Organizing Images with Aperture



In this video you’ll learn to rank and sort images in Aperture. You’ll also learn about contact sheets and Web galleries for client review. You can also visit the website
www.peachpit.com/videomac in order to download sample files.
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Digital Convergence Podcasts for DSLR Filmmakers

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I was recently interviewwd about a new book – From Still to Motion: A Photographer's Guide to Creating Video with your DSLR

Here's the Podcast – DIGITAL CONVERGENCE EPISODE 6
Episode 6 features Richard Harrington and Robbie Carman, who are two of four of the co-authors of the new book from Peachpit: From Still to Motion.

In this episode, Rich Harrington and Robbie Carman talk about what to expect from their new book. Taking a platform agnostic approach and covering a wide range of budgets, they discuss a broad range of topics including unexpected lessons learned, do-it-yourself lighting, camera support and motion, post-production and color grading, sound, stop-motion and time-lapse and a wealth of other topics. I hated to cut short this conversation - it's our longest episode yet. But it's well worth hearing.
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Use Apple Pro Apps? Time to Update.

Use FCP, Aperture or Logic? Be sure to download the Apple ProKit 5.1 update to fix memory leaks –


About ProKit 5.1 (Leopard & SnowLeopard)
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This ProKit Update fixes issues with user interface software resources that are shared by Apple's professional applications.
  • The issues addressed include:
  • Corrected an issue with improper scrolling behavior.
  • Resolved memory leaks for improved performance.
  • Addressed layout of interface elements in certain application alert windows.
The update is recommended for all users of Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Pro, Motion, Soundtrack Pro, DVD Studio Pro, Aperture, Final Cut Express, Soundtrack, Logic Pro and Logic Express.
Get it here – http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1008

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Transcoding with MPEG Streamclip



Learn how to convert your DSLR footage for use in a video editing program. From the new book and DVD – From Still to Motion (Peachpit Press).
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Q&A with the Authors of From Still to Motion

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Peachpit talks to James Ball, Robbie Carman, Matt Gottshalk, and Richard Harrington about their new book and DVD, From Still to Motion, what photographers struggle with the most when learning video, and how to stay up to date on the latest in the world of video.

Peachpit: What was the motivation behind writing From Still to Motion? Why this topic, and why now?

Authors: We've been thinking about and actively working on the book for more than a year. When we first starting seeing video-enabled DSLR cameras we were excited by their potential. They can be challenging to work with, but have great rewards with incredible visuals.

We decided there needed to be a definitive book and DVD that explored the entire process of using these cameras (from pre-production through delivery), and one that explored both the art and the technology. Camera models and features constantly change, but the process of creating video is relatively constant and we felt there needed to be thorough coverage on how to create video with a DSLR camera. What we've created is an in-depth case study that explores how we used these cameras for six months and all the cool things we learned along the way.

Read the whole interview here
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Apple Updates Aperture and Digital Camera Support

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I've been quite happy with Aperture 3, but like many of you... I looked forward to the first update to address minor bugs. Well it's here! Apple released two updates: Aperture 3.0.1 which has several bug fixes and a digital camera update to add support for several camera models.

About Aperture 3.0.1
This update improves overall stability and addresses a number of issues in Aperture 3, including:
  • Upgrading libraries from earlier versions of Aperture
  • Importing libraries from iPhoto
  • Importing photos directly from a camera
  • Memory usage when processing heavily-retouched photos
  • Face recognition processing
  • Adding undetected faces using the Add Missing Face button
  • Printing pages containing multiple images
  • Printing photos and contact sheets with borders and metadata
  • Editing photos using an external editor
  • Display of images with Definition and Straighten adjustments applied
  • Zooming photos in the Viewer and in the Loupe using keyboard shortcuts
  • Accessing Aperture libraries on a network volume Selecting and moving pins on the Places map
  • Adding and editing custom locations using the Manage My Places window
  • Switching between masters when working with RAW+JPEG pairs.

