At long last, even though it’s been only a few days, here is the video from Vincent Laforet that was shot entirely on the new Canon EOS 5D Mark II. The footage was not enhanced in any way and was dropped into Final Cut for editing. This is the raw footage and it is nothing short of amazing. Check out Vincent’s Blog and a “Behind the Scenes” video clip.

Sony is coming out with the HVR-Z5U camcorder this December. It has native 24P recording and other professional features—all for less than $5,000—as well as tapeless recording capability through an optional CompactFlash adapter. There are few details yet but a few words from Sony are available:

“Professionals need features like balanced audio, XLR inputs, timecode and more,” said Bob Ott, vice president of professional audio and video products at Sony Electronics. “They also need access to technical resources to help them with issues like integrating with non-linear editing systems. This is where a professional solution like the HVR-Z5U is an appropriate choice.” The HVR-Z5U camcorder offers the addition of several features specifically designed for professional video production, such as progressive scan shooting at 1080/24P and 30P, DVCAM recording, timecode support and two XLR balanced audio inputs. Professionals can record the native 24P/30P signal on to the videotape used in the camcorder or to CompactFlash cards – simultaneously or separately – with the optional HVR-MRC1K recording unit. This unit attaches directly to the back of the camcorder, eliminates the need for cables and automatically synchronizes with the recording action of the camcorder. The recording unit can be directly attached to the new HVR-Z5U camera, as well as to Sony’s HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270U models. It will also work with other HDV camcorders using a supplied iLINK (IEEE-1394) cable and shoe adapter. The camcorder, and the HVR-MRC1K adapter will be compatible with Sony’s Professional 306x CompactFlash card. The recording times on an 8 and 16 GB CompactFlash card in HDV, DVCAM and DV format are approximately 36 and 72 minutes, respectively. The HVR-Z5U professional camera suggested list price is $4950. The HVR-MRC1K recording unit should be out in October for a suggested list price of $940.

Here are a few more links to sample images, video, reviews and specifications on the new Canon EOS 5D Mark II:

Gizmodo: Canon 5D Mark II Rumored Specs and Details

Gizmodo: Unconfirmed: More Canon EOS 5D Mark II Specs Leak, Lookin’ Good

Canon USA: EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera

Digital Photography Review: Canon EOS 5D Mark II Hands-on Preview

Digital Photography Review: Canon EOS 5D Mark II: 21MP and HD movies

Digital Photography Review: Canon EOS 5D Mark II Samples Gallery (Preview)

Lovegrove Consulting: Canon 5D Mk2 high ISO pictures

Lovegrove Consulting: Canon 5D mk2 150 frame first findings

Rob Galbraith: Canon EOS 5D Mark II – 21.03 million image pixels, 1080p video

Here is a link to Canon Global and some great examples of video shot with the new camera. (http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/eos5dm2/02.html#01)

I’ve been reading all the flurry of activity over the new Canon EOS 5D MII that will be available near the end of November. Vincent Laforet, a New York based commercial and editorial photographer, was given a prototype to use for 72 hours. His report and the stills he has been able to show are nothing short of amazing. The video is forthcoming, but from the promise is better than the Red One cinema camera and could change how we are approaching some assignments. The cost is even better, around $2,700 retail. For sound the camera has a mono mic input, but I’m sure BeachTek will have a solution with XLR inputs for the camera at some point. Check out Rob Galbraith’s evaluation with more images of the sensor and inputs. Check out these sample images from Canon Global as well as their specifications and other data on the camera. Here are some sample videos from Canon Global.

The Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, the Norwegian government-owned radio and public broadcasting company, has also tested the 5D and has put up its’ analysis of the video on their NRKbeta technology site. Here is an excerpt:

The clips are standard MOV-files that will open directly in QuickTime. We also tried with the latest version of VLC. That worked fine on Mac and not in Windows. In iMovie the clip was imported fine, but converted like any other MPEG4-clip will be in that program. In Final Cut Pro the clips could be dropped right into the program with no conversion. And it was possible to start editing right away. Visually they look better than HDV. Something that shouldn’t come as a surprise considering the specifications. HDV is 25 mbit/s MPEG2. The clips from the 5D is 40 mbit/s MPEG4. The H.264 codec used in the 5D is in some conditions regarded roughly 50% better than MPEG2. When you add the bandwidth in the 5D that is nearly twice the bandwidth of HDV you get video footage with less compression artifacts. Hard panning in the clips looks good and it seems like Canon have managed the timing of the shutter very well. It looks like the GOP-structure of the clips are one I-frame for each 15 P-frame. No B-frames. Read more

