FreshDV

FreshDV Review: Cinevate Ballare Dolly

Matthew Jeppsen — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:41:32 +0000

We recently had the opportunity to check out Cinevate’s Ballare dolly solution. The Ballare is almost entirely constructed of aluminum, and as such is quite rigid. It breaks down into a relatively small size for transport, and weighs around 45 lbs. It can run on schedule 40 PVC pipe, or any other 1″ or 1 1/4″ track. This was a pre-production model, and it is my understanding that since our test Cinevate has integrated a few of our suggestions into the production model, like a more robust pushbar design. For a detailed look at the dolly system, download the attached video or watch online at FreshTV.

NAB 2008 - Carrion HD Field Monitor Video Podcast

Matthew Jeppsen — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:16:11 +0000

Also showing at Redrock’s booth at NAB 2008 was the Carrion LCD field monitor from LS Design. This 8.4″ LCD production monitor features 1024 x 768 resolution, a 500:1 contrast ratio, anti-reflective coating, and a ton of standard input/output options (yes, HD-SDI is an option as well). Get the full scoop here. Download the attached video or watch online at FreshTV.

NAB 2008 - Nila LED Lights Video Podcast

Matthew Jeppsen — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:43:23 +0000

At NAB 2008 we dropped by Nila’s booth for a demonstration of their impressive line of production LED lights. Very impressive. Download the attached video or watch online at FreshTV.

NAB 2008 - Redrock microShouldermount Video Podcast

Matthew Jeppsen — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:15:16 +0000

Redrock Micro has been gradually expanding beyond their 35mm adapter system roots into the area of cinema accessories. They have provided a fantastic follow focus system for quite some time, and now with the introduction of a full-featured mattebox they are really rounding out their product line. At NAB 2008 they also introduced a handheld camera support system called the microShouldermount. We actually had the chance to test out the system while shooting some of our NAB coverage, and in this video segment you’ll get a look at our run-n-gun HVR-Z7U rig built on the microShouldermount. Watch via the attached download link or at FreshTV.

NAB 2008 - Zylight LED Lights Video Podcast

Matthew Jeppsen — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:26:38 +0000

In the NAB 2008 Central Hall we took a look at Zylight LED lighting options. This compact dimmable light is amazingly configurable, with switchable Tungsten, Daylight, or Gel modes (no filters required). The lights can be dialed into a variety of colors to match other lighting or environments, and they include a wireless link mode that allows multiple Zylights to be linked and controlled as one unit. Watch via the attached download link or at FreshTV.

NAB 2008 - Redrock Rumors Video Podcast

Matthew Jeppsen — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:17:48 +0000

While shooting a NAB 2008 segment at the bustling Redrock Micro booth, Brian Valente pulled us aside to drop a tasty little hint at an upcoming announcement that should go nicely with their new microMattebox. It’s a set of all-glass 4×5.65 filters that include a ND, Circular Polarizer, and ND Grad. Download out the attached video or watch online at FreshTV for the scoop.

NAB 2008 - Sony XDCAM PMW-EX3 Video Podcast

Matthew Jeppsen — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:56:58 +0000

When Sony announced the XDCAM EX1 at NAB 2007, we were very excited at the possibilities. When they shipped the camera in late 2007, we were impressed by it’s mature featureset and capabilities. With such a robust camera on the market, nobody seems to have seen the PMW-EX3 announcement coming, FreshDV included. In the following segment, Sony’s Bob Ott discusses the EX3 and accompanying SxS VTR/Deck, addressing specific user questions and detailed capabilities of the system. We also got our hands on an EX3, and take a close look at the ergonomics and camera layout. Download the attached video or watch online at FreshTV.

Update: Just like the EX1, the EX3 does in fact output 4:2:2 from the SDI spigot. We confirmed this with Bob Ott. The video segment has been updated to reflect this correction.

NAB 2008 - 3ware Sidecar SATA RAID Video Podcast

Matthew Jeppsen — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:56:01 +0000

We stopped by 3ware’s booth at NAB 2008 and spoke with Thor Wixom about their external SATA RAID external enclosure storage solution for 2k/4k editing workflows. With a 300mb/s sustained speed from the 3ware Sidecar, it provides more than enough for multiple streams of 2k and 4k Cineform RAW. The system can also easily handle uncompressed 1080p RGB. Download the attached video or watch online at FreshTV.

Update: Via Thor on the Reduser forums, there is a group buy discount available for the Sidecar. Add it to your cart and use the discount code thorwixom during checkout to get the system for just $595.

NAB 2008 - Matrox MXO 2 Video Podcast

Matthew Jeppsen — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:22:00 +0000

At NAB 2008 we stopped by Matrox’s booth to get a look at the new MXO 2 for Mac editors. This upgrade to the popular MXO adds multiple ingest options as well as previous output options. Additionally, Matrox has built in support for powering the unit from industry-standard camera batteries, so this unit truly offers portable I/O for editors in the field. Check out this video for the full scoop. Watch via the attached download link or at FreshTV.

Update: Videoguys is taking pre-orders on the MXO 2 here.

NAB 2008 - Imagineer Systems Mogul VFX Video Podcast

Matthew Jeppsen — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:11:08 +0000

Imagineer Systems made a huge announcement at NAB 2008 with the introduction of their completely new VFX architecture called Mogul. Not only is it an entirely new software pipeline, but they are offering it under a very unique subscription pricing model. Imagineer’s Allan Jaenicke gave us the scoop on the new suite of tools, and we later take a short look at how one of Mogul’s modules called Mogul/Review can help streamline VFX workflows. Watch via the attached download link or at FreshTV.