The Digital Camera update also added several new cameras to Aperture and iPhoto.
  • Hasselblad H3DII-50
  • Leica M9
  • Leica X1
  • Olympus E-P1
  • Olympus E-P2
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1
  • Pentax K-7
  • Pentax K-x
  • Sony Alpha DSLR-A500
  • Sony Alpha DSLR-A550
  • Sony Alpha DSLR-A850


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Chroma Key is Everywhere



Here's two free resources to help you out

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Aperture 3 Supports Video

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With Aperture 3, Apple has fully embraced video acquired on DSLR cameras. In fact, you can now manage video and audio files as easily as any other image in your library. If you are used to using Aperture as part of your photo editing workflow, you'll find the addition of audio and video support quite welcome.

Importing Video

Video and audio files are added to your library in the same manner as any other image. You can import files directly from a memory card or from a hard drive. It is important to decide where you want to store the files before you import them. Follow these steps to choose a location and import your files:
1. Select a project or album then click the Import Files button in the toolbar.
2. Navigate to the desired files in the File Browser at the bottom of the main window (this can be files that already exist on hard drive or a memory card).
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3. Select the check boxes for the desired clips. You can also click the Check All or Uncheck All buttons at the top of the window.
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4. In the right column, choose a destination for the files. Specify where you want the files to be located in Aperture:
  • Click a project or folder in the Library pane to target it.
  • Choose New Project from the Destination menu to create a new project to hold the imported items.
5. Specify the media management approach you'd like to use. Click the Store Files menu and choose one of these options:
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  • In the Aperture Library moves the files into a managed library. These files can be exported but will be copied to a new location.
  • In their current location leaves the files where they are located. This is the best approach if you've already copied your video files to an editing drive.
  • Your User folder is available (and is labeled with your default name).
  • The Pictures folder in your home directory is another option.
  • Choose lets you specify another location. This option works well when you want to target a specific drive (such as your project's media drive). The Choose option can be used to copy the media from the camera memory to an editing location.
6. Click Imported Checked when you’re ready to add the files to your project. The files are then added to your library.

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP Read More...
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Want to Learn DSLR Video? Come to Photoshop World.

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Just a heads up, I am teaching a Photoshop World pre-conference class on DSLR video. The workshop is March 23 in Orlando, FL.

Here's a short video about the class –
http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2010/archives/8465
Register today and save! There's only 2 weeks left to save $100 on the Photoshop World Conference

"OK, it’s two weeks and one day, but you get the idea. The $100 early bird registration deadline is coming up, and if you want to join us in Orlando on March 24-26 for the world’s largest Photoshop training event, (and do it on the cheap) you can sign up or just get more details right here (By the way: if you’re a NAPP member, you can get a full conference pass for only $499 using that early bird discount)."

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New Canon Final Cut Pro plug-in to be released

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(February 5, 2010) Canon's EOS E1 video plug-in for Apple's Final Cut Pro was released today. This new plug-in allows simple and easy transfer of video content from Canon’s EOS DSLR cameras directly into Final Cut Pro.

The EOS E1 video plug-in takes advantage of Final Cut Pro’s powerful Log and Transfer feature, which allows users to select and mark the video directly while it is still on the camera, add custom metadata and ingest the clips in the background so the editing can begin immediately.

The EOS E1 video plug-in is a free download available at http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/finalcutstudio/. The plug-in is compatible with Final Cut Pro 6 or higher and currently supports Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 7D and EOS 1D Mark IV cameras.

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Great Profile of Stop Animator

A fascinating documentary on Ray Harryhausen who is a prolific stop motion animator. Some of his work you may have seen includes The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, Jason and the Argonauts, and Clash of the Titans.



Read More to see parts 2–6

Read More...
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Eco-Comedy Video Competition

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Just got an email from the Center for Environmental Filmmaking which is offering a $1,000 prize.

They are running a contest for filmmakers to create a short, funny video for YouTube which communicates a clear message that strongly motivates a specific behavior change (for example, driving a fuel efficient car, turning down thermostats, or donating to a conservation cause).

