The DV Shop Wishes You A Very Star Wars Holiday!

Star Wars: Darth Vader In Love

To honour the opening of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens", here is a blast from the past - Darth Vader in Love, from the British TV Show "The Peter Serafinowicz Show."

Enjoy!

Why You Might Want To Shoot 4K

This nice, short little video from Panasonic explains why you might want to shoot 4K, even if you are delivering in HD.

Christmas Gift Idea #678 - Everyone Needs A Monopod

A monopod is a great accessory for video and photography that comes in many shapes and sizes from a simple, affordable steady stick right up to a fully functional video monopod. Learn more here.

Christmas Gift Idea # 675: Joby Flash Clamp and Locking Arm

The Joby Flash Clamp and Locking Arm can be used not only for mounting  flashes but for mounting any lightweight accessory with a shoe. Learn more here.

Atomos has announced the latest firmware update for the Shogun and Ninja Assassin.

Atomos has announced the latest firmware update for the Shogun and Ninja Assassin.


AtomOS 6.51 Update from Atomos Video on Vimeo.

Features:
Added Power Priority mode. Access this option via the Battery Page.
Two options  Battery priority or DC Priority
Battery priority forces the device to use the onboard device battery first and then switch to a DC power supply when the battery has depleted.
This option is to maximize battery performance when using the Atomos Power Station to power the camera and as back up for the device
DC Priority  will always use DC as the power source when selected.
Should be used when using a true AC-DC 110-240V mains
Use Battery priority mode when using Power Station over DC to device.

Bug Fixes:
- Fixed occasional dropped frame when recording in some FS700 Raw modes.
- Fixed occasional colour encoding issue when recording DNxHR from FS700 Raw.
- Fixed SDI audio output issue that caused audio problems with some broadcast equipment.
- Fixed occasional record failure issue when Time-lapse motion blur is enabled with some video inputs
- Fixed occasional scrambled frames on playback
- Corrected the HDMI audio stream packet information
- Fixed an issue where 24 bit audio output was corrupted during playback.- Fixed an issue where screen tearing would sometimes appear on the right hand side of the screen.

Shogun Firmware download: http://www.atomos.com/firmware/ATOMSGN_6.51.zip
Ninja Assassin Firmware Download: http://www.atomos.com/firmware/ATOMNAS_6.51.zip

Find all the latest Atomos Promos here: http://www.dvshop.ca/atomosrecorders.html

They do exist...

Today we received our first shipment of the Panasonic DVX200!

One of these units is going to be our demo, so feel free to come by the store and check it out.

We haven’t had a chance to unbox one yet, but we’ll have it up and running soon.

Stay tuned for more!

Gear in Action: DJI OSMO

OSMO TEST V4 from Jason George on Vimeo.

One of our customers sent over a video they shot with their new DJI OSMO.

Christmas Gift Idea #457 - Sensor Cleaning Tools

Trying to find gift ideas for your favourite photographer without breaking the bank? One useful gift is sensor cleaning tools. Learn more here.

Introducing the new VideoMic Pro with Rycote Onboard

Learn more here.

Introducing the DJI Osmo

Learn more here

The URSA Mini EF 4K has arrived!

After much delay and anticipation, the first batch of URSA Mini 4K EF cameras has arrived. We also received our first batch of USRA Mini Viewfinders as well.

We’ve got one on display now, with the URSA Viewfinder and V-Lock Battery Plate attached.

First impressions on the Viewfinder - very sharp and nice colour. Good high resolution. Requires SDI and a 4 pin XLR power connection, which the body provides. 

The flip out LCD on the URSA Mini is sharp! Probably the same panel that BMD is using in their Video Assist unit.

You can find out more about the URSA Mini here: http://dvshop.ca/camera/blackmagicminiursa.html

If you are on our waiting list for the 4K EF model, expect a call soon!  

Convergent Design Adds Dual Stream HD monitoring to the Odyssey 7Q and 7Q+

The Convergent Design engineering team has been hard at work, bringing more powerful features and functionality to the Odyssey family of professional monitor/recorders. This free firmware update for Odyssey7Q+, Odyssey7Q and Odyssey7 includes new features, functionality and fixes for all three Odyssey models.

