Tag Archives: documentary

10k 72fps Camera to be developed by Spanish PNBE!

PNBE 10k Camera Slow Motion

The Spanish Association of Broadcast, Cinema and TV Producers or PNBE for short, is sharing some information about a camera they are custom building for the purpose of shooting a new series for Spanish Television that explores  Nature and Astrology “Or maybe Astronomy” which could be a translation error.  The new camera will be able to shoot at pretty remarkable specs like 10k and 8k video including higher frame rates at many resolutions that surpass anything in its class.

The camera needs to have extreme detail and low light performance with RAW capabilities.  Only a dozen will be built for the TV program but we assume they share the information in order to see if there is interest in the market for DPs and other professionals to own such a camera.  We were happy to see that the spec sheet is very detailed with both H.264 and H.265 support aside from RAW and Cinema DNG formats in recording. → Continue Reading Full Post ←

Laowa 24mm Probe Lens Could Revolutionize Slow Motion Video!

Laowa 24mm Probe Lens

The new Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe Lens with included LED lighting at the tip is a really interesting lens for high-speed shooters that would like an edge in their shooting style.  The lens looks like a gun barrel but it is really a snake tube-cam-like lens that permits focus at just 2cm from the front element and also shoots at a fairly long distance from the subject.

The Kickstarter campaign project seen here was asking for just $9,999 USD in funding but as of right now with several days to go has reached an extremely impressive  $811,113 USD which translates to about 650 lenses to be delivered to backers.  The footage that the campaign was able to provide is really amazing at showing what can be achieved when creative minds are able to freely utilize an innovative lens like this. → Continue Reading Full Post ←

Underwater Slow Motion on Lumix GH5!

Underwater Slow Motion on Lumix GH5

The Youtube channel Backscatter has posted a glowing review of the Panasonic Lumix GH5 for underwater shooting. The camera is a favorite of low budget film makers and those looking for the utmost quality with 10 bit color in a small package.  The Backscatter review also points out that the slow motion feature of up to 180fps in Full HD works really well underwater.

We, however, recommend you stay at 120fps full HD to avoid some artifacts like moire and aliasing which the at 180fps show up easily and at 150fps are there to a lower degree. The GH5 can white-balance under water and does a stellar job at different depths according to the review. → Continue Reading Full Post ←

Is Slow Motion In Movies a Passing Fad?

Slow Motion In Movies

In a new column written by Dann Gire of the Daily Herald, Slow Motion is questioned as a passing moment in film history where it is overused and loses power and effect over time.  We agree that some movies rely so heavily in slow motion effects that it becomes a primary role in the movie.  Movies such as Sherlock Holmes and 300 1&2 take it above the regular mundane level and truly makes art out of the technique.

We feel that with the democratization of slow motion devices in consumer pockets with phones and now professional high-speed cameras are dropping in value while improving performance. We expect the slow motion trend of screen time will not diminish but increase for years to come as gear is now flooding the market with high frame rates. → Continue Reading Full Post ←

TIME 100 Pictures Remembers Edgerton

Time 100

Time magazine list of the 100 Most influential images of all time is a fantastic collection of visuals that encompass everything from nature, science, celebrities to world changing events. One of the images is the Milk Drop by Harold “Doc” Edgerton, the inventor of modern high speed imaging at MIT.

They have also created a mini documentary to go along with the image that you should check out. See in the link below: → Continue Reading Full Post ←

Planet Earth II Slow Motion Techniques!

Planet Earth II Slow Motion

The British BBC has always been at the forefront of image techniques that revolutionize our understanding of the nature around us. Planet Earth II is the culmination of millions of hours of work condensed into 6 episodes showcasing the wonders of the natural and human built world. The news site Vox has created some mini segments that explain some of the techniques used to create the series.

Of particular interest is the use of slow motion 4k Phantom cameras, a Sony a7s for low light and the use of an IR sensitive RED Epic camera shooting at up to 300fps in complete darkness.  The videos go into camera evolution as well as techniques perfected over decades. We encourage you to subscribe to the Youtube Channel for Vox Here and of course watch Planet Earth II which is a real majestic piece of modern documentary film-making. → Continue Reading Full Post ←