Articles tagged #PANASONIC
Articles tagged
#PANASONIC
New Panasonic LUMIX S5 hybrid full-frame mirrorless camera
Panasonic announced the new LUMIX S5, a hybrid full-frame mirrorless camera in a highly mobile body that delivers powerful video performance, amazing photography and solid reliability for content creators. James Choi, Product Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic, explained: “The hybrid S5 packs the essential capabilities of our ground-breaking flagship S Series cameras into a small, mobile and robust body. Enthusiasts who want to take their creativity to the next level can harness the incredible image quality of a powerful full-frame sensor. The S5’s compact size belies the impressive performance under the hood - this camera is class-leading in the sheer breadth of video and stills capabilities it puts in the hands of content creators.” The S5 is packed with impressive video capabilities, including 4K 60p 10-bit internal recording and external output via HDMI, full Varicam V-log profile pre-installed in the camera, 4:3 Anamorphic Super 35 mode and up to 180 frames per second (fps) Slow Motion shooting. The camera is also compatible with Panasonic’s DMW-XLR1 microphone adaptor, allowing professional audio equipment to be used in video creation. Additionally, RAW video output via HDMI up to 5.9K will be available via a future firmware update. For hybrid shooters who want to take a step up, the S5 delivers stunning image quality and greater creative scope. It contains the 24.2-megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor first introduced in the LUMIX S1, providing impressive low-light performance and incredibly high dynamic range. This is backed by the 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 image stabilisation system with up to 6.5-stops[i] of camera shake correction for handheld shooting. The camera also incorporates an improved Deep Learning autofocus algorithm that detects specific subjects – humans and fast-moving animals – with great accuracy. Inspired by the flagship S Series professional camera lineup, the S5 provides enthusiasts with a compact, durable camera designed for field use. The camera’s full magnesium alloy weather-sealed body is splash and dust resistant, essential for working in a range of environmental conditions. Dual SD card slots offer further flexibility with relay recording and backup support. A large, high-resolution OLED viewfinder delivers quick response with minimum distortion for easy and accurate framing of the scene. Creative aids for expressive photography include “Live View Composite”, newly-introduced to the S Series with the S5, which combines multiple exposures into a single image that emphasises bright points while suppressing overexposure of the total image and maintaining the shadows, thus reducing the learning curve for light painting and long exposure photography. The S5 also features sensor-shift 96-megapixel (MP) high-resolution mode, which can capture detailed landscapes with increased dynamic range and colour reproduction, with files created in-camera without the need for external software. Panasonic is currently developing a number of S Series prime and zoom lenses at popular focal lengths, designed to further expand the creative possibilities for LUMIX S Series users. These new portable and lightweight lenses include a 24mm F1.8, 35mm F1.8, 50mm F1.8, 85mm F1.8 and a 70-300mm F4.5-5.6, all of which will complement the S5 very well.
Key LUMIX S5 Capabilities
Exceptional recording performance for video creation As a pioneer of photo/video hybrid mirrorless cameras, LUMIX has the largest lineup of cameras that record 4K 10-bit video[ii]. The S5 is no exception, and is capable of unlimited 4K 60p/50p 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output and also delivers unlimited 4K 30p/25p 4:2:0 8-bit internal recording. In addition, 4K 60p/50p 4:2:0 10-bit and 4K 30p/25p 4:2:2 10-bit can be recorded internally for up to 30 minutes. The camera features V-Log/V-Gamut with a wide dynamic range of 14+ stops, in line with the dynamic range of the Panasonic VariCam, to precisely capture everything from dark to bright areas. Subtle gradations such as skin tones are faithfully reproduced. Designed with consistent colour management in mind, the recorded footage is easily matched with V-Log footage recorded by the LUMIX S1/S1H or LUMIX GH5/GH5S, for easier post-production workflow. Practical tools like a Waveform Monitor and V-Log View Assist are included. Slow & Quick mode enables impressive slow and quick motion video with autofocus[iii], and can be accessed directly using the