NAB 2008 - Mixed Veggies Video Podcast

Matthew Jeppsen — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:50:35 +0000

Here’s a sampling of crisp and crunchy new gear from NAB 2008. The Bartech Utility Zoom (BUZ) bridges the gap between traditional wired LANC controls and cine-style zoom motors. Swit showed off a number of new HD monitors with HD-SDI input options, HD-SDI converter boxes, and a new Sony L-series battery replacement with charge indicators and an accessory power tap (we show it with the S2010 LED light). Hoodman’s WristShot is a arm/wrist support for small handheld camcorders. Hoodman also showed off their line of 300x “zero-defects” CF media and USB/FW card reader for Red One users. Watch via the attached download link or at FreshTV.

NAB 2008 - Lighting Systems Video Podcast

Matthew Jeppsen — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:29:00 +0000

There was no shortage of options for lighting on display at NAB 2008. In this segment Bron Kobold showed off their all-weather HMI lighting solutions with an impressive display in which the light kit is continually doused with falling water. Finally, Flolight walked us through their low-power lightweight flourescent lighting solutions, available in daylight and tungsten-balanced with dimmer options. Watch via the attached download link or at FreshTV.

NAB 2008 - JVC Solid-State Recording Video Podcast

Matthew Jeppsen — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:22:43 +0000

JVC announced a new solid-state recording option at NAB 2008, and FreshDV was on the scene to break the news. The MR-HD200 module is JVC’s hard-drive and SDHC (SD High Capacity) media recording solution for the HD200-series of camcorders. Watch via the attached download link or at FreshTV.

NAB 2008 - Blackmagic Design Video Podcast

Matthew Jeppsen — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:12:34 +0000

Blackmagic Design was of course exhibiting their latest at NAB 2008, we got a quick rundown on all the latest offerings and developments in their line, including the new Decklink HD Extreme card. Watch via the attached download link or at FreshTV.

NAB 2008 - Cineform Workflow Video Podcast

Matthew Jeppsen — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 22:37:42 +0000

Cineform is probably most well-known for their intermediate codec for Windows users on Premiere Pro. About a year ago they started offering the same solution for users on the Intel Mac platform. If you’ve never worked with it, the Cineform codec is a mature workflow for a variety formats, and is essentially resolution agnostic. It can be helpful in solving the unique challenges of long-GOP MPEG editing and they offer one of the simplest and methods of getting proper 24p HDV from the Canon HV20 and HV30. At NAB this year they were showing off their workflow for 2K and 4K formats, including a few exciting options for Red One users. Of note is the unique “active metadata” LUT solution they have integrated into the codec…it’s a real showstopper. In the following video, Cineform’s David Taylor walks us through the featureset they now offer, and some of the unique reasons users should take a look at Cineform. It’s an exciting segment for those that have an interest in post for cameras like the SI-2K and Red One. Watch via the attached download link or at FreshTV.

NAB 2008 - Cinevate Brevis MP.1 Video Podcast

Matthew Jeppsen — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 17:26:32 +0000

About two years ago, Cinevate announced the Brevis35 35mm lens adapter system. This year at NAB 2008 they were showing off their brand new microprocessor-controlled lens adapter system, the Brevis MP.1 35mm adapter. In this video segment, Cinevate founder Dennis Wood walks us through the new system, shows off their carbon rods and new adjustable riser/plate, and demonstrates the Cinevate mattebox. He also mentions the new Ballare dolly system, stay tuned for more coverage of the Ballare. Download the attached video or watch online at FreshTV.

NAB 2008 - Redrock microMattebox Video Podcast

Matthew Jeppsen — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:58:21 +0000

One year ago at NAB 2007, Redrock Micro showed off a pre-production version of their forthecoming mattebox system. Quite honestly they promised a host of features unheard of at an affordable price point. This was a tall order, and we were cautiously hopeful that they would be able to deliver everything as promised. Now a year later, Redrock is showing off their finished mattebox system, and we believe that it is everything they originally promised and more. In this video segment, Redrock’s Brian Valente walks us through the featureset of the mattebox system and answers some key questions. Color us impressed, and we believe that you will be as well. Also, stay tuned for an unexpected announcement from Brian Valente. Download the attached video or watch online at FreshTV.

NAB 2008 - Ikan Video Podcast

Kendal Miller — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 01:17:24 +0000

At NAB 2008, Ikan showed off a unique doorway dolly solution that packs down into a lightweight and compact travel case. We get a look at the design in this video segment, as well as a rundown on the latest HD LCD monitoring solutions. Watch via the attached download link or at FreshTV.

NAB 2008 - Letus35 Ultimate Video Podcast

Kendal Miller — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:17:19 +0000

In the last six months, Letus has solidified their stance in the 35mm adapter market with the introduction of the Letus Extreme. At NAB 2008 they were also showing their brand new Letus Ultimate, a high-end system that utilizes a spinning ground glass design to deliver improved bokeh rendering. In this interview, you’ll get one of the first looks at the new Letus Ultimate as we talk to the engineers behind the design. Watch via the attached download link or at FreshTV.

NAB 2008 - Sony SxS Media Video Podcast

Kendal Miller — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:09:38 +0000

With Sony’s introduction of two new SxS camcorders in recent months, solid-state media is obviously a big topic for NAB. Indeed it was a theme we saw throughout the show…whether it’s P2, SxS, or CF, it is clear that flash-based media is here to stay. This video segment is a behind the scenes look at the robust nature of Sony’s SxS media. FreshDV spoke with shooter Alister Chapman about his experiences with the tapeless media in the Arctic. Watch via the attached download link or at FreshTV.