Submissions must:
  • Be humorous!
  • Address a critical environmental issue
  • Be an original production
  • Reach a broad audience beyond just environmentalists
  • Be less than 4 minutes

Submissions are due by March 1, 2010. The winner will be announced at American University on Tuesday, March 23 at the DC Environmental Film Festival.

For more information regarding submission guidelines and contest rules, visit: http://www.environmentalfilm.org.



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Vote for a Cover – DSLR Video Book

I need your help... Vote on which cover you like the best for my new book.

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These are just rough designs (not final covers) but I want your vote!



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This Week in Photography #124

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Thanks a lot to Frederick Johnson and Alex Lindsay for having me on This Week in Photography. It's a great show al about photography and related technology. From taking photos of the family to understanding how cameras work to testing state-of-the-art equipment, you'll hear it all on This Week in Photography.

You can hear it on iTunes or on the web – http://www.pixelcorps.tv/twip124

A wrap-up of CES and some of the cool, photography-related product announcements...an interview with HDR expert Tray Ratcliff...and a special guest host, digital-imaging expert Richard Harrington, joins the fray.


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A Beautiful (and Sad) Short Film

This short film was shown to me yesterday by Alex Lindsay and Frederick Johnson when I was visiting for This Week in Photography. It's a beautiful documentary about a man who loses his dog to cancer. The whole piece was produced with a Canon 7D. What I like about it is that the filmmaker truly shows an intimate moment (and one I can relate to as a dog lover). The smaller cameras these days (that can shoot in lower light) are letting us tell stories we never good before.
I present Last Minutes with ODEN

Last Minutes with ODEN from phos pictures on Vimeo.

Thank You Jason Wood for allowing us this moment.

Oden's struggle with cancer finally came to an end.

May he rest in peace and his memory be eternal.





Comments please....

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Shot Types –The Language of Cinema

When shooting a scene, you'll typically favor getting multiple shots. This process is referred to as getting coverage. Just as a single photo can say so much, combining multiple angles together can tell the story better (letting you show interesting details or emotions). This process is important because it allows for more flexibility in editing. You can choose to condense, action, cover mistakes, or even direct the viewer's attention with a variety of shot types. These shots have a language of their own. Knowing the most common shot types lets crew members talk to each other.

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Wide Shot (WS) – A wide shot (also called an establishing shot) is useful to show the entire subject. With a person, this usually means seeing from the top of their heads to the bottom of their feet.

Read More...
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Stay on Target – Camera Calibration

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Mixed lighting makes it tough to get accurate color.

Whenever we move a camera, change lighting, or switch scenes, a reference card or target is called for. It should have pure black, pure white, and middle grey on it. This will make it easier to color correct your footage during postproduction. Using a reference target on set allows you to move at a faster pace without fear.
Read More...
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Some Recent news in the DSLR Video World

Here are a collection of short posts I wanted to share.

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  • You'll find out lots of news about DSLR Video and the new book over on Facebook
  • Check out From Still to Motion

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A Few Shots from New Music Video Project

Shooting video with a macro lens is fantastic! Can focus super close and have a super shallow depth of field. Here are just a few of the dozens of shots we got last night using Canon 100mm 2.8 Macro



See the video in HD here – http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=194553448569
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Have You Joined "From Still to Motion" Yet?

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As a part of our new book "From Still to Motion – A photographer's guide to creating video with your DSLR" we've created a new Facebook page.

Over at Facebook you can connect with other users... exchange ideas... share resources!

Here's a sampling of recent stories.

  • Zacuto custom rig for Panavision + Canon 7D setup
  • Photoshop World adds a new DSLR video workshop
  • HDMI capture of live stream for Canon 7D
  • Almost everything you need to know about aliasing in DSLR video
  • Canon 7D Test - Greenscreen

Join us and share your ideas for the book and footage tests.