mode dial. In 4K the S5 achieves up to 30x quick or 2.5x slow motion at 1-60fps, and in FHD it achieves 60x quick or 7.5x slow motion[iv] at 1-180fps. Stunning image quality The S5 has a 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor (35.6 mm x 23.8mm) with Dual Native ISO technology. The sensor can leverage a dual-base ISO setting, resulting in minimised noise and outstanding image quality from low to high sensitivity. Dual Native ISO provides a greater variety of artistic choices, with the ability to use less light if desired. The S5’s Dual Native ISOs are 640 and 4000[v] in V-Log. This feature teams up with the Venus Engine processor to deliver a maximum ISO of up to 51200. With the new Live View Composite function, the camera releases the shutter at designated exposure intervals and produces a single picture combining all the areas of high luminosity such as lights, stars or fireworks. The photographer can monitor this in Live View. Panasonic’s 5-Axis Dual I.S. 2 offers excellent stability in a range of situations. A high-precision gyrosensor joins the Dual I.S. system of 5-axis in-body stabilisation and 2-axis optical stabilisation in selected lenses for highly accurate shake detection and compensation. This makes it possible to use up to 6.5 stops[vi] slower shutter speed in both photo and video. Incredibly stable performance can be achieved when shooting handheld at much slower shutter speeds and lower ISO values, reducing the need to carry a tripod or gimbal. The 96MP High-Resolution mode creates highly detailed images that can be turned into enormous prints or used in commercial imagery. Using sensor shift technology, it captures and combines eight consecutive images in-camera for outstanding results achieved when shooting handheld colours of natural landscapes to intricate fine arts, and can also be used when moving subjects are in the scene, by switching to the sub-mode. It produces a 96MP equivalent (12,000 x 8,000-pixel) RAW and/or JPEG image. High-speed, high-precision AF supported by real-time detection technology Panasonic has achieved high-speed AF with its advanced control technology incorporating the major devices – lens, sensor and imaging engine. The lens and sensor communicate at a maximum of 480 fps. Contrast AF with DFD technology allows the S5 to achieve an ultra-high-speed, high-precision AF of approximately 0.08[vii] sec. It also excels in low-light shooting, with -6EV[viii] luminance detection performance in Low Light AF, thanks to the higher sensitivity and optimised tuning of the sensor. The S5 also incorporates an improved Deep Learning autofocus algorithm that offers greater accuracy in detecting specific subjects – including humans, people’s faces, and fast-moving animals. In addition to the eye, face and body, the head is also separately recognised by real-time detection technology to provide even more precise focusing. The camera keeps tracking subjects when they move quickly, turn away, tilt their head or move far away from the camera. Also, improvements to DFD technology have enhanced AFC, which allows the camera to keep tracking small or fast-moving subjects and capture them in crisp focus. Reliable performance plus expandability for creative freedom To withstand heavy field use, the S5 has a magnesium alloy full die-cast body and is splash/dust-resistant[ix]. With an optimum layout of heat dispersion components, heat is effectively transferred externally, which results in stable, continuous video recording for an extended time. The large OLED LVF (Live View Finder) has a magnification ratio of approx. 0.74x, 2,360K-dot high resolution and a minimum time lag of less than 0.005 sec. A versatile free-angle 3.0-inch LCD rear monitor (3:2 aspect, approx.1840K-dot) with touch control allows for quick changes to settings, even when the user is in front of the camera. Other shooting assist functions include Frame Markers for checking composition during recording. A wide range of aspect ratios are supported, including those for popular social media platforms – 16:9, 4:3, 1:1, 4:5, 5:4 and 9:16. In addition, the REC Frame Indicator displays an eye-catching red frame for checking at a glance if the camera is recording or not. The S5 has dual SD Card slots – one slot complies with the high-speed, high-capacity UHS-II (Video Class 90) and the other with UHS-I. Users can select Relay Recording, Backup Recording or Allocation Recording modes. The camera uses a new DMW-BLK22 high-capacity battery which meets its power demands in a small form factor. The S5 battery is also backwards compatible with the GH5, GH5S and G9. The camera’s battery can