Canon EOS 6D Mark II is 4k Phobic!

Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Nearly 5 years after the original 6D Mark 1 camera was released, Canon has now unveiled the EOS 6D Mark II which is a big update from that camera when it comes to a new vari-angle LCD touch screen, AF points now 45 all cross type vs the old one at 11 with only 1 center cross type, Wireless support, dual pixel video AF and an extra 6MP for a total of 26MP vs 20.1 on the Mark 1.

This camera is still the cheapest full frame camera on the Canon line up and it gets a lot right but also 4 things are left out that really miss the mark which will not sit well with people looking at competitive options.  The camera is a great picture shooter for sure but it feels crippled artificially and it is quite behind the times when it comes to video specs. → Continue Reading Full Post ←

Chronos 1.4 Mods Make Improvements!

Chronos 1.4 Mods

We would like to share a few modifications users of the Chronos 1.4 have made to the camera in the few short weeks they have had to put it through its paces.  In our case, we got the Pro AM 5″ Sunshade for LCD screens and had great success curing what could have been a big nuisance for the camera.  In bright daylight, the Chronos screen completely washes out like most phones out there and makes it impossible to judge focus, controls and reviewing clips.

There are also case mods and more strap accessories that have made the camera better.   While the software is still in the early stages, the camera is fully functional and has been able to deliver outstanding image quality.  There are a few image artifacts that firmware will address in the future, that are pushing back our full review of the camera. For those that have been asking, rest assured we are on it! → Continue Reading Full Post ←

Sony IMX183 ExmorR Could Be In New RX Series!

Sony IMX183 ExmorR

Sony Semiconductor division has announced the new  IMX183CLK-J “Mono” &  IMX183CQJ-J “Color” Sensors in 1″ size. The sensor seems to be a step up compared to the ones used in the last RX100 and RX10 camera series.  While there is no mention in the press release of a stacked combo; the sensor itself should be able to be built on a high speed stacked memory package which should allow extreme frame rates at HD resolutions.

The sensor used in the RX100 V, for example, is a 1″ Exmor RS which allows for HDR capture in both photo and video modes. The new sensors announced are of the R variety “No video HDR” which could mean another variation of the sensor will debut with the RX100 VI.   Considering the cameras are due for a refresh this year we expect Sony to up the ante when it comes to read-out data speeds and use their stacking technology. → Continue Reading Full Post ←

Sony a9 Slow Motion Samples!

Sony a9 Slow Motion Samples

Now that the Sony a9 has been shipping for a few weeks it is time to re-visit and look at the slow motion 1080p quality that the camera touted at release. It is clear that the camera is intended for the midrange crowd with it’s hard to swallow price tag but that does not mean you can’t think of it as a good video camera alternative.

It is also now more inclined to be used by video professionals because Sony has stated the a9 will have an S-Log update in the near future that will allow it to shoot on a flat video profile for LUT grading. Autofocus is the best yet on this camera and on the samples below you can see it in action; barely missing a beat on hard scenes. → Continue Reading Full Post ←

One Plus 5 Debuts With Only 720p 120fps!

One Plus 5

There were a lot of expectations for the phone that would replace the One Plus 3T which was a mighty seller for the performance hungry crowd without the high price tag that typically goes along with the best phones.  The new One Plus 5 is a good upgrade from the One Plus 3 and 3T in that the performance goes neck and neck with the best of the best out there and tied with the Samsung Galaxy S8 in benchmarks.

The tale, however, is not completely rosy as the camera module taking a page from the iPhone 7 Plus includes two camera sensor modules, one for wide-angle at 16MP and the other for telephoto with 20MP resolution.   We say it falls short because the slow motion frame rates are pegged to a 720p resolution and only at 120fps. This is not flagship performance for video even when it ticks off all the other boxes like 4k 30p and 1080 60p. → Continue Reading Full Post ←

Schlieren Imaging Slow Motion DIY!

Schlieren Imaging Slow Motion

Sometimes all it takes to embark on a new project is some unexpected inspiration.  On the Incredible Slow Motion video by Veritasium – Seeing the Invisible: Schlieren Imaging in SLOW MOTION we are not only inspired but awestruck by the results of this simple and doable at home scientific experiment.   The experiment allows a camera to visualize the vortexes of gases and temperature differences in the air which serve to create some very interesting scientific experiments and or artistic visualizations.

You will need a Concave Parabolic Mirror like the ones used in reflective Newtonian telescopes, “you may have one lying around from your stargazing days”,  you will also need a small light source like an LED flashlight or single diode and finally a razor blade or similar precise object to cut off the light to the camera on a plane. → Continue Reading Full Post ←