I have a Flip MinoHD camera and really like it. Amazing 720p video in such a small device and for only $200. Flip now has what looks to be a pretty cool new product to easily watch your Flip videos - on your TV.
http://www.amazon.com/Flip-Video-CTV1W-FlipShare-TV/dp/B002WZ4N40/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1259795440&sr=8-2
It's $150 and connects wirelessly from your computer to TV. The base has HDMI in too, so it would seem it plays back in HD. I might have just found my first Christmas present. :)
-Blake
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
7D Music Video
Just found this on Vimeo. Very cool music video shot on the Canon 7D and a Steadicam all in ONE SHOT. Nice work by all involved...
http://vimeo.com/7867769
-Blake
Canon 7D Music Video - Prospect Hill "Roller Coaster" from Enki Studios on Vimeo.
Direct link:http://vimeo.com/7867769
-Blake
Friday, November 27, 2009
Canon 7D is in the house...
Okay, so I finally got my new 7D. I was supposed to get it a month ago as I pre-ordered it but Best Buy and American Express somehow screwed my order up - and before I realized it there were no more pre-orders. Anyway, finally got it from B&H Photo (my fave online video store anyway).
So yesterday on Thanksgiving I took it for a test drive. Here is the footage shot around my house in between courses of turkey and pumpkin pie.
A few initial thoughts and notes for those considering buying one of these...
1. It's not a toy and it's not particularly easy to use. I would put this in the Serious Hobbyist up to the Pro level users only. This is not a camera to shoot home movies with (although you could of course).
2. Along these same lines, I don't feel this is the best camera for a "run and gun" style shoot. First off, hand-held is not easy at all - at least not right out of the box. If you buy a Zacuto Z-Finder (a $375 magnifying viewfinder that attaches to camera's LCD) and perhaps even a support system from Zacuto or Redrock Micro, etc. - then you can shoot some nice stuff. Otherwise I'd highly recommend using a tripod. Not only are there rolling shutter issues (you can minimize these though), but image stabilization is (typically) not on the lenses - some do have it though - but in my test it doesn't work the same as a traditional video camera's stabilizer. Also, the camera is slightly clumsy to hold since you can't use the eye piece to shoot video - only the Live View LCD (I actually prefer using an attached external monitor, if possible, like an Ikan or Marshall - but again, not ideal for "run and gun").
3. And more to this point - it's not very easy to focus while you're on the move and setting exposure takes a bit more time (and expertise) than a traditional video camera. There are no zebras in the viewfinder. There is a meter that gives you a safe exposure range, but it's not something that I found was quickly or easily done. When you focus too - you can zoom into the spot on the LCD (5x and 10x magnification) which is great, but again, doing this quickly is not easy (as mentioned earlier, an external monitor is ideal).
4. Lastly on this "run and gun" point is the audio. In my test footage I just used the built in mono mic and it sounds fine truthfully. But, I wouldn't want to use it for more than just test footage, or reference sound. I plan on buying a Rode shotgun mic ($249) to attach to the top, which will give much better sound and in stereo. But the camera still doesn't allow for manual control on the audio - it's all auto (maybe this will be a firmware fix in the future?). The Rode mic will work fine for b-roll and quick soundbites, etc. but for optimum sound you'll need to roll double system using something like this Tascam recorder ($399). You can actually put this recorder on the camera's hot shoe and use it as a mic, or you can plug in professional wireless mics or a boom into the XLR inputs (and have manual control, but this would typically require a second person to run sound).
5. I mentioned an external monitor a few times above and I think this is important if you can afford one (both financially and time wise). But one thing that sucks is you don't get a "full frame" sent to the monitor while recording - only the exact image that's on the camera's LCD - which includes the "info" and grey letterbox bars. So the image is actually 4x3 that you're viewing on the monitor (with the 16x9 video within). But, when you play it back - which you can do almost instantly - it plays back in all its HD glory (via HDMI to the external monitor), so this is nice.
UPDATE: I did learn (and tried this out) that with the HDMI cable connected you can cycle through different outputs using the "Info" button and end up getting 16x9 to the monitor while recording. This is good. Bad thing is you lose the exposure reading, but if you're locked in this isn't a big deal really.
