Category: Photography

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera (BMPCC) 6K G2 – First test shots

March 21, 2023
Other StuffPhotographyReviews

First time out with the BMPCC 6K G2. Shot using legacy Tamron Adaptall lenses:

Adaptall 2 70-210mm (46A)
Adaptall 2 80-210mm (103A)
Adaptall 2 90mm Macro (72B)

The first thing that impresses is how well this camera captures colour and how relatively easy it is to edit BRAW files in Davinci Resolve. I’ve been shooting with the Panasonic S1 and the Blackmagic Video Assist 12G 5 inch recording monitor also using the BRAW codec. There is a difference between the two versions of BRAW that is now plain to see, the BMPCC files are much smoother to edit and playback on the PC and the colour science is very different.

I’m unsure about where to go with lenses in the future when shooting with the BMPCC but for now my trusty legacy Tamron Adaptall lenses are filling the gap.

The Bird Man of The Marsh

February 21, 2023
PhotographyStockVideoMedia

Took the Panasonic S1 and Sigma 150-600mm Sports out for a couple of hours for the first time this year.

Footage captured mostly at Marsh Farm and Beeleigh in Essex.

Some footage from this and my other videos may be available to licence at: https://www.pond5.com/artist/stockvideomedia

Panasonic S 24-105mm f4.0 lens. Photo samples from first day out.

January 23, 2023
PhotographyReviews

Took the Panasonic S5 out with my new lens, the Panasonic S 24-105mm f4.0.

Took lots of varied photos at different focal lengths, handheld, and I must say that I’m impressed. This is a sharp lens and the images speak for themselves. I tried to capture photos off subject matter that will reveal the sharpness of the lens.

This video is a slide show that shows the images at 100% crop (1:1 pixels in 4K) and also in their entirety. Basic info regarding focal length, ISO, aperture, and shutter speed is included.

A look at Clacton-on-Sea with the Panasonic S1 & Blackmagic RAW.

October 16, 2022
PhotographyPlaces

First outing with the Blackmagic Video Assist 5″ 12G HDR Monitor/Recorder. Shot in 5.9K RAW (5888×3312)) at 12:1 fixed compression with a resulting data rate of approximately 71 MBPS which is just over 14 seconds per Gigabyte.

All footage captured to an Integra 512gb UHS-1 SD card good for just under two hours of recording at 12:1 compression. The card is good for 180MBPS read and 150MBPS write in A2 mode but only good for about 90MBPS write in the Video Assist due to UHS-1 limits so it’s only good for 12-1 compression.

Shot with the Panasonic S1 & Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens.

We enjoyed our visit to Clacton-On-Sea in October 2022 and we were lucky to experience beautiful weather. The cooler October air and the bright sun brought a few headaches as the resulting heat haze rising from the sandy beaches caused a fair amount of distortion and Image softening on some shots which I hope doesn’t spoil your enjoyment.

I had a bit of fun with some FX in a couple of places so please excuse me!

35 free LUTs from Panasonic for V-Log. Link & demonstration.

October 13, 2022
PhotographyStockVideoMedia

A collection of various LUTs for V-Log provided free by Panasonic.

Available in various formats (see link below). Link, 35 free LUTs: https://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/cinem…

Basic V-Log – Rec 709 LUT: https://na.panasonic.com/us/resource-…

Demonstration clip captured with Panasonic S1, Sigma Sigma 150-600mm f5-6.3 Sports DG DN OS Lens, Blackmagic RAW (V-Log).

Novoflex MagicBall 60mm tripod head review. Unique, is it the best ball head? Tripod hack included.

June 5, 2022
PhotographyReviews

The Novoflex MagicBall tripod head is certainly unique but can it do the job? Is this possibly the way all ball heads should be made?

In this review I take a hands on look at the Novoflex MagicBall 60mm head AKA “The big one”.

Also, don’t miss the tripod hack that I use regularly, especially with a long lens.

Lowepro Pro Trekker BP 450 AW II backpack used for the Sigma 150-600mm f5-6.3 Sports DG DN OS

February 13, 2022
PhotographyReviews

I had trouble choosing a carry case for the Sigma 150-600mm f5-6.3 Sports DG DN OS as I was unsure of actual sizes.

As it turns out the Lowepro Pro Trekker BP 450 AW II backpack accommodates the lens well and the case is comfortable to wear.

I thought it may be of interest to others who may specifically have this lens. There are plenty of reviews about this backpack if you want more info on it’s other attributes.

Making the most of a bad clip. Please choose the grade you like.

September 11, 2021
Photography

I shot this lion footage recently in 6K Photo mode on the Panasonic G9 using the Olympus 40-150mm f2.8 pro lens. This V-LOG L clip doesn’t have much going for it but I only had one chance to capture what I could and ideally I would have got closer and been behind the fence instead of in front of it. Apparently the zoo have rules about this kind of thing, shame.

Is the clip usable and does colour grading help, you tell me, I look forward to your comments.

Test: Amazon Basics 72mm Polarising Filter CPL. An experiment in artificial voices.

July 28, 2021
PhotographyReviews

A test of the Amazon Basics 72mm CPL polarising filter, which produces unexpected results!

As an experiment this is the first video that we have created from new completely with artificial voices. Your feedback is welcome!

Throw away your microphone! Artificial voices, any good?

July 25, 2021
PhotographyReviews

I signed up to a new service recently because I was impressed by the voices that can be generated by this text-to-voice software. I intend to use the voices for some short upcoming videos as I am currently selling my house and moving so all my equipment is all over the place and my time is limited.

What do you think? Can these voices actually work for a video of this nature, maybe just in small doses, or do you hate them?

I created this video about lens hoods at the end part of 2020: https://youtu.be/xVKZ8vBdMeM In this current video I have replaced my voice with the artificially generated voices as a test, and for some feedback.

If you are interested in this online software the details are here: https://speechelo.com/first video that we have created from new completely with artificial voices. Your feedback is welcome!