Canon and Sony News for Apr 2018 (Page 4)

From the CreativeLive Youtube Channel:

Lifestyle Family Photography has gained a lot of popularity, but many don't understand the amount of posing that goes into the look.

When you step into a lifestyle family session you need go-to poses and the ability to guide your families into genuine emotion and interactions, all while keeping the session under control. Self taught and 6 figure photographer, Elena S Blair, shares her top tips for emotive family posing as well as give you step by step instruction for some of her favorite family poses.

From Skylum:

This update features over 300 improvements and updates that make the app faster, more responsive and useful than ever.

The most essential features of the update are:

• Speed (Performance & adjustments): We’ve dramatically increased the speed of editing across all areas of Luminar 2018.
• Automatic Lens Correction: Our RAW Develop filter analyzes your image and the metadata to calculate a one click Automatic Lens Distortion fix.
• Enhanced image quality on image view: Most of the demosaic and green equilibration issues have been fixed.
• DCP Profiles Support (for the Mac version only. Coming to Windows soon): Luminar 2018 recognizes the industry standard DCP files that you may already have on your computer (or have bought from third parties).
• Import speed (for the Mac version only. Coming to Windows soon): re-engineered RAW import, optimized for speed.
• Windows version catches up with Mac: Added Batch processing feature, Free Transform image feature, Flip/Rotate image feature to the Windows version.

Here is a full list of the new features and improvements:

MAC:

• Fast RAW opening
• Super fast image editing and adjusting
• Faster image export
• DCP Profiles support
• Automatic Lens Correction (fix Lens Distortion, remove Chromatic Aberration and Defringe)
• Enhanced image quality on image view - most of the demosaic and green equilibration issues have been fixed
• Big number of stability fixes
• UI and UX improvements
• Localizations updated (German, Japanese, Chinese & more)

WINDOWS

• Super fast image editing and adjusting
• Faster image export
• Batch processing feature
• Free transform image feature
• Flip/Rotate image feature
• Automatic Lens Correction (fix Lens Distortion, remove Chromatic Aberration and Defringe)
• Big number of stability fixes
• UI and UX improvements
• Localisations updated
• Added ability to change localisation language in the application main menu
• Fixes with color profiles on export/in plugin mode
• Preview mode feature added (F hotkey)
• Enhanced image quality on image view - fixed most of demosaic and green equilibration

LUMINAR 2018 JUPITER OFFER INFORMATION:

• Current users of Luminar may upgrade for $49 ($39 with "THEDIGITALPICTURE" coupon code)
• New users can purchase Luminar 2018 for $69 ($59 with "THEDIGITALPICTURE" coupon code)

Bonuses included in the offer:

• The Complete Landscape Photography Guide ebook from Photzy (worth $50) - An outstanding guide written by professional photographer and writer Kent DuFault. This ebook has something for everyone, with 237 pages packed full of information and assignments that will transform your landscape photography.
• Aerial Photography & Video with Matt Granger (worth $79) - World-renowned photographer, Matt Granger will share planning, shooting and editing aerial stills and video. Matt will also demonstrate editing with Luminar 2018 on his still aerial images..
• Photography Tutorial by Daniel Kordan (worth $29) - Extensive tutorial with a full workflow demonstration by expert landscape photographer Daniel Kordan. This tutorial includes shooting and post-processing images in Luminar 2018.
• 119 Dramatic & Romantic Sky overlays (worth $29) - This is an amazing addition to your photo editing workflow, and will help give boring skies that ‘wow!’ factor.
• Splitsville Presets By Brian Matiash (worth $15) - Add a professional polish to your images with these cool presets.

Download Trial: Skylum Luminar 2018

Image quality test results are now available on the have been added to the Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens page.

After testing our first copy of this lens, my determination was that I would never own one. The results were quite poor. After testing our second copy, I have a new regard for the EF-M 18-150 and the focal length range this lens covers is especially nice.

The Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama.

From the Adorama YouTube Channel:

Low Key lighting is more then simply photographing against a black background. Join us in this episode as photographer Gavin Hoey explains the technique of a correctly exposed image that mostly leans towards the dark side.

If you shoot in a small home or portable studio, low key lighting is one of the best lighting styles to learn and this video will give you some amazing ideas to start you off.

