With the influx of camera stabilization devices, steadying your small camera, even with its accessories, has never been easier. Tiffen the makers of Steadicam, has created a multifunctional stabilizer called the Steadicam Solo for cameras up to 10 pounds. It works with cameras from major manufacturers like Panasonic, Sony, and Canon. The Steadicam Solo has the typical quick release mounting plate for standard camera mounts, as well as dual, fore, and aft adjustment for that “Steadicam” quality stabilization. It comes with a three axis gimbal design and ergonomic foam handles and grip to make this an easy to use device. These are qualities that you expect from Steadicam.
Going Stag with Tiffen’s New Steadicam Solo
June 18th, 2014 by Brad SpinsbyAtomos Brings an Upgraded Monitor to the Ninja Blade Recorder
June 4th, 2014 by Brad SpinsbyRecently, Atomos released the Ninja Blade, an upgrade to the Samurai’s inexpensive brother, the Ninja 2. Where the Samurai Blade sports more options and SDI interfaces, the Ninja Blade utilizes HDMI ports, but at a cost under $1000. If you prefer SDI inputs, the Ninja Blade can be used in conjunction with the Atomos S2H Converter. The Atmos Ninja 2 and Samurai recorders have 800×480 resolution monitors. The Blade series has an upgraded 1280 x 720 resolution utilizing SMPTE Rec 709 color space to make it an excellent production monitor. Both Blade recorders answer the demand for a better, more professional monitor, but with the same functionality as its predecessors.
10 Tips for Shooting in Asia
April 2nd, 2014 by Brad SpinsbyShooting internationally can be an exciting and stressful affair, but a local English speaking crew can help you navigate through your video production. Our Directors of Photography in Asia are locals and expatriates from America, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia. They know all the challenges of shooting internationally, especially in Asia. Here are some of their tips.
When Shooting Abroad Don’t Let Your Production Get Lost In Translation
March 19th, 2014 by Brad SpinsbyThe video production world is shrinking, but cultural and language barriers still exist when shooting internationally. Not only are major studios shooting globally, but more corporations are utilizing local crews to work with their affiliates abroad. When corporate producers travel for production they should obviously familiarize themselves with local customs, getting a grasp on the language may be much more difficult. For those who are shooting in China the translation app, Hollywood in China, maybe a valuable tool.
Stability For Your Action: The Steadicam Curve For GoPro Cameras
March 4th, 2014 by Brad SpinsbyThe Steadicam Curve was designed with the action shooter in mind and its features reflect this market. First, the head features a quick-release so that it can be mounted and taken off with ease. The counterweight at the bottom of the rig and the forward and back adjustability of the head balance every tricked out GoPro. Steadicam has also designed the Curve to maximize a video selfie. You can hold the rig by the stabilization arm instead of the hand grip and it maintains its stability.
Maximizing Space on Your Rock N Roller Multi-Cart with the GripnGaff Bag
February 26th, 2014 by Brad SpinsbyPortability is paramount to any good freelance Director of Photography especially in the corporate world. Most clients want more for less money and equipment has followed suit. Cameras are less expensive and smaller, lights are more compact, but the grip gear that was used decades ago is still the same today. When clients want a small crew the first things that are eliminated on your production cart are usually those c-stands and gobo arms.