William Demeritt

I'll ask this guy:

I did 2 basketball games for a "street ball" game that did a season of 10 games in Northridge in 2011. 2 hours running up (well, quick stepping) and down a court, docking only for time outs or halftime (5 minutes without the vest). I think they've done another season this year, but stopped doing it multi cam and completely without a Steadicam operator. A basketball hit me a few times, and a referee ran into me while my camera was live (had to explain to the TD I broke my shot because the ref clobbered me).

The basketball game "league" was working with the video production company to make it BIG, and it was broadcast on Fox Sports, so I was actually encouraged/allowed to get beyond the out of bounds paint and breach the court when I saw fit (wasn't often). It was a hell of a test of stamina, and I do kinda miss it.

However, for the sake of discussion here, and in my honest opinion, Steadicam was the wrong tool for that job. Too much danger, too exhausting and nowhere near a worthwhile payoff for shot necessity. Sure, they got a few shots of me running alongside a breakaway and maybe more dynamic shots when someone on the break faced off with someone near me. However, that didn't happen enough to really make it worthwhile.

p.s.- nice greenscreen monitor! For anyone who asks: Pro2 sled pre-HD upgrade, Pro2 monitor, Sony P1 with Link system provided by AVS.

So, a colorist or an editor made this? "I don't give a f**k" about shallow depth of field? Yea, for sure there buddy.

Suddenly very hungry for some Swiss cheese...

Looks great, can't wait for the deliveries to begin!

For those of us with a Cinetronic yoke for our gen 1, can we "upgrade" the yoke to suit the gen 2? Looks like just the crossbar and clamp changed for gen 1 owners.

Still very eager to see some photos of the digital level?

Thankfully, I don't have many medical issues, so I keep a high deductible health insurance plan thru Blue Shield CA. Thinking of getting a HSA to helps offset some income and have money to pay the deductible if my arm needs reattaching.

From what it looks like, the BlackMagic Hyperdeck Shuttle 2 software was updated this morning to now include compression through Apple ProRes HQ. You update the device with their software, and can select recording formats (also including Avid DNxHD 220 Mb/s).

When I first had a Hyperdeck Shuttle, a limiting factor I knew going into the purchase was the recording duration. I had a 256GB SSD bought specifically for the Shuttle, but I got a small fraction of recording time (I think maybe 25 minutes? I can't remember). The onboard battery was OK, and the device was stupidsimple to use, but with limited recording time and no deletion capability, I quickly decided it wasn't right for me.

Well, now the $345 device can record Apple ProRes HQ. My 256GB SSD drive in my Atomos Samurai gives me about 90 minutes of recording time on Apple PR HQ, so I'm assuming the Shuttle 2 will do the same. Now, the price tag is INCREDIBLY attractive. Likewise, the Shuttle 2 also accepts record trigger over HD-SDI, so if that functions properly, it becomes an attractive alternative to the Atomos Samurai at $1600.

http://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/hyperdeckshuttle/

Shuttle 2 owners can head over to support to download the software.

http://www.blackmagicdesign.com/support/

I would love to come down to your office and play with it sometime!

From what I've read on other forums, the Teradek Bolt has basically built-in the cross-converters to an HDMI TX/RX that is probably very similar to the Paralinx Arrow. FWIW, it's apparently not a native HD-SDI transmission. It also promises the same range as the Arrow, I believe.

HDMI is just the plug the technology uses to get a signal into it, and since the HDMI plugs carry a standard signal, I think that's what the transmitter was built on. The AMIMON transmitter/receiver capabilities are what's exploited in pretty much every 5Ghz latency free uncompressed wireless HD transmitter on the market, because they did it right and well. However, I'm inclined to think there's more than just format conversion going on. The Arrow transmitter lives in a plastic case, but the Bolt is T6061 aluminum. If it uses PCB antennas, then I'd think the aluminum chassis would attenuate the signal and they'd need to counteract that affect somehow.

Further, the Bolt has LEMO power input accepting 5-18V power while the Arrow is only 5V regulated power. The Bolt also has external link strength indicators, something the Arrow only has on screen at the receiver. Most importantly, the Bolt has already implemented the multicast capability which the Paralinx has said was "down the road".