FYI, I'm no expert with these new DSLR cameras at all - just an informed consumer and filmmaker sharing my thoughts. I actually get most of my info on them from a very smart British filmmaker named Philip Bloom. For pretty much "everything DSLR" I highly suggest checking out his blog and his instructional DVDs for the Canon 7D and 5D. I actually bought and watched the 7D training DVD today ($135 via an instant download) and got some really good information from it.
Wrapping things up here are my Pros and Cons of the camera (btw, I know I've mainly seemed negative above, but to me the Pros waaaay outweigh the Cons)...
PROS: Interchangeable lenses, huge selection of lenses and creative choices, shallow DOF without having to use a 3rd party lens adapter, great image quality (especially for the price), great low light ability, small form factor to shoot in tight (or public) places easily
CONS: A lot of workarounds to make it a "pro" camera (and a lot of extra costs), double system sound (for best audio results), rolling shutter, clumsy rig for shooting hand-held
Overall I think this is a GREAT CAMERA and perfect for the (indie) filmmakers out there looking to shoot a low budget feature film, a short film or a web series. It's also a good B camera to a RED (or whatever flavor of HD rig) for higher end work on commercials and features. I also think it's a very nice camera to shoot nature footage and beauty b-roll shots (on tripod). Lastly, it's a really good choice for photo journalist who need the ability to shoot video too.
Again, for complete details and more in-depth coverage and reviews please visit Philip Bloom's blog (I read it all the time).
And one other really good resource is Stu Maschwitz's Prolost blog.
Now go out and buy a 7D! :)
-Blake
So yesterday on Thanksgiving I took it for a test drive. Here is the footage shot around my house in between courses of turkey and pumpkin pie.
Thanksgiving 7D Test from Blake Calhoun on Vimeo.
All the footage was shot 1080p24 with a mix of AUTO and MANUAL settings (they are noted in the footage). Also, most of the footage is not color graded - only a few side-by-side comparison shots at the end are simply using the built-in Avid color correction tool (the "AUTO" footage really doesn't need color grading anyway unless you're going for a stylized look).A few initial thoughts and notes for those considering buying one of these...
1. It's not a toy and it's not particularly easy to use. I would put this in the Serious Hobbyist up to the Pro level users only. This is not a camera to shoot home movies with (although you could of course).
2. Along these same lines, I don't feel this is the best camera for a "run and gun" style shoot. First off, hand-held is not easy at all - at least not right out of the box. If you buy a Zacuto Z-Finder (a $375 magnifying viewfinder that attaches to camera's LCD) and perhaps even a support system from Zacuto or Redrock Micro, etc. - then you can shoot some nice stuff. Otherwise I'd highly recommend using a tripod. Not only are there rolling shutter issues (you can minimize these though), but image stabilization is (typically) not on the lenses - some do have it though - but in my test it doesn't work the same as a traditional video camera's stabilizer. Also, the camera is slightly clumsy to hold since you can't use the eye piece to shoot video - only the Live View LCD (I actually prefer using an attached external monitor, if possible, like an Ikan or Marshall - but again, not ideal for "run and gun").
3. And more to this point - it's not very easy to focus while you're on the move and setting exposure takes a bit more time (and expertise) than a traditional video camera. There are no zebras in the viewfinder. There is a meter that gives you a safe exposure range, but it's not something that I found was quickly or easily done. When you focus too - you can zoom into the spot on the LCD (5x and 10x magnification) which is great, but again, doing this quickly is not easy (as mentioned earlier, an external monitor is ideal).
4. Lastly on this "run and gun" point is the audio. In my test footage I just used the built in mono mic and it sounds fine truthfully. But, I wouldn't want to use it for more than just test footage, or reference sound. I plan on buying a Rode shotgun mic ($249) to attach to the top, which will give much better sound and in stereo. But the camera still doesn't allow for manual control on the audio - it's all auto (maybe this will be a firmware fix in the future?). The Rode mic will work fine for b-roll and quick soundbites, etc. but for optimum sound you'll need to roll double system using something like this Tascam recorder ($399). You can actually put this recorder on the camera's hot shoe and use it as a mic, or you can plug in professional wireless mics or a boom into the XLR inputs (and have manual control, but this would typically require a second person to run sound).