be recharged either via AC or USB, which is convenient if you are travelling and want to use a USB power bank. The S5 is also capable of power supply and delivery via USB-C, making it possible to continuously power the camera with a USB power source. Content sharing with smartphones is streamlined using Bluetooth 4.2 Low Energy connection, Wi-Fi 5-GHz (IEEE802.11ac) and 2.4-GHz (IEEE 802.11b/g/n). With an always-on Bluetooth connection, a smartphone can act as the camera’s remote control via the LUMIX Sync app. The settings of an S5 camera can also be copied and transmitted to other S5 cameras when shooting using multiple cameras. The S5 is compatible with the LUMIX Tether applications which enable tethered shooting via USB. Users can control the camera by connecting it to a PC. Images can be viewed on a large PC screen while shooting, which is useful in situations where continuous confirmation is required. For live streaming, LUMIX Tether for Streaming (Beta) with LIVE VIEW mode is available. LUMIX Sync for iOS/Android devices enables image transfer to a smartphone or tablet via an easy wireless connection. Convenient optional accessories A variety of optional accessories can be used with the S5. They include a Microphone Adaptor (DMW-XLR1) for professional XLR microphones to record high-quality stereo sound, as well as switchable Mic, Line and Condenser Microphones. The Battery Grip (DMW-BGS5) extends battery life and provides controls for portrait-oriented shooting. Other accessories include a Remote Shutter (DMW-RS2), DC coupler (DMW-DCC17), and Tripod Grip (DMW-SHGR1). LUMIX S5 Pricing and Availability- LUMIX S5: Body only – RRP $3199
- LUMIX S5 kit (DC-S5KGN-K): Kit with LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 lens (S-R2060) – RRP $3699 The S5 will be available in late September 2020 if you Pre-Order the Lumix S5 with Lens Kit by 23-9 and claim either a FREE Sigma 45mm Lens or XLR adapter valued up to $999.
EVA 2.0 Panasonic free firmware upgrade for the AU-EVA1 cinema camera
Panasonic today released a free firmware upgrade for the AU-EVA1 cinema camera that greatly enhances the camera’s recording capabilities, including ALL-Intra frame recording formats, RAW data output, timelapse recording, HD 4:2:2 interlaced formats and more. These additions expand the camera’s abilities so fundamentally that Panasonic refers to the upgrade as “EVA 2.0.” Released in late 2017, the EF-mount AU-EVA1 is a 5.7K cinema camera containing a Super-35mm sensor that features 14-stops of dynamic range, Dual Native ISO ratings of 800 and 2500, and the same colorimetry as the renowned VariCam camera system. Due to its small size and weight, the EVA1 is ideal for gimbal and drone work, as well as handheld shooting. The free firmware upgrade is now available for download from the Panasonic website at https://eww.pass.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/support/content/download/EN/ep2main/soft/upgeva1_e.htm “When the EVA1 was announced last summer, we promised a major expansion in its functionality in early 2018,” said Mitch Gross, Cinema Product Manager, Panasonic Media Entertainment Company. “EVA 2.0 fulfills that promise with features like RAW output and ALL-Intra recording as well as with such unannounced user-requested features as a 2K at 240fps RAW output and additional interlaced HD recording formats.” EVA 2.0 allows uncompressed RAW output via 6G SDI. Formats include 5.7K at 1fps to 30fps, 4K at 1fps to 60fps, and 2K at 1fps to 240fps. Atomos has announced that its Shogun Inferno and Sumo monitor/recorders will capture RAW-to-ProRes from the EVA1 in 4K up to 60fps and 2K up to 240fps. Additional announcements for RAW support are to be released soon. A key feature of EVA 2.0 is ALL-Intraframe (ALL-I) codec recordings, offering 10-bit 4:2:2 at up to 400Mbps. Intraframe recordings require less post processing than the LongGOP codecs also available in the EVA1, enabling real-time editing on more cost-effective high-performance computers. New ALL-I codecs and frame rates:
- 4K 400Mbps 10-bit 4:2:2 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p
- UHD 400Mbps 10-bit 4:2:2 29.97p/25p/23.98p
- 2K/FHD 200Mpbs 10-bit 4:2:2 59.94p/50p
- 2K 100Mbps 10-bit 4:2:2 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p
- FHD 100Mbps 10-bit 4:2:2 29.97p/25p/23.98p
- 4K/UHD VFR up to 400Mbps 10-bit 4:2:2 1-30fps
- 2K/FHD VFR up to 200Mbps 10-bit 4:2:2 1-120fps
- FHD (1920 x 1080) All-I 100Mbps 10-bit 4:2:2 59.94I/50I
- FHD (1920 x 1080) LongGOP 50Mbps 10-bit 4:2:2 59.94I/50I
Videocraft builds State Of The Art TV Studios and Production Facilities For RMIT
