Video News

  • Find the One Video Rental You Want - But Where?


    DVD is up in flame and melted on black coals
    Video rental is one concept that I can firmly say is undergoing great change in my lifetime. I know I'll relate to many people that have shelves full of VHS movies, and engage some that have seen the progression of video on tape to where it is today. As for today's teens and children, a little perspective on where video rental has come from.
  • Sony Announces the SLT-A58


    image of Sony SLT-A58

    If you're interested in testing the DSLR waters, but you're not ready to shell out close to three grand just to get your feet wet, the newly announced Sony SLT-α58 might be just what you need. Boasting a 20.1MP APS-C sensor, translucent mirror technology, and OLED viewfinder, this camera will not only take great pictures, but can introduce curious videographers to the world of interchangeable lenses at an entry level price. (about $600 with a new and improved 18-55mm zoom lens)

    You read it correctly, the α58 has a 20.1 megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor and an improved BIONZ image processor, which allows for an ISO range of 100-3200 when shooting video, ensuring great footage in full HD in all types of lighting conditions.

    The α58 utilizes the Sony A-mount camera system which has 35 lenses available today that span a wide range of prices to fit your budget. There is a 1.5x crop factor, so don't forget to do the math if you're interested in additional lenses.

    Other notable features include a tiltable LCD screen (about 135 degrees upward and 55 degrees downward) for shooting high and low angles while monitoring, a 3.5mm stereo mic input, Sony's multi-shoe interface that can mount a variety of accessories including external mics and lights, and an HDMI mini output.

    The α58 shoots 1920x1080 AVCHD footage at 60i and 24p at 24Mbps (or 17Mbps if you want to save space), or 1440x1080 MP4 footage at 30p at 12Mbps. One notable missing feature for videographers who want that glass smooth slow motion is the lack of a 60p mode (not even at 1280x720). For those who like to play with their shutter speed, there a full range from 1/4000 to ¼. The dual compatibility memory card slot accepts SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards as well as multiple types of Memory Stick PRO cards.

  • Ken Burns Wins Legal Rights to not Give Up Documentary Footage


    Photo of Documentary filmmaker Ken burns
    Ken Burns won a battle this week for journalistic rights and won't have to give up his footage to New York City. The well-known award-winning documentary filmmaker was subpoenaed to give up outtake footage from his documentary "The Central Park Five" about a high-profile rape case focused on five men wrongly accused and convicted for the crime another man admitted to. The judge denied NYC's request.
  • Boris Continuum Complete Units Now Sold as Individual Products


    Boris Film Style, Image Restoration, Key Blend, Light, Match Move, Particles

    Previously sold as a $1000 bundle, Boris Continuum Complete filters are now available as separate Boris Continuum Units, allowing artists to choose toolsets that are geared towards their specific needs. Over 200 comprehensive filters across 16 categories of effects, can be purchased separately for Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro, Apple Motion, and Sony Vegas Pro.

  • VariZoom releases Stealthy for Photo/Video Support


    Varizoom Stealthy in several configuratins
    Varizoom recently announced Stealthy: a product that can be used for photographers and videographer while shooting in the field. It is a motion stabilizer, 3-point shooter , mini monopod full monopod and tripod. It can be hung from your belt clip and photographers can use them to grab quick images that require stabilization.
  • Nikon Announces D7100 DSLR Camera


    Nikon D7100 with external microphone
    Nikon announced their new DX-format D7100 DSLR this morning. The camera comes equipped with a 24MP DX-format CMOS sensor (23.5mm) and EXPEED 3 image processing engine. In addition to all the still photography features (outlined in the press release below, Videographers will be most interested in the following features:
    Blog Tags:  DSLR Nikon
  • Red Herring: Fun Friday Movie Terms


    silhouette of a camera operator shooting a scene with a red background
    Does your movie have a Red Herring? This might be one of those movie terms many people heard about, but its purpose should be subtle. It's a trick - don't go down that alley, the writer or cinematographer put it there to fool you, it doesn't pan out. If you want to use a red herring in your movie, use it wisely, otherwise you'll just annoy your audience.
  • Five Tips for Finding Free or Cheap Video Equipment


    3CCD Professional Camcorder
    At the beginning of your videography career, acquiring equipment is your number one priority. Maybe you’ve stumbled across an incredible story idea for a short film or web series that must come to life on screen, or you’re going to start that videography business you’ve always wanted. Whatever the case, you need to invest in some equipment. And of course, money seems to be eluding you.

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