5. I mentioned an external monitor a few times above and I think this is important if you can afford one (both financially and time wise). But one thing that sucks is you don't get a "full frame" sent to the monitor while recording - only the exact image that's on the camera's LCD - which includes the "info" and grey letterbox bars. So the image is actually 4x3 that you're viewing on the monitor (with the 16x9 video within). But, when you play it back - which you can do almost instantly - it plays back in all its HD glory (via HDMI to the external monitor), so this is nice.
UPDATE: I did learn (and tried this out) that with the HDMI cable connected you can cycle through different outputs using the "Info" button and end up getting 16x9 to the monitor while recording. This is good. Bad thing is you lose the exposure reading, but if you're locked in this isn't a big deal really.
FYI, I'm no expert with these new DSLR cameras at all - just an informed consumer and filmmaker sharing my thoughts. I actually get most of my info on them from a very smart British filmmaker named Philip Bloom. For pretty much "everything DSLR" I highly suggest checking out his blog and his instructional DVDs for the Canon 7D and 5D. I actually bought and watched the 7D training DVD today ($135 via an instant download) and got some really good information from it.
Wrapping things up here are my Pros and Cons of the camera (btw, I know I've mainly seemed negative above, but to me the Pros waaaay outweigh the Cons)...
PROS: Interchangeable lenses, huge selection of lenses and creative choices, shallow DOF without having to use a 3rd party lens adapter, great image quality (especially for the price), great low light ability, small form factor to shoot in tight (or public) places easily
CONS: A lot of workarounds to make it a "pro" camera (and a lot of extra costs), double system sound (for best audio results), rolling shutter, clumsy rig for shooting hand-held
Overall I think this is a GREAT CAMERA and perfect for the (indie) filmmakers out there looking to shoot a low budget feature film, a short film or a web series. It's also a good B camera to a RED (or whatever flavor of HD rig) for higher end work on commercials and features. I also think it's a very nice camera to shoot nature footage and beauty b-roll shots (on tripod). Lastly, it's a really good choice for photo journalist who need the ability to shoot video too.
Again, for complete details and more in-depth coverage and reviews please visit Philip Bloom's blog (I read it all the time).
And one other really good resource is Stu Maschwitz's Prolost blog.
Now go out and buy a 7D! :)
-Blake
Monday, November 23, 2009
"Normal Activity"
Check out this funny parody done by my friends in the comedy troupe Four Day Weekend...
Direct link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUQiWan5eXI
-Blake
Direct link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUQiWan5eXI
-Blake
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Ken Ober Dies (MTV "Remote Control" host)
Dude... I loved this show! Sadly, the host Ken Ober died this weekend. It's not been reported how. Check out this old episode of MTV's "Remote Control" from 1989. Ah, the glory daze...
Here's a direct link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkC3OpnzMMc
-Blake
Here's a direct link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkC3OpnzMMc
-Blake
Thursday, November 12, 2009
All "88 HITS" Eps Now Online
All 21 (hilarious if I may say so) "88 HITS" episodes are now online at Koldcast TV...
Check them out here
And a DVD is coming soon!
Thanks,
Blake
Check them out here
And a DVD is coming soon!
Thanks,
Blake
"Pink" Mention in Bannen Way Article
Nice mention of "Pink" in an article about bringing "TV style" programming to the web like the new series "The Bannen Way"...
With high speed internet access becoming available to more people, prosumer video equipment getting cheaper and a trend towards unscripted scripted shows on broadcast and cable TV, the web is becoming the go to place for out of the box original programming. Scripted shows like The Guild, Pink, Legend of Neil, Angel of Death, Ctrl and Childrens' Hospital are bringing TV style programming to the web.
Read full article here
-Blake
With high speed internet access becoming available to more people, prosumer video equipment getting cheaper and a trend towards unscripted scripted shows on broadcast and cable TV, the web is becoming the go to place for out of the box original programming. Scripted shows like The Guild, Pink, Legend of Neil, Angel of Death, Ctrl and Childrens' Hospital are bringing TV style programming to the web.
