Olympus OM-D 5 Axis Image Stabilization Helps Photographer With Tremors

I’ve been keeping an eye on the new Olympus OM-D E-M5 since it was announced. The smaller form factor, weatherized body with 5 axis image stabilization and pocketable M43 sized lenses makes a very exciting package. Their 5 axis image stabilization is really raising the bar. This technology has allowed a photographer with a palsy or tremor to overcome his physical limitations to shoot sharp photos and smooth video. It’s great how technology can improve peoples lives. … Continue Reading

2 New Canon 4K Cameras EOS-1D C and C500

Today Canon officially announced two new 4K cameras, the C500 and the EOS-1D C. Both shoot 4K digital video with the C500 utilizing the cinema form factor and ergonomics of the C300 and the EOS-1D C in HDSLR form factor. I have to say that when I saw the 1D C HDSLR at the C300 Paramount event I thought it was magic pixel dust that wouldn’t be released for a while. I’m really surprised that this is coming out so soon and at the same time as the 1Dx and 5D MarkIII. Between these cameras and the new zoom cinema lenses, Canon is really keeping the candle burning at both ends at their factories and R&D labs.

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Should I Buy the Canon 5D MKIII?

The question everyone is asking me lately is “should I buy the Canon 5D MKIII?” Of course you should, you deserve it – right? I think there are several good reasons to spend the money and an equal number of reasons not to upgrade depending on your situation. Lets start with the obvious upgrade candidate, someone who is mostly shooting HDSLR video.

Video seems to be one of the biggest reasons to upgrade on the new 5D. Noise, artifacts, ISO, dynamic range and compression have all been tweaked for better video performance. HDMI out no longer drops to SD when recording and if your only shooting video you can set the shutter button to start/stop video (this will allow you to use wired remotes connected to the R3 socket). The rolling shutter is also a bit faster so it should show less jello effect and the 12 minute recording limit has been changed to a maximum clip length of 29 minutes 59 seconds.

The audio recording capabilities have also been greatly improved. In addition to visual meters while recording and a headphone monitoring line out, the in camera recorder is now pro level with uncompressed PCM audio at 48 kHz. … Continue Reading

Arri DSLR Accessories

Our friend and co-author Snehal Patel, has a new video out for Arri DSLR accessories. I especially like the way he locked the lens down tight with an extra zip gear. Check it out.
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David McLain Shoots Lifestyle Photo and Cine

I heard David McLain speak at a Sony sponsored event recently and he’s really inspiring. He’s a photographer who has successfully added video to his repertoire. He uses everything from a Sony Nex-5N to a RED – whatever gets the job done. This lets him effectively deliver stills and motion to clients which strengthens his business.

In his seminars he talks about how the sweet spot for a photographer shooting motion is with a small crew of 4-8 people. Full sized productions are exponentially more expensive and are not nearly as flexible or spontaneous as his team can be. He thinks that multi-disciplinary photographers have an advantage in this micro production scenario. Check out this video he shot for a clothing company out of Austin Texas for inspiration.
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Easy To Assemble – DSLR Web Series For Ikea

Actress Illeana Douglas (I love her) created a web series called Easy to Assemble and sold it to Ikea. The behind the scenes photo in the OnlineVideo.net article show them using a Canon DSLR for video production. What I like about this story is that Illeana had an idea and ran with it. Inexpensive HDSLR cameras allowed her to affordably produce content that a major retailer wanted to get behind.
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