I wasn’t aware that there was a recent (August 2010) firmware update for the H4n and also one for the older H4 audio recorder. Check it out.

Planet5D has a really interesting post on “Lens Whacking,” a technique where you slightly detach the lens from the camera body to allow light leaks in the rear element for a very interesting organic flare effect.

There are a few caveats of course. For instance, in the case of Canon DSLRs, you’ll need a non-Canon lens (like M42) that allows you to disconnect from the mount adapter ring without the camera body knowing what you are up to (and subsequently shutting off Live View). There are a number of example videos in that Planet5D post, one which I’ve embedded below.

Set Free from James Miller on Vimeo.

(Via NoFilmSchool)

A few weeks ago at IBC, Carl Zeiss introduced several new lenses that are notable and interesting to filmmakers and videographers. Of particular interest to me are the new additions to the Compact Primes line, the CP.2 50 mm/T2.1 Makro and CP.2 100 mm/T2.1 CF (Close Focus). Close focus distance on the new 50mm is 9.4 inches, and the 100mm close-focuses at 27.6 inches. MSRP on the new CP.2 glass is $4900 and no doubt they will be hitting rental houses soon after their release Q4 2010.

The new Distagon T* 35mm f/1.4 is a good complement to the existing Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 and T* 85mm f/1.4. It would be a good medium-angle HD video lens on the Canon 7D, and comes in mounts for EF and F. MSRP is $1,843, and it will ship in early 2011.

Finally, Zeiss has also announced that in addition to the existing PL and EF mounts for the CP.2 line, they will also soon offer an F-mount and are developing Micro 4/3 and A-mount options for the CP.2′s. That would give you a single color-matched lens line from 18mm through 100mm with professional design and gearing that could be used across Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Panasonic DSLRs and camera systems like the AF-100. Very cool indeed.

The one caveat to be aware of is that the 18mm CP.2 vignettes on the 5D’s full-frame sensor, but works perfectly on the 7D’s APS-C sized sensor. Just something to be aware of when purchasing or renting glass.

FreshDV is proud to have Zeiss as a NAB 2010 coverage sponsor, you can see our video coverage of the NAB 2010 CP.2 announcement here. That video interview with Rich Schleuning is also a fantastic in-depth conversation on optics and lens design in general.

Cool spot. Cool concept. Cool gear. Crazy accurate driving. Watch below.

Canon 5D MK 2 Drift Car Commercial with BTS from Cinevate on Vimeo.

Tyler Ginter gave me a heads up about this timelapse shot posted by Tom Lowe. Tyler is out there in Utah shooting behind the scenes coverage of Tom working, and the following clip is a combo showing the Kessler Crane motorized system they used, as well as the final shot. Simply stunning images. Really looking forward to the release of Tom’s timelapse film. Watch below.

Timelapse Crane Unleashed from Tom Lowe @ Timescapes on Vimeo.

We talk all the time about expensive, cool toys, particularly when we’re covering Cine Gear and NAB tradeshows. But the following video linked at Vincent LaForet’s blog is a good reminder that high tech isn’t necessarily required to create pretty images. Sometimes the only limitations are your imagination and ability to repurpose your existing gear. Watch here.

This is a reminder of Stu Maschwitz’s brand of Rebel Filmmaking. Stu’s DV Rebel’s Guide book is an indispensable start for budding filmmakers and shooters, and a wonderful reminder of how to maximize what you can do with your existing resources to tell your stories on film and video.

Wow. Watch the SIGGRAPH video below for a new tech that can warp and reshape actors in a frame, using simple attribute sliders like “waist girth” and “muscularity.” Cannot wait for tech like this to arrive in off-the-shelf software! Watch below.

(Via CGSociety)

SmallHD has written an EXTENSIVE post about how Canon DSLR monitor output works, and the issues and confusion surrounding output from these cameras. It’s a very interesting post, and they’ve also posted a video on the topic that sums everything up (embedded below). Highly recommended reading and watching.

Effective Pixels 101 from SmallHD on Vimeo.

As usual for big-budget features, the DSLR was used for plates and for cutaways. Interesting use of pelican cases for mounting/protection. Read here.

Roger Ebert tweeted this the other day, it’s a site that offers a list of region-free players, as well as a small number of remote control codes that may be able to make your DVD player region-free. Check it out!