Production

D5000 vs D90

Written by Forum Editor Tuesday, 05 May 2009 01:36

Just to keep things in the same vein here today, I thought I'd also post up Engadget's head to head that pits the latest entry-level DSLR from Nikon and against its top-tier brother, the D90.

It's worth noting that while we're really liking the look of the GH-1, these are 'real' DLSRs as opposed to the Lumix's Micro 4/3 format. One serious advantage these cameras have is in their continued use of the reflex mirror which many photographers prefer.

It's the lack of this mirror, replaced with a 'live' viewfinder in the Panasonic that allows it do autofocus while filming.

The D5000 is quickly garnering high praise for the amount of features packed into its low price. Certainly some customers considering the D90 will be opting for the newcomer instead.

Full story on Engadget

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Revenge of the HD Cam

Written by Forum Editor Tuesday, 05 May 2009 01:21

megan-fox-esquire-cover Clearly HD video cameras feel that they've got something to prove, given the recent deluge of stories covering DSLRs muscling in on poor old video's market.

To give a diametrically opposite view of today's GH-1 story, Esquire magazine has recently shot its cover on the RedOne 4K HD film camera.

Of course, those tricky video folks have one-upped the DSLR world by using the delectable Megan Fox as their subject of choice.

And looking at the results, who can argue?

Story at Gizmodo, more images, video at Esquire.

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Panasonic GH-1: throw away your camcorder

Written by Kelsey Brookes Tuesday, 05 May 2009 00:35

I admit, I swore freely when watching the new footage from Philip Bloom using Panasonic's new Lumix GH-1, because damn, that not-quite-DSLR has suddenly made the new Canon and Nikon offerings look just a little bit average.

There's a couple of reasons for this:

Autofocus - the Lumix has it with its stock lens, the others do not
Silent lens - ditto above
Full manual controls for ISO, shutter and aperture while filming
Better built in mic

Although it's easy to spout out the above features and claim superiority, the proof is in the pudding. Panasonic's pudding tastes damn fine.

Check out this uncorrected, ungraded, raw footage taken by Bloom:

Panasonic Lumix GH1. First footage from Philip Bloom on Vimeo.

Read more on Philip Bloom's blog [via Engadget]

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The making of 'Lost'

Last Updated on Sunday, 03 May 2009 02:18 Written by Kelsey Brookes Monday, 04 May 2009 00:00

lost There's a fantastic set of stories over at Variety on the production of hit ABC drama, Lost.

Created by J.J. Abrams (director of the current Star Trek reboot), Lost has been the subject of critical praise and, at times, intense bewilderment as to its direction. With a set time-limit of just six seasons, we are now drawing near to the end of the ground-breaking show when all those disparate threads are sure to be wound up.

Talking with many of those responsible for brining the show to the screen, Variety covers a lot of ground, from the breakneck pace required to get the pilot produced, to the orchestral scoring which is so hauntingly unique, to the Lost 'Bible' used to maintain consistency throughout the show.

It's a fascinating read.

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Review: NewTek Tricaster

Last Updated on Sunday, 03 May 2009 02:31 Written by Forum Editor Monday, 04 May 2009 00:00

BoingBoing has a video review up of the NewTek Tricaster, a portable live production device that allows for professional network-style live broadcast and streaming for an exceptionally reasonable cost.

This is one of those game changing devices and the reviewers clearly believe this will be one of those products that change the economics of an entire market.