Over the past year DSLRs have become a powerful tool utilized in cinema. From indie production to hollywood work, they have become a tool that is taken seriously by filmmakers everywhere. And now thanks to Focal Press and Kurt Lancaster, there is finally a physical guide to using them.
There are some cons to publishing a detailed guide like this on paper. But its sooo nice to have a physical book with this many features in ones hands.
Learn to think more like a cinematographer than a videographer, whether shooting for a feature, short fiction, documentary, video journalism, or even a wedding. DSLR Cinema offers insight into different shooting styles, real-world tips and techniques, and advice on postproduction workflow as it guides you in crafting a film-like look.
Also be sure to check out Cinematography: Theory and practice (the second book I mentioned):
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Most of the content on DSLR Video Shooter is gear/dslr related. Well, I am breaking out of the norm today to share with you some super useful software I use for business and couldn’t live without.
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B&H Has listed the Canon 7D at $1,500!
Even with all these other cameras coming out, I am still a huge fan of my 7D. The pro level body and features have proved themselves time after time. And if another camera ever comes out that rivals it, I know the 7D has a great resale value. So take advantage of this great deal!
Also Check out the 60D rebates and the double lens rebates are back!
NAB is one of the largest video/film/media shows in the US. And while I will not be able to make it, I would like to give you all a special pass code value of $150!
Pass Advantages:
- Free Access to the exhibit floor
- Access for the Opening Keynote and State of the Industry Address.
- Info Sessions.
- Admission to the Content Theater.
- Exhibits and PITS
Instructions:
Visit http://bit.ly/NABRegSM06 to redeem or register at http://nabshow.com/register with the code SM06.
Thats it! I am really excited to see what goes down at this year’s show. If you are thinking about investing in gear this is the place to do research and get your hands on different brands.
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FD lenses are old manual Canon lenses that became almost completely obsolete by the EOS mount Canon cameras. What is so great about these lenses is their crazy low price. I picked up 3 lenses (50mm F1.8, 135mm F2.8, 80-200mm F3.9) for $50 on ebay.
To use these lenses with your Canon EOS camera you will need an adaptor. I had heard bad things about the cheapo adaptors so I picked up the Fotodiox FD to EOS for $30 which works great. I have already dropped it and it took it well.
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With HDSLRs, and now large sensor video cameras, those of us who shoot video have blessed with the ability to shoot insanely shallow depth of field (DOF). For the last 12 months we have been bombarded with videos shot at F1.8 and faster, and while shallow DOF can look gorgeous I believe a lot of people have not fully harnessed the power, and use, of depth using their lenses aperture.
So rather than complain about it, here are some points I have been learning about DOF in my journey as an ever-aspiring filmmaker. Read the full article →
Well ladies and gents, its that time of the week. *Takes a sip of coffee…
Today’s like is a documentary I saw a couple of weeks ago that is in my top 5 docs list. Don’t be fooled by the title, The Parking Lot Movie is a profoundly deep philosophical look at humanity from the perspective of a couple of parking lot attendants. So check out the trailer below, visit the website to grab the full doc on DVD, and enjoy this hilarious and well done documentary.
Getting into the HDSLR game isn’t a cheap move. While there are cheap rigs and gear out there, often they are poorly build and/or limited to only a few uses. This rig, on the other hand, is one that I really like using and its only $20 (price varies these days). Thanks to Phil Hoyt for turning me onto this.
Here are the Parts I added to customize the rig further:
And keep in mind these are the parts I already had. I am sure you could find more affordable parts to make it work for you.
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Another video for inspiration:
Burn Ignite
Steve Berra (The Berrics) joins Mexican skaters Jesus Gonzalez, Eder Martinez, Mario Saenz, Angel Santiago and American Luis Tolentino for this Burn Ignite film, shot on location in Mexico City.
This film was created alongside two short-form documentaries, one featuring Jess Kimura and the all girl hardcore snowboarding film collective Peep Show, the other is a portrait that celebrates the electric lyrics and gritty beat artistry of rapper/poet Julius Wright, aka Lyrical God.
Have you ever wondered what the angle of view difference was between a 7D, 5D, and Super 35mm Film using a 10mm lens? Well now its easy to find out using Abel CineTech’s “Field of View Calculator” This is a great resource for quick reference. I also love how you can quickly find the differences in mm between the 7D and 5D so you can easily match cameras (lower right).
Check it out here.
With all these camera announcements, specs, and “Game Changers” its easy to forget what our game is about. Football isn’t about the materials use to make the ball, or the brand of shoe used. Its about still, passion and discipline. Todays post is just going to be some videos I recently found that inspired me. I am not going into what camera they were shot with, or what lenses were used.
So be inspired, convicted and encouraged to go out and create this week.
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