Firmware v2015.11 Highlights:
HD Dual-Stream Monitoring (Odyssey7Q+ & Odyssey7Q) View two HD video signals while recording one in Apple ProRes Note that Dual-Stream Recording (view & record two streams simultaneously) will be in the Odyssey RAW Bundle as a future firmware update. The Apollo Option (Quad-Stream Monitoring/Recording/Switching) will be available in December 2015.

Apple ProRes 4444 and Apple ProRes 4444(XQ) Recording (Odyssey7Q+ & Odyssey7Q) Record 4:4:4 2K and HD video signals in 12-bit & 10-bit as Apple ProRes 4444 or 4444(XQ) Supports many cameras including Sony F3/F5/F23/F35/F55, Canon C300mkII/C500, Panasonic HPX3100 and more.

Spot Meter (All models) New Advanced Monitoring Tool exposure meter

FS7/FS700 2K HS RAW->2K Apple ProRes (Odyssey RAW Bundle) Capture up to 240fps in 2K

Additional & improved Preset LUTs New and improved LUTs for Canon C-Log, C-Log2 and Panasonic V-Log

...and a lot more!

Download Odyssey Firmware 2015.11 here: Download Odyssey Firmware 2015.11 https://convergent-design.com/support/firmware-downloads.html?utm_source=newsletter_62&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=odyssey-firmware-v2015-11&acm=1487_62

Find out more about the Convergent Odyssey 7 Series of recorders here: http://dvshop.ca/camera/convergentdesign.htm

Sean's Thoughts From the 2015 CCW NAB Show Floor

New York and the East Coast now have their very own NAB show. CCW NAB and now Featuring infocomm is held at the Davits Centre in Manhattan.

The industries top manufacturers and vendors are there showing the latest and greatest from their product lines.

Canon was showing the C300 Mark II along with their line of video cameras and DSLRs. They were showing the low light capabilities while outputting the signal to their newest 4K display.

Atomos was showing their latest Ninja Assassin and Shogun Studio recorders. Pretty much any camera that you could imagine had an Atomos recorder connected to it showing the latest features. Their new 6.5 firmware for the Shogun and Assassin adds lots of control to the LUT abilities. Firmware updates here: http://www.atomos.com/support/

Lots of Panasonic DVX200 Camcorders all over the place. They are shipping in the states. Hopefully we’ll see them here in Canada soon.

While I didn’t have a chance to take a lot of pictures of the show floor, this CCW seamed to be the year of trucks. Blackmagic had their new Sprinter Production Van, equipped with a full Resolve suite, all the latest ATEM products and comfy seating. The Blackmagic booth wasn’t super busy, the URSA Mini 4K was on display with the Micro Cinema and Micro Studio cameras.

MarkerTek had their mini broadcast truck, showing a full gamut of accessories and rack mounted tools in a smaller Ford Transit Connect.

OWC had their Thunderbolt products and new SSD products on display.

G-Tech was showing off the latest Studio XL products including the new RED MAG ev Module.

This year’s show was significantly larger than last year. They’ve added infocomm to the show, so the list of exhibitors grew. The show is also co-located with SatCon, this is where you can see the news transmission and broadcasting technologies. The equipment that major networks use to get content to the consumer. As always, there’s probably a few booths that I missed on the walk around of the show floor but overall it’s a great way to see what’s new and exciting. Gives us a great insight as to what is coming in the near future as well as a glimpse that the hot items that we should be carrying in the store.  

Nikon D810 Firmware Update adds HDMI Trigger for Atomos Recorders!

Atomos Shogun Nikon D810 Setup Guide from Atomos Video on Vimeo.

Now you can automatically trigger the recording from a D810 via HDMI to the Ninja 2, Ninja Blade, Ninja Assassin and Shogun.

Stay tuned for an updated video from Atomos showing how to configure the D810’s HDMI trigger.

Changes from “C” Firmware Version 1.02 to 1.10
• An External recording control option has been added to the HDMI item in the SETUP MENU. If the camera is connected via HDMI to a third-party recorder that supports the Atomos Open Protocol (the Atomos SHOGUN, NINJA2, or NINJA BLADE), selecting On allows camera controls to be used to start and stop recording. More information is available in a supplementary manual.
Note: Choose an option other than 576p (progressive) or 480p (progressive) for HDMI > Output resolution in the SETUP MENU

Get the new firmware here.

Check out all the Atomos Recorders here.

