Microphone Shootout Coming Soon!
We just uploaded a brief test and comparison of the Rode Wireless Go with the Rodelink Filmmaker Kit and unconditionally recommend the former for its preposterously compact size and weight as well as for its ludicrously cheap price. Nevertheless, we must add the reservation that, for the very best sound quality, it is highly recommended... Continue Reading →
Is Sony Video AF Broken with Latest Update?
Lloyd Chambers as well as some forum members over at DPReview say the latest updates have killed a7R III eye autofocus, so I was concerned about whether a7 III video autofocus might also have been affected. Anyhow, face detect AF seems to work the same as before: which is to say that if my chin... Continue Reading →
How Effective Is IBIS on a Tripod?
Landscape photographers often ask whether they should use IBIS when the camera is mounted on a tripod to reduce camera shake caused by windy conditions. We couldn't emulate the windy conditions of outdoor shooting, but we were able to conduct an unapologetically unscientific test to try to answer a question which has eluded humanity for... Continue Reading →
I Really, Really Wanted to Like this Lens
Final test of the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 FE. https://youtu.be/czSN8GxD-ns
I Was Wrong About the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 FE
Hate to say, but the Samyang's autofocus might only be good for subjects that are keeping relatively still. Even walking very slowly, the lens just cannot keep up. https://youtu.be/yWvzdP7Y7hs
Comparison: Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 vs. Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 FE
https://youtu.be/IETNQ-rJTn8 "Capella" by SPCZLicense
Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 FE Autofocus Test
A down and dirty autofocus test with the a7 III, firmware v.3.0 (both camera and lens). The Samyang's a pretty chubby affair - it just barely clears the base plate on my Zhiyun Crane Plus - but is remarkably light for an 85mm f/1.4. When it comes to autofocus, the Samyang isn't a speed demon... Continue Reading →
Voigtlander Macro APO-Lanthar 65mm f/2 in HDR (must be viewed on HDR device)
It's mad just how clean HLG HDR videos uploaded to YouTube are when compared to standard dynamic range ones. And a by-product of the exceptional local contrast happens to be that your lenses will for the most part look much more detailed in 4K HDR than in ordinary 4K. So while the Voigtlander is crazy-good... Continue Reading →
Dust!
I talk about shooting 8-bit HLG HDR video with the a7 III, VESA’s meaningless HDR specs, my brand new gimbal, lenses I seldom shot with before and why I’m using them now, rec.709 and the film look, the best way to evaluate your lenses, the glaring absence of affordable HDR grading monitors and whether dust... Continue Reading →
Saigon in HLG HDR
More luscious HDR goodness, this time shot with the 16-35mm GM, 50mm f/1.4 Planar and 85mm f/1.8 lenses. Mostly architecture around Ho Chi Minh City from the French colonial era. Forget everything you heard about HLG being backward compatible: the clip must be viewed on an HDR display or it will look dreadful. https://youtu.be/3agRiX5kD5g "Ruby"... Continue Reading →
Cine2 My Favorite Photo Style
Sony a7 III, Sony Zeiss Planar 50mm f/1.4, ISO 640 1) No effects applied 2) Graded footage
How to Expose for Skin Tones HLG HDR
Experts recommend anywhere between 55-60 IRE for skin tones, but in flat lighting, it might be beneficial to go as high as 65-70 IRE to prevent the image from becoming dull and lifeless. Naturally, one must take care not to overexpose, or the image will appear washed out. https://youtu.be/BRiH_MHmoUU
How to Publish HLG HDR Projects to YouTube Using Compressor
Occasionally, YouTube doesn’t recognize the master files I create in Final Cut Pro as HLG HDR, so I’ve taken to uploading my HDR projects to YouTube through Compressor. 1) Send completed project to Compressor from Final Cut Pro. 2) Click on project. 3) Once project has finished loading, click on ‘add’ under settings in the... Continue Reading →
Sony, If You’re Listening…
In DPReview’s interview with Kenji Tanaka, VP and senior manager of Sony’s Business Unit 1, Digital Imaging Group, the executive candidly name-drops the now-legendary Blackmagic Pocket 4K (the ultimate expression of Grant Petty’s lifelong quest to bring filmmaking to the masses), which in itself is a bit extraordinary in a setting like this: and a... Continue Reading →
Just Go Out and Shoot!
In December of 2017, I purchased the Ninja Inferno to get 4K 60p out of my GH5 and to be able to use the recorder as an HDR grading monitor but things didn’t quite go as planned... https://youtu.be/G5TjHzGbVnw
The Daejeon Chronicles 