Here is an excerpt from Canon’s press release:

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today introduced the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera, the long-awaited successor to Canon’s highly popular EOS 5D, introduced in 2005. Building upon the qualities that made the EOS 5D camera so successful, Canon has coupled the creative power of a full-frame CMOS sensor in a relatively compact and affordable camera body, together with groundbreaking HD video capture that opens the door to a much wider range of imaging possibilities for photographers. Along with the ability to capture full HD video clips at 1920 x 1080 resolution, Canon’s EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera features a 21.1-megapixel full frame 24 x 36mm CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 imaging processor and significantly lower noise, with an expanded sensitivity range from ISO 50 to ISO 25,600. Read more

From the Barefoot Workshops website:

CONTENT
This 2-week delta workshop is designed for new documentary filmmakers who want to launch their careers in film and television documentaries or for those with experience in some aspects of filmmaking that are looking to expand their skill, understanding and mastery of the whole process. producers, cinematographers, editors and writers with narrative experience who are considering working in non-fiction filmmaking are also encouraged to enroll. This workshop is ideal for working professionals who want to develop important skills, which will allow them to work with other filmmakers.

In this unique workshop, students will explore every aspect of documentary filmmaking. Cinematographer, Chandler Griffin, will help you develop an understanding for the visual structure, style, and production requirements of a wide variety of documentaries along with storytelling and the art of writing and directing. This will include laying a visual foundation by spending many hours exploring how light, composition, and emotion make up the image. Many different lighting techniques and styles will be covered. Chandler will also be covering all editing demos using Final Cut Pro. Using case studies along with student’s ideas, the goal of the course is to provide an intense overview of the art of documentary productions. Every student will learn how to evaluate non-fiction ideas, create their own ideas and develop an understanding of documentary film aesthetics and the storytelling process.<

THE PROGRAM
The workshop meets formally 6 days each week. There will be lectures, screenings, presentations, technical demos, a review and critique of all dailies, supervised editing sessions, discussion of documentaries, and individual meetings with the Chandler. The workshop combines lectures and presentations with supervised and formal instruction in production laboratories (camera, lighting, sound, editing), shooting on location, transcribing, screening and discussion of current and classic documentaries, meetings with visiting filmmakers and written assignments. Students will write and develop proposals for future projects.

PRODUCTION
The workshop will break into groups with each group producing a completed 7 to 10 minute piece shot on digital video and edited with Final Cut Pro. Students will meet and scout their subjects and write treatments and outlines to guide their production. from there they will conduct interviews, tape B-roll and coverage for a sequence, record sound and take their material into post-production. There they will be instructed in creating first an edit on paper, then on the computer, where after assembly into a final edit, they will color correct, mix sound and add titles to their finished work. The projects will encompass the diversity of documentary styles and allow the individual the chance to problem-solve by learning to work as a team.

PRESENTATION
On the last night of the workshops the documentaries will be screened for the community to enjoy. The filmmakers are encouraged to invite family and friends. Because of the full support of The Mississippi Film Commission, documentaries produced with Barefoot Images are automatically accepted for a special screening at the Crossroads International Film & Video Festival in Jackson, Mississippi, and students are encouraged to submit to other festivals around the world.

Chandler Griffin/Barefoot Workshops
917-385-9343
chandler@barefootworkshops.com
Brooke Bassin/Barefoot Workshops
Brooke.bassin@barefootworkshops.org

Panasonic’s new HD camera, due for release in April of next year, will reportedly go for around $2,000. Definitely within reach of most people. From Panasonic:

PANASONIC EXPANDS PROFESSIONAL AVCHD PRODUCT LINE WITH THE NEW AG-HMC70 SHOULDER-MOUNT CAMCORDER
* Affordable, Point-and-Shoot HD Camcorder Offers Benefits of SD Card
* Solid-state Recording with Professional Audio Flexibility
Panasonic announced the expansion of its professional AVCHD product line with the introduction of the AG-HMC70 AVCHD camcorder. As the industry’s first shoulder-mount AVCHD camcorder, the HMC70 records high-quality 1080i images onto readily available SD/SDHC memory cards. Like Panasonic’s full production quality solid-state P2 HD recording system, this AVCHD camcorder eliminates the need for and cost of a special deck, as well as the time required to transfer content from a tape or optical disc to a PC for editing or content distribution. Since it uses a standard SD or SDHC card, the HMC70’s recording capacity will increase and media cost decrease as the industry announces new higher capacity cards. The HMC70 features three native16:9 progressive ¼” CCDs to record, or provide a live feed of, widescreen 1440 x 1080 HD resolution images of weddings, sports, concerts, or other events. It can be used by law enforcement agencies for training or surveillance, by schools for use in video production, live staging and documentation, or by broadcasters and newspapers for web journalism. The camcorder is equipped with a 12X 38.5mm to 462mm* Leica wide-angle zoom lens, one-push auto focus, and integrated Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) that ensures stable images, which are most critical when displaying high definition video. The camera also provides excellent color reproduction and inherits the exceptional color rendition of Panasonic’s other professional HD cameras. -more