The latest buzz - Hive Lights

Hive’s Plasma lights are engineered to be durable, lightweight and foolproof. They use 50% to 90% less energy than conventional studio fixtures. Their simple, rugged design makes them suitable for all types of production, whether on stages, studios or at remote locations. Each and every light is proudly Made in Los Angeles. All of Hive’s lamps use a single point Plasma source that lasts 10,000+ hours, are flicker-free, universal orientation, and produce full, even spectrum daylight balanced light with a CRI of 94. At Hive, light comes first, so you can save energy without sacrificing light output or color quality.

Hive is making the entertainment industry cleaner and greener, one bright, beautiful and energy-efficient light at a time. They were recently used on the Jimmy Kimmel show and will be the lights you find over the finish line at the New York City Marathon this weekend.

DV Dude Is At Photo Plus Expo!

Panasonic DVX200 - Video Tests

Here are some of the first video tests being posted online for the new Panasonic DVX200, the long awaited sequel to the very popular DVX100, ETA Fall 2015. Learn more here.

Rogue Flash Accessories

Learn more here.

Take A Selfie With Chuck n Buck

So we've noticed people have stared taking selfies in the store lately. Selfies with the vault door. Selfies with our antique cash register. And most of all, selfies with Chuck n Buck our lighting display mannequins. 

If you see any of these DV Shop selfies posted online, let us know. We'd love to see them.

This Ain't Yer Mamma's River Dance

And now for something completely different. Scott Winn a multi-talented filmmaker and songwriter has created some amazing dance videos. Check out the action short posted below, shot on the new Canon XC10.

“Battle of the Ages,” shot on the XC10 4K digital camcorder, is an action-packed comedy from YouTube filmmaker Scott Winn, whose channel ScottDWhas amassed more than 59+ million views. Riffing on the 1980s crime drama trope, “Battle of the Ages” features two young thugs who learn the hard way that appearances can be deceiving and age is nothing but a number. Scott captured his fearless cast of three professional parkour athletes through an exhilarating chase and an epic fight scene with the XC10 mounted on a Freefly MōVI M5. They also mounted the XC10 on a DJI Spreading Wings S1000 drone with a MōVI gimbal to get a bird’s eye view of all the action.

“Battle of the Ages” is available in HD on the Canon Pro Vimeo page and will soon be available in streaming 4K at http://www.youtube.com/user/Scottdw.

Gear in Action: Canon C100 and Canon XC10

Footage from the Canon XC10 blends surprisingly well with footage shot on a C100 in this video from Amazing Visuals.

Kamerar SD-1 Slider Dolly MK II

Learn more here.

Shape Shoulder Rig for Canon EOS C100 C300 C500 Series Cameras

Learn more here.

Gear in Action: The Steadicam Solo + Canon 5D MK III

A couple of shooter test videos with the Steadicam Solo. The first one using the Canon 5D MK III and various lenses,

Learn more about the Steadicam Solo from the Tiffen Company here.

Look What A Simple Aluminum Slider Can Do

This shooter has made good use of a simple Seven Oak 23.6" slider. With a bit of imagination, you can do a lot with a little.

The Seven Oak 23.6" Slider is a complete camera slider system that makes it easy to incorporate smooth, controlled camera movements into your videos.

• Sturdy yet lightweight aluminum is built to last
• Included legs allow for use without a tripod, track length is 23.6" 60cm
• Compatible with most tripods (mounting components included)
• Accepts standard 1/4”-20 and 3/8” threads
• Built-in spirit level
• 1 year warranty

Learn more here

Nikon Speedlight SB-500 - Great Flash Photography In Any Language

There are a lot of video user reviews of the Nikon SB-500 flash but this one illustrates the difference a little flash can make in your images. Learn more here.

Gary Fong Puffer Plus Camera Flash Diffuser

This is a great diffuser to help you take better pictures with your camera's built-in flash.  Learn more here.

NEW!! Sony FDR-AX33B 4K Ultra HD Video Camcorder

This little 4K camera from Sony packs a lot of punch. Learn more here.

Rode Video Mic Go

Great product overview from DigiDirect TV comparing the sound from a Rode Video Mic Go with some other options. Learn more here.

Tilta Rig For The Blackmagic Pocket Camera

Learn more here

Gear In Action: DJI Ronin-M + Blackmagic 4K

One of our customers picked up a Ronin-M and did a quick video review of the Ronin M being used with their Blackmagic Production 4K Camera.

