auto WB
- Standard Picture Style
- 1080p 30
(Source: vimeo.com)
Canon announces new flagship DSLR: 1Dx with improved Video capabilities
Canon announced the company’s newest flagship professional DSLR today, the 18 megapixel full-frame Canon 1Dx. The 1Dx will sit atop Canon’s model line as an update to both the Canon 1Ds and the 1D Mark IV, and is expected to debut for $6800 body-only in March 2012.
The 1Dx will feature dual DIGIC 5 processors, which Canon claims offer approximately 17 times more processing power than the previous generation DIGIC 4s.
Those looking for an upgrade to the 5D Mark II for video capture may find a friend in the 1Dx, as it is capable of 1080/30p/25p/24p HD video capture, with options for 720/60p/50p as well. The image sensor has been designed with video in mind, meaning that downsampling errors and the resultant moire effect should be significantly reduced. The file system’s 4GB limit has also been worked around, with an automatic file splitting functionality enabling up to 29 minute and 59 seconds of continuous video capture.
The camera also supports two methods of SMPTE-compliant timecode embedding, Rec Run and Free Run, to ease syncing up multiple cameras in post. The 1Dx will also support both intraframe (ALL-i) and interframe (IPB) compression, to aid post-production and editing workflows, depending on need. The camera also offers manual audio level control both before and during video capture with the internal monaural mic or an external stereo microphone.
Canon's all new full-frame CMOS sensor ensures that video footage captured on the EOS-1D X will exhibit less moiré than any previous Canon model, resulting in a significant improvement in HD video quality. A desired feature for many documentary filmmakers using Canon DSLRs was to enable recording beyond the four gigabyte (GB) file capacity and the EOS-1D X is the answer. The new camera features automatic splitting of movie files when a single file exceeds 4GB. The new file splitting function allows for continuous video recording up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds across multiple 4GB files; no frames are dropped and the multiple files can be seamlessly connected in post production, providing filmmakers the recording time they want in the same convenient DSLR form factor. The camera records Full HD at 1920 x 1080 in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); and 720p HD or SD video recording at either 50p or 60p (59.94). SD video can be recorded in either NTSC or PAL standards.
The Canon EOS-1D X also includes manual audio level control, adjustable both before and during movie recording, an automatic setting, or it can be turned off entirely. A wind filter is also included. Sound can be recorded either through the internal monaural microphone or via an optional external microphone through the stereo mic input.
The Canon 1Dx offers USB transfer, but will also sport a wired gigabit Ethernet port for stable wired transmission of video and still images at up to 1000BASE-T transmission speeds. That should allow not only faster transmission of files, but longer, more practical connection solutions for professionals. For on-camera storage, the 1Dx will eschew SD storage in favor of dual Compact Flash cards.
The low-light capability of the EOS-1D X is evident in its incredible ISO range and ability to photograph in extremely low-light conditions. Adjustable from ISO 100 to 51,200 within its standard range, the new model offers a low ISO 50 setting for studio and landscape photography and two high settings of 102,400 at H1 and 204,800 at H2, ideal for law enforcement, government or forensic field applications.
(via usa.canon.com)
Fuji high end mirrorless system will be uber-large, higher than full-frame!
Fuji will make a mirrorless system with an ueber-large sensor that will deliver an image quality higher as any full frame system. The resolution and Signal-to-Noise ratio will top all current full frame sensors.
Fuji president and CEO Shigetaka Komori said they will create a mirrorless, interchangeable lens camera built around a larger sensor with ‘resolution and low noise [that] will surpass the 35mm full size sensor’. If Canon does not come up with the EOS 5D MKIII fast, people will start to switch.
(via DC.watch)
Nikon D800 36MP Camera Announced. Canon 6D of 5D MKIII to follow as a response?
Nikon Rumors is reporting a 36mp D800 coming in the next 30-60 days at a 99% probability. As Canonrumors pointed out, this can be a great thing for Canon users: New full frame sensor cameras, as well as a 5D MKIII or a 6D could be possible. Well, we are desperately waiting, currently equipped with two Panasonic GH2 Cameras that are hacked to the extreme. See an example Video on Vimeo (66Mbps Hack). If there is no alternative coming out soon, lots of people will stick to their GH2s, as they are currently the best there is, especially when using the Atomos Ninja
(see a great Example on the Atomos Ninja with the Panasonic GH2).
[UPDATE] Nikonrumors posted More Nikon D800 bits and pieces: 100% Viewfinder coverage, improved AF with face recognition, SD+CF dual memory card slots as well as a USB 3.0 possibility. The question remains, why not CFAST? On another post, the ISO range is said to be 100 – 6400, ISO LO @ 50 and ISO HI-2 @ 25600. We can only wait and see...
Reworked Camera Lenses for Canon EOS, Nikon, Leica M, Sony NEX, Kodak and Micro Four Thirds!
The eBay reseller jieying-usa ist selling custom reworks of lenses for Micro Four Thirds
,Canon EOS
, Nikon
, Leica M
, Sony NEX
, Kodak
and others
.
Among the lenses, a reworked Rodenstock 50mm f/0.75 for Micro Four Thirds, that fits on your camera without the need of an adapter. The lens focuses from 3ft to infinity. Wide open, images are very soft but unlike C-mount lenses the circle covers the full m43 size. Here are some flickr examples.
