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NAB 2005


Mikko Wilson

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Well it's NAB time again.

 

I really wish I was there, but I'm just having to follow along via the proxy of the internet.

 

So, what's new? I'm eagerly awaiting new news from the show.. anyoen have anything cool to report?

 

Some topics i'v picked wiff of:

*Of course: AR.. it is 'officially announced' pictures? - the website apears to be down.

*The Clipper 2. With a NEW "G-50" arm .. sounds wild.

*New handheld wizzerd from Steadicam too.. "merlin"

*Any user reports on some of the other new rigs out? Smooth shooter? Others?

 

So much exciting stuff going on this year.

For example, slightly off Steadicam topic, but. Have you folks seen teh New Panasonic minicamera (HVX200) does HD onto P2 card in preaty mcuh any format. 1080i, 1080p (including 1080/24p - thats as close to film as you can get! and variable frame rates from 4 to 60 in 720p. Also does DVCPRO50 (so 'equvilant' to DigiBeta). All for $5995

Looks like good news with the possibilities of even more light wight HD work!

 

Crazy stuff!

 

- Mikko

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Hi Mikko.

 

Yes, lots of goodies at the show this year. The Smooth Shooter is quite nice, good looking piece of gear and works well for its purpose. Sachtler has a DV-oriented rig out that is quite high-end, actually will be priced well above the Flyer but I think will be able to handle heavier cameras in the production model. Haven't made it to Tiffen yet, will be today.

 

The AR is out of the bag. A friend took this small clip of me putting it through its paces:

 

http://www.dvinfo.net/media/nab2005/chuckcrane.wmv

 

The HVX200 looks great. Attended an extended demo of it last night. Very promising stuff. I think the only initial drawback will be the cost of the P2 cards, but like the DVX100a, it jumps ahead of the competition by leaps and bounds. It's only a mockup right now though. The new JVC camera is up and running and also looks good, although limited in certain ways (does 720P in 24 and 30 to PRO HDV format) but has interchangeable lenses and a nice form factor.

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I have spent the last few years stripping my rig down to the lightest I can go, now I am going to have the add a flyer arm and vest ( I would love to see the lightweight MK-V rig).  This is by far the biggest story at NAB, everyone is freaking out about it!

 

Please tell me that isn't a servo-driven zoom... :-(

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That isn't a servo driven zoom. :)

 

..well the servo can drive it too, but the rign is an actual mechanical ring, like on any 'real' lense.

 

However focus IS servo driven. - but you can plug in a focus (&iris) remote into the camera if you like.

 

Anyway, there's loads more on this camera a www.dvxuser.com - let's save this forum for the stabilizers!

 

 

Also... is there any footage FROM an AR posted anywhere? (though of course shots of it are also very welcome ;)

 

- Mikko

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The AR certainly looks impressive. From looking at that footage, it looks like a lightweight rig to operate, as mentioned it is a small sized video camera being used with an LCD monitor. Will be useful for the new breed of lightweight HD cameras as also mentioned in this thread. The most important feature of the AR is the breaking down of low mode and regular operating, opening up new possibilities of different shots and sequences (and saving more time when shooting and setting up for the shot)

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The AR certainly looks impressive. From looking at that footage, it looks like a lightweight rig to operate, as mentioned it is a small sized video camera being used with an LCD monitor. Will be useful for the new breed of lightweight HD cameras as also mentioned in this thread. The most important feature of the AR is the breaking down of low mode and regular operating, opening up new possibilities of different shots and sequences (and saving more time when shooting and setting up for the shot)

 

I don't think it is a light rig. I have yet to wear it but I have seen it personally and have talked to the op. He was flying a 35mm film camera and it was not light at all.

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I do agree that the real future of the AR rests with these new generation HD cameras (and one's yet to be built). The thought of a tiny hi resolution camera in a small rotating ring for a combined weight similar to what we are used to (with 35 rigs) is an exciting one. Personally, this excites me far more than the thought of trying to squeeze an LT in there (although a 235 sounds cool).

 

Howard, congratulations and while on the east coast, let me know your plans - I'm curious to see the changes you've implemented since your last visit with the prototype.

 

The future should prove to be interesting.....

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Hi Alec (and guys)

 

Taking a moment on the stand at NAB.

We are having a tremedous feedback to the AR and it is so wonderful to see all the smiles and people enjoing flying the system. (and the swearing)

 

Alec - I will be on in the East coast office from the 16th May until the 26th then back to LA for Cinegear.

It would be great to see you again, so please give me an email / call and we will set something up.

 

If anyone would like any infomation please email or call me -

I have a new US cell number 310 -804-0973

 

Take care and hope to see you soon

All the best

Howard J Smith MK-V

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Howard, any pics of your lightweight sled?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Alec (and  guys)

 

Taking a moment on the stand at NAB.

We are having a tremedous feedback to the AR and it is so wonderful to see all the smiles and people enjoing flying the system. (and the swearing)

 

Alec - I will be on in the East coast office from the 16th May until the 26th then back to LA for Cinegear.

It would be great to see you again, so please give me an email / call and we will set something up.

 

If anyone would like any infomation please email or call me -

I have a new US cell number 310 -804-0973

 

Take care and hope to see you soon

All the best

Howard J Smith MK-V

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Hi Guys

 

As some of you have now flown the AR and know that "there is a learning curve" I am in LA for the next few weeks and I am doing one on one AR training.

If you would like to know more about the AR / AR training please contact me direct on

email: howard@mk-v-usa.com or new cell 310-804-0973.

 

Also thanks to BJ - it would be great to do a Guild meeting/BarBQ with the AR if anyone is interested. - I'll buy the beers (BJ please email me direct as I don't have you email address) - please let me know where and when.

 

I was great to see you all at NAB and to get all the wonderful feedback, it has been a very long road and to see you all useing the AR and enjoying it, was reward for the last 4 years (very hard work).

I would also like to thank all the ops who came by and tried the systems and also a special thanks to Walter Klassen who did the AR demos for me on Wednesday when I had food poisoning and could not stand. - looking good Walter, make an op out of you yet! - thank you!

 

Please contact me if you have any questions at all - I am here, please call/email.

 

Also - Hi Bob, The Lite was very well received, if I could figure out how to post a picture then no problem, if not please email me at the above address and I will send you some photos.

 

take care and thanks

 

Howard J Smith MK-V

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