"A demo illustrating that the Blackmagic Production Camera "just fits" on the Ronin-M. I couldn't find any videos shot with a BMCC or BMPC online... so this may well be the first! It produces really good results straight out of the box - but will certainly take some practice to master! The footage shot with the camera on it's stand is with the Sigma 18-35mm f.18 and the walking footage was shot with the Rokinon 10mm f2.8."

Watch the video here.

DV Shop FAQ: What's With The Candy?

If you've ever shopped at our store or received a mail order from us, you might have noticed something a little extra. 

Candy. 

Putting out free candy in the store and enclosing little packets of candy in our mail orders is a DV Shop tradition that dates back to the very beginning of our business.

In the bad old days when we first opened, there were times when we wondered if we were going to make it through that first year. 

One day, when we were feeling a little blue, one of our suppliers put a bunch of root beer candies in an order. 

As we sat there, munching on those sugary treats, the world felt just a teeny bit brighter. We thought it was a fun idea and we started putting candy in our mail orders too. 

Then one day, a customer asked us why we only treated the mail order customers to free candy. So we started putting the candy out in the store too.

And that's what's up with the candy.

Pro Slating Tips

Slates are one of the oldest pieces of filmmaking equipment still being used today.

The Canon 5Ds lands at the DV Shop!

Our initial shipment of the Canon 5Ds Bodies have arrived here at the DV Shop.

The Megapixel war is far from over!

Most Asked About Product Line On The Planet: DJI Phantom

Virtually every customer we've talked to is dying to get their hands on one of these babies. Humber College in Toronto has even started offering drone flying courses.

Learn more about this product line here.

G-Speed Studio XL: Eight Bay Thunderbolt 2 Storage

The G-Speed Studio XL holds up to eight removable enterprise-class 7,200 RPM hard drives, offering colossal capacity and performance of up to 1,350 megabytes per second (MB/sec) performance for the most demanding digital content creation applications.

Featuring the sleek design and reliability of G-Technology’s Studio line, the G-SPEED Studio XL eight-bay Thunderbolt 2 storage solution comes in a high-quality, black enclosure with integrated cooling technology, ideal for any high-performance computer or workstation. It also supports 4k workflows with user-configurable RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, 50 and 60, and impressive transfer rates of up to 1,350MB/sec in RAID 0. Like other products in the Studio line, the G-SPEED Studio XL can be daisy-chained via dual Thunderbolt 2 ports to boost storage speeds and effortlessly support demanding multi-stream HD, 2K and compressed 4K workflows.

Features:

• 64TB Total Storage Capacity
• 8 x 8TB Hard Drives
• 2 x Thunderbolt 2 Ports
• Pre-Configured in RAID 5 Mode
• Selectable RAID Modes
• Supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50 and 60
• RAID 0 Transfer Rates up to 1350 MB/s
• Power Cord & Thunderbolt Cable Included 

Learn more here.

E-Image EG03A2 Tripod Kit

The E-Image EG03A2 Two Stage Aluminum Tripod kit has professional features, a rugged build quality and is ideal for shooters on the move. Two stage tripod legs are effortless to set up, adjust, and collapse. The Mono-Lock feature allows leg adjustments with a single twist for both stages moving quickly from height ranges 26” up to  61”. 

The GH03 Head employs a Variable Tilt drag system that supports up to 11 lb cameras/rigs. The counterbalance provides confident counterforce for smaller cameras DSLR’s and different cameras and rigs. Machined on the left side of the head a ¼”-20 socket allows you to mount monitors, drives, and accessories off of the camera. The adjustable mid-level spreader provides stability while the rubber feet can be removed to provide spikes for working in a variety of terrains. The telescoping Pan Tilt handle can be oriented 360 degrees on both sides of the head. The sliding base plate has a spring activated registration pin to prevent camera twist. You may secure the camera plate to the head two ways : Slide the camera plate from the rear of head or use the Easy-Lock Baseplate System by simply snapping in the plate from the top. Kit includes carrying bag. 

Learn more here.

