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

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!

Canon EOS 70D

Hey Everyone,

The Canon EOS 70D is the latest addition to the Canon EOS line. It is the upgrade from the former, Canon 60D, and has some key feature differences.

One feature warranting a lot of attention is the brand new, 20.2 megapixel CMOS sensor. With a complete different design, no other EOS camera been equipped with such a high resolution sensor. The 70D is also equipped with a DIGIC 5+ processor, the same that is used in the beloved Canon 5D Mark III. The two work together to produce professional quality images, perfect for the prosumer!

But perhaps the most prized feature of all is the autofocus. The 70D has an outstanding autofocus feature that allows the user to track moving subjects with ease. This is a definite upgrade of any previous EOS Cameras. It can assist any photographer or videographer in keeping their subject of choice in view no matter how far or close they move to the camera (within reason of course!)

In addition, the camera offers a built-in flash and wi-fi technology. The wi-fi allows photographers to send images to a smartphone or tablet that have the Canon EOS app. This is great for sending projects quickly and simply.

Overall, the Canon 70D has much to offer and is a positive addition to the Canon EOS line. The cost for the body alone is $1,199, not bad for a camera with such versatility.