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New Training Video Released

It's always nice to get name-checked on Scott Kelby's blog (he is the number one technology author in the world after all).
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"Just Released: “Editing Video Shot With Your DSLR” Online Class

Video guru, photographer, and Photoshop World instructor Richard Harrington just released a new online class at Kelby Training Online called Editing Your DSLR Video on a Mac, and it answers so many questions about this booming new area of creativity for photographers. If you’ve got a DSLR that shoots video, you’ve got to catch Rich’s class (here’s the link)."
Thanks Scott – He called me a photographer... guess I'm moving up in the world =)

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On-Camera Microphones for DSLR Cameras

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The RØDE mic significantly extends pickup for the camera. This is the Rode VideoMic with PG1 Pistol Grip. We've also added the DeadCat Windshield.

There are several manufacturers that make external microphones that are designed to be attached to your camera. Manufacturers like RØDE offer specialty microphones mount on your hot shoe. The microphones can be plugged into the “mic” port on your camera.

Read More...
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DSLR Video Shootout

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Head on over to ProVideoCoalition and check out my new article – an
in-depth overview comparing the Canon 5D, Canon 7D, Nikon D300S, and Red One. Lot's of other goodies and a ton of video clips as well.



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Interested in DSLR Video?

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I've launched a new Facebook group for those interested in DSLR video.

The page serves two purposes.
1. I'll share what we're learning about DSLR Video.
2. I'll let you know things about the new book and DVD I'm developing.

I hope you can stop by and join us.

We've got a ton of
video clips posted to give you ideas.

We've also opened a
forum, so please post a question or comment.

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Great Video for Great Band

I've always been a huge Arrested Development (AD) fan since college. Many haven't realized that the band has continued to release new music at a regular pace.

Here's their latest music video, shot entirely with a Canon 7D camera. Been studying up on this process as I am in the middle of co-authoring a book on DSLR filmmaking right now.

Enjoy!

Arrested Development - "The World Is Changing" from James Edwin Myers Jr. on Vimeo.

Arrested Development - "The World Is Changing"

Vagabond Records and Tapes

A Pony Ghost Production



Director - James Edwin Myers Jr.

Producer - James Edwin Myers Jr.

Co-producer - Bob Butler

Executive Producers - Arrested Development

DP - Troy Stains

Editor - Justin Miller

Colorist - Troy Stains

Set Construction - Bob Butler

Production Design - David Van Arsdale

Stylist/Wardrobe - Harley Pelayo

Makeup - Fawn Ortega

PA/Grips - Mike Williamson, Justin Chapman



This music video was shot entirely on a Canon 7D with Canon lenses.



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My Day at Photo Plus Expo

I spent the day in New York city at the 2009 Photo Plus Expo show. It was just a one day trip (thanks Amtrak Acela). I went up for lots of reasons, but here's some of the gear I saw that looked interesting.

Drobo Pro

I spent a lot of time looking at the Drobo Pro in-depth.
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This seems to be the perfect box for creatives who need data redundancy. You can place up to 8 drives in the rack (adding them as you go and even mixing and matching sizes). Current drive capacities mean you can store 16TB, but the Drobo folks tell me 3 TB drives are just around the corner (which means 24TB in a rack). .

What's also nice is that you get two options of data redundancy. The Drobo can have protectio so one or two drives can fail and your data is still safe.

The Drobo also offers three interface connections:
  • FireWire 800
  • USB 2.0
  • iSCSI (utilizes Gigabit Ethernet)

It's iSCSI that promse some great options for perfomance.

What I also like is that the Drobo Pro can be rackmounted or placed on a desk.


Hoodman HoodEYE 3.0


I'm
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a big fan of my Hoodman HoodLoupe to make it easier to view the monitor on the back of a DSLR camera. With the new HoodEYE you can upgrade your loupe. It offers an oversized eyecup with a temple flair – this helps seal of light when viewing outdoors.
I am particularly interested as we are exploring using loupes like viewfinders for shooting video on DSLR cameras. Having the extraeyecup really does make a difference, but it is a very personal choice.