RAW Video for DSLR with Magic Lantern and Black Magic Hyperdeck Shuttle (vs. Atomos Ninja): 5D MKII, 550D, Rebels
[Update] Black Magic Hyperdeck Shuttle 2 as well as the Atomos Ninja 2 Recorder are already out. We are reviewing them shortly, as we have used both already in production. Both are capable of DNxHD as well as Apple ProRes.
SLR Film making got even more exciting: with the availability of HDMI recorders, RAW Video footage can be recorded to get the maximum out of your Canon 5D MKII or other camera compatible with Magic Lantern. Standard Firmware does not output a "clean" HDMI signal, at least not for Canon cameras; the Panasonic GH2 produces a clean HDMI output, as noted by Philip Bloom (!).
What are currently recommended HDMI field recorders?
1. Black Magic Hyperdeck Shuttle (RAW Video)
* Product information page/ manufacturer: Black Magic Design
* Discussion on the Magic Lantern User Group: hyperdeck shuttle
Pro:
Cons:
)2. Atomos Ninja - Portable HDMI Recorder
(ProRes)
Pro:
Cons:
Conclusion:
Unless you are super-rich and have tons of money to spend for Solid State Drives and a RAID Array, you should get the Atomos Ninja. Besides the actual device, you also get a monitoring solution and have a true portable device, that creates files usable with normal hard drives. Overall cost is much lower and there should not be a really visible difference from ProRes to RAW footage. If you are into Bokeh Porn, you might want to spend your money in the Black Magic Hyperdeck Shuttle.
Keep in mind, there are currently some issues with HDMI out an Magic Lantern: there is a video on the 5D MKII's 1080i out and also some discussions going on in the Magic Lantern Forums, because some processing needs to be done to get actual usable files. Actual resolutionis 12-19% less (depending how you do it) but still the results are awesome - especially in low light situations. Maybe we will get real clean HDMI out with the Canon EOS 5D MKIII.
Comparison: Canon Camera Roundup for Pro-DSLR Video
Since lot of people ask me, which (photo) cameras to buy which also work for filming, here is a short roundup of cameras that I find worth mentioning. All of the cameras mentioned will work with Magic Lantern:
Price/Value/Feature Comparison
|
Canon Rebel T1i Canon EOS 500D |
Canon Rebel T2i Canon EOS 550D |
Canon Rebel T3i Canon EOS 600D |
Canon EOS 60D |
Canon EOS 5D MKII |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| USA: $579.90 Europe: 449.00€ (used) |
USA: $629.00 Europe: 549.99€ |
USA: $699.95 Europe: 646.99€ |
USA: 1,029.00$ Europe: 879.00€ |
USA: 2,499.00$ Europe: 1,890.00€ |
| The Revel T1i was a great camera, although we cannot recommend it, since its successor is the 550D and the 600D. If you can get a cheap second hand alternative at ebay, you might get a deal, though. (Seen on ebay for $199 used) |
The 550D is a great camera, although the 600D beats it in price/value. If you can get your hands on a cheap second-hand 550D, you might be able to even save some more bucks. (Seen on ebay for $399 used |
The 600D is our definite winner in price/value: feature-rich, reasonably priced, enjoyable to use and, most importantly, takes great pictures. It's relatively small, but is fully supported by Magic Lantern and you should be really happy with that camera if you use good lenses and fast Compact Flash Cards. | The 60D is a great camera, although almost in the same range as the 7D (which has no Magic Lantern support yet). If you are only shooting photos, go for the 7D - if you are doing video, save some bucks and go for the 600D. Invest the spare money in good lenses. | The best of all the cameras compared, if we leave out the price. While this is also the most pricy camera, it certainly gets beaten by the 600D when it comes to price/value. The Canon EOS 5D MKII is the best camera for digital video out there, although with the 600D and with fast enough SDXC cards, you will almost match the quality of the 5D MKII. |
Conclusio: get the 600D if you need to save money, get the 5D MKII if you have some spare 3000$. Invest in good lenses, such as the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM
Canon 5D MKIII (MK3) Announcement Imminent?
Taking the rumors from canonrumors.com and some forum posts seriously for at least a bit, it seems that an announcement for a possible Canon EOS 5D MKIII is imminent.
Random Info via canonrumors:
- Canon Australia has sent CPS management to Singapore for product training. [CR2]
- Any Canon announcement will come after Nikon’s announcement on August 24, 2011. [CR2]
- 5D Mark III’s are in the wild and an announcement is imminent [CR1]
- 1D Mark IV’s are out of stock or hard to come by in certain countries. A retailer in New Zealand actually said they won’t be getting any more. [CR1]
- 1Ds Mark IV resolution correction, I’m told it will actually be 36mp.
Since I was planning on getting a 5D Mark II
Commenting on the current question, if it is still a good idea to buy a Canon 5D MKII: YES. Why? The Canon 5D MKII is a great camera and also there won't be any new Lenses coming up so fast (at least when we talk about EF 24-105mm L IS USM), so if you need one now, go and get one. Also, if you are in DSLR-Video, "Magic Lantern" is a great and stable system, which will not immediately run on the MKIII. Some people even suggests that there might be a 1000$ price difference (at least) for an upcoming 5D MKIII.
Conclusion:
Still the 5D Mark II
[Update] Canon Rumors has a new Blog post "5D Mark III & The Rest [CR2]" which indicates, that there could be a 5D Mark III announced in October 2011
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