Rumour has it that Sony are to announce an 18-105 PZ lens this month at NAB 2016…long overdue in my opinion. If its true FS7 and FS5 owners will be rejoicing.

SONY ALPHA RUMOURS “Just heard from an industry source that Sony are producing an updated G-Master E PZ Cine Lens 18-105mm due around Nab 2016 (Editos’r note: Updated version of the Sony FE PZ 28-135mm f/4 G OSS Lens)
My Source was not sure of the final f-stop except that it would be Parafocal and maintain the same f-stop throughout the zoom range. Their own personal feeling was that would still be about f3- f4 but with improved image resolution and performance to warrant the G moniker.”

NAB Update : If its going to happen it will be this Sunday the 17th April 2016 at the Sony NAB press conference where Sony have invited a lot of photographers.

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

Small HD have now produced a cracking set of production monitors from 17″ 24″ and 32″ all with daylight bright screens the best having a whopping 1500nits (32″).

The need for on set HDR preview is on the horizon. With 10-bit, 1000 NIT+ displays (17″ and 24″), SmallHDR monitors are the first production monitors worthy of the challenge.

As you can see the new Small HD monitors can use streaming kits like the zero latency Teradek Bolt for line of sight monitoring by the production staff.

These monitors are extremely well made with SDI and HDMI sockets plus 4pin XLRs for power.

As usual the boys at Small HD put everything to the test with a monitor standing the riggers of a car on top of it.

SmallHD 1703 HDR 17″ Specs

• 17″, 1920×1080 Display
• HDR Preview
• SDI and HDMI Video I/O
• Bright 1000 cd/m² Panel
• Colorflow 3D LUT Processing
• 10-Bit Color Intelligence Engine
• Page Builder OS
• RapidRail Shoe-Mount System
• Aluminum Construction
• 1 x IEC AC input, 1 x 4-pin XLR
• 1 x 12 VDC LEMO, 3 x USB (0.5 A max output)
• Prices to follow after NAB

SmallHD 2403 HDR 24″ Specs

• 24″, 1920 x 1080 Display
• HDR Preview
• SDI and HDMI Video I/O
• Bright 1000 cd/m² Panel
• Colorflow 3D LUT Processing
• 10-Bit Color Intelligence Engine
• Page Builder OS
• RapidRail Shoe-Mount System
• Aluminum Construction
• 1 x IEC AC input, 1 x 4-pin XLR
• 1 x 12 VDC LEMO, 3 x USB (0.5 A max output)

SmallHD 3203 HDR 32″ Specs

• 32″, 1920 x 1080 Display
• True HDR Rendering
• SDI and HDMI Video I/O
• Bright 1500 cd/m² Panel
• Colorflow 3D LUT Processing
• 10-Bit Color Intelligence Engine
• Page Builder OS
• RapidRail Shoe-Mount System
• Aluminum Construction
• 1 x IEC AC input, 1 x 4-pin XLR
• 1 x 12 VDC LEMO, 3 x USB (0.5 A max output)

HDR Production Monitors by SmallHD from SmallHD on Vimeo.

Small HD is distributed in the UK by Holdan.

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

Photographer and animator Alexey Sakharov has done a cracking job on these old photographs bringing them literally back to life.

It’s a “photo-based animation project” that offers a “travel back in time with a little steampunk time machine,” Zakharov says. “The main part of this video was made with camera projection based on photos.”

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

At NAB 2016, Datavideo has announced it will be showing its new KMU–100, which will accept the single 4K/UHD output of any existing camera and turn it into up to four 16×9 user-defined cropped windows that are sent out as four separate HD signals through HD-SDI.

According to Datavideo, these user defined windows can be scaled to zoom in on a particular subject that you would like to highlight on the 4K signal. An additional 4K camera could be connected to allow up to eight defined outputs from the two 4K signals. As an option, the Datavideo RMC–180 camera controller can be added to facilitate panning, tilting, and zooming to create the user defined windows on the 4K signal. The user can also set up these shots in advance and save them as presets, or you can do it in real-time.