G-Technology's New Hard Drives Can Take a Beating

Whether it’s the professional photographer on a shoot in Peru, the established executive traveling across the globe with important company files or the young student running across campus to print out their term paper, everyone can use a sturdy and high-functioning portable hard drive. G-Technology’s new rugged series is designed to withstand daily wear and tear and even more serious conditions as well, with features like a watertight drive compartment, which floats when dropped in water, and drop-resistance so they hold up to adventures, or accidents, big and small. Like all G-Technology external drives, the new rugged storage solutions come with a three-year limited warranty for even more peace of mind.

G-Drive ev RAW

The G-Drive ev RaW is a rugged and lightweight portable hard drive that’s small enough to fit in a backpack, briefcase or purse, and strong enough to withstand a 1.5-meter drop, protecting up to 1TB of data. This durable, lightweight drive—35 percent lighter than the original G-Drive ev—is USB 3.0 bus-powered and designed to go anywhere, providing on-the-go access to photos, videos, music and more. The G-Drive ev RaW comes with a USB 3.0 cable, and can be used as a standalone device, or used with the Evolutions Series’ G-Dock ev® with Thunderbolt or the new ev all-terrain case for ultra-fast transfers and editing. The drive is formatted for Mac® and can be easily reformatted for Windows®.
G-DRIVE ev ATC with Thunderbolt and the G-DRIVE ev ATC with USB 3.0  

These travel-tough external storage solutions feature an all-terrain case (ATC) with a tethered Thunderbolt or USB 3.0 cable that shields a high-quality, lightweight removable G-Drive ev RaW USB hard drive. Featuring a watertight drive compartment (tested via 1 foot submersion for 30 seconds), which floats when dropped in water, and the ability to withstand a two meter drop (tested on a carpeted concrete floor), data is protected from pressure, shock, water and dust. For added flexibility, the removable case is compatible with the Evolution Series, easily fitting the G-Drive ev or G-Drive ev SSD. Perfect for in-the-field-backup, edit, transfer and storage, this durable enclosure leverages a 7,200 RPM-based external hard drive to maximize transfer speed using Thunderbolt or USB 3.0. Formatted for Mac, the external drive can be easily reformatted for Windows. 

Learn more here

Blacks Says Good-Bye

Telus announced today the closure of Blacks Stores across Canada. Blacks was a fixture in Canadian malls for many years and apparently began as an appliance store in the 1930s. The Toronto Star has an in-depth article on the history and demise of a once mighty retail giant.

G-Raid Studio

G-RAID Studio is a high-performance Thunderbolt 2 storage system with hardware RAID. Configurable in RAID 0, RAID 1, or JBOD, G-RAID Studio features Thunderbolt 2 technology for ultimate speed. G-RAID Studio ships with two removable 7200RPM Enterprise-class hard drives for total capacities up to 12TB, complete in a solid black enclosure with an easy access opening in the top.

With transfer rates up to 360MB/s, G-RAID Studio easily supports 2K and compressed 4K video workflows for an ideal storage solution designed to save you time with demanding video and photo editing.

Learn more here.

Joby GripTight Smartphone Mount

No more jittery smartphone videos. With a Joby GripTight mount, you can attach your phone to any video grip, monopod or tripod with a 1/4 thread mount. Learn more here.

G-Drive Mini Portable Drives with 7200 RPM Speed, USB 3.0 and FireWire 800

Learn more about the G-Drive Mini and other portable storage options from G-Technology here.

Cinevate Small Camera Grip: Great Gift Idea For Shooting Video On A Budget

Learn more here

Perfume Wars Trailer

Check out this doc trailer shot by Loud Baby Productions on Blackmagic 4K cameras from the DV Shop.

DV Shop Haz Ronin

test footage of the RS4 with Sony a7s / Ronin from awol.tv on Vimeo.

We got our shipment of DJI Ronin stabilizers today. Woo hoo!

Sony HDR-CX900: Big HD Video From A Small Camera

This test footage is a great example of how crisp the video is from this camera.

Learn more here

Litepanels Caliber 3 Light Kit

Litepanels Caliber 3-Light Kit from Litepanels on Vimeo.

Learn more here.

Happy 14th Anniversary To The DV Shop!

Sony FDR-AX100 4K Camera

Small enough for one-handed shooting, yet powerful enough to record movies in the revolutionary 4K standard, the remarkable new FDR-AX100 is packed with leading advances including Sony's massive 1.0 type Exmor R CMOS image sensor, which delivers stunning image quality, high sensitivity and gorgeous background defocusing. Also featuring a manual lens ring and ND filters, this Handycam camcorder opens the door to a wealth of image expression despite its compact body.