In February 2017, Canon announced the EOS M6. One year later, Canon announced the M50, a similar camera with a feature many M6 customers craved – 4K video recording. Even though the M50 is positioned lower than the M6 in Canon's M-series lineup, you might be surprised to see just how close these cameras are to one another.

Let's look at these two mirrorless camera offerings from Canon to see which might represent the best camera for your kit.

Canon EOS M6 and M50 Shared Primary Features:

• Dual Pixel CMOS AF Sensor*
• Resolution: 6000 x 4000 pixels (24 MP)
• Crop Factor: 1.6x (APS-C sensor)
• Exposure Compensation: +/-3 EV in 1/3 stop increments
• Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB): 3 shots, +/- 2 EV, 1/3-stop increments
• Shutter Speed Range: 30 - 1/4000 sec (1/3 stop increments)
• 7.5 cm (3.0”) touchscreen LCD (TFT), approx. 1,040,000 dots.
• Flash x-sync: 1/200 sec
• Pop-up Flash: GN 5, 15mm coverage
• Memory Card Support: SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
• Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC

* Dual Pixel CMOS sensor AF benefits unavailable during 4K recording (M50).

Primary Advantages of the Canon EOS M6:

• Larger Auto ISO Range: 100 - 25600 vs. 100 - 6400
• Larger RAW Buffer: 17 vs. 10
• More Customization Options: 13 customizable buttons/dials vs. 9
• Rear control dial vs. cross keys
• Longer Battery Life: approx. 295 shots (425 shots with Eco Mode On) vs. Approx. 235 shots (370 shots with Eco Mode On)
• Smaller Size: 4.4 x 2.7 x 1.8" (112.0 x 68.0 x 44.5mm) vs. 4.6 x 3.5 x 2.3" (116.3 x 88.1 x 58.7mm)
• Compatible with E3, infrared and Bluetooth remotes vs. Bluetooth only

Primary Advantages of the Canon EOS M50:

• New Image Processor: DIGIC 8 vs. DIGIC 7
• More AF Points: max 143 vs. 49
• More Sensitive AF: EV -2 – 18 vs. EV -1 – 18
• Built-in Electronic Viewfinder, 0.39-type OLED electronic viewfinder, approx. 2,360,000 dots vs. optional EVF (EVF-DC1 / EVF-DC2)
• Expanded AF Area: max 88% x 100% (W x H) sensor coverage vs. 80% x 80%
• Better Face Tracking AF: eye detection vs. standard face tracking
• Larger Metering Range: EV 0 – 20 vs. EV 1 – 20
• Higher Resolution Video: 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD, 23.98 fps) / 1920 x 1080 (Full HD, 59.94 fps) vs. 1920 x 1080 (Full HD, 59.94 fps) only
• More White Balance Options: ambience/white priority vs. ambience only
• Faster Continuous Shooting: 10 fps (7.4 fps with Servo AF) vs. 9 (7 with Servo AF)
• Vari-angle LCD vs. tilting only
• Lower cost

Who should opt for the Canon EOS M6?

Like the EOS M5 vs. M50 Comparison, the feature gap between the EOS M6 and the EOS M50 is quite narrow, relatively speaking.

If you're a seasoned photographer who appreciates having a myriad of easily accessible controls, then the M6's Exposure Compensation, Quick Control and Rear Control Dials could tip the balance in its favor. To see what I mean, flip between the two cameras in our Camera Top View Comparison. The two most prominent M6 features you'll likely notice are the Exposure Compensation and Quick Control dials, both of which are missing on the M50. Also absent on the M50 are the M6's custom shooting modes, located on the Mode Dial.

Every photographer will benefit from the M6's longer battery life. Many will also appreciate the M6's larger RAW buffer and plentiful remote options.

Who should opt for the Canon EOS M50?

