As a cameraman or photographer you always need to remember you can make things look like what they are not. Your choice of lens and lighting can make anything look completely different to what it does to the eye. In fact to eye is easily tricked by use of perspective, height and other visual clues we put in our images which can make our brains see what is not there. Continue reading “Create stunning images by changing height and perspective”
So how do you make sure your gear works when you need it too? That’s an easy answer, make sure you protect it properly. The easiest way to do this is to have your gear in protective cases or bags. Continue reading “Camera bags and hard cases for Photographic, Film and TV gear”
Deciding on new camera gear is always tough and you have to focus on which product is right for you.
I have owned and used on camera monitor-recorders for a long time. I originally bought a Atomos Samurai when I bought one of the first Red One cameras in Australia. The reason this was a great option to add to the Red camera was because it allowed me record a video stream with matching file names and timecode (to the RAW recording) the Red camera was doing. This allowed more options in post production as well as allowing for playback on set. This was in the very early days of the Red before the cameras could play back the footage. These two features alone were more than enough reason to buy the Atomos.
Continue reading “External recorder or monitor-recorder: why do I need one?”
A typical professional video shoot normally means you need a wide range of gear. Even the seemingly simplest shoot can need a huge amount of gear to make the end video look fabulous.
Keep in mind, there is no “one size fits all” equipment package for everyone since there are so many variables including budget, type of project, shoot style and shoot locations to name just a few.
Continue reading “A typical professional video shoot”
Unless you have been living under a rock, surely almost everyone is familiar with the kickass reputation of Aussie TV personality and trainer Michelle Bridges.
Tim Bradley at Minds Eye Films certainly knows now that she applies this can-do attitude across all areas of her life, and especially so in her training programs.
Its not just you – Tim from Minds Eye Films is definitely looking like he has been on a vacation somewhere with a lot of sun. But in fact, Tim’s tanned skin is actually a result of days of working in an idyllic location – on water!
And not just any body of water. Tim has been shooting on Sydney’s iconic harbour and the pristine Pittwater for two exciting projects for two separate clients. Minds Eye enjoys the challenges that come with tackling a new location, and shooting on a 50-foot game fishing boat and a 60-foot yacht certainly presents some unique ones!
Sony is no stranger when it comes to making magnificent advertisements. Their new commercial for the recently released A7 and A7R full frame mirrorless cameras, which features some magnificently choreographed skydiving action, is no exception. What’s even more impressive is the fact that none of this was shot on a green screen. In fact, the entirety of the spot was shot practically at an altitude of 15,000 feet, with an overcranked RED EPIC.
Sony commercial shot on Red Epic
Now here’s the behind the scenes
How much fun would it have been seeing a skydiver with an F65 strapped to their helmet 🙂
Off to Melbourne to shoot two one question interviews. Leaving on 8am flight return 1pm flight. Then off to shoot more interviews in Sydney. Nothing like shooting in two states on one day.
Red Digital has started to sue Sony Corp for patent infringement. The Red’s complaint claims that three cameras made by defendants Sony Electronics and Sony Corporation “all embody the subject matter claimed in Red’s asserted patents without any license.” The federal court filing adds that “Red is informed and believes and thereupon alleges that the sale of Sony’s unauthorized, infringing cameras has resulted in lost sales, reduced the business and profit of Red, and greatly injured the general reputation of Red.” Alleging two instances of “willful and wanton” patent infringement on technology used in its Red One camera, Red is seeking a court order that its patents are “valid and enforceable” as well as an injunction against Sony’s F65, F55 and F5 cameras to stop their further sale and have them destroyed.
Jim Jannard, founder of Red says “This is a REDCODE RAW issue… one that many have acknowledged for years as a core invention of RED and incredibly important to what we all are doing…… REDCODE RAW is not “rounded corners”. It is fundamental to recording high resolution images on camera to small media. It is brilliant. And it is no surprise that others have finally figured out (several years later) that the only way to get where they need to go is through this path.”
This will probably take along time going through the courts, but may just make people reconsider their purchase of a Sony F5, F55 or F65 as if Red wins they may all have to be destroyed.
I have just added a few things to my audio kit. I have added a Countryman B3 lapel mic and windscreens and accessories. This mic I can use with my radio mic transmitter as well as being able to have it as a wired mic too. The capsule (head) is tiny so will be less visible than most mics, as well as it offering a great sound recording. The little windsocks are rated to winds up to 30Km/h, so will offer a great option in tough conditions.
North Coast NSW & SE Queensland Videographer 