In September I traveled to Uaaipur, India to shoot a concept wedding film with a few of my great filmmaking friends. Kevin Shahinian wrote and directed this movie, it was an amazing experience that I will never forget! This is only the beginning of collaboration filmmaking, and I can’t wait to see where this takes weddings.
There are so many ways to tell a story…
And so much a marriage symbolizes. So many questions it tends to raise: What is love? What is faith? It was our hope to explore these themes in a far more dramatically engaging way than we felt possible in a traditional documentary… Perhaps there is more within this story then meets the eye.
In the fall of 2009, Melissa & Samir embarked on an incredible journey to Udaipur, India, to fulfill a lifelong dream of having their wedding in the country of their ancestry. This transcendent place, affectionately called the “CITY OF LAKES,” located in the breathtaking region of Rajasthan, would be the setting for their extravagant, three-day marriage celebration, and the backdrop of our unprecedented film production – shot entirely on-location. We believe this to be the first ever live event/scripted concept production ‘hybrid’ film produced on this scale.
We hope you enjoy the trailer for “CITY OF LAKES” and look forward to sharing the film with you soon. by Kevin Shahinian
Eighteen months after unveiling the worlds first Micro Four Thirds camera, Panasonic has introduced its successor- the Lumix DMC-G2, with touch control shooting. Built around the same body design as the G1, it records 720p HD videos in AVCHD Lite format and features a touch sensitive 460K dot 3.0″ LCD. Its advanced touch features allows shooting by just tapping the subject on the LCD. Other features include AF tracking, a dedicated movie mode and a faster Venus Engine HD II processor. We’ve had a pre-production example in the office and have put together a hands-on preview.Take motion picture recording to the next-level with new generation AVCHD Lite.
The DMC-G2 can record 1280 x 720 high-definition motion picture in AVCHD Lite that features long recording time and high compatibility with audio-visual equipments. Users can enjoy recording HD motion images taking maximum advantage of lens’ descriptiveness and interchangeability or the large sensor size.
The action starts at a single press of a dedicated button on the top while most of the settings for photo recording are succeeded, which is convenient when you record the same subject at the same situation in both photo and movie. HD Motion JPEG in 1280 x 720 can also be selected as an alternative movie recording format in addition to QVGA, VGA and WVGA, which is more compatible with PCs. High quality sound can be recorded with Dolby Digital Creator and optional accessory Stereo Microphone (DMW-MS1) can be attached to the G2. A Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind.
Even video beginner can record excellent movies with DMC-G2 because the popular iA (Intelligent Auto) is also available in motion image recording. Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) helps prevent handshake when using high-powered zoom. Face Detection automatically detects a face in the frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion on it so it always turns out beautifully. Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows. And Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Portrait, Scenery, Close-up and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize visual quality.
This brought a smile to my face…known as the “gadget man” to my friends this little demo video by Dan Chung is one of the first videos showing how good the cheaper Canon 550 is and looks to be a good second camera for the HD DSLR boys.
High resolution 800 x 480 LCD panel
HDMI Auto Color Space and Ratio detect
Manual Gamma Adjustment
Adjustable Backlight
Image Flip
1/4″-20 mounts on all sides
More robust Power switch
Improved, more rugged front panel
Variety of Markers, including user-adjustable
False Color On/Off
Peaking Filter On/Off
RGB Check Field / Field Detect
15:9, 16:9, 4:3, Pixel-to-Pixel modes
4 user-configurable function buttons
Scratch Resistant Protective Screen
RGB gain and bias control
Variety of User-Replaceable Battery Adapters available
The V-LCD70XP-HDMI is the latest update to Marshall’s successful and popular line of portable field / camera-top monitors. These monitors have been upgraded with even more features and versatility, but without additional cost. New features include cast metal front panel, adjustable backlight and markers, HDMI Auto Color Space and Ratio detect, manual gamma adjustment, Image Flip, 1/4″-20 mounting on all sides, and a more robust power switch.
These portable monitors are the perfect solution for DSLR and video professionals seeking to capture their best shots. Don’t be fooled by higher screen resolution or sizes. Our picture performance, feature set, customer service, and experience is why the industry’s leading photographers, videographers, and camera operators prefer Marshall over the competition. Our product is designed, engineered, and assembled in the USA.
This 7″ monitor offers standard features including a wide variety of formats and markers, 4 user-configurable front panel function buttons, RGB Check Field / Field Detect, RGB gain and bias control, 4-pin XLR power jack, and optical grade polycarbonate screen protection. Two other major features include Marshall’s industry leading FALSE COLOR and PEAKING Filters. This model also comes in 2 other major module configurations: 3GSDI (Composite, YPbPr and 3G/HD/SDI) and HDA (Composite, YPbPr). These units also offer the ability to adapt up to nine different battery configurations for providing mobile operation in the field. This option provides flexibility when using different cameras or configurations. Our large selection of battery adapters can be interchanged (or “swapped” out) by the end-user.