If you prefer shooting with a viewfinder as opposed to framing your scene via the camera's LCD screen (or purchasing an optional viewfinder accessory which renders the camera's hot shoe unusable), then the EOS M50 is your camera. The M50's feature set will make it especially handy for vacations, social gatherings and general purpose photography and videography. With its advanced and more sensitive AF system, capturing in-focus images of human subjects – even in low light – will be easier. Although you don't get the benefits of Dual Pixel CMOS Movie Servo AF in 4K mode, the ability to shoot 4K combined with the M50's vari-angle LCD and small size/weight will make it an extremely useful tool for filmmaking, especially for vloggers or one-man crews. If outputting to 1080p video, set a tripod-mounted M50 to record 4K video and then pan around the frame in post for high quality b-roll, or otherwise reap the benefits of automatic and smooth Dual Pixel Movie Servo AF when recording 1080p video (the latter benefit is identical to the M6).

Summary

As we mentioned in the beginning of this comparison, these cameras are very similar. While their names may suggest a clear hierarchy, the cameras' feature sets belie simplistic categorization. Both cameras will likely serve most interested consumers very well, with the handful of differences above – and the benefits they bring to select shooting conditions – will ultimately determine which camera fits one's needs best.

Relevant Information

• Canon EOS M6 Review
• Canon EOS M50 Review

From MindShift Gear:

SANTA ROSA, CALIF – There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear. MindShift Gear’s new Exposure shoulder bags are storm-resistant carrying solutions for the active photographer in virtually any outdoor environment. Built with high performance waterproof sailcloth panels, strategically placed storm flaps, water-repellent DWR fabric, and a sturdy Tarpaulin bottom; the Exposure protects camera gear from the elements and withstands the rigors of adventure photography. And, with its cross-body stabilizer strap, the Exposure moves with you while you’re active or is removable for more causal environments. A waterproof rain cover is included when it’s time to put the camera away and hunker down. Exposure shoulder bags come in two models, the Exposure 13 and the Exposure 15, and in two colors, Black and Solar Flare. The Exposure 13 fits a 13” laptop; the Exposure 15 fits 15” laptops. A 10” tablet fits in zippered pocket.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• YKK AquaGuard weather-resistant zippered front pocket sized for today’s large phones
• Weather Wings on flap for additional weather protection
• Anodized aluminum hardware is lightweight and resists corrosion
• Tripod attachment straps included
• Comfortably padded neoprene shoulder strap with easy adjustment
• Luggage handle pass-through
• Customizable divider layout for stacking short lenses
• Internal pockets hold batteries, card wallets, and other accessories
• Ultra-Stretch mesh water-bottle pocket fits most 1 liter water bottles and secures with an elastic cord-lock
• Deluxe organizer located in wide zippered pocket
• Gusseted pockets allow for large objects
• Compatible with the MindShift Filter Nest, Filter Hive, and Switch Case (sold separately)
• Compatible with the Peak Design Capture Clip and the SpiderLight Camera Holster
• Seam-sealed rain cover included

MATERIALS

Exterior: For superior water-resistance, all exterior fabric has a durable water-repellant (DWR) coating, plus the underside of the fabric has a polyurethane coating. It also has YKK AquaGuard (weather resistant) zippers, high-performance Sailcloth, 420D velocity nylon, 600D polyester, heavy-duty nylon tarpaulin, UltraMesh pockets, anodized aluminum hardware, nylon webbing, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

Interior: PE board reinforced removable closed-cell foam dividers, 200D liner, PU backed nylex liner, 2x PU coated nylon 190T seam-sealed taffeta rain cover, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

SPECIFICATIONS

Exposure 13
Exterior Dimensions: 16.1” W x 10.6” H x 6.5” D (41 x 27 x 16.5 cm)
Interior Camera Compartment: 13.8” W x 9.1” H x 4.9” D (35 x 23 x 12.5 cm)
Laptop Pocket: 13.3” W x 9.6” H x 1” D (34 x 24.5 x 2.5 cm)
Tablet Pocket: 11.8” W x 4.7” H x 0.8” D (30 x 12 x 2 cm)
Phone Pocket: 4.7” W x 6.7” H (12 x 17 cm)
Weight: 2.6 lbs. (1.2 kg) - With all accessories included

Exposure 15
Exterior Dimensions: 17.3” W x 12.2” H x 7.1” D (44 x 31 x 18 cm)
Interior Camera Compartment: 15.7” W x 10.4” H x 5.1” D (40 x 26.5 x 13 cm)
Laptop Pocket: 15.4” W x 11” H x 1.2” D (39 x 28 x 3 cm)
Tablet Pocket: 13.4” W x 9.4” H x 0.8” D (34 x 24 x 2 cm)
Phone Pocket: 5.5” W x 6.7” H (14 x 17 cm)
Weight: 3.0 lbs. (1.4 kg) - With all accessories included

MindShift Gear has the Exposure Shoulder Bags in stock with free shipping.

Just posted: Canon EOS M50 Review.

The M50 is simply a great little camera!

The Canon EOS M50 is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama.

Note that I encountered two repeatable minor bugs while evaluating the M50.

First, if the memory card is removed and re-inserted after changing the camera's ISO setting and/or AF point selection (and perhaps other settings?) without a photo captured between these steps, the settings will revert to their prior selections. To reproduce this issue, take a photo. Then change the camera's ISO setting and AF point selection (single point), remove the memory card and reinsert the card. The ISO setting and AF point selection will revert to those used to capture the last-prior photo. This is not a big deal, but something to be aware of.

Another issue is that Canon Digital Photo Professional (version 4.8.20.0) is not honoring brightness adjustments made to C-RAW files in the Main window. The thumbnails show the adjustment, but the adjustment is not actually written to the file and saved to disk. Batch processing picks up the unadjusted file. Reloading DPP shows the unadjusted brightness in the Main window thumbnails. Adjustments made in the Editor are working fine. Again, this is just an anomaly to be aware of until Canon implements the fix.

Both of these bugs have been reported to Canon.

From Blackmagic Design:

New upgrade fully integrates visual effects and motion graphics, adds even more audio tools?plus hundreds of new features and improvements that editors and colorists have asked for!

NAB 2018, Las Vegas, USA - April 9, 2018 - Blackmagic Design today announced DaVinci Resolve 15, a massive update that fully integrates visual effects and motion graphics, making it the world’s first solution to combine professional offline and online editing, color correction, audio post production, multi user collaboration and now visual effects together in one software tool. DaVinci Resolve 15 adds an entirely new Fusion page with over 250 tools for compositing, paint, particles, animated titles and more. In addition, DaVinci Resolve 15 includes a major update to Fairlight audio, along with over 100 new features and improvements that professional editors and colorists have asked for.

A public beta of DaVinci Resolve 15 will be available today and for immediate download from the Blackmagic Design website. DaVinci Resolve 15 will also be demonstrated on the Blackmagic Design NAB 2018 booth at #SL216.

DaVinci Resolve 15 continues to revolutionize post production by combining 4 extremely high end applications as different pages in one single piece of software. The edit page has all of the tools professional editors need for both offline and online editing, the color page features the world’s most advanced color correction tools, the Fairlight audio page is designed specifically for audio post production, and the new Fusion page gives visual effects and motion graphics artists everything they need to create feature film quality effects and animations. All it takes is a single click to instantly move between editing, color, effects and audio.

This gives individual users unlimited creative flexibility because they can learn and explore different toolsets. It also enables collaboration so people with different talents can work together on the same project at the same time. The DaVinci Resolve 15 collaborative workflow dramatically speeds up post production because customers no longer need to import, export or translate projects between different software applications, and work no longer needs to be conformed when changes are made. Everything is in the same software application.

The free version of DaVinci Resolve 15 can be used for professional work and has more features than virtually every other paid application for post production. DaVinci Resolve 15 Studio, which adds multi user collaboration, 3D, VR, dozens of additional filters and effects, unlimited network rendering and other advanced features such as temporal and spatial noise reduction, is available to own for only US$299. There are no annual subscription fees or ongoing licensing costs. DaVinci Resolve 15 Studio costs less than all other cloud based software subscriptions and it does not require an internet connection once the software has been activated. That means customers don’t have to worry about losing work in the middle of a job if there is no internet connection.

“DaVinci Resolve 15 is a huge and exciting leap forward for post production because it’s the world’s first solution to combine editing, color, audio and now visual effects into a single software application,” said Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design. “We’ve listened to the incredible feedback we get from customers and have worked really hard to innovate as quickly possible. DaVinci Resolve 15 gives customers unlimited creative power to do things they’ve never been able to do before. It’s finally possible to bring teams of editors, colorists, sound engineers and VFX artists together so they can collaborate on the same project at the same time, all in the same software application!”

DaVinci Resolve 15 Detailed Overview
DaVinci Resolve 15 features an entirely new Fusion page for feature film quality visual effects and motion graphics animation. Fusion was previously only available as a stand alone application and is the world’s most advanced visual effects and motion graphics software. It is now built into DaVinci Resolve 15. The new Fusion page gives customers a true 3D workspace with over 250 tools for compositing, vector paint, particles, keying, rotoscoping, text animation, tracking, stabilization and more. Adding Fusion to DaVinci Resolve has been a massive project that will be completed over the next 12-18 months. Customers can get started using Fusion today to complete nearly all of their visual effects and motion graphics work. The standalone version of Fusion will continue to be available for customers who need it.

In addition to bringing Fusion into DaVinci Resolve 15, Blackmagic Design has also added support for Apple Metal, multiple GPUs and CUDA acceleration, making Fusion in DaVinci Resolve faster than ever. To add visual effects or motion graphics, customers simply select a clip in the timeline on the Edit page and then click on the Fusion page where they can use Fusion’s dedicated node based interface, which is optimized for visual effects and motion graphics. Compositions created in the standalone version of Fusion can also be copied and pasted into DaVinci Resolve 15 projects.

DaVinci Resolve 15 also features a huge update to the Fairlight audio page. The Fairlight page now has a complete ADR toolset, static and variable audio retiming with pitch correction, audio normalization, 3D panners, audio and video scrollers, a fixed playhead with scrolling timeline, shared sound libraries, support for legacy Fairlight projects, and built in cross platform plugins such as reverb, hum removal, vocal channel and de-esser. With DaVinci Resolve 15, customers no longer have to worry about audio plugins when moving between Mac, Windows and Linux because the FairlightFX plugins run natively on all three platforms.

DaVinci Resolve is the fastest growing nonlinear video editor in the industry. It’s also Hollywood’s favorite color corrector. Blackmagic Design has listened carefully to feedback from professional colorists and editors. DaVinci Resolve 15 includes over a hundred new features and improvements that editors and colorists have asked for.

Colorists get an entirely new LUT browser for quickly previewing and applying LUTs, along with new shared nodes that are linked so when one is changed they all change, multiple playheads for quickly referencing different shots in a program, over 5x performance improvement for stabilization, improved noise reduction, and new Super Scale HD to 8K up-rezzing. DaVinci Resolve 15 also expands HDR support with GPU accelerated Dolby Vision metadata analysis and native HDR 10+ grading controls. In addition, new ResolveFX let customers quickly patch blemishes or remove unwanted elements in a shot using smart fill technology. There are also new ResolveFX for dust and scratch removal, lens and aperture diffraction effects, and more.

Professional editors will find new features in DaVinci Resolve 15 specifically designed to make cutting, trimming, organizing and working with large projects even better. DaVinci Resolve 15 has dramatically improved load times so that large projects with hundreds of timelines and thousands of clips now open instantly. New stacked timelines and timeline tabs let editors see multiple timelines at once so they can quickly cut, paste, copy and compare scenes between timelines. There are also new markers with on-screen annotations, subtitle and closed captioning tools, auto save with versioning, greatly improved keyboard customization tools, new 2D and 3D Fusion title templates, image stabilization on the Edit page, a floating timecode window, improved organization and metadata tools, Netflix render presets with IMF support and much more.

For the ultimate high speed workflow, customers can add a DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel, DaVinci Resolve Mini Panel or a DaVinci Resolve Advanced Panel. All controls are logically placed near natural hand positions and are made out of the highest quality materials. Smooth, high resolution weighted trackballs and precision engineered knobs and dials feature the perfect amount of resistance for accurately adjusting any setting. The DaVinci Resolve control panels give colorists and editors fluid, hands on control over multiple parameters at the same time, allowing them to create looks that are simply impossible with a standard mouse.

In addition, Blackmagic Design also introduced new Fairlight audio consoles for audio post production that will be available later this year. The new Fairlight consoles are available in 2, 3 and 5 bay configurations. Prices for the new Fairlight control panels are approximately 80% less than the previously available panels with prices ranging from US$21,995 to US$48,995.

Availability and Price
The public beta of DaVinci Resolve 15 is available today as a free download from the Blackmagic Design website for all current DaVinci Resolve and DaVinci Resolve Studio customers. DaVinci Resolve Studio is available for US$299 from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide.

The Fairlight consoles will be available later this year and will be priced from US$21,995 for the Fairlight 2 Bay console. The Fairlight consoles will be available from Blackmagic Design Resellers worldwide.

Download: DaVinci Resolve 15

From Redrock Micro:

Wireless controller offers professional focus/iris/zoom and gimbal controls, is attractively priced, and functions outside Freefly gimbals

Dallas, TX and Hollywood, CA - Redrock Micro today announced the MoVI Commander - a new multi-function mobile controller for Freefly MoVI Pro/XL that delivers remote focus/iris/zoom and gimbal control, operates when not connected to the MoVI gimbal, and is attractively priced. The MoVI Commander is on display beginning today in the Redrock Micro booth at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) conference in Las Vegas.

Professional and Precise wireless Focus/Iris/Zoom Control
At the heart of the MoVI Commander are industry-standard ergonomics for focus, iris, and zoom. The focus wheel offers refined features including the illuminated marking point, interchangeable focus disks, and adjustable hard stops. Each controller feels comfortable and intuitive, and can be adjusted for personal taste.

Command your Gimbal and Camera
The MoVI Commander is more than a multi-channel lens controller: The dual-axis joystick gives you remote control of gimbal pointing, and the smartly placed record button enables run/stop for any camera plugged in to the MoVI's camera control port.

Seamlessly integrates and extends your MoVI Pro/XL
The Freefly MIMIC plugs into the MoVI Commander as the link to your MoVI Pro/XL, so all the MoVI settings and adjustments you rely on are available at your fingertips. The Commander also addresses some of the MoVI shortcomings, including extending the MIMIC battery life, and lens control without being connected to the MoVI.

Use Outside the Freefly Ecosystem
An extraordinarily valuable feature of the MoVI Commander is the interchangeable Command Module. Unplug the Freefly MIMIC and plug in another module for standalone FIZ, VR, or other planned platforms.

Perfectly Priced
It's challenging to build a great performing mobile unit with all these features: MoVI Commander nails it, and takes it further being the first truly affordable mobile controller for everyone. Special pre-order price is $995.00. A special pre-order bundle including 3 SLS motors for MoVI Pro/XL is $3890.00.

B&H carries Redrock Micro products.

From ProGrade Digital:

1,400MB/Second Data Transfer Speed Reaches New Milestone

LAS VEGAS—NAB—ProGrade Digital, founded with a mission to provide the highest quality professional grade digital memory cards and workflow solutions, has become the first company to publicly demonstrate the CFexpress 1.0 technology with 1TB of capacity. Debut of this important next generation digital memory card form factor, presented by CEO Wes Brewer and VP of Marketing Mark Lewis at NAB in Las Vegas, provides solid proof that the industry is moving toward productization of this new standard.

“The CFexpress standard has been evolving for several years within the CompactFlash Association as a successor to both CFast and XQD formats. We are pleased to be working within the CFA and aside device manufacturers to bring to market this next generation removable storage standard,” said Brewer. “Industry adoption of CFexpress will allow for much higher resolution and higher bit rate image capture than ever before in many still image and video capture devices. Faster offload speeds will also greatly benefit the post-capture workflow through the extremely high read speeds it provides. With our demonstration today, we’ve also been able to show compatibility for the CFexpress Type B form factor with XQD memory cards–showing operation of both card standards in a common Thunderbolt 3 reader.”

ProGrade Digital demonstrated performance benchmark speeds exceeding 1,400MB/second and burst write speeds of greater than 1,000MB/second–nearly three times faster than CFast memory cards and more than four times those for SDXC UHS-II.

CFexpress 1.0 Demonstrated Technology Key Features:

• Industry-leading speeds
• Greater than 1,400MB/second read
• Greater than 1,000MB/second burst write
• CFexpress Type B format factor with two lanes of PCIe and NVM Express support
• XQD form factor interoperability
• Dimensions: 29.6 mm x 38.5 mm x 3.8 mm

The founders of ProGrade Digital are industry veterans in the removable storage and digital photography industries. Each, having spent time at leading companies such as Lexar and SanDisk, brings extensive expertise in the design, development and manufacture of digital storage products, plus longstanding relationships with key manufacturing and supply chain partners. The company focuses exclusively on development of memory cards, card readers and workflow software for professional imaging markets. Flagship products, ProGrade Digital CFast 2.0 and ProGrade Digital SDXC UHS-II, are optimized to render maximum performance when paired with high-end DSLR, mirrorless, camcorder and digital cinema cameras from manufacturers such as Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Sony and Blackmagic. ProGrade Digital memory cards expand the creative visions of cinema and photography professionals around the world.

B&H carries ProGrade Digital Memory Cards.

In the video above, David Bergman provides solid evidence why investing in an incident light meter is a good idea rather than simply relying on your camera's built-in reflective light meter.

Get your light meter at authorized retailers: Adorama | B&H

More information: Sekonic Metering Techniques

From Redrock Micro:

New Hybrid Camera Rig from Redrock Micro and Disney ABC Television Group/ Disney Research Merges Best of Gimbal, Jib, Drone, and Handheld to Achieve Cinematic Moves and Impossible Camera Angles

Dallas, TX and Hollywood, CA - Redrock Micro in collaboration with Disney/ ABC Television Group and Disney Research today announced DigiBoom - a new gimbal-stabilized camera rig that merges the best of jib, gimbal, Steadicam, drone, and handheld into a single highly mobile platform. DigiBoom is on display beginning today in the Redrock Micro and Blackmagic booths at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) conference in Las Vegas.

DigiBoom pushes content above the competition. DigiBoom is used by solo operators and small production teams to add eye-popping shots and premium cinema-style feel to live and pre-recorded news, sports, and events. DigiBoom can place the camera from ground level to over 8 feet (up to 12 feet with the optional extension) and everywhere in between while the full-time powered gimbal keeps shots smooth and steady. Use DigiBoom to create sweeping camera moves or place cameras into unusual point-of-views for maximum visual impact, including:

• Reach any target, move quickly, and get angles that were previously unimaginable
• Extend the pole to get shots of the tallest on the court, a crowded field and even places where tripods or handheld aren?t practical. Use the optional 3 foot extension for even higher and truly epic views
• Get in front of, above, below, or around any obstacles with total control of camera angle and position
• Create dynamic and premium cinema-style shots with smooth gimbal stabilization that will have people saying "How did they do that?"

Designed for Fast-Moving Productions and Small Crews

DigiBoom doesn't require additional crew or specialized skills, and can be learned in a few hours of practice. Familiar camera controls and functions are similar to traditional ENG cameras, and gimbal controls are intuitive and responsive. Solo camera operators are more productive and creative: capturing the required shots, but now with more options for unique dynamic footage. The highly mobile rig means shots and angles can be easily improvised for breaking news or on-the-spot creative choices.

DigiBoom is the only camera rig that delivers this wide range of creative shots while enabling full-time operator control over camera position and settings:

• Versatility - that enables solo camera operators to be more productive and creative. The highly mobile rig means shots and angles can be easily improvised for breaking news or on-the-spot creative choices
• Complete Control - of operation and settings for both camera and gimbal right
• Dual Gimbal modes - for fully automated, fully manual, or hybrid control of camera aim and angle
• Professional audio - including standard connectors and shielded wiring that is fully integrated into the DigiBoom for onboard camera audio, onboard mixer, or external sound mixer.
• Professional power - with one power source for camera, DigiBoom, and accessories. Use the external power input for unlimited run time.
• Full time monitoring - via the bright high resolution display mounted right where the operator needs it
• Modular for many different setups - including jib, drone-like, Steadicam, and handheld all with one rig
• Broadcast workflow and quality - whether live or pre-recorded, DigiBoom provides industry-standard video, audio and wireless with connectors and accessories
• Minimal training - enables broadcast quality and delivery of totally unique content from day one

Redrock's Cinema and Video Product Expertise Brings DigiBoom to Life

Redrock Micro has long been recognized as the premiere innovator for independent production equipment. Over the past decade, Redrock's original designs and products have made high production value affordable and accessible for any budget level. DigiBoom joins Redrock's existing family of over 400 rigs, automation, and camera accessories including the Eclipse the latest generation of networked camera-top accessories.