One example cited by Davavideo is: If you wanted to broadcast a live three-piece band concert using a 4K camera, you would simply set up the 4K/UHD camera with a wide angle shot, then connect the camera output to the KMU–100. The, you could use the RMC–180 controller to select up to four 16×9 windows which could be positioned with a joystick as well as resized from any part of the original 4K signal. You can then have the following shots:

• Wide angle of the band
• A close up shot of the lead singer
• Close up drummer and drum set
• Close up of piano player

These 4 virtual camera signals (up to 1080p) could be connected to any HD-SDI video mixer (commonly but imprecisely known as “switcher”), giving the illusion of a multi camera production when in reality, you only have a single 4K camera.

Video Inputs

• Quad SDI, 6G-SDI or 12G-SDI
• HDMI 2.0 video input with support for up to 2160p60. I just checked with Datavideo, and it supports 25p, 29.97p, 50p and 59.94p.
• Display port video Input with support for up to 2160p60. I just checked with Datavideo, and it supports 25p, 29.97p, 50p and 59.94p.

SDI Video Output

• 8x 3G-SDI, either 1080p, 720p or 1080i

Monitoring

• 2x HDMI 1.4

Audio

• SDI Audio Input (16 Channels)
• SDI Audio Output (16 Channels)

Sync Input (Genlock)

• blackburst or TriSync

Computer Interface

• Ethernet RJ45 for control configuration and updates (for laptop)
• RS–232 / RS–422 x 1

According to Datavideo, the KMU–100 will be shipping the summer of 2016. KMU–100 will be on display at NAB, 2016 – booth SL8011. As of publication time of this article, Datavideo has not yet stated the price of the KMU–100. Price to be confirmed.

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

Sony’s new UMC-S3C video camera offers the highest sensitivity in its class with 4K video recording, full frame, E Mount, allowing users to capture details even in challenging low-light conditions.  The camera also features tremendous flexibility and long duration video recording with 12 megapixel color still image capture capabilities.

“New products like the UMC-S3C allow us to expand our 4K line-up and bring high resolution and high sensitivity to new markets,” said Atsushi Seki, Director, Business Development at Sony Electronics. “This latest video camera is a testament to Sony’s continuing efforts to provide solutions that meet users’ individual business requirements.”

Capable of achieving sensitivity and resolution with color video recording in 4K, the UMC-S3C realizes the highest sensitivity in its class – under 0.004lx, expandable to ISO 50-409600. The camera uses advanced imaging technologies from Sony’s consumer and professional groups – a full-frame 35mm Exmor sensor, to realize high sensitivity with high light condensing efficiency, and an image processing engine, which enhances noise reduction. Using compatible E-mount lenses that maximize the performance of the 35mm full-frame sensor, resolution is kept high across the entire image area.

Area-specific noise reduction selectively divides images into areas based on patterns. Image quality is further enhanced through detail reproduction technology, allowing clear and sharp video recording in near pitch-black environments beyond the capabilities of the human eye. This helps optimized images fit various scenes while ensuring a more natural sense of dimension. In addition, the camera’s high shutter speed allows users to capture letters and numbers clearly.

Weighing approximately 400g, the lightweight UMC-S3C is currently the most compact camera in Sony’s full-frame line-up. With mounting points on the camera body to enhance mobility, it easily attaches to moving objects. Users can control the camera via multi terminal, including micro USB compatible devices, remote controls or compatible software.

The UMC-S3C is suitable for a variety of applications including disaster response; wildlife monitoring; landscape mapping or surveying; surveillance, inspections and investigations; live camera; and as a dashboard/professional point-of-view (‘POV’) camera, among others.

Supporting multi-camera systems, the UMC-S3C fits into nearly any existing infrastructure and also allows playback functions with the use of a PC as well as Live View via HDMI.

Long-duration video recording is also possible as the camera is equipped with a memory card slot on the camera body instead of network cabling. With a 64GB memory card, users can record up to 125 minutes of 4K footage at standard quality (30 fps/60 Mbps). In 4K resolution, where images are four times more detailed than full HD, users can cover larger areas with the highest image quality.  The UMC-S3C also supports the XAVC S format for high-quality 4K recording at 100Mbps, especially useful in environments where cabling or space is limited.