Recently RMIT University undertook a significant renovation of its Melbourne city faculty specifically to open their campus up by redoing its Swanston Street facade and substantially renovating seven floors across four buildings. This huge undertaking was known as the New Academic Street, or NAS, Project. The existing buildings were where RMIT had its TV studios, originally built in the 1960s, much used and loved but long overdue for an overhaul. The NAS project provided an opportunity for RMIT to replace the old TV Studios with world class, cutting edge facilities to support both current and future trends in media production as well as RMITs research requirements in the digital media realm. To help them with the design and build of the complete project they turned to Videocraft. Before the project could start the university put out a tender for the design, construction and integration of four control rooms (two of which were to be UHD), five studio spaces and a virtual and augmented reality system. The tender also specified some unique components including a fully distributed routing system, UHD record and replay solution and the ability to quickly move any studio to any control room, or multiple control rooms. Technical Services Manager School of Media & Communication College of Design & Social Context at RMIT University David Beesley explained, “We required world class facilities with a futureproof and flexible infrastructure - a big ask - and we required a company who could work with us to enhance our vision of what these facilities would look like and how they could support our specific pedagogical needs. In conjunction with other industry leaders and after extensive research and consultation, RMIT came up with a base design which was subsequently put out to tender. Videocraft's winning point of difference was their ability to add significant value to our vision and turn it into a functioning reality.” Videocraft worked with RMIT end users to finesse the design and ultimately supplied and installed the kit for four TV studios and control rooms, a master control room (MCR), RMIT’s 'Black Box' research studio and multiple fibre-linked OB points throughout the NAS Precinct. [gallery ids="https://www.videocraft.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_5135.jpg.jpeg|Head of ABC News speaking at the RMIT NAS Project opening,https://www.videocraft.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_5130.jpg.jpeg|James Taylor in one of the four control rooms designed and installed by Videocraft,https://www.videocraft.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_5136.JPG-e1522805026155.jpeg|,https://www.videocraft.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_5131.jpg.jpeg|James and Jeanette Taylor at the Opening of the RMIT NAS Project,https://www.videocraft.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_5132.jpg.jpeg|Panasonic 4K UHD Studio Cameras,https://www.videocraft.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_5129.jpg.jpeg|Checking out the studios on RMIT's Opening night for the NAS Project,https://www.videocraft.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_5133.JPG-e1522804985885.jpeg|Panasonic 4K UHD Studio Cameras,https://www.videocraft.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_5126.JPG-e1522804965720.jpeg|Installation by Videocraft at RMIT TV Studios,https://www.videocraft.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_5125.JPG-e1522804937190.jpeg|Installation by Videocraft at RMIT TV Studios,https://www.videocraft.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_5128.JPG-e1522804906693.jpeg|Installation by Videocraft at RMIT TV Studios,https://www.videocraft.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_5127.JPG-e1522804881286.jpeg|Installation by Videocraft at RMIT TV Studios"] Videocraft Head of Engineering and Projects Nick Maclean added, “We also designed a Central Apparatus Room for the 4 control rooms and 5 studios, plus supporting spaces such as green rooms, makeup rooms and production offices. Given that this was not a greenfield site, but a retro fit of an existing building, there were considerable constraints with the spaces, but with clever design we were able to come up with a solution that met the brief.” As part of the scope required a ‘distributed’ router Videocraft decided to install a large Riedel Mediornet system as, based on a 10Gig backbone, the system can handle up to 384x384 3G HD signals. For a distributed audio network they implemented a Dante audio network and ensured that all the audio mixers, stage boxes and tie lines were IP connected over a 10GigE IP network with