Learn more here

Fun With The Sony CX900

Flying Rocket from Anthony Hamlin (AKA Hamberphim) on Vimeo.



Funky Green Sofa from Anthony Hamlin (AKA Hamberphim) on Vimeo.

Cool Tokyo (Shot with Sony HDR-CX900)

Cool Tokyo (Shot with Sony HDR-CX900) from Mauricio on Vimeo.

Test Driving Gear At The DV Shop

When you visit the DV Shop don't be surprised if you see someone beta testing new products. 

This Ain't Your Grandaddy's Wedding Video

Produced by... The Lightsmiths on Vimeo.

Gear in Action : Rokinon 14mm, 85mm

Love is.. from Oleg Zayanov on Vimeo.

Panasonic DVX200: 4K Shooting On The Go

Back in the day, Panasonic's DVX100 was DV Shop's top selling camera and now Panasonic is bringing back the DVX vibe in a new 4K format that shoots to SD cards.

Info from Panasonic's press release:

The DVX200 is optimized for 4K/HD production, sharing the VariCam family characteristics of filmic tonality and colorimetry, with natural, subtle rendering of skin flesh tones, and a V-Log curve emulating the natural grey-scale rendition of the VariCam 35. The camera features a newly-developed 4/3” large-format MOS sensor and will record 4K (4096 × 2160) / 24p, UHD (3840 × 2160) / HD (1920 × 1080) 60p / 50p / 30p / 25p / 24p in either MP4 / MOV file formats. There are two SD card slots, facilitating backup and relay recording. For professionals working worldwide, the camera’s master frame rate is selectable between 59.94Hz (23.98Hz) / 50.00Hz / 24.00Hz.

The DVX200’s three manual operation lens rings—13x zoom (Cam driven), focus and iris—will provide a comfortable manual control similar to an interchangeable lens camera, but without the need for actual lens changes. The zoom ring’s solid feel and smooth action allow delicate ultra-slow zooming. In addition, the camera’s multi-step zoom control provides fast response and smooth zoom action, yielding the creative freedom every camera operator desires. The zoom control on the handle enables variable speed zoom, allowing fine zoom control even for low angle shots. The DVX200 also features an enhanced Image Stabilizer, including a five-axis Hybrid Image Stabilizer and 4x correction-area Image Stabilizer that produces clear images without blurring, and a micro-drive focus unit that improves focus speed, tracking and capture performance, facilitating 4K focusing and shallow focus shooting. 

Learn more here.

Manfrotto Digital Director: Taking Your iPad To Another Level

At NAB 2015, Manfrotto announced their new Digital Director, a system that transforms an iPad into a viewfinder for Nikon or Canon DSLR cameras that can be used either for photography or video shooting.

Digital Director is made up of hardware, software and firmware that allows shooters to connect via a USB cable from their camera to Digital Director which connects to an iPad Air to launch the Digital Director App—the first Apple Certified interface to work with DSLRs.

The Digital Director App offers Live View and audio monitoring through the iPad’s screen and the app provides the ability to control setting such as exposure, ISO, shutter speed, aperture, manual focus, WB, image quality, focus and drive modes and battery status.

Shooters can crop, adjust exposure, contrast and brightness within the app allowing them to monitor their work while shooting.

Digital Director is slated to start shipping in the US over the summer. No word yet on a Canadian release.

Shark Slider Review

iFootage S1 Shark Slider Review from Caleb Pike on Vimeo.

Learn more here

Wooden Camera Quick Cage

Learn more here

Spooky Trees

DV Dude sent us these pics from the road as he winds his way home from NAB 2015.

Coming Soon !! Small HD 502 HDMI/SDI Field Monitor

The 502 on-camera monitor is the sharpest and smartest SmallHD field monitor yet. Its 5-inch diagonal LCD has a 1920x1080p resolution with color reproduction capabilities that rival OLED technology.
New Features Include:
• Joystick + Back Button Navigation
• Integrated Zoom (2x and 4x image zoom with joystick)
• Pages: the fastest way to access image analysis tools
• High Resolution 3D LUTs (17-point LUTs)

Learn more here

NAB 2015: Wild and Wacky Edition

Now this is a real man's car mount. Must get one of these.