Of course, the Arrow is actually for sale today, whereas the Bolt....... of course, I'm less inclined to designate it as vaporware since Teradek is a company already delivering the gear they announce.

Also, the Arrow is inexpensive, but the SDI conversion, at it's cheapest, will cost you about the same as a Teradek Bolt... once it comes out, of course.

Victor: that's a step backwards in my opinion. They're using WiHD consumer transmitter/receiver packages that work in the 60Ghz frequency range, so they'll ALWAYS have a shorter transmission length due to atmospheric absorption (oxygen eats up radio signals at 60Ghz). Then they're adding Atomos H2S and S2H devices like we were doing before with the AirSyncHD and Paralinx Arrow owners use (or Decimator, etc).

Thomas: any transmitter based on the AMIMON chips (pretty much anything WHDI or anything advertising HD transmission in the 5Ghz range) has a "too close" limitation of 6 feet. The transmission distance must be at least 6 feet in order for the signal to lock.

Further, just putting some thoughts out there, the AMIMON chips that first made it into the CW-5 were an earlier revision of the transmitter/chipset, so they had a built-in limitation of distance. I believe AMIMON released the newer chips in April 2009 with the AMN 2120 transmitter and AMN 2220 receiver. The new chipset had more capability at better distance, and I think IDX probably silently started deploying those chips since they were a ready swap.

NAB 2012 is a bit of a haze (thanks to me drinking with Eric Fletcher and Jim Bartell), but I stopped by the IDX booth to discuss the CW-7 with their rep. In my brief encounter, I don't recall any new specs of features that extended beyond what the CW-5 already had to offer. Some new video format handling capabilities belong to IDX, but their "DFS" (dynamic frequency selection) is a spec of the AMIMON chips. I got the feeling they're just formally advertising the AMN 2120 transmitter and AMN 2220 receiver chips in the CW-7 when they never did in the CW-5. The only other advertised feature was "better performance outdoors" because the earlier CW-5 performed better with reflective surfaces but not line of sight problems (big empty room was it's perfect setting, but not too big).

If the Paralinx Arrow had delivered HD-SDI earlier, I would have completely put my stock into them. However, Teradek claims to have an HD-SDI transmitter of a tiny size on the way. If they deliver, and the transmission range is what they advertise, I'll probably buy one and call it a day. Like Thomas, I want to keep a small transmitter on hand to help get me out of trouble when they want to tether, etc. If they have a transmitter, let's use their transmitter, and I don't want to have to troubleshoot it (although I always seem to).

Victor: upon first review, I would say the Switronix might have better transmission/reception based on the fact that it has the external antennas adding to the transmission fidelity.

The Bolt most likely has PCB transmission antennas similar to most other AMIMON chipset devices (consumer devices, WHDI devices, even the unmodified Camwave).

The Switronix Recon has external antennas, which will help increase the transmission strength and the likelihood of reception at the receiver.

Both devices seem to have the same simple feature set: SDI transmission. Switronix might have power amplifiers on the antennas, but I would doubt it. Personally, if I was making the purchasing decision, I'd go with the Bolt. Over the next few months, as they come out and start getting reviews, I might pick one up. Got a few other things to pay for first (Cinetronic upgrade, wedding, lightweight PRO battery base).

I found it was cheaper, and generally I'm staying away from Decimator products.

I bought one of these and made a 5v cable to power it from my sled. Fixes the irregularities I've seen in the RED MX and gives amplified output.

http://www.markertek.com/Routers-Switchers-DA's/HD-SDI-Distribution-Amplifiers/Matrix-Switch-Corporation/MSC-HDDA4.xhtml

I think, in the immortal words of BJ McDonnell: "Just be cool." I don't think it gets any simpler.

Was that guy trying to get someone for a student shoot? Or was he asking for someone on a "student rate" for a legit gig?

Can't wait till this puppy comes out. Hopefully it's good and reliable. Most things Sony are, so here's hoping.

Seems like a grat alternative to the big brother 65

 

http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/show-highend/resource.solutions.bbsccms-assets-show-highend-F55.shtml

I'm eager to see how the images intercut with the F65. Perhaps this could be a good lightweight body for use on F65 shows for handheld/steadi/aerial/underwater/etc/bacon? Is this the same sensor as in the F65 with diagonal photosites?