a Cisco Nexus backbone. Videocraft also installed IP KVM systems, IP talkback using Riedel Smart Panels, and IP wireless comms using the new Riedel Bolero AES67 wireless keypanels. To tie all these systems together they used Lawo Virtual Studio Manager, a control solution that removes all the complicated backend components and presents a unified interface for operators. Beesley continued, Videocraft also installed the first UHD EVS system in Australia, which included IP Director and XFile for file-based ingest and delivery of both HD and UHD studio content. Critically they also supplied and installed kit for our temporary TV studios, constructed for the duration of the major build, to ensure business continuity. It really was a first class job and they met our every requirement.” Other kit supplied and installed by Videocraft included Panasonic 4K UHD camera chains, Sony vision mixers, a Zero Density 'Reality' virtual set and MoSys camera tracking, Ross Expression graphics, Yamaha audio desks and ARRI lighting. Beesley continued, “Videocraft took charge of face to face meetings, design workshops, numerous stakeholder and site meetings, design revision, installation, commissioning and testing. Their approach was professional and flawless.” Now complete the new facilities are used for teaching, including live broadcasts, research and more. As a result RMIT students can now learn on the same tools they will encounter in the field to which Beesley added, “These are the first purpose built UHD studios in Australia. They are at the forefront of technology for anybody, but for a teaching facility they are undoubtedly the number one studios in Australia. They are flexible and their unique infrastructure ensures that they'll be fit for purpose well into the future.” David Beesley, clearly incredibly pleased and incredibly proud of RMIT’s new TV and production facilities felt compelled to highlight the real shining lights of the project concluding, “There are many wow factors with the new facilities with their flexibility, extensive use of fibre, VSM, and 4K UHD capabilities but the real standout is the Zero Density Reality system. Videocraft installed a two-camera system with Star Tracker motion tracking which can render full virtual sets and augmented reality elements in realtime with unbelievable realism. The system uses the Unreal Engine for 3D design and rendering and the results are simply stunning. It’s the most realistic virtual system we have ever seen. I cannot speak highly enough about what Videocraft did for RMIT during this project. They were amazing to work with, incredibly patient, understood our unique requirements and worked with us to create something that is truly great, and the envy of many.”
View the short films from the Panasonic EVA1
Sit back and enjoy watching "Near the Superstition", a short film demonstrating the top-class imagery of an EVA1 production. Director of Photography Elle Schneider shot the western in the Mojave National Preserve, where the digital cinema camera captured high-quality footage in extraordinary weather and lighting conditions. No matter the circumstances, the newly-developed Panasonic camera utilizing Dual Native ISO and 5.7K Super 35mm ensures a truly cinematic experience in visual storytelling.
Panasonic announces Australian pricing, additional technical specifications for AU-EVA1EN Compact Cinema Camera
“In our VariCam Cinema Cameras, Dual Native ISO sensor technology opened up a whole new world to cinematographers. It allowed them to shoot, light and work in new ways not possible before,” noted Rob Myers, National Sales Manager, Broadcast, Panasonic Australia. “The inclusion of that proprietary technology in the AU-EVA1 means that they will be able to shoot in bright sunlight or night exteriors without compromising the image quality.” The newly-designed AU-EVA1 sensor is Super-35 sized (24.60mm x 12.97mm) with 5.7K resolution. With an active resolution of 5720 x 3016, the AU-EVA1 delivers more than 17.25 million photosites, nearly double the 8.8 million for 4K DCI (4096 x 2160). By starting at a higher native resolution, the 5.7K sensor yields a higher resolving image when down-sampled to 4K, UHD, 2K, or even 720p. Additionally, the increased color information results in a finer, more accurate finished image.
Panasonic Launches EVA1 Compact Cine Camera with 5.7K Super 35mm Sensor
Panasonic has previewed the AU-EVA1, at Cine Gear Expo 2017 in Los Angeles, over the weekend. This new 5.7K cinema camera is compact and lightweight, tailor-made for handheld shooting, but also well suited for documentaries, commercials, and music videos.
Supporting Storyhead's "Chasing the Light" with Ken Duncan and Ray Martin.
For more information about the documentary - go to the Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/chasingthelightdoco/ And for more information about Geoff Young and the content agency Storyhead visit their website http://www.storyhead.com.au/
Videocraft Review: Ikan Beholder Gimbal System
The Ikan Beholder MS1 Mirrorless Gimbal Stabilizer brings the simplicity and flexibility of a handheld gimbal stabilizer to the world of mirrorless cameras. It features a 3-axis, motorized gimbal designed to keep your camera level and isolated from hand shake while allowing you to create smooth, organic moving camera shots. The MS1 features two operational modes: a following mode that smoothes your camera movements and a lock mode that will hold your camera in its position as you move. The Ikan Beholder features a thumb button/joystick which you use to select modes. You can also use the joystick to pan and tilt your camera on the gimbal. Main Features:
- Supports Cameras Up to 1.9 Pounds
- 3-Axis Stabilizer
- Sliding Base Plate with 1/4"-20 Screw
- Removable Li-Ion Batteries
- USB Charging Port in Handle
- Sony A7S
- Sony A7II
- GH4, GH3, GH7
- A6000
- BMPCC
- NX500
- Canon G6
- RX100 - with included adapter plate
- NEX series
Panasonic Announces 4K Large Sensor Handheld AG-DVX200 and 4K Studio and Box Cameras plus GH4 Firmware update
Videocraft provides NSCC with Hybrid Broadcast Production Facility
Panasonic unveils first AVC-ULTRA Handheld Camera Recorder AJ-PX270
Panasonic announces New Broadcast Grade 2 M/E Live Production Switcher
Panasonic unveils new details about the BT-4LH310 Native 4K LCD Production Monitor for 4K/2K/HD Cinema Production
NEW AJ-PX5000G and hand-held AJ-PX270 Camcorder to receive Public Network Transmission function.
Panasonic unveils AG-AC8 Shoulder Mounted AVCCAM Camera Recorder
Panasonic 4K Varicam features 4K video capture at 24P to 100/120P and will be launched with NEW ULTRA P2 Technology
Videocraft Provides Production Solutions For Beyond’s Pipsqueaks, Toybox And Lab Rats Challenge Tv Series
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Behind the Scenes of Toybox[/caption] When Beyond needed production solutions for their Challenge children’s TV series they turned to Videocraft for help. Their shows - Pipsqueaks, Toybox and Lab Rats Challenge are all original Australian concepts and broadcast both domestically and overseas. Beyond Producer Director Ian Munro explained, “For Toybox and Pipsqueaks our studio space came with no technical equipment so we were looking for a cost effective solution. Videocraft’s FlyPack kit provided all that we needed.These shows are switched, drama style, multi-camera productions requiring CCU, a switcher, cameras on pedestals and talkback communications as well as main and backup record. There are musical elements in the shows that also require 2 or 3-camera ISO recording and the Videocraft kit’s router also enables that when required.” The premise of Toybox is toys coming to life and having adventures in a child’s bedroom. To help create the illusion Beyond built sections of a bedroom at 5:1 scale and a matching complete bedroom at 1:1 scale for chroma key backgrounds. Munro added, “There is a considerable amount of chroma key in Toybox and fortunately the Panasonic switcher in the Videocraft FlyPack has enough options for us to make trial keys. It’s also useful as a reference for camera colourimetry and to fine tune lighting. With the switcher’s ability to shrink and position foregrounds we are able to match angles and correct eye lines. We are also able to record clean shots direct for higher quality keying in post and at the same time watch the live reference key to check for possible problems and cropping.” The production’s chroma key backgrounds are shots taken in the 1:1 set and Beyond now has many of the more common backgrounds stored in the FlyPack’s mixer as stills for quick shooting. The show also has two actors in full characters suits with Videocraft supplying independent IFB channels for each one enabling them to hear other actors on programme audio and the director’s talkback. Pipsqueaks uses the same Videocraft FlyPack kit but set to HD for switched multi-camera and ISO recording. As Pipsqueaks is a programme involving puppetry there are additional challenges which Videocraft were again quick to provide solutions for. Munro continued, “In a big set the puppeteers require numerous reverse scan monitors to perform. One option would be to go to a bigger switching desk with the ability to flip images on a separate layer but this is beyond our budget and small OLED monitors which offer the reverse option are too small for