Read full article here
-Blake
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
2009 Lone Star Film Fest
The Lone Star International Film Festival in Fort Worth, TX starts today... get your tickets now! Looks like a pretty cool lineup.
www.lsiff.com
-Blake
www.lsiff.com
-Blake
Monday, November 09, 2009
Natalie Raitano "Pink" TV Interview
Just uploaded a TV interview with Natalie Raitano recorded during the production of "Pink" seasons 1 and 2...
Direct link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC-YTZG4EOk
-Blake
Direct link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC-YTZG4EOk
-Blake
Houston "Pink" Screening
The Houston Film Commission hosted us last week for a screening of several episodes from "Pink" (eps 1-7) along with a Q&A with star Natalie Raitano, editor Cliff Richhart and myself. The screening was a lot of fun and the Q&A was very lively. Very good audience!
Here are some pictures from the event (on Facebook):
http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=195973825406&id=118105963889#
-Blake
Here are some pictures from the event (on Facebook):
http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=195973825406&id=118105963889#
-Blake
Monday, November 02, 2009
Riese - A cool new web series
This show looks to have lots of potential. Only one episode out and not much is revealed yet, but it's really well shot, etc. Check it out...
Direct link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UVy7uUceXw
-Blake
Direct link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UVy7uUceXw
-Blake
Friday, October 23, 2009
"Vampire Diaries" Webisodes Shot on Canon 5D
It's really cool that broadcast outfits are now using the Canon 5D (and 7D). SNL did a skit using both cameras for broadcast on NBC, the BBC has used the 5D for show opens, and now the CW Network is using the 5D for its webisodes that accompany the "Vampire Diaries" (these aren't for broadcast, but could be and will live alongside show on Blu-Ray, etc. in the future).
Read article here from DV.
And you can watch the webisodes here on the CW's site.
I will say I am not a fan of the 30p frame rate the 5D uses, but a firmware update is coming in 2010 that will make camera do 24p. That's big news. BTW, the "bad" video in each webisode was shot with a Panasonic HVX200 and then effected in post.
-Blake
Read article here from DV.
And you can watch the webisodes here on the CW's site.
I will say I am not a fan of the 30p frame rate the 5D uses, but a firmware update is coming in 2010 that will make camera do 24p. That's big news. BTW, the "bad" video in each webisode was shot with a Panasonic HVX200 and then effected in post.
-Blake
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Canon 1D DSLR Short Film
This was shot with AVAILABLE LIGHT. That's right. No additional lighting. Nothing. Really amazing...
-Blake
-Blake
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Web Entertainment Guide Interview
Check out this recent interview I did with the Web Entertainment Guide:
http://www.webentertainmentguide.com/interviews/pink-interview-series-creator-blake-calhoun
I talk mainly about "Pink" and the future of web series.
-Blake
http://www.webentertainmentguide.com/interviews/pink-interview-series-creator-blake-calhoun
I talk mainly about "Pink" and the future of web series.
-Blake
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Almost There...
We should get word today or tomorrow from Warner Bros. clearance department for "Exposed". They have been reviewing the final cut along with all the contracts, etc. for the past week. As soon as we get the go ahead we'll deliver the show. And then shortly after that - it should start it's run on TheWB.com.
Whew! It's been a long tough road to get to this point and I'm excited to finally see what viewers think of the show. I'll post info here as soon as I know an exact release date.
-Blake
Whew! It's been a long tough road to get to this point and I'm excited to finally see what viewers think of the show. I'll post info here as soon as I know an exact release date.
-Blake
Friday, September 11, 2009
Tubefilter Interview Part 2
Here's the second part to the interview I did with Tubefilter...
http://news.tubefilter.tv/2009/09/09/exposed-on-deck-interview-with-streamy-winning-director-blake-calhoun-part-2/
Actually announced my new sci-fi series too called "Continuum" (www.continuumtv.com). Look for more info soon on this show, along with the new WB series "Exposed" and a hopeful 4th Season of "Pink".
Thanks!
Blake
http://news.tubefilter.tv/2009/09/09/exposed-on-deck-interview-with-streamy-winning-director-blake-calhoun-part-2/
Actually announced my new sci-fi series too called "Continuum" (www.continuumtv.com). Look for more info soon on this show, along with the new WB series "Exposed" and a hopeful 4th Season of "Pink".
Thanks!
Blake
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