A new kickstarter.com project for a Digital Bolex camera is trending fast (almost 3x their $100 minimum in a couple of days! In fact, their initial product run on 100 cameras is sold out.

The question is…

Can a camera promising 2K film-look video for $3,000 be the answer to your dreams or is it too good to be true?

Right now there’s no easy way to know. And, as their initial run is sold out you’ll have to wait until they release more to the market to get your hands on one. The initial footage doesn’t make me excited but it is a prototype and the footage wasn’t shot by a top shooter.

So, I wondered, what do the experts have to say about this?

Here are links to Philip Bloom and Stu Maschwitz – both top shooters who know their way around professional cameras. Interestingly, both of these guys stand on opposite sides of the issue.

Philip has put his money where his mouth is - http://philipbloom.net/2012/03/13/digitalbolex/

Stu has some tough questions and lots of skepticism - http://prolost.com/blog/2012/3/13/digital-bolex.html

I tend to go more with Stu – there’s a lot more to getting a working product out the door than having a good idea and money.  And I celebrate Digital Bolex’s entrepreneuring spirit – here’s to their continued success!

Here’s a link to an update from Stu – he talked at length with the camera makers and still has reservations. He knows about waiting on promised high end cameras and the real world.

http://prolost.com/blog/2012/3/15/the-passion-of-the-bolex.html

What do you think? Are you interested in a camera like this?

How would it change your production workflow?

Canon has announced the Canon EOS 5D Mark III DSLR camera with enhanced video recording features. At a suggested retail price of $3,499 USD for the camera body you need to ask yourself, “Is this the right camera for me?”

Here’s how to know for sure!

Do you already shoot video with a Canon 5D Mark II?

If so you have a kit full of lenses and accessories that will work perfectly with the new Mark III. And you’ll be pleased with the improvements for video capture like having a headphone jack so you can monitor audio. You’re sure to love being able to shoot clips longer than 12 minutes as the Mark III will automatically create a new 4GB file when you fill up the one you’re shooting.

It will only do this for three 4GB segments but that means you’ll get up to 30 minutes of video in one continuous clip. In some circumstances this can make the difference between choosing a DSLR or a regular video camera.

Add in the ability to handle time code, shoot 60fps in 720p video, and a few other video goodies and the Canon 5D Mark III will prove to be a worthy investment for a Mark II shooter.

Do you mainly shoot stills with some video every now and then?

This camera promises to create extraordinary still images under a wide range of situations. The Mark II is the camera of choice for many professionals and the Mark III is the logical replacement for shooters needing top of the line performance. The extra 2 stops of low light capability alone may make the camera a good decision, especially if you shoot time lapse at night.

When you need to shoot video you’ll find the Mark III will create superior results. You’ll need to look at your post-production work flow as video editing takes a different hardware and software tool set than photo work. But that will be true no matter which DSLR you shoot with. For a still photographer looking to add video to their services this camera will be more than up to the task.

Do you love the look of a full sensor camera for video?

The difference in how video looks from a DSLR compared to a normal video camcorder is stunning. And, for some people, video shot on a full sensor camera is the look they want. Compared to a crop sensor camera like the Canon T3i or 7D, the full sensor in the Canon 5D Mark III will offer a more shallow DOF using the same lens, light and f-stop settings. Lenses will have a wider field of view on the full sensor as well.

If you’ve worked with both full and crop sensor cameras and know you want the look of a full sensor for your video the Mark III is likely a good choice for you.

Is this the perfect DSLR video camera?

Far from it. It’s an improvement over previous Canon DSLR’s but it holds to their design philosophy of making great still cameras that will also shoot video.

If you need XLR mic inputs with live metering and level adjustments, if you need time-code in and out, if you need to feed a video monitor system or a field video recorder, or if you need to shoot longer than 30 minutes in a continuous clip then this is not the camera for you.

To quote Vincent Laforet, the guy who used a Canon 5D Mark II to shoot “Reverie”  - the 1080 DSLR video that was viewed more than 2 million times in the first week of its release:

I myself would go for the Canon C300 given my penchant for video over stills at this point in my career…

The C300 is designed for professional video and film production and there’s no better way to see what Vincent means than watching Mobius, the movie he shot with the C300 to introduce the camera to the world.

Mobius – 1080p HQ from Vincent Laforet on Vimeo.

It’s not a “one size fits all” world.

For some people the Canon EOS 5D Mark III will be the perfect camera and will inspire them to create new and incredible work. Others may find better results in another tool. Hopefully this post will help you know which camp you belong in.

