RØDE VideoMic PRO
RØDE has released the ‘PRO’ model to their very popular VideoMic that boasts “broadcast quality audio”. It features a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack for the HDSLR folks, a 3 position level control (-10dB, 0, +20dB), and a 2-step high pass filter (flat, 80Hz). This model is slightly smaller than the original VideoMic, which should be attractive for those who wish to mount it via hot-shoe on their DSLRs.
RØDE is offering a FREE “DeadCat VMP furry windshield” and a 10 year warranty when you register your VideoMic Pro online at www.rodemic.com!
Get it here: RØDE VideoMic PRO
Press Release from RØDE:
“As market leaders in the space it was only natural that we create another product to meet the demands and the needs within the category. The HDSLR revolution has really made cinematic video quality accessible at a consumer level for the first time, and many users are demanding audio quality to match. RØDE have answered their call with the VideoMic Pro” commented Damien Wilson, RØDE’s Global Sales & Marketing Manager.
The microphone ‘s two step high pass fi lter allows users to add a low end roll off at 80Hz that will reduce sounds such as air conditioning and outside traffi c as well as mechanical or motor noise produced by the camera. A three position level control enhances the user’s control over the audio capture, providing -10dB attenuation for use when recording loud sound sources, and additionally a +20dB gain that will boost audio levels and provide a superior signal to noise ratio in many HDSLR cameras.”
Nikon to Canon Adapters
Before entering the DSLR revolution many of us were engulfed in the 35mm adapter revolution. If the gear you own is anything like mine then you probably have a ton of older 35mm Nikon lenses you’ve used with your Letus or Redrock or Brevis. If you are using any of Canon’s wonderful DSLRs for video then you can still make use of that great 1970s Nikon glass. These adapters attach to any F mount Nikon lens and fit to any Canon EOS or EF mount body. You won’t have any of the auto functions that you would have with newer lenses – all lens operations (exposure, focus, etc.) are manual when using the adapter, but since you are usually shooting in manual mode when recording video, this really isn’t an issue. I suggest buying one of these for each lens you own as they aren’t particularly easy to get on and off the lens (though they attach to the body effortlessly once you have it on the lens). There are several of these available on Ebay, B&H, and Amazon. Here are a few that work really nicely:
Cinevate Canon EOS to Nikon Adapter Ring ($39):
Bower ABEOSN Lens Adapter ($43):
Zykkor Nikon F Lens to Canon EOS EF Body ($18):
Sony’s “Small Cinema Prototype”
OK. Now we’re talkin’. Sony has released a twitpic of thier new “small prototype cinema camera”. Here’s the link: http://twitpic.com/1eycf3
It seems to be a part of the first step that manufacturers are taking to go beyond the “trying-to-shoot-video-with-clunky-stills-cameras-cause-the-chip-is-bigger” age. The idea of a small camera, like this one, having a nice sized chip and mounts for cinema lenses, or even SLR primes is very attractive. I have wondered why they couldn’t just take the guts out of a 5D MKII and put it in a case with audio controls and video knobs. This would make a lot of sense for indie filmmakers, production houses, commercial photographers, and digital media guys.
There is not any info on name, specs or pricing yet. It is scheduled to be release at the beginning of next year.
The New Beast
Specs -
◙ Intel Core 2 Quad Core Proccessor (2.83GHZ; 12MB Cache)
◙ 4 GB of Corsair Extreme Memory
◙ WD RAID0 Disk Array (2TB)
◙ Nvdia GeForce 6800GS Graphics Card
◙ Blackmagic HD Extreme Editing Card
◙ M-Audio Fast Track Pro Audio Interface
◙ Dual 20inch Samsung Monitors
◙ Samung HD Preview Monitor
This thing hauls. Combine the quad core processor with the striped drives, the thing is basically out of control. It is the fastest system I have ever been on.
Intel Core 2 Quad -
What can I say about this damn thing. OK, two words: Fast & Effecient. The most taxing task I can come up with doesn’t even phase the thing. I used to be a AMD advocate, but Intel is just completly blowing them out of the water now. I don’t see me going back anytime soon.
Blackmagic HD Extreme -
The Extreme is used for capturing (component) and previewing edits in Premiere Pro (through HDMI to the Samsung HDTV). It does full uncompressed 10-bit 4:2:2 1080 or several compressions including Blackmagics Motion JPEG compression. I have been shooting a lot of 60i footage and it looks amazing. Still tons of more test to be done. This capture card is the most cost effective thing on the market. I just upgrading to the Blackmagic HD Extreme in the recently and am really happy with it. Blackmagic is an up and coming manufacurer of very solid solutions related to TV/Film.
M-Audio Fast Track Pro -
Very cool device. I use it with M-Powered Pro Tools for recording/processing. It is a USB interface giving you total control through pro tools. This is not the cheapest solution, but it is very cost effective. It gives you dual instrument/mic inputs through XLR or 1/8 inch. I only use it for recording mics, but you can hook a mixer to the thing and have as many channels as you want. It is a great device for us video guys.