Well I have been sitting on the side lines watching the vDSLR develop and evolve. They certainly have a place, but are not without issues such as form factor, moire, overheating to name a few. The fact remains though, that for not a lot of dosh you can get a camera that will give a shallow DoF, can be used where you perhaps shouldn’t be using a video camera and with care can produce beautiful video. I was all ready to buy a Canon 7D when along comes the 550D (rebel T2i). Half the price yet with all the video modes and frame rates you could ever want. So I looked around for a body only (I have a bunch of EFS lenses) and found that Amazon.com have it on pre-order for $799…. Bargain! So checked on Amazon.co.uk and… hang on… is that right???? Its £899! If thats the case I’m going to wait till I go to NAB in April and pick one up then.
HDW : Alister remember it’s RIP OFF BRITAIN we are living in, lets wait till we see the price of the Apple iPad, it’s no secret other than to Apple themselves that we will NOT get £ for $ in other words an iPad in the USA starts at $499 which should be £ 318 in the UK but I bet we will see the starting price of the iPad at £499 !
World renowned filmmaker and Canon HD DSLR expert, Philip Bloom will be in Los Angeles on Saturday March 6th, 2010 to present the Canon HD DSLR Master Class.
Philip will be showing many examples of his filmmaking and will be sharing his experiences of shooting the pick-ups shots for ‘Red Tails’ a Lucas Films production.
Philip will be explaining and demonstrating all aspects of Canon EOS based filmmaking, workflow and output, including:
Main differences between EOS 1D Mk iv , 5D Mk ii and 7D for movie shooting
In camera settings to maximize image quality in post
Canon has announced the development of a plug-in that will allow EOS MOVIE footage shot on EOS DSLRs to be edited more quickly and easily in Apple’s Final Cut Pro editing package.
Canon has revealed that a free Beta release of the plug-in will be available to download for testing and evaluation in March 2010.
What’s known as ‘EOS MOVIE Plugin-E1 for Final Cut Pro’ is being developed to provide an even smoother workflow for EOS MOVIE users who edit using the Final Cut Pro software suite. The plug-in will enable the ‘log and transfer’ of video footage from the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 7D and EOS-1D Mark IV DSLRs – all of which offer full 1080p High Definition video recording.
The plug-in will convert EOS MOVIE footage to Apple’s high quality ProRes 4:2:2 codec at approximately twice the speed of Apple’s standard conversion. Additionally, users will also be able to add timecode, reel names and metadata to footage quickly and easily – further enhancing the experience of EOS MOVIE users when editing their footage.
HDW : Don’t think much of this lash up introduction you really think Canon would be a bit more professional than this !!!
London, 8th February 2010 – Canon today announces a groundbreaking new addition to its expanding, world-famous EOS range of Digital SLR cameras – the EOS 550D.The EOS 550D redefines the boundaries of Canon’s consumer DSLR range, incorporating technologies and features more commonly found in semi-professional DSLRs into the compact, lightweight body favoured by consumers. With a newly-developed 18 Megapixel (MP) APS-C CMOS sensor, coupled with Canon’s advanced DIGIC 4 image processor and the ability to shoot Full HD movies, photography enthusiasts are empowered to explore new levels of creativity.
Creative control with no compromise on quality The EOS 550D makes Canon’s powerful imaging technology more accessible to consumers. Canon’s advanced DIGIC 4 image processor and 18MP sensor support standard ISO settings of 100 – 6400 (expandable to 12800), while enhanced in-camera noise reduction technology boosts performance in low light conditions. The system’s 14-bit image processing also produces smoother tonal gradation and natural looking colours for high quality prints and on-screen display.
For swift and accurate focusing, the EOS 550D features a 9-point AF system with one extra-sensitive cross–type point at the centre for f/2.8 or faster lenses. The EOS 550D also supports high-speed, continuous shooting at 3.7 frames per second (fps). These features provide users with the opportunity to exert greater control over their images, allowing them to capture split-second moments with ease and accuracy.
Continuing Canon’s tradition of filtering new technology and features down from its advanced and professional DSLR ranges, the EOS 550D includes the iFCL metering system first launched in the EOS 7D. New for EOS is the ability to set the top limit for automatic ISO, allowing users to control the maximum amount of noise in their images. In a first for entry level EOS, exposure compensation and bracketing can be set up to plus or minus five and two stops respectively, allowing the photographer to take a number of differently exposed versions of the same shot to ensure they capture a well-exposed image, even in difficult lighting conditions.
“Digital SLR photography has captured the imagination of consumers globally,” said Kieran Magee, Director of Product Planning, Consumer Products, Canon Europe. “Every year, more and more individuals are looking to record key life events with unrivalled quality or to test and explore their creativity. The EOS 550D redefines the entry level DSLR category, putting technologies and features previously the preserve of the professional into the hands of the consumer – allowing them to achieve outstanding results. With the EOS 550D, consumers are free to explore the limits of their own creative vision.”
