Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera

Blackmagic Design has released a new camera for its already impressive line up. Packed in an elegant and sleek design that can fit in your pocket, this camera has a slew of fantastic features. It provides the high quality and cinematic look that the original Blackmagic cinema camera does but in a compact design that you can take everywhere.

This pocket camera has a super 16 size sensor and has 13 stops of dynamic range. It shoots in 1080HD resolution Pro Res 422 and eventually, with a firmware update, Cinema DNG Raw. It is compatible with micro-thirds lenses, but with an adapter can be compatible with other Super 16 lenses and even further adapted to work with other Canon or Nikon lenses.

Thankfully, this Blackmagic camera records to SD cards, which is quite convenient. The files recorded are in an open file format, which makes it easier to transfer files to your editing software. It also has a 3.5" LCD screen and professional connections. Overall, this camera offers desirable qualities that any filmmaker or videographer would want. What do you think about the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera? Let me know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

Quick Summary

• Compact, lightweight design
• Why is it important? Great for on the go shooting. You wont get tired holding it and you can cary it anywhere so you dont miss a shot.
• Super 16 Size Sensor
• Why is it important? Super 16 is about 20-40% larger then the regular 16 sensor. It provides fantastic image quality.
• 13 stops of dynamic range
• Why is it important? Have you ever seen a video that looks like video? This is because the camera they used had a limited dynamic range. The wider the range, the more cinematic your images will look. 13 stops is a fantastic range to get that beautiful look you see in the big television shows and films.
• Shoots in 1080HD/Cinema DNG Raw
• Why is it important? Both of these files can be easily transferred to your computer for editing. Some cameras shoot in a file that can not be read by computer programs so they require transcoding. Now you can save time while editing!
• Record to SD cards
• Why is it important? SD card are very popular and easily accessible. They are also cost effective.
• 3.5" LCD Screen
• Why is it important? The clearer the screen, the easier it is to see what you are doing. You can focus better, adjust the light, and make the footage the best it can be BEFORE getting to post.
• Professional connections
• Why is it important? This camera has a micro HDMI, standard mini jack microphone, and a mini jack headphone socket. The more connections the more possibilities for the camera. HDMIs can hook to your computer or even a TV, so you can watch your footage almost anywhere!

A New Direction

Hey Everyone,

I have been putting much thought into what this online magazine can offer. Anyone that starts a business knows that you must find a niche, that you must solve a problem. In my trails as a freelance videographer, one thing that I have found on most sites is that reviews on equipment are written at an elevated language that only super tech savvy people can understand. They assume that you should know what all of these things mean if you are looking at this camera or accessory. But what if you don't? What about the beginning photographer or videographer? What ever happened to simplicity??

I don't know about you guys, but when I am interested in a piece of equipment I want to find out the statistics simply and quickly. I don't want to be trying to figure out why a certain feature is so important. So, I am changing the format of my reviews so that they are easier to understand! I also have some other very exciting things that I'm thinking about, they are still in the development stages but i'm sure you'll be seeing them soon! Thank you for reading!

Olivia

"The Cube"

A couple on the verge of a financial crisis, receives a cube at their front door. As most of us can understand, the strange discovery leads to an utter dismissal. They throw it away, only to discover another at their door the next morning...and then another the next day. Each new finding escalates the tension and the stakes become higher and higher, until they must ultimately face their fears. This is "The Cube".

I am a sucker for thriller movies, and this one promises to deliver. Written, Produced and directed by Scott McMahon, "The Cube" is an independent film that is garnering much attention. The piece was shot on little to no budget, which I can appreciate since I shoot most of my work the same way. However, another impressive feat is that the piece was shot with little to no crew! This is something that most filmmakers can not say, as it is quite difficult to produce a film without assistance.

As many filmmakers might tell you (myself included), the inspiration for this piece came from a dream after a casual visit to a friend's apartment. The dream spawned a clear vision for McMahon, and "The Cube" was born. It was shot entirely on the Canon EOS T3i, which is a great and reliable camera. It was chosen because of it's flip LCD screen, which proves to be very helpful when you don't have a crew.

The film is the first installment of Arrowinn Entertainment, McMahon's production studio. Its a strong start to the beginning of the company. We can expect many great films to come.

McMahon also believes in helping others to achieve their goals, and has started a website called "Film Trooper". The site is a training academy, designed to help independent filmmakers become entrepreneurs.

While researching entrepreneurship, McMahon found a quote that he uses as his philosophy. Famously said by Walt Disney, "I hope that we don't lose sight of one thing-that this all started with a mouse". For Scott, it's a cube.

Please check out the official trailer for Scott McMahon's "The Cube" here. Also, to learn more about him and his company please visit the Arrowinn Entertainment website.

Canon 5D Mark III

In my work as a film maker and videographer I come across a lot of equipment. It is virtually impossible to be in this industry and not be versatile. However, one camera that has become a favorite in the videography and photography community is the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. On almost all of the shoots I work on, this camera has made an appearance. But why is it so popular?