Installation as an upgrade took only a minute, you can also order a new loop with the modified eyepiece include. They're also offering straps so you can attach the viewfinder. I'm up in the air on this one (compared to a Zacutto viewfinder). This is a much more affordable approach. I do prefer this loop (as a director) so its easier to go aroudn and check cameras, we'll try it as an active viewfinder next week and wil let you know how it does.

Millenniata Archival Media

The
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problem with mosts optical media (like CDs and DVDs) is that over time that start to deteriorate. Most discs use a dye to indicate where data is written. This process is called data rot, and it can happen with optical media at any point. Higher wuality discs are less likely, but cheaper discs can happen sooner. The exact point that this occurrs is unknown because the media gives no indicator of a problem.

Millenniata has tried to solve this with their Write Once, Read Forever. The discs are based upon obsidian stone (and I tried to get more out of them.. but trade secrets). The burners use more energy to burn and the surface of the disc is MUCH harder. The results are a disc that is etched (as opposed to just using dye)

While its not a cheap solution, (around $1800 list price for the drive and starter pack) the Millenniata folks are offering optical media that looks the test of time. The discs are also much better able to withstand temperature and physical damage. What's also great is the media is backwards compatible once burned, so you can burn with their special burner, then hand off to a client. They also promise to soon have specialty discs so you can print on the label face.

iDC Follow-Focus


Bruce Dorn is a Canon explorer of light
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and a photog who's jumped in head first to the DSLR video market. He's made a folow focus kit that makes it much easier to control focus when shooting video on a DSLR. The device is less complex than other units, as it uses a skateboard style wheel that makes gentle contact with the existing rubber rings on a camera. I played with it hands on and it looks worth testing.

  • It currently only works with Cannon lenses (although I am willing to try and make it work with Nikon)
  • 24mm f1.4 L
  • 35mm f1.4 L
  • 50mm f1.2 L
  • 100mm f2.8 Macro
  • 135mm f2 L
  • 16-35mm f2.8 L
  • 24-70mm f.28 IS L
  • 24-105mm f4 IS L
  • 85mm f1.2 L
  • 135mm f2 L
  • 200mm f2.8 L

I'll be doing a more detailed write-up soon.

Manfrotto 482 Micro Ball Head

I stopped in at B&H on the way over to the convention center.
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This little beauty can mount on the camera hot show and give you a threaded mount. This will be perfect to attach an audio recorder to the top of my camera for DSLR Cinema projects. You can mount a variety of audio or video hardware directly to the camera. You can also rotate the mounting plate to a better angle as needed (works well if attaching a light or monitor).
  • height: 2.52 in
  • lateral tilt: -90° / +90° tilt range
  • load capacity: 4.41 lbs
  • material: aluminum
  • weight: 0.33 lbs

Fat Gecko Camera Mount

The folks over at Delkin Devices have comeout with an affordable mount for DSLR cameras.
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The Fat Gecko is a dual suction cup mount that can be adhered to a smooth, non-porous surface (like mirrors, cars, airplanes.) It appears rugged, but is still very cost affordable (I would still recommend using a safety chain... but I am paranoid when it coms to gear and insurance).

  • Suction cups can hold a eight pound camera
  • Double knuckle design and 2" extension tube allow for 360° tilt, 360° turn & 360° rotation
  • The ¼ x 20 tripod mounting screw allows for use with most digital still or or small video cameras on the market
  • Suction cups use a quick release function to make attaching and detaching you camera easier
  • Steel frame construction is rugged and durable
  • Four adjustable joints make it easy to tweak the shot

You can see videos of the product in use at
www.fat-gecko.com.