Powered by Technology from Disney

Core DigiBoom technology and associated patents were developed by Disney/ABC Television Group and Disney Research, and licensed to Redrock Micro to bring DigiBoom to market. DigiBoom has been field tested and refined over the past two years in organizations including Disney/ABC, ABC News, Marvel, and continues to be widely used at ESPN for live and recorded sports coverage. "Over the past two years we have seen DigiBoom deliver tremendous value to Disney/ABC, ESPN and other subsidiaries within the Disney family," said Anthony Accardo, Director, Research & Development, Disney/ABC Television Group. "Through our collaboration with Redrock, we are really pleased to see DigiBoom come to market and help elevate the state of the art for the industry."

"DigiBoom gives us a distinctive look - delivering high-quality, cinematic images in a portable and versatile package," said Brian Kennedy, vice president, Global News Gathering Operations & Planning. "At the 2017 Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C., DigiBoom provided incredible images and was the perfect tool allowing us to be live inside the story. No other tool could have delivered this type of coverage."

"The Rose Bowl is one of the most beloved and most watched football contests in the US today," said Lorenzo Lamadrid, ESPN Supervising Director, Rose Bowl. "Our use of DigiBoom for the 2018 Rose Bowl really enhanced the quality of the footage and sharpened the sense of 'being right there in the action' for our viewers. DigiBoom worked beautifully to create shots we couldn't otherwise achieve."

"DigiBoom allowed our camera operator to access high traffic spaces and deliver angles that wouldn't have been possible with a traditional camera," said John Vasallo, Sr. Coordinating Producer for ESPN.

Blackmagic Design Cameras Unlock DigiBoom's Potential

DigiBoom can be used with any appropriate camera and display. To get the most from DigiBoom, the preferred recorder and camera are the Blackmagic Video Assist and Micro Studio Camera 4K, the world's smallest broadcast quality live production camera.

The unique connectivity of the Micro Studio 4k Camera's expansion port gives operators fingertip control over all camera functions directly from the DigiBoom handgrips. The Video Assist offers full-time operator monitoring, recording to internal SD cards and offering SDI pass-through for live broadcast.

"Blackmagic Design's mission is to empower creative people. When we saw what Redrock and Disney were creating with DigiBoom, we wanted to make sure they could get the most from Blackmagic cameras," said Grant Petty, CEO and Founder of Blackmagic Design. "We worked together to expand the Micro Studio Camera 4K and designed it to be versatile. It is incredibly exciting to think about how much more creative camera operators will be with DigiBoom, and with the combined solution DigiBoom essentially becomes a single integrated experience for the operator."

Pricing and Availability

DigiBoom target availability is Summer 2018 and pricing has not yet been announced. In addition to the standalone product, DigiBoom will also be available as a Deluxe Field Broadcast kit and includes the most popular DigiBoom accessories. DigiBoom will be available from Redrock direct and Redrock's Worldwide Authorized Resellers.

DigiBoom accessories and extensions

• DigiBoom Jib adapter - mounts DigiBoom to your existing fluid head tripod for conversion to a more traditional jib
• DigiBoom extension pole 3' - extends DigiBoom for even higher shots while still retaining full operator control of gimbal and camera
• DigiBoom body strap - supports the fulcrum of DigiBoom for additional support and easy operation
• DigiBoom stand
• DigiBoom hard case with fitted foam, ready for road and air travel

B&H carries Redrock Micro products.

Introduced along with the new .CR3 file format on the Canon EOS M50 was the new C-RAW image file format. The C-RAW files seemed like a much better option than the M-RAW and S-RAW options we previously had available and, with C-RAW files being about the same size as a high quality JPG file, I wanted to know what to expect from images captured in C-RAW. What started as a small task grew into a project, so I decided to share some of the results with you.

Should I Use Canon's C-RAW Image File Format?

Let me know what you think!

In the video above, photographer Matthew Jordan gives us a walkthrough of his 3 light (plus 1 reflector) beauty setup. He also makes a very good point about how a light meter can help you produce a more consistent-looking body of work.

Below are the second and third videos in this series.

B&H carries Sekonic light meters.