One thing is for sure – this camera and the newest offerings from Nikon mean I’ll be revising the DSLR Video Buyer’s Guide!

 -a-

I cover Cameras, Lenses, Camera Support, Audio, Lights and the Rest of the Kit. You’ll find solid, usable information about what I’ve found that works during the 30 years or so I’ve been a video producer.

You’ll find recommendations for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced shooters. Plus I make specific comments for Photographers, Video shooters and Aspiring Film Makers for each category.

Now Available on Kindle!

Previous versions of the DSLR Video Buyer’s Guide have been available as a PDF only, purchased through ClickBank.com. I made a decision to move distribution to Amazon.com and you benefit in several ways:

• If you’re an Amazon Prime member you can download the entire DSLR Video Buyer’s Guide at no cost – zero, nada, for nothing! The Guide was accepted into Amazon’s new Kindle Owner’s Lending Library program and that means you can read the book at no cost on any Kindle reader.
• The price has been reduced to almost half of the PDF version so even if you decide to buy from Amazon you’ll save more than 50% of the previous price.
• You still get all the great information, all the links to the equipment online resources, and you can read it on most any computer with free readers.
• I give you a link in the book where you can subscribe to all future updates. And you can download a PDF copy at no cost when you subscribe.

A reader asked:

I am looking for a fair affordable lavalier for personal work before I start into commercial work. What is a sweet spot for good quality product for a good price? I am planning on buying the Zoom H2 and would just like your opinion and a few options from a Pro such as yourself. Thank. Samuel W.

My answer:

First, here’s a link to a post I wrote about a low cost audio kit for DSLR video – Complete DSLR Audio Kit for Less Than $450?

As I mention in the post, the price kicks up a lot if you need to go wireless.

Instead of $50 for the ATR-35s you’ll spend at least $150 for a VHF wireless. But VHF wireless units have very low usable range, pick up lots of static and can be pretty noisy (lots of hiss). A decent UHF wireless starts around $400. Professional systems start around $800 and go up. That’s why I recommend going straight to a small recorder with a lav if you want the best sound for the lowest budget.

Also, the ATR-35s seems to be discontinued. It’s been replaced by the Audio Technica ATR-3350 Omnidirectional Lavalier. The price is about the same and, though I haven’t tested it to make sure, it seems to be as good as the previous version. This is a wired omnidirectional mic that will plug directly into a DSLR or a Zoom recorder.

For a wired cardioid option at about the same price I recommend the Audio Technica Pro Series Cardioid Condenser Lavalier. The output is an XLR connector so you’ll need an XLR to mini adapter if you want to plug it into a DSLR or a Zoom recorder.

Whatever you go with I suggest having both omnidirectional and cardioid lavalier microphones.

Omnidirectional are the standard mic in almost all lav systems and they’re great for when you want to pick up everything around – like the bride, groom and minister at a wedding from one mic. But they are deadly in noisy environments when all you want is to pick up a single voice. That’s when you’ll want a cardioid or even a hyper-cardioid lav to cut the background sound.

Cardioids and hyper-cardioids are more difficult to use because you have to have them pointed at the sound source where an omni will work no matter which way it’s pointing. But it’s worth it to get the sound right on the recording.

I’m working on a real world test of omni and cardioid lavs and will post it soon.

-a-

Interesting article from a photographer who moved into video shooting with a DSLR.

DSLR News Shooter | Why did I give up my Canon 7D for the Sony FS100?.

What happens when you add a Zoom recorder and a shotgun mic to your DSLR rig?

You’re going to need something to hold all that gear securely.

That’s where the Alzo DSLR Transformer rig becomes an invaluable part of your kit. Here’s a short video showing how this works.

And, as I said in the video, the Alzo DSLR Transformer rig does double-duty. Besides holding all your kit, those handles produce a much more stable image when you’re shooting handheld. For the price, I think this is the best rig like this on the market.

PS – yes, I’m an affiliate of Alzo products. Hopefully you’ll like them as much as I do.

Here’s a great review of these two cameras.

Head-To-Head Review: Canon T3i Vs. Nikon D5100 | TechCrunch.

I’ve loved both Nikon and Canon for different reasons. These two cameras are closely enough matched so that you can make the choice based on your existing lenses or because you’re more familiar with one or the other.

Let me know what you think…

If you’re shooting video with a DSLR, chances are you’re going to want a small shotgun mic in your kit. With all the choices on the market it’s hard to know which one is right for you.

Chad Johnson has solved this problem for you – Shootout of the Mini Shotguns!

Shootout of the Mini Shotguns! from Chad Johnson on Vimeo.