Casio says that it is developing a new digital camera with high speed performance and image capture functions. The camera will be able to take still images at 60 image per second speeds and will also take movies that capture movement so fast that it can’t be seen by the human eye. According to Casio the camera can capture movies at VGA resolution at an incredible 300 frames per second, which means it can record movies for replay in ultra-slow motion, a function that has only been possible so far with a limited range of professional movie equipment. The prototype camera features a new high speed CMOS sensor and a high speed LSI image processing chip with 6.0-megapixel resolution, 12x optical zoom, and CMOS-shift image stabilization. -more

The reported cost of the Sony PMW-EX1 HD camera will be in the $8,000 range. A bit pricey for personal consumption, but remember the old days when the first digital cameras were in the $20,000 range. It wasn’t until Nikon introduced the D-1 in the $5,000 range that prices came down. Give it time and these should come down in price as well. The advantage of course is getting rid of tapes. From Sony:

The PMW-EX1 is the first in a new range of professional HD products – called XDCAM EX – which are the first to record onto memory-based SxS ExpressCard media. Designed from the ground up to exploit the ultimate high performance of SxS PRO memory cards, the PMW-EX1 combines a state-of-the-art, non-linear XDCAM workflow with simply the best HD quality yet seen in a compact camcorder. It is also the first handheld camcorder to carry the legendary CineAlta 24P brand with multiple frame rate recording capability such as 59.94i, 50i, and native 23.98P, as well being 1080i/720P switchable.

There is also a choice of a 35Mb/s High Quality mode or a 25Mb/s, HDV 1080i compatible mode. To take advantage of this high performance recording capability, the PMW-EX1 uses an all-new imaging system consisting of three ½-inch type CMOS sensors, each with an effective pixel count of 1920×1080 to produce images in full HD resolution. In addition, there’s a purpose-built Fujinon Professional HD ½-inch 14x lens and a unique dual focus ring mechanism.

In fact, there are innovations in every detail of the PMW-EX1, from its IT-friendly MP4 file recording to advanced creative features, such as selectable gamma curves and “Slow & Quick Motion” capability.

To maximise recording time, the PMW-EX1 has two memory card slots which means with a pair of 16 GB SxS PRO memory cards, it can record up to 140 minutes of HD footage.

A wide variety of accessories are also available, including a USB Reader/Writer, a wide-conversion lens, battery and charger.

The PMW-EX1 HD compact camcorder is the ideal solution for a wide range of customers from broadcasters through to independent videographers and film makers who want exceptional HD picture quality and state-of-the-art workflow from a compact and affordable camcorder.

Sony has a new HDV camera coming out soon that uses interchangeable lenses. Preliminary info from Sony:

1/3-inch 3ClearVid CMOS Sensor™
The new camcorder will incorporate new 1/3” 3ClearVid CMOS Sensor system for optimum picture quality. Thanks to the unique grid arrangement of the photo diode sensors, in which each is rotated by 45 degrees, sensor resolution has been optimised while maximising the photosensitive surface area. The sensor works in combination with the Enhanced Imaging Processor™ to provide high sensitivity, low noise and a wide dynamic range. The 3ClearVid CMOS Sensor also eradicates picture smear and is less demanding on power consumption, thus delivering longer battery life.

Flexible Lens Options
The handheld camcorder is supplied with an interchangeable HD Carl Zeiss lens with 1/3” bayonet joint mechanism, allowing the flexibility of attaching existing 2/3” or 1/2” lenses with a standard lens adaptor. Lenses from the popular Digital SLR – a System from Sony can also be used with a special adaptor.

Native Progressive Recording Mode
The new HDV camcorder has both native progressive and interlace recording modes. In the native progressive recording mode, the 1080/25p image is recorded in HDV format. It is ideal for film-makers on a budget.

Full Compatibility with Current SD Systems
HDV/DVCAM switchability offers future-proof purchase for current DVCAM users. The built-in down-converter offers DV signals through the i.LINK connector to your current DV non-linear editing system.

