Cinematographer Archives

Increasing Number of Smartphones Are Capable of 4K Video

By Marlena Haller
July 8, 2014

An estimated 160 million phones sold this year will feature 4K video-capable cameras, while only two percent of TVs shipped to North America will have 4K screens. These cameras will be available on high-end models, including the Samsung Galaxy S5, the Sony Xperia Z2 and the LG G Pro 2. Meanwhile, cable, satellite and telecommunications companies are unlikely to move to Ultra HD for a few years as they wait for more TVs to show up in American homes. Continue reading Increasing Number of Smartphones Are Capable of 4K Video

HPA Panel Discusses Pixel Count in Next-Generation Displays

By Tim Miller
February 21, 2014

A panel of experts from across the entertainment industry convened at the HPA Tech Retreat on Thursday morning to discuss the importance of increasing pixel counts in next generation televisions and displays. While so-called “4K” or Ultra HD televisions have now appeared on the market from nearly every major consumer electronics manufacturer, there has been some debate about whether simply increasingly resolution truly improves picture quality. Continue reading HPA Panel Discusses Pixel Count in Next-Generation Displays

Scratch Play: Assimilate Launches Universal Media Player

By Rob Scott
September 5, 2013

Santa Clara, CA-based Assimilate has launched a free media player for visual effects artists, cinematographers and prosumers that supports Raw footage from digital cinematography and DSLR cameras. The new Scratch Play also supports formats such as OpenEXR and ProRes, providing digital imaging professionals and DSLR enthusiasts with the ability to review shots, pull stills, export CDLs or LUTs, and review animation at full resolution. Continue reading Scratch Play: Assimilate Launches Universal Media Player

Cine Gear Expo: Radiant Images Unveils Novo 2K Camera

By Rob Scott
June 3, 2013

Los Angeles-based rental house and digital cinema solutions provider Radiant Images unveiled an updated Novo action camera on Friday at the Cine Gear Expo. Built with the GoPro sensor and designed for cinematic use, the 3.2-ounce Novo 2K shoots uncompressed RAW and includes a C-mount lens system, PL mount adapter, back focus adjustment and exposure control capabilities. The camera was engineered by Valencia-based View Factor Studios; Radiant collaborated on design and function. Continue reading Cine Gear Expo: Radiant Images Unveils Novo 2K Camera

Cinematographer Praises the Soon-to-be-Released Canon EOS C300

By Rob Scott
December 2, 2011

Jonathan Yi is a freelance director and cinematographer who works largely in film and advertising. He teaches camera and cinematography at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts film program.
Yi recently posted an impressive six-minute test video of the new Canon EOS C300 that makes comparisons with current DSLRs and reveals a new standard for digital cinematography.
“I believe that Canon made a beautiful camera that is sensible, reliable and portable in a way that I’ve always dreamed a camera could be. It prioritizes great skin tone and has higher ISO sensitivity than any other camera out there,” he writes. “I know there’s nothing I can say to change the minds of the RED fan club. For the rest of the skeptics, I think once you get your hands on it you’ll understand how great this camera really is. Please buy this camera in January and go film some good skin tones in the dark. You’ll love it.”
The EOS C300 and EOS C300 PL are expected to be available in early 2012, at an estimated cost of less than $20,000.
Yi’s (very) detailed review is available on the Canon site, in which he writes: “As Canon’s flagship 1080p HD cameras, the EOS C300 and EOS C300 PL are designed to fit a wide variety of production needs. They are at home as A Cameras for Independent Films, Commercials, Television and Dramas as well as B Cameras on Major Motion Pictures, offering in addition to the more common 23.98P frame rate, several selectable frame rates including a straight 24.00P setting for intercutting directly with film originated material. Full HD 1920×1080 (1080p) is currently the most used and needed deliverable frame size for these applications. The EOS C300 and EOS C300 PL provide easy adoption and simplified workflow that 4K cameras currently cannot deliver.”

Creativity: Cinematographer Explains the Future of Technology is You

By Rob Scott
November 14, 2011

DP Art Adams discusses the future of technology and the importance of creative talent behind its use.
“Honestly, I’m not so concerned about our technological future: things will always get better, faster and easier over time. My concern is how we, as humans, will relate to technology,” writes Adams. “The last few years have seen a shift in focus from the people to the tools, and that’s a dangerous path to follow.”
“As cinematographers we should be selling ourselves on our unique vision and abilities, but instead we often find ourselves selling gear,” he comments regarding what he sees as a disappointing trend.
“Somehow the focus must be shifted from the technology back to the people who use the technology, because that’s where all the creativity is.”
Adams suggests producers and directors use the same approach that he uses with his own crew: 1) Hire good people who can do their jobs better than you can do their jobs; 2) Tell them what you want; 3) Tell them the parameters (time, budget, etc.); 4) Let them use their creativity and years of experience to solve the problem in their own way; 5) Repeat.