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

JVC has today announced two upgraded models in its 600 Series of ProHD mobile news camcorders, including the GY-HM660, the industry’s first streaming camcorder with an integrated IFB (interruptible foldback) audio channel (this feature is a free firmware update in the very near future). Both the GY-HM660 camera, which replaces the current GY-HM650, and the GY-HM620, which replaces the GY-HM600, feature new CMOS image sensors for greater sensitivity, together with a brighter LCD display for improved daylight viewing. JVC will demonstrate both models during the 2016 NAB Show (Booth C4314) that runs from 18th-21st April in Las Vegas.

Both new cameras feature three new 12-bit CMOS sensors with improved F13 (50Hz) sensitivity for superior low-light performance. The cameras also include an upgraded 3.5-inch LCD display, which can be swivelled for use as a talent monitor, as well as a 1.22 MP LCOS colour viewfinder. The integrated Fujinon 23x auto focus zoom lens offers a wide 29-667mm (35mm equivalent) focal range and includes three ND filters as well as manual zoom, focus and iris rings.

“JVC continues to expand our advanced IP technologies,” said Gustav Emrich, European product manager. “The new GY-HM660 will allow reporters in the field to communicate with the studio through IFB while streaming live HD reports from the field. We’ve also added SMPTE 2022 forward error correction for increased stream reliability.”

When paired with a 4G LTE modem or hotspot, the GY-HM660’s built-in video-over-IP technology delivers high-quality streaming with a choice of resolutions, bit rates and formats without a backpack transmission system or external encoder. For more reliable streaming, it offers SMPTE 2022 or Zixi forward error correction (FEC), automatic repeat request (ARQ) and adaptive bit rate control. The camera also includes support for Real Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP), which allows a direct connection to a number of content distribution networks (CDNs) including Ustream and YouTube, together with compatibility with Streamstar’s range of streaming production tools.

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

At the upcoming NAB Show, the Optical Devices Division of FUJIFILM North America will introduce its FUJINON Premier PL 20-120mm Cabrio XK (XK6x20) zoom; destined to be the next ‘go to’ lens for cine operations big and small.
Designed for the video production and PL cine markets, this 20-120mm Cabrio features a T stop of T3.5 end-to-end, a 20-120mm focal range, and industry-proven Cabrio flexibility – at an affordable price. It is also equipped with a unique detachable servo drive unit, making it suitable for use as an ENG-style or standard PL lens. Weighing just 2.9kgs, the new Cabrio can be seen along with the complete FUJINON line up at Booth C7125 during the NAB Show, which runs this month, from April 16-21 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“This Cabrio XK zoom delivers precise optics, a consistent T stop of T3.5 throughout the entire focal length range, and smooth servo operations in a compact package – making it ideal for both run & gun-style and cinema-style shoots,” said Thom Calabro, director of Marketing and Product Development for the Optical Division of FUJIFILM. “Remove the detachable servo drive, and it can easily accept industry-standard cine motors and matte boxes. Whether you’re from a film or video background, the PL 20-120mm Cabrio XK offers remarkable quality and unprecedented flexibility.”

The 20-120mm Cabrio XK covers a S35-sized sensor (Super 35 format) on a digital cinema-style camera. “While sensors on standard broadcast cameras are all the same size, sensors on digital cameras vary greatly,” Calabro explained. “This new zoom lens ensures that the image captured will cover large sensors on the most popular PL cameras.”

The 20-120mm Cabrio is also fitted with a nine-blade iris, to capture the most natural looking imagery possible. It comes equipped with all the lens data outputs that are required by today’s cine-style shooters. “LDS and /i Tech metadata compatibility are very useful when you need to record the position information of zoom, iris, and focus for computer animation and similar postproduction operations,” said Calabro. “The digital servo on this lens has 16-bit encoding, so operators can be assured that the lens data outputs are extremely accurate.”

Two more pluses: The 20-120mm Cabrio XK can be controlled using cinema industry standard wireless controllers, as well as existing FUJINON wired units. Meanwhile, the zoom’s barrel markings are luminous for visibility in dark shooting situations – a nice-to-have touch that reflects the company’s deep understanding of real-life cinema shooting conditions. Distances are listed in feet or meters.

“The PL 20-120mm Cabrio XK offers a remarkable degree of optical precision and zoom performance in a robust, lightweight, and affordable package,” concluded Calabro.