Also, I think this is the first camera I've seen to record 4K to "cards".

Really depends on what shots you need. Front and back mounting techniques are probably easier that side mounting/shooting techniques.

Best to shop for stabilizer arms on YouTube anyway.

No no no, that's a completely different product, not appropriate for this forum.

... go on.......

You can attempt it on a lightweight rig, but understand the inertia of the overall mass of the sled helps fight the tether BNC and reduces the influence. Lighter rigs = less mass = less inertia = more easily influenced by smaller forces, like the BNC tether.

That being said, I'd look into getting some spaghetti thin/light BNC cables made as jumpers. Run those thin cables from camera to gimbal arm, and connect it to your video village BNC. Practice with the tether cable so you understand what the cable does to your operating.

I don't think you'll find any transmitters for that price to purchase that will satisfy village and your AC for pulling focus. If you mean $500 for rental, there are a few options.

William, my therapist wants to speak with you.... That's the DEVILS music!

You can work out your problems on a couch. I'll work out my problems IN THE PIT.

Besides, here's an example of a well adjusted person who loves heavy metal (he's a lead singer, apparently):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=El8ew2v2zrw

Oh goodness, so many options!

Pantera - "Cowboys from Hell" album, perfect for all occasions

Volbeat - "Beyond Hell / Above Heaven" album, rockabilly meets heavy metal done by crazy European rockers

Machinehead - "The Blackening" album on a challenging day 2's drive to set.

Metallica - "Ride the Lightning" album for when you know you're gonna be wearing the rig all day.

Iwrestledabearonce - "Tastes Like Kevin Bacon" (just this song) for a frustrating company move.

Cannibal Corpse - "Hammer Smashed Face" or "Five Nails Through The Neck" for when you need to blow off some steam!

Winds of Plague - "Built for War", you're about to attempt that 5 minute oner that includes 2 quick moves, whip pans and no lock-offs! BRING IT!

Insomnium - Anything by these guys. Awesome.

Austrian Death Machine - "Total Brutal" album, great for any time you need a laugh (every song is an Arnold Schwarzeneggar quote, lead singer does an impression)

Sigur Ros - ( ) album, great drive home at the end of a long day/week/shoot.

Portishead - Portishead album, another great drive home, Beth Gibbons will keep you awake but also relax you.

And, of course.... SLAAAAAAYEEEEEEER!!!!!!

In related news, Rancid's "Out Came the Wolves" is fantastic for running/jogging/PT.

RE: upside down: you can set the camera to rotate the image. When you flip the camera upside down, video village still gets a right-side up image, and edit doesn't need to flip anything. On the day, however, you'll need to rotate the image in your Steadicam monitor in order to operate.

As for proper low mode, the handle that comes with many Epic setups comes with numerous 3/8-16 and 1/4-20 screw holes. If I had to, I'd just mate those holes to my dovetail.

I actually just use the AV output of the 5D's and deal with the composite SD image. Never cuts out while rolling the camera, never had a headache.

For low mode, I'm just inverting the camera and the AC flips the image in the camera (or we send a note to edit to flip the image in post). I haven't had any issues with the camera overheating, even with the vents now at the bottom (with the camera upside down).

It would be nice to believe that the crowdsourcing concept is a fad that will die out and everyone will get back to work as usual--wouldn't count on it. And it's not accurate to say that it is clearly low quality, as some of it is all but indistinguishable from the "real thing". Look at the dollarshaveclub.com promo--it's just about perfect in every way, and it cost under $5K to make.

Can't help but think of this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zui4s0aLpr4

From the "Hearts of Darkness" documentary.

More evidence that people don't know how to create a sustainable business model from the internet; just another scam posing as the "next evolution".

Low quality seems pushed more and more, from all handheld camera work to "found footage" features, and I'm just hoping it's a part of a cycle into and out of "cinema verite". Eventually, the aesthetic becomes tiresome and boring because visually it shows no talent. Granted, in a commercial, you barely have time to get bored.

Of course, everyone wants to work in the industry, and they'd probably be willing to slit their own throats and shoot a commercial for $10,000 knowing their payout (if any) would only be $7,500.