RED Epic5K resolution digital film camera

The new Epic cameras are currently available. I had the opportunity to work with them in a couple of shoots, and I wanted to share some if its pros and cons. The 5K image out of the camera is pretty impressive, yet the camera and software build in it are still in a beta stage, some notes below:

Pros (build beta 6.12):

- Impressive 5K resolution imagery (5760x3240pix)

- Variable speeds up to 300fps.

- Touchscreen LCD or via RED-Mote (pair as many cameras as you want to a remote)

- Size and weight of this camera is groundbreaking.

Cons:

- Build limitations to how many different resolutions and formats you can choose (probably fixed soon)

- BNC connection in the back is very hard to reach.

- Internal menu changed from what used to be in the RED MX.

- RED-Mote has lots of connectivity problems, when using docked and undocked.

Qtake HDAdvanced digital video assist

As an important part of the filmmaking process, video assist is the where you go to for playback. When filming your project you want to make sure your footage is cutting properly, the slo-motion shot has all the details you want, and any other important factor of your story telling process is captured just like you imagined it.

This is where Video Assist comes in, and Qtake HD is a very impressive software developed by In2Core. Qtake is able to capture up to 4 camera feeds, or 2 stereo rigs muxed internally by the software.

I had the experience to work as Video Assist for Skyline and learned a lot about this amazing software, now with the new Epic cameras out, we gave it a test run on a weekend shoot, and it performed amazingly.

Letus Extreme35mm adapter for HDv cameras

Letus Extreme is an affordable 35mm lens adapters for achieving the look of film using digital video cameras. Had the opportunity to rent one for the music video "Hemline".

My review on this gadget is nothing but negative feedback. There are too many loose parts, small screws that get loose, a spinning glass has to be initiated by a hidden button, that you forget to turn on half of the time, and it's powered by batteries that never give you a blinking indication or sound that they need replacement.

On a previous shoot, I used Redrock Micro 35mm adapter, and I think between these two, Redrock Micro is a better adapter, sturdier and simply a more solid design overall.

In conclusion, don't waste your time or money on a Letus 35mm adapter.

Redrock Micro35mm adapter for HDv cameras

Redrock Micro is a 35mm lens adapters, for film makers looking to achieve the "film look" using a digital video camera. I used one a while back to shoot a short film (Lesser Angels) and got to say that it's pretty good for what it's intended to do, but with the introduction of DSLR cameras that shoot 1080p images, these sort of adapters will soon fall under the endangered species list.

In my opinion the main problem with all these PL mount adapters is the amount of light lost due to all the parts you're introducing to the front of the camera, as well as the poorly designed rugged wheels used for the follow focus.