EOS Movies: Full HD video with creative control As the ability to record Full HD video becomes increasingly important, Canon continues to deliver DSLR technology that sets the industry benchmark for multimedia functionality. The EOS 550D records video in full 1920×1080p HD resolution, allowing photographers to select the frame rate preferred from 30, 25 and 24fps, as well as offering 720p video at 60 and 50fps. The EOS 550D also includes a 3.5mm stereo microphone socket, enabling the use of an external microphone when capturing video.
Photographers can also take manual control over exposure settings, changing the depth of field and degree of motion blur to shoot more creatively. To provide the best possible video quality, highlight tone priority (HTP) can be set independently for movie capture, without changing any still image capture settings. In situations where the subject is further away, the EOS 550D Movie Crop function records with the central 640×480 pixel area of the sensor, creating an effective magnification of approximately seven times. The EOS 550D is the first in the EOS range to feature Movie Crop and gives consumers more flexibility to capture important moments which would otherwise be too far away.
A clear view of your world The EOS 550D also allows photographers to view their images and video in unhindered clarity. A 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution makes it possible to see 100% of captured images with no borders. The anti-reflective, water-repellent coating also makes it easier to see the screen in bright conditions and from a variety of angles.
EOS build – Canon quality As consumers would expect from an EOS DSLR, the EOS 550D is built to a high quality specification. It features bigger, more intuitive buttons which have been redesigned following feedback from users. Based on this feedback, the EOS 550D also features an additional button on the new, battery grip, allowing aperture settings to be changed when shooting with the camera in a vertical position, without having to reorient the body.
Share the moment with friends and family For EOS 550D photographers, shooting great pictures and video is just a first step. Thanks to an integrated HDMI port compatible with High-Definition Multimedia Interface – Consumer Electronics Control (HDMI-CEC), video and images stored on the EOS 550D can be viewed on an HD-ready TV and controlled via the TV remote.
For users who want to transfer content wirelessly, the EOS 550D includes Eye-Fi* connected functions. The EOS 550D features a dedicated Eye-Fi section in the User Interface and it disables the automatic power-down function when an Eye-Fi card is transmitting – allowing users to transfer content easily and without interruption**.
Accessories The EOS 550D is fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX series Speedlite flash units, including the compact Speedlite 270EX. The EOS 550D is also compatible with the new RC-6 Remote Control, allowing photographers to capture high quality stills and Full HD video without touching the camera body. The slimline infrared controller can trigger the shutter release from up to five metres away, with users able to select either immediate release or a two second delay for greater flexibility when shooting. As well as supporting EOS 550D, the RC-6 is also compatible with the EOS 450D, 500D, 7D and 5D Mark II.
CANON iMAGE GATEWAY – share your stories Owners of the new Canon EOS 550D can join the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, a free online facility for Canon users that makes it easy to share their photos and video. Users can take advantage of up to 2GB of personal storage space, creating enough room for hundreds of high-quality images. Mobile browsing is also supported, making it easy for friends and family to view photos on the move.
Features at a glance:
18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
DIGIC 4 processor with ISO 100-6400 (Expansion to 12800)
Continuous shooting at 3.7fps
Full HD movie recording with manual control and selectable frame rates
7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD with 1,040k dots
iFCL metering System with 63-zone Dual-layer Metering Sensor
Quick Control screen to change shooting settings
Exposure compensation +/-5 stops.
Select maximum value for Auto ISO
External Microphone socket
Movie crop function
Eye-Fi connected functions compatibility
HDW : Once again Canon bring out a VSLR with no swivel viewfinder, no manual sound controls and no metering the up side is the amount of frame rates to choose from and the price of £800 body only.
Working on one of my video overviews recently I discovered the sexiness of the shallow depth of field (SDoF) while filming product shots of a Sony EX-1R. It all happened by chance…I needed close shots of the new button layout so I forked out and bought a Canon 50mm f2.5 macro lens, just the job.
As I looked through the lens of my Canon 5D2 I saw these wonderful shots appearing…the 50mm macro lens was producing some fantastic shallow depth of field shots…totally obliterating the background !
It didn’t take long for me to start playing with the video HD mode and you can see the wonderful results with a very out of focus gold reflector as a backdrop.
So why did I not film all the video overview with the Canon…good question…it became clear to me early doors that filming at 30 fps was going to be challenging to say the least, I spent a lot of time footering about with various bits of software and droplets but it was becoming time consuming and the very next day the Sony PMW-350K arrived putting the 5D2 problems on the back burner.
I decided to film the PMW-350K with my Sony EX-3 as I am a big fan of 720 50p…after that the rest is history but I do have some sexy shots of the EX1R thanks to the Canon 5D2 and I have lumped all of them together to let you “judge” for yourselves…