puppeteers to use across a big set. We were looking for a cost effective solution and Videocraft spent some time checking out possibilities and found a small converter they could feed into the router - happy days!” The third show in the series, Lab Rats Challenge, is a multi-camera science game show. Due to its unpredictable content it requires all cameras to be ISO recorded – another challenge met and overcome by Videocraft. Munro explained, “While the studio is fully equipped with technical gear the studio wasn’t able to dedicate six ISO recordings. We approached Videocraft to help and they designed a recording and post-production path within our budget, supplying and installing an EVS system to record all the cameras and the switcher output. The only issue was, for a one off production period, it wasn’t feasible to cable the EVS to the Avid. So Videocraft created a simple system of multiple portable raid drives to get the material from the studio to the edit suite. Videocraft also trained our crew to run the system and even though we were interstate, supplied support immediately when we needed it.” With three shows to produce, tight budgets to adhere to and seemingly ever-shrinking timelines it’s become more important than ever for Beyond productions to have an equipment supplier and systems integrator that they can trust and rely on. Ian Munro concluded, “I have always appreciated the help and care Videocraft have given us when designing an appropriate system to fit a show’s needs, especially when the budgets are tight. Working in the lower budget end of production on children’s television, you sometimes feel like the poor cousin but Videocraft have always understood and been totally accommodating. The end result is that we have been able to make extremely efficient television with great production values.” The latest series of Toybox starts on 7Two on 28 August. For more information on Beyond Productions go to: www.beyond.com.auVideocraft, Panasonic and Abraham Joffe Shoot 3D Australian Wedding
Sydney based cinematographer Abraham Joffe is an award winning cinematographer who has built up one of Sydney's most successful wedding and event filmmaking companies - Abraham Joffe Videographers. Recently Joffe and his team made history by filming their first 3D wedding using the services of broadcast equipment sales and rental specialists Videocraft and 3D cameras from Panasonic Broadcast. Joffe explained, “I approached Videocraft with the idea of shooting a wedding in 3D and asked how they would suggest I go about it. After some discussion they recommended using the AG-3DA1 3D camera and then called Panasonic to arrange this. The AG-3DA1 cameras are to be released towards the end of the year and with only two prototype 3DA1 cameras currently in the country, they are incredible sought after so this was no easy task. Fortunately Panasonic were very accommodating and Videocraft were able to get the cameras.” 3D Wedding Shoot - Sydney Australia from Abraham Joffe on Vimeo. The Panasonic AG-3DA1 is a revolutionary twin lens professional 3D camcorder featuring two independent optical systems, automatic left-eye/right-eye image deviation correction within the camera, worldwide recording with 50hz/59.94hz switchable and records to two SDHC memory cards in PH mode AVCHD. Joffe continued, “I had been interested in 3D for some time and was excited about the prospect of shooting a 3D wedding. 3D rigs to date have been cumbersome and challenging to configure and thus did not lend themselves to shooting weddings. A wedding videographer cannot wait to set up the next shot or get in the way at a wedding so we needed something quick, simple to use and flexible. The Panasonic AG-3DA1’s compact size and easy operation suited the wedding shoot perfectly.” Joffe along with team members Edgard Neves and Alfio Stuto had less than 24 hours to get up to speed with Panasonic's professional camera division on how to produce desirable 3D imagery which included learning how to control the ‘conversion point’ - the point at which the 3D element of the picture pops from the screen. Joffe said, “I was extremely impressed with how these cameras performed in the rapidly changing environments the wedding threw at us. They are also incredibly light and portable which makes them superb for moving about and quick setup. 