For me, the number one factor in choosing a mic is how it sounds. My experience is that I can fix all kinds of problems in post production by taking out things I don’t want in the audio but it’s hard to put in what wasn’t there in the first place.

For my ear, the RØDE mics sound the best. And, in my experience with both mics, they are well made, reliable and easy to work with.

I know there are some situations where the off-axis rejection of a shotgun mic is the most important factor. In my experience those situations call for a high end professional shotgun operated by an experienced sound recordist. That’s not the same as mounting a shotgun on your DSLR and hitting the record button.

So, have a listen to Chad’s shoot out and decide for yourself. Then take a moment to leave a comment and let me know what you think.

-a-

I’m very happy to release an update to the DSLR Video Buyer’s Guide!

It’s amazing how much has changed in the last six months in this industry.

• Canon released the D60 and Panasonic upped the ante with the GH2.
• Zoom’s H1 brought quality audio recording to the under $100 market
• New tripods and other support equipment designed for DSLR video

You’ll find information about all of this and much more in the updated DSLR Video Buyer’s Guide.

I’m so grateful for all the comments on the Buyer’s Guide. The response is encouraging and overwhelmingly positive.

I have to say that I really am impressed with the overall style and flow of your writing, as well as the design and layout. J. Nerenberg

I bought your eBook a few days ago and am really enjoying it! G. Lane

Your Buyer’s Guide is fantastic! It’s probably saved me dozens of research hours and a considerable amount of money! M.Heckman

I’ve been working on updating the DSLR Video Buyer’s Guide for several weeks and now it’s ready. As promised, I’ve emailed everyone who purchased the original with a link to download the update for free.

Please take a look and let me know what you think.

Just came across this great music video from a new band called First Place. It was shot and edited by a Rosie Collins, a professional freelance photographer and video producer based in Soho.

I like the feel of the music and the positive message of the song. The more I found out about the band the more interested I got in the project. I connected with Rosie and got more info on the production.

DSLRHD.com – How did you get into this?

R.C. – As it seems with many people these days, I come from a photography background and so using an HDSLR like the Canon 7D makes a lot of sense when shooting video.

I’d already shot the band’s promotional photos the week before, so being comfortable with each other meant our one-day video shoot went a lot more smoothly. We’d decided on a low-key look for the video and I found a great space in central London, in a huge disused underground warehouse.

As this is their first video together as a band, we decided a purely performance-based shoot would work best.

DSLRHD.com - It looks like a great place to shoot, any issues with the location?

R.C. – The space was great but spending a whole day shooting there we discovered it was teeth-chatteringly cold and pretty damp, meaning I had to be really careful with my lenses as they kept collecting condensation. And, while it wasn’t freezing in there, I had to keep an eye on battery life, too.

The band themselves were getting pretty chilly as well. We used a smoke machine to fill the main space but all the breath you see coming from their mouths is a result of the painfully cold air.

DSLRHD.com - From the BTS photos I see you’re using a RingLite on the 7D. It’s a great look – How did that work for you?

R.C. – Using the Lite Panels RingLite while the camera was mounted on the RedRock micro turned out to be very easy – just requiring a little re-balancing. It freed me up physically to move with the performers.

DSLRHD.com - What other lights did you use?

R.C. – The rest of the video was lit with 6-bank KinoFlos, as they have such a lovely wrap-around soft light.

We also used a couple of 500w fresnels as backlights in the group shots through the smoke and as a spot coming through the doorway for the silhouette solos.

They put out enough heat that we huddled around them during breaks in filming to warm up everyone’s hands!

DSLRHD.com - What camera and lenses did you use?

R.C. – It was all shot on Canon 7D, with Nikon lenses (mostly 16mm fisheye, a 24-70mm and a 105mm macro) on a RedRock micro.

Using a Novoflex adaptor means I can use my good glass that usually goes on my Nikon D3.

Most of the video was shot at iso 640, and 25fps with everything converted to ProRes 422 for editing in FCP. I can’t see a discernible difference between the 422 and 422HQ formats, apart from the larger file size.

DSLRHD.com - What grading was done on the images?

R.C. – Grading-wise, we mainly used the FCP 3-way colour corrector, some RGB balancing, sharpening and boosted the contrast, along with warming up the whole video, having shot a fairly flat image in-camera.

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I’m always inspired when I see people accessing this amazing DSLR technology to produce and ship creative projects. I hope you find a bit of inspiration in this post to take another step toward bringing your dreams into reality.

For more info on First Place go to http://www.firstplacetheband.com

Here’s a link to Rosie’s site – www.rosiecollinsphotography.com