HDW ” At $15k this would be a great lens for all major S35mm camcorders”

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

ONE is the Scottish film writer and director behind much-loved classics such as Gregory’s Girl and Local Hero, the other a leading Scottish producer whose international credits include the recent Oscar-winner Mad Max film starring Tom Hardy. And both are at war with the BBC Scotland.

Bill Forsyth and Iain Smith have branded the BBC “dysfunctional” and “unprofessional” after more than two years of trying to produce a TV series with the corporation – in which a script went through the hands of numerous executives before being rejected without explanation.

HDW “No surprise there then” you can read the rest of this very interesting article here…

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/14400577.Makers_of_Gregory_s_Girl_and_Mad_Max_declare_war_on_BBC_Scotland/

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) announced today that legendary executive producer/writer Chuck Lorre — the creative force behind the Warner Bros. Television hit broadcast comedies “The Big Bang Theory,” “Mom,” “Mike & Molly” and “Two and a Half Men” for CBS — will be inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame at the 2016 NAB Show Television Luncheon on Monday, April 18, in Las Vegas.

As a writer, creator and executive producer, Lorre has been the driving force behind some of the top comedies on television. He is co-creator/executive producer of the blockbuster hit “The Big Bang Theory,” TV’s #1 entertainment series among Total Viewers and #1 comedy among Adults 18–49, as well as the critically acclaimed “Mom,” starring Anna Faris and Allison Janney, which was honored as a recipient at the Television Academy Honors in 2014.

Lorre is also executive producer of “Mike & Molly,” starring Billy Gardell and Melissa McCarthy, which completes its six-year run this spring, and he was previously co-creator/executive producer of the hit “Two and a Half Men,” which aired for twelve seasons and was one of TV’s longest-running comedies. Before that, Lorre created hits such as “Cybill,” “Dharma & Greg” and “Grace Under Fire,” and he also served as co-executive producer on “Roseanne.”

“An artist in the prime of his career, Chuck Lorre is a legendary television writer and producer,” said NAB Executive Vice President of Television Marcellus Alexander. “His biting wit and memorable characters have become a part of our culture and defined an era of scripted comedies for Warner Bros. Television and CBS – comedies that remind us, on a weekly basis, of the scale and power of broadcast television.”

In 2015, Lorre harnessed that power by spearheading the establishment of “The Big Bang Theory” Scholarship Endowment at UCLA to support undergraduate students in need of financial aid who are pursuing their higher education in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The endowment has raised more than $4 million and supports a class of 20 scholars for the 2015–16 academic year, with an additional five scholars to be added in each future year — in perpetuity.

Throughout his career, Lorre has become known for expressing his thoughts and views through personal messages in the split-second vanity cards which appear at the end of episodes of his shows. Select cards were compiled into a book, released in 2012, titled “What Doesn’t Kill Us Makes Us Bitter.” All of Lorre’s proceeds from the sale of the book benefit many health care–related charities and educational efforts.

Lorre got his start as a guitarist/singer, touring the country and writing pop songs, including Debbie Harry’s Top 40 hit “French Kissin’ in the USA,” before turning his attention to television. He wrote animation scripts for DIC and Marvel Productions, then wrote and produced themes and scores for several animated series, including “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” A spec primetime script soon led to freelance work on the syndicated comedy “Charles in Charge” and, eventually, a staff job on “My Two Dads.”

In recognition of his career accomplishments, Lorre has received numerous industry accolades, including the NATPE Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award, Television Showman of the Year at the 46th Annual ICG Publicists Awards Ceremony and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2012, he was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame.

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

I met Matt five years ago at an UKFCUG that Rick Young was presenting in Glasgow, a lovely man. You can’t say enough about someone in one blog article but Matt was one of the decent chaps, lovely manner and always ready to help you.  He was a great cameraman and editor and will be sorely missed by his wife Ruby his son Michael and brother Jon and all his colleagues over the last few years, including his work companion Rick.

MDMA Ltd Director/Editor · February 2006 to 2016

Sony: Independent Certified Expert

November 2010 to present

Creating videos for the FS100 and training materials for Sony’s XDCAM product line.

Sony PXW Z100 – First Impressions from Matt Davis on Vimeo.

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions