I’ve purchased so many lenses for my Letus setup that I couldn’t resist the urge to buy a film camera body for it.

If the camera you’re using is older than you are - now that’s old school. The Canon EF…

Roughly 33 years old since it was first introduced.

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I have always been enamored with the look of film. I love the grain, the shadows, the colors or the lack thereof. I have this certain distaste for the garish, “sitcom” look of video. It’s not snooty, just a personal preference.

That is why we take great pains in achieving a filmic quality in the weddings we do. I’m sure by now you’ve noticed that rich saturated colors that abound in the videos. Or perhaps the color grading of select footage - sepia tones, desaturated, cross processed etc. All intentional and evocative of a mood we’re trying to set.

The camera motion is also one aspect we’ve perfected. Sweeping and gliding when necessary, static when the shot calls for it.

Perhaps the final frontier of the film look we are trying to conquer would be Depth of Field. Or simply, the area of an image which remains in focus while the rest is out. This helps the film maker guide the eyes of the viewer to specific elements in the composition.

This is very hard because a video camera lens has certain physical limitations in narrowing its DOF.
The solution? Use photgraphic lenses!

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It seems Sony got shook up with Canon’s announcement of their new HDV cams. Just very recently, they announced their own lineup.

First the HDR-FX7.

The cam looks very much like the Vx2100, definitely smaller than the FX1. Some interesting things to note:

It uses CMOS technology not CCDs. No XLR inputs, only HDMI outs. It loses the Cineframe capabilities of the FX1. I’m alarmed that the sensors are native 4:3, meaning the 16:9 mode is stretched. Sony states that it’s targeted at advanced consumers, not pros, but the price tag, at $3500 is surprisingly steep. The FX1 can be had at Carriedo for Php160,000. The FX7 must be priced way lower than that before any sensible videomaker bites. Read more here.

And of course in the tradition of the VX2100-PD170, FX1-Z1 step-ups, the FX7’s pro version is the HDR-V1E. For more money you cough up, you’re finally given XLRs and a darker finish to the body (whoot!). Interesting enough, it boasts of a 25p progressive scan feature simulating a more film-like look to the images captured.

Better start saving for Christmas.

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After the two button mouse, the macfolks again have something to rejoice about.

The service enables the iSight camera to take periodic pictures of the scumbag who stole the notebook. It sends screenshots of the system too so you can gather intel about Mr. Sticky-fingers.

It’s very Bond-chic. Makes you wan to have your MBP stolen so you can check if the service really works.

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I was always a Canon baby. I started in the business using a GL1 and it served us well. I loved the warm colors (compared to the “too-video look” of the VX2000) and the handling.

The GL1s were replaced by GL2s. However, these cameras were a disappoinment. Although lowlight performance and the image were generally better, the build quality and construction left me wanting. The cams went in and out the service center. Owning them turned out to be an unpleasant experience. It forced me to get a VX2100 as back-up (which I absolutely hated - bad lcd screen, poor manual controls).

Last year saw a defection to Sony FX1s. Absolutely magnificent cameras. They were Hi-def, widescreen and had excellent manual controls. I was a happy camper. We have three of those right now and plan to get another one soon to complete the set. My mind was set but Canon just had to wreck the plan.

This is the recently announced Canon XH A1.

Some things that make it a better camera than the FX1:

*a longer 20x optical zoom with superb image stabilization
*2 XLR connectors with phantom power
*the red ring around the lens barrel (signifying Canon’s L line of premium lenses)
*”faux 24p” not the real 24p in the Pannies but just a simulation like the ones in the XL H1.

I just hope the build quality of the new Canons is better than the GL2 so the FX1 will have worthy competition. IT will retail for $3999.

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If I was filthy stinkin’ rich, I’d get me one of these.

It’s a special edition from Alienware.

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