Tascam iM2 iPhone Recorder

There are a lot of cool gadgets coming out right now and we’re usually pretty selective with the “look at this” type of posts here on PCN but since I’ve covered using an iPhone as an audio recorder in the past I thought this would be of interest to our readers.

The Tascam iM2 attaches to an IOS device (iPhone or iPad) giving you a serious recording tool. I really like the idea of carrying a microphone to use with my iPhone around instead of another full sized electronic device in my laptop bag. Here’s a video from Tascam:
… Continue Reading

Canon G1X Video

This camera is stirring up things on the intertubes. I was happy to find out it has a larger sensor than was originally suspected. I’ve had a couple of conversations where I wished out loud for a G12 style metal bodied camera with manual knobs and dials that has a bigger chip and interchangeable lenses. I got most of that wish with the new G1X but no interchangeable lenses. I don’t think I need a fixed lens carry camera when there are so many great choices of small M43 and APS-C cameras like the new Fuji X1 Pro and the Sony Nex-7 that have interchangeable lenses. I guess interchangeable lenses are both a pro and a con because good lenses can easily set you back another grand. I’m sure this camera will find it’s place among photographers wanting an all-in-one compact solution.

Here’s a video from Canon Europe about the G1X:
… Continue Reading

Nat Geo Shooter Ben Horton Compares Contour to GoPro

Miniature cameras have given filmmakers and photographers new options that not too long ago would have been a great way to lose or destroy expensive cameras. They have greatly reduced the number of “impossible” shots. These little cameras have blasted off into space, ascended gracefully on weather balloons, and I’ve personally dropped them hundreds of feet underwater on nothing more than fishing line.

… Continue Reading

Watermann Continues to Amaze With One Camera

My friend Greg Watermann, a rock and roll photographer who took it upon himself to do one camera music videos, just emailed me the details of the behind the scenes the new Pitbull video that he shot that we teased you with a few weeks ago. … Continue Reading

Slow Motion FPS Comparison Shot on Fantom

I feel a little behind the times because I haven’t seen these videos from the British team calling themselves the Slo Mo Guys. This film shows the difference in shooting a coffee mug breaking at 500fps, 1000fps, 2500fps, 5000fps and 10,000fps. Of course you can only get these results with a Fantom camera but it’s great to see the differences when shooting actual slow-motion instead of 60fps processed in post.
… Continue Reading

Nikon D4 – High ISO With Uncompressed HDMI Output

Today Nikon announced their new the D4. A $6000 full sized 16.2 megapixel sensor flagship. It has an expanded ISO range of 100 to 204,800 for low light shooting and allows uncompressed HD output via HDMI.

From the Nikon website:

Multi-area mode Full HD D-Movie with three image area options.

The D4 can record 1080p Full HD video at 30/25 or 24p in H.264/MPEG-4 AVC format with broadcast quality full of fine tones and natural colors. Located next to the shutter-release button, the dedicated recording start button makes operation intuitive and easy to access. Maximum recording time for a single clip is 29 min. 59 s. Thanks to Nikon’s latest image-processing algorithms, the D4’s video ensures a smooth look with fewer “jaggies” and less moiré while maintaining sharp edges, even in dark conditions, by using noise-reduction technology designed specifically … Continue Reading