Just days ago Canon displayed a Concept 4K camera. There will be many changes when it is released – I wonder when but it is very interesting that Canon is entering this High Definition Market. Canon is probably leveraging the increased interest in HD-SLR Cameras (Video capable DSLRs). Currently their is nothing between the current crop of HD-SLRs and a fully fledged 4K camera – well, not until RED Scarlet comes to market.
However, there are questions:

• What price will this come in at? $5000? or more?
• What codec will be used?
• What bit rate?
• What sacrifices are being made to get a 4K sequence of images from a 2/3″ sensor.

Regardless of that, it is exciting. RED Scarlet will probably come out before the Canon 4K, but that may be doubtful because RED’s focus is on the EPIC first.
All I can say is: Bring it on.

More information (and photos of the camera): Canon 4k concept camera and first images from Canon Expo in NY

[Photo(modified) of a Canon Camera by jessi.bryan]

I remember the first Movie by Sherwood Pictures; Flywheel. It was filmed on a budget of only $20,000. There were a few lighting glitches in some two camera shots but it was very well done for a first time film by a church.
Sherwood Pictures has stepped up and improved with every movie since Flywheel. You may argue that the Christian story lines are too fabricated, predictable or too clean – but you can’t argue that these guys are pushing Christian forward and getting better all the time.
Their next film; Courageous, stands out for me because of the cameras that they are using; RED One Cameras. (more…)

Not being someone who has worked with 3D, let along 3D camera rigs, I have to say that the Prism/Mirror rig was surprising to see. It must have been my assumption that the cameras should be orientated in the same manner as the human eyes are. Well, I was wrong. There are other ways, like this 3D Rig from RED. Besides the fact that is it awesome to see a RED camera in use for 3D capture.
Here is the image posted on the REDUser.net forum:
(more…)

EPIC Reservations Begin…

from REDUSER.net – Recon by Jannard
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We are now taking orders for Stage 2 of the EPIC program. http://epic.red.com – Jim

Awesome stuff. If I had the funds I would be putting my reservation down right now. (more…)

I started a blog series a few weeks back with the intent of highlighting the Stuff I can only dream about. Sorry for the detail in starting the actual series, but here it is.
First of all: The Camera. It is possible that you could argue a better camera that what I have below; probably based on experience and preference. What I have below it the camera that appeals to all my senses, talents and abilities. (more…)

This sort of brings to a close to this series but I will certainly revisit different elements as I get new news, insights and experience. And remember always, that I am keen to hear of your thoughts and experiences.
So here are the Digital Video Camera Brands that I took a look at. The purpose of this was to just talk a look at the camera – not to go into a detailed review – a video camera fashion parade if you will: (more…)

You know you get those stories of things that just can’t be real; someone brings it up in conversation some time or another, the urban legend.

Ok granted, it will optimistic to think that this will be released with a year, but going on the reputation of RED – it will be released. Imagine that 28k footage – what on earth do you view that on? “umm – I will be editing the full res sequence on the surface of the moon”

RED had their much anticipated announcement on October 30th. There was much said. But my intention here is to highlight the camera, not to review it but just to parade it – cos this is an awesome super-duper camera of note – word.
Not really sure what the cost will be in this case because of the vast configuration options. Typically you would start with the brain (sensor part) and build from there. But with RED One owners there are intensives for similar configurations when investing in this new baby. Wish I could be in that club with the cash on hand for this camera; but having said that – I am very keep the hear more about the Epic FF35 option.

Interesting Links:
Specdown: Red One vs Epic-X announced features
Red Update – revised specs for Epic-X camera

Ahhh, what an interesting time it is for RED One owners and enthusiasts. I am an enthusiast and will remain one until I make the next great Indie film that gets me major much or someone gives me one (and the editing system to support it). Cos lets just face facts – despite the fact that this camera is the most incredible and best prices camera in it’s domain – it is hectically expensive and requires a hectic editing setup to support and finish.
But having said that, RED is coming out with slightly less hectic and more affordable options – more about that and the interesting things that is RED later.

Camera Body $17500

Look to spend closer to $50k for kitting out this baby. But even with a pack of RED Primes and the best MacPro, RAID, Graphics setup – it is still very well priced – in.its.play.park.
All right let take a look at some spec candy. For the full effect of specification glazing see here.

There are various different output and acquisition formats, as well as different available frame rates. Quite awesome really.
I had the privilege to edit some 4k footage from the OpenCut Competition last year – wow.

Canon, dah dah dah dah.
Some really nice cameras. Back in the day when I wanting to get a good PAL camera I was tempted to put in extra cash for the XL2, but in the end I went for the Panasonic DVX100BE – which I do not regret.
So here are the Canon cameras I post up this week.

XH G1
	Effective Pixel Resolution 1440 x 1080 about 1.67 MP Color Space 4:2:2 when using HD or SD-SDI Sensor 3 – 1/3″ Native 16:9 CCDs (1440 x 1080) FrameRates 50i or 60i Zoom 20X
XL H1S
	Effective Pixel Resolution 1440 x 1080 about 1.67 MP Color Space 4:2:2 when using HD or SD-SDI Sensor 3 – 1/3″ Native 16:9 CCDs (1440 x 1080) FrameRates 60i/50i, 24F, 30F Zoom 20X
5D Mark II
	Effective Pixel Resolution about 21.1 MP1920 x 1080 HD Video Color Space 4:2:0 Sensor Single CMOS sensor 35mm FrameRates 30p/25p

Next Week RED are sure to announce updates on Pricing and Availability of the EPIC and Scarlet range so I will be taking up the RED parade then and hopefully have great news. Awesome times.