Thursday, August 23, 2007 Fall 2007 HD for Indies Interns Needed Hey all – The summer intern program went so well, I want to keep it going. I need some interns for the fall semester. If you’re a student at the University of Texas at Austin, ACC, St. Ed’s, or someone who has time to spend a few hours a day learning but not earning, this is a great opportunity for you. I specifically am looking for technically savvy, fast learning folks who know or want to know more about production and post production, I need at least one web intern who will get to work with me on site content and revisions and Special Projects. Mac centric pretty much required – you need to know what you’re doing on a Mac, and quite a bit about Final Cut Pro. Bonus features – this semester will be the one where I get my Very Own Personal Red Camera and Redcine, and there will be opportunities to work with it and footage from it. I have all the toys, I get to review all the new toys, you’ll get to see/touch/play with it all. I’m happy to make certain resources readily available to you as my work permits. In return, I need help on testing, profiling, and reviewing gear, Special Projects, and ideally I’m looking for a 5 day a week, 3-4 hour/day commitment if at all possible from each intern, or enough interns to fill up the time slots. Candidates with stronger technical and/or writing skills will be favored. Drop me an email at mike [at] hdforindies [dot] com with “Fall Intern” in the subject line if you’re interested.

Video technological problems won’t fly
How long will a crappy video experiences fly with the online video audience? The short answer is that if people see crappy video on your site, many will switch to another video site. Some of them won’t want to return to your site. Ouch! -more

Windows Live SkyDrive Launched – Enters a Crowded Online Storage Market
by Richard MacManus
Today Microsoft announced Windows Live SkyDrive, the final product name for its online storage solution – previously known as Windows Live Folders. Windows Live SkyDrive has a few new features and enhanced UI, in line with upcoming changes across other Windows Live services. Windows Live SkyDrive offers users 500MB of web space for storing and sharing files. Microsoft says it is like “a personal ‘harddrive’ on the internet”. -more

In this article by Jennifer Woodard Maderazo at PBS’s Mediashift, most smartphones are classified as not very smart. One of the culprits according to her are media companies that aren’t stepping up to the plate to create content that is compatible with the over 70 million smartphones sold last year. Her hope is that the iPhone is the answer to all her woes with its ability to bring rich content right off the web. However, we need to make sure that the content we produce can reach these cellphone viewers, which outnumber web users worldwide. In many countries cellphones are the only form of electronic communication people have. Understanding this need and responding to it means we can reach many more people than we currently do. Here’s an excerpt from the article:

Why My Smartphone Is Dumb About the Net
by Jennifer Woodard Maderazo

So why is this so hard? I’m surely not the only one who has felt this level of frustration. With about 70 million smartphones sold last year and even more regular cell phones boasting the ability to access the web, I’m guessing I’ve got more than a few brothers-in-arms in this battle. The question that bugs me the most is why media companies aren’t quicker to rectify this problem. Surely they have something to gain by making our lives easier; if nothing else, they would gain loyalty to their brands for not making us cringe when we hear the word “mobile” after their names. I think all parties — carriers, media companies and phone manufacturers — can bear part of the blame, but in general they could greatly improve their respective products by making ease of use the No. 1 priority. – more

From Transom.org, here is a great comparison chart for portable digital recorders compiled by Jeff Towne. Reviews are usually a dime a dozen, but it’s always good to hear from those in the business of audio production who know what they’re talking about (Transom.org is an experiment in channeling new work and voices to public radio through the Internet, for discussing that work, and encouraging more).

In a recent piece by Alex Iskold on “The Physics of the iPhone” on Read/WriteWeb, which is a follow up to a recent article, Iskold says that:

“The iPhone is not only a breakthrough handheld device, it is a device that brings a mesh of digital and physical to the masses. Apple achieved it by turning a phone (and ipod, video player and more) into software that creates a life-like experience, but also adds a digital lightness and playfulness. It is likely that we are going to see more devices that let us interact with information in this way.”

Iskold is right on target in that we will see more and more devices that can bring the viewing public the rich multimedia content we produce. Thinking about how we can brand our content, get it to the consumer, and continue to create meaningful stories with new technologies should be part of our future conservation.

Two HD-quality webcam were released by Logitech this month. Each camera has a 2MP sensor supported by a Carl Zeiss lens and a silent auto focus system. With these webcams you can produce 720p HD video format at 960×720 resolution. Both cameras are only $100 and should increase podcasting quality exponentially.