3D does add a further level of complexity to your shoot and there is a lot to get your head around.” The ceremony took place at the historic The Tea Rooms - Gunners Barracks venue in Mosman with the outdoor nuptials held in the early 19th century stone courtyard in the fading light of the day. Joffe’s assistant Edgard Neves had one camera attached to his body on a Steadicam rig allowing him to move about and capture immersive moving shots throughout the day including one particularly impressive sweeping steadicam move as the bride approached the aisle and her waiting groom. At the reception, a 3D TV was setup and various segments of the day were played back to the delight of the guests and the happy couple who put on 3D glasses and watched the footage. Rob Myers from Panasonic Broadcast said, “We are delighted to have been able to help Videocraft and Abraham Joffe in making the first 3D wedding shoot happen. Panasonic Australia is very excited about 3D and the release of the 3DA1 camcorder. Local interest has been very strong with pre orders taken across all areas of the industry from staging companies to networks. Videocraft has been a significant addition to our Broadcast Dealer Network. Their commitment to the industry and customers is highly valued by Panasonic. Their commitment to Panasonic has also been significant recently placing orders for the soon to be released AG-3DA1 3D camcorder for demonstration to their customers.” Abraham Joffe concluded, “Videocraft were great in helping us shoot our first 3D wedding. They also assisted with the post production which was a real bonus. Panasonic’s AG-3DA1 cameras will put 3D technology well within reach of smaller video producers and as a result 3D video production will become more mainstream in the next few years. It is most definitely the future for weddings.” To see footage from the ‘making of’ the 3D wedding shoot go to: www.cinemaexperience.com.au
Videocraft Helps Red Shield Defence Service Kokoda Track Documentary
Recently the Video Production Department at The Salvation Army in Sydney was approached to film a documentary on the Red Shield Defence Service’s (affectionately known as Sallymen) involvement on the Kokoda Track during WWII. A group of Sallymen from throughout Australia took part in an historic hike on which a memorial was laid paying tribute to the Red Shield Defence Service men who bravely served during the war. Richard Cause, Technical Producer of CPR Productions for the Salvation Army Australia East THQ explained, “Given the significance of this event and the historical importance of the Sallyman during the Kokoda campaign, we saw this as an opportunity not to be missed. Having used Videocraft over the years, we thought we'd ring them to enquire about what the team consisting of Peter March (Journalist), David Scarborough (Editor) and myself (Cinematographer) might need to film a documentary such as this. So we were obviously after something that was lightweight, compact but also high quality. It also needed to be able to withstand the very rough conditions of this infamous trail.” Videocraft NSW State Manager Andy Liell recommended the Panasonic HPX172 camera. Cause continued, “We took Andy’s advice and used two Panasonic HPX172 cameras, one we already had and one Andy helped us get through Panasonic Australia. The team first looked at using an alternative, but after researching it decided that the HPX172 was the better option. The first reason for us deciding to take the P2 was quality. The project needed to be shot on the highest quality, yet most compact format. The second reason for us choosing the Panasonic was weight. Being that we were going to be carrying this gear along one of the world’s most grueling hikes, we found the P2 to be the most suitable camera size-wise without compromising quality.” Cause and his team found the cameras to be very light and user friendly. He continued, “Also, having a solid-state format, it was easy to review clips that were shot over the course of each day and not have the hassle of cueing the tapes back up.” The documentary was shot in very high humidity areas, something that brought its own challenges and surprises. Cause explained, “Not recording onto tape, which can be affected by the moisture, was a bonus and another reason we chose the P2. We were also shooting in very muddy, slippery and steep mountainous areas and we found the P2 rugged enough to cope with the occasional bang or drop.” The shoot went particularly well and Richard Cause and his team were very grateful to all those who helped make it happen. He concluded, “We want to thank Panasonic for their support with the second camera and we’d like to particularly thank Andy at Videocraft was really helpful when it came to answering questions in relation to what we would require to take on this shoot. The other thing that really impressed us was Videocraft’s willingness to go the extra mile and help us obtain additional loan P2 cards from ABC TV facilities, which we were otherwise not going to be able to afford to purchase.” The Red Shield Defense Service’s Kokoda Track documentary will be aired in 2010.