Here is an expansion chassis with 16 - yes 16 - nVidia video cards installed. Why would you want 16 video cards attached to your computer? Because you can.

Saw this in the Fashion Mall. Interesting marketing - aiming Las Vegas real estate at Canadians. Didn't think that many Canadians were buying real estate in Vegas, but I guess they are. Pricing is certainly better than here in Toronto.

And the person with the most degrading job at NAB 2015 would be Shark Guy, who had to sit in this little booth, wearing a shark outfit, begging people to tweet about him and the company he was working for. If you tweeted you could win a prize. What did he do wrong in a previous life to deserve such a fate?

That's it for DV Dude's NAB 2015 Wrap Up!

NAB 2015: Lighting Edition

F&V was showing off the R720 LED Ring Light, essentially a bigger version of their very popular R300 Ring Light. Coming this summer. Starting at around US$499.

 The crazy Esotian company KinoTehnik was showing off a prototype LED Fresnel light that was quite powerful. And it also can be controlled from your smartphone. Planning to ship this summer for US$699.  

I still remember the NAB that Litepanels made their debut - quite the sensation. And over time, their market dominance slipped as cheaper (and arguably just as good) competing LEDs came to the market. Then the competitors really started to shine, and Litepanels seemed to be asleep at the wheel, suffering from Avid disease - that is, we're the best, why would you buy anything else, go to hell if you don't buy our product. But Litepanels is back with new products, and they are being quite aggressive on pricing.

This little guy, the Caliber, caught my eye - a little fresnel that runs off AC or 6 AA batteries, is focusable and dimmable. It comes in a three light kit, with 3 Gorilla Pods, one light stand, and a carrying case. The price? US$999.

Also, their new line of 1x1 panels, the Astra E and EP, are also priced very aggressively, starting at US$699. Very interesting...  
 

Cyborg Shooter!

Newsshooter at NAB 2015: Tilta Armor-Man from Dan Chung on Vimeo.

Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera

Newsshooter at NAB 2015 - Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera from Dan Chung on Vimeo.

Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve 12: What's New

No Film School gets a demo of the new Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve 12 at NAB 2015.

Blackmagic URSA Mini Overview

LinusTechTips reports on the Blackmagic URSA Mini from NAB 2015.

NAB 2015: New Cameras

 

Panasonic is trying to come back into the camera game in 2015, launching the new Varicam to good reviews, and now announcing the new DVX200. Yes, it is the successor to the extremely popular DVX100, which we sold tons of. Now with 4K, and a M43 sensor (an updated GH4 sensor). But with a fixed lens. But that lens is a Leica 13x zoom f/2.8-4.5 zoom and the camera features auto focus, power zoom, ND filters, 12 stops of latitude, V-log, 4k 60p, and records to SD cards. And 120 fps in HD. Coming in December for "under US$5000." Pretty sleek looking.

It wouldn't be NAB if Blackmagic didn't make a ton of announcements, and this is one of them. The Ursa Mini. Probably the camera that the Ursa should have been in the first place. Much much lighter than the Ursa, but the Mini still has some weight to it, being heavier than a C100 or a F5. Comes in around 7 - 8 pounds. EVF looks nice. We're already getting pre-orders, so it looks like this will do well. In theory shipping this summer, but we all know how Blackmagic is about making ship dates. 

Not as much buzz about this little guy, but like the Pocket Camera, what an achievement. Fits in the palm of your hand. Again - in theory, shipping this summer. I think this camera will get more attention as it ships. Think of it as a Pro Go Pro camera. Except it doesn't record internally.

We've already talked about in this blog about the C300 Mark II, so no need to get into detail again in this post.

What Everyone's Asking Us About This Week

People started calling DV Shop about the Blackmagic Ursa Mini within minutes of the announcement.

When The Cat's Away, The Mice Play Trap

DV Dude's taste in music runs to the milder side just shy of elevator music. When he goes out of town for business and Sean's in charge of the music at the DV Shop, we rock a little more to the wild side.

NAB 2015: Day One Report

DV Dude started in the North Hall, which is the quietest of the 4 halls NAB is in, as a way to ease himself into the maelstrom. For at least the 3rd year, NHK was showing off their 8K monitors and cameras. Here is the smallest 8K camera, the cube 8K.

