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!

"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!