Perhaps the most valued feature amongst the community is the 22MP full frame sensor with the Digic 5+ processor, which work together to maintain fine detail in your images. It also has a desirable 61 point autofocus system and an impressive ISO range.  The Canon 5D is the first SLR with in-camera High Dynamic Range shooting, helping the user to get that cinematic look.  The easy to navigate menu doesn't hurt, it is perfect for brisk changes that need to be made for on the go shooting. Photographers can also conveniently compare images side by side in the playback mode.

For videographers, the Canon 5D provides many helpful features. There is a built in headphone socket for easy audio monitoring. The touch screen and dial allows for recording settings such as ISO, shutter speed and aperture to be changes easily and quickly.

Overall, the Canon 5D Mark III is popular for a reason. It arguably produces the most professional and clean images in the DSLR realm. It is powerful, fast, and durable. No matter the gig, weddings, commercials, documentaries or short films, the Canon EOS 5D is incredibly capable of getting the job done.

Why do you like the Canon EOS 5D Mark III? Let me know in the comments below!

Pentax K-3 Overview

As I've mentioned before, until recently I hadn't heard much about Pentax DSLRs. They are not mentioned heavily in the videography/photography community (at least where I live) so it has pretty much flown under the radar for me. Nevertheless, Pentax is still very much relevant and has released a new camera to add to its product line. The Pentax K-3 comes packed with upgraded and innovative features. Ironically, the photo of the week was shot on a Pentax K-5II, which makes this overview fitting.

The Pentax K-3 is the successor of the Pentax K-5II and improves on many of its features. The Pentax brand has been known to strike out on it's own when it comes to the DSLR industry. The brand tries to be "different" then Nikon and Canon, by offering features that are usually included on much more expensive cameras at a DSLR price. The Pentax K-3 is no different, as it comes with a brand new APS-C sensor, improved autofocus and metering systems, and a larger LCD screen.

There was also some notable attention paid to the video capabilities, by adding a record button for quick shooting, and also mic and headphone inputs that allow for controlling audio levels. The frame rate has been updated as well, from 1080/25p to 1080/60i (great for video).

Also, the Pentax K-3 is wi-fi capable, which is a new feature we are starting to see more of in the market. Canon recently released the Canon EOS 70D which also has wi-fi capabilities. Owners can now remotely control the camera with any device that has a web browser on it. There are also two slots for SD cards. 

But perhaps the most innovative feature of them all is the anti-aliasing toggle. In every DSLR up until now the low-pass, or anti-aliasing feature was automatic, and so resolution and sharpness were sacrificed from time to time. For the first time ever, a DSLR camera offers on-demand anti-aliasing. Now, photographers are allowed to choose when they want a low-pass filter and when they don't. There are also two versions, so the user can decide on the strength of the filter as well. This is truly innovative, and I won't be surprised if other brands follow suit.

So the Pentax brand is here to stay, and is offering very relevant features to the working photographer or videographer.

Want to read more about it? Check it out on the Pentax site.

Photo of the Week!

When I saw this photo in one of the communities on google plus, I was stunned. The colors are captivating, the landscape is beautiful, and the framing is excellent. It has movement which is difficult to execute and a spark that makes you smile. The photographer captured the perfect moment. When you close your eyes and think of fall, you would see this image (or at least something very close to it!). It effortlessly captures the fall season, and that is why it is the photo of the week!

The photographer of this image is +A.J. Bergman, and he did an impeccable job. His camera of choice was the Pentax K-5II. I must admit, I am not very familiar with this DSLR camera, but it is clear that it captures great photos! One feature that makes this camera special is it's new SAFOX X autofocus system. Those that use the camera find this system to be very accurate and fast, which is what you are looking for in an autofocus system. The lens used was an 18-135mm f3.5-5.6. I also own this lens for a canon DSLR, and it is very versatile. It has the ability to capture a great image, as long as there is adequate light.

This is a beautiful landscape captured by a fantastic photographer with a great eye. Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Nikon 1 AW1-The First of Its Kind

Nikon has just released a new digital camera! This may not sound like news to you but what makes this one so special is the fact that it has interchangeable lenses.  It is the first of its kind, and there are two dedicated lenses that can be used underwater. Still not impressed? Well it’s is also waterproof, shockproof, and freeze proof.

The Nikon 1 AW1 is compact, which is perfect for those who are traveling. And the waterproof, shockproof, and freeze proof design allows for photographers to expand their possibilities. You can now take your camera to the mountains or the beach and not worry as much.  The camera also comes equipped with a super high-speed AF CMOS sensor, an advanced Auto focus system, and a new EXPEED 3A image-processing engine.

It has a variety of functions to make outdoor shooting simpler, like an outdoor display option that allows the user to read menus/options easier. If you want to shoot underwater, there is a new underwater creative mode where the user can choose between three different underwater options.

This camera has exciting features that open the door of possibilities just a little bit wider for photographers. Starting this month, the Nikon 1 AW1 will be offered as a one-lens kit with the AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6. There will also be a two-lens kit available that has both AW lenses.

Have you used this equipment or plan to? Let me know in the comments below!