Lensbaby Fisheye Optic

Some people love them (I am a fan) others hate them.
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But Lensbaby keeps putting out great new products. They released a new option, a fisheye optic, that drops into their Composer lens.
  • Ultra-wide 12mm focal length
  • 160 degree field of view captures
  • Minimum focus: 1" from front of optic
  • f/4 optic with aperture disks that range from f/5.6 to f/22
  • Designed for use with the Composer, and can also be used with the Muse with a special adapter

The lens won't work with the Control Freak lens. I'm told because it goes soe wide that you actually see the control cabels on the lens.

That was my day... I saw a few more products I like and will try to post. The show runs through Saturday, October 24.


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Canon to Add Support for 24P on the 5D Mark II

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Canon announced today their plans for adding 24P video to the popular 5D Mark II camera. Here's the press release (with my comments in italics).

Canon today announces that it is currently developing a firmware update to the EOS 5D Mark II to enable the recording of high definition 1080p video at 24 and 25fps.

This is good news.... but no mention of shooting at 60P in 720 mode like the 7D. That is more exciting to me for the options for slow motion effects.

The decision to develop new firmware to support these features has been taken following feedback received from cinematographers and photographers.

Can you say overwhelming feedback, forum posts, and blog posts. Wow... nice to see some companies actually listen to their customers.

Introduced in September 2008, the multi award-winning EOS 5D Mark II was the first DSLR product to offer full frame 1080p HD video recording, opening up a multitude of new creative possibilities for photo journalists, news photographers and amateur filmmakers.

Amateur... PLEASE. Could companies please stop talking down to their audiences. The camera and proper lenses and gear is a minimum $7,000 investment. That's not amateur. Also... can anyone tell me the difference between a photo journalist and a news photographer?

Since then, Canon has continued to develop its groundbreaking EOS Movie functionality, firstly with the firmware update to the EOS 5D Mark II that enabled manual exposure control, and more recently by introducing a choice of video recording frame rates with the EOS 7D and EOS-1D Mark IV

Both nice cameras and worth exploring. We're writing a book and shooting a music video right now with the 7D and 5D. We'll let you know about the process more soon..

Adorama also has a nice head to head coparison of the new Canon EOS-1 and Nikon D3S

Canon currently expects the firmware update to be made available during the first half of 2010. An announcement regarding details of the update and its availability will be made closer to the release date.

So please stop complaining... and asking us when... oh and first quarter means March 31... or maybe NAB in April.

View the original here.

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New DSLR Video Training Title Available – UPDATE

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Are you capturing video with your DSLR video camera? My new training video just launched over at Kelby Training.

Editing Your DSLR Video on a Mac

Your DSLR shoots video! Cool right!? Now what? You've probably got more video than you know what to do with. Richard Harrington created this course to help you with how to edit that video footage (using Mac software). Rich covers everything from in-the-field tips all the way to post-production techniques using Final Cut Pro, Final Cut Express and iMovie

Be sure to check the class out today.

Here's a link to the trailer for the video as well.





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A Nice Sample of Tilt Shift + Timelapse Photogrpahy

Leave it to Disney to release something visually stunning. This is a great example of tilt shift photography and timelapse animation at the same time.



"See the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida from a whole new perspective. The exclusive video first featured on The Disney Parks Blog was created from a series of photos snapped inside the Magic Kingdom Park. Its a sunrise-to-sunset story told without words."

This is really a nice view.

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DLSR Video Screening Room #1

I came across two great links today for some great DSLR Video.

The first entry shows some great footage from Egypyt and Lebannon shot with the Canon 5D

Egypt / Lebanon Montage from Khalid Mohtaseb on Vimeo


The next footage comes from Japan and I believe it is using the overcranked footage from the Canon 7D

The Moments Between, Episode 1: Japan from Trey Ratcliff on Vimeo.


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Nikon Announces the New D3

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In case you missed it, Nikon announced an upgrade to their top product line. A new model, the D3s is coming soon. The camera looks to be a great upgrade, although for video lovers it's still using Motion JPEG compression (which is much grainier than H.264). The camera does over several other improvements that make it a nice upgrade.


Me? I'm still playing with my D300S and will have more to share on video mode soon.

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