NHK also showed off the world's smallest 8K monitor - a 13" OLED monitor.

This was a cool little item - a 360 degree rig using Go Pros from the company 360Heros.

Moving into the Central Hall, the DJI booth was packed. DJI announced the baby Ronin. Aimed at DSLRs. Shipping soonish for under US$2000.

Sennheiser showed off a new wireless mic system that will be more expensive than the current EW112P line. Offering a digital signal, auto-scanning, and auto-gain, it will ship by June for under $1000.

Sennheiser also showed off a iPhone-ready ME2 omni lav mic, with a lightning connector. It will ship in late May for around $200.

NAB 2015: Terminator

NAB 2015: And So It Begins...

DV Dude has safely arrived at NAB 2015, where it is sunny and a balmy 30 degrees.

NAB 2015 - C300 Mark II Announced!

Quick Walkaround Video:

 

New Stabilizer

Today is April 1st, that means all sorts of new product announcements!

 Here’s one from Playstation: https://youtu.be/KYrpfmRX1GM

Note: These products are not real, but it would be cool if they were.

Introduction to Color in Digital Filmmaking

Introduction to Color in Digital Filmmaking from FilmmakerIQ.com on Vimeo.

NAB 2015 Rumours? WALLEY POS-86

SevenOak Follow Focus and Zoom Control

This simple but useful focus and zoom controller from SevenOak is designed to work with most DSLR cameras. Learn more here.

C100 Mark II: The Run Down

The DV Shop is proud to announce we are now carrying the Canon Cinema EOS
cameras (C100/C300/C500). The C100 Mark II is brand new, and these two
videos from Canon go over the improvements over the original C100 camera.

For pricing and lens bundle options for the new C100 Mark II, click here.

Before Star Trek, Nimoy and Shatner Did The Man From Uncle

Toronto Auto Show 2015: Cool Cadillac Concept Car

DV Dude spent the day at the Toronto Auto Show, and thought this was the coolest concept car he saw there.

This beauty is the Cadillac Cyclone concept car from 1959.

If you make it to the Auto Show this year, check this car out, along with a lot of other cool cars (including a Tucker), in the Cobble Beach Concours D'Elegance display, in between the North and South Halls at the Metro Convention Centre.

Smile of the Week: Coffee Edition

Spotted this at Caboose Coffee Shop this week.

Pocket Camera Accessories

Learn more about Pocket Camera accessories here

Sony a7s Insane Low Light With Philip Bloom

The Sony a7s is our top-selling D-SLR right now, and with its insane low-light qualities, it's not hard to see why.

Here is a short video shot by Philip Bloom in Australia on the night of the SuperMoon. It was shot at 1 a.m., and yes that's moonlight, not sunlight, and that's the moon he's looking up to at the end, not the sun.

Amazing.

Salton Sea 2015: The Surreal, The Bizarre and The Obvious

This was one of the more surreal images DV Dude came across. A tree growing in a sea of salt, with some very mysterious metal boxes, and geothermal plants in the background. Almost looks like an album cover for Pink Floyd, except this was real. Captured on the road to Red Hill Marina on the Salton Sea.

While scouring the ruins at Salton Sea Beach, DV Dude came upon this slightly bizarre scene.  

This warning notice posted on a destroyed house in Salton City tells everyone that this structure is not safe for human habitation. Thank you Captain Obvious.

 

Greetings From The Salton Sea: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

DV Dude has ventured to southern California for his annual January Photography Trip, and his choice this year was the Salton Sea.

As you can see from the above sunrise photo, it can be quite beautiful. That's good. 

The Salton Sea has seen better days, as this nice beach tableau at the Salton Sea Beach demonstrates. This is bad.

 

And here's the ugly - dead fish. Lots of dead fish carcasses. This is a particularly bad section, and shouldn't be taken as what all the beaches are like. But there are fish carcasses everywhere. A tad gross, and ruins the nice mellow of the very peaceful, and quite beautiful, Salton Sea.

When Pigs Fly: Canadians Crash The Super Bowl

The annual “Crash the Super Bowl” contest for PepsiCo chip brand Doritos named its 10 finalists on Monday. Among them are Devon Ferguson of Vancouver, with his video “Selfish Sneezers,” and Graham Talbot from Maple Ridge, B.C., with “When Pigs Fly.”