Samsung NX1 – Easy 4K

With the NX1 and its efficient H.265 codec, Samsung delivers a 4K powerhouse

By Neil Matsumoto

While we’re still a long way off from viewing 4K television broadcasts, 4K capture has been a reality for several years, with cameras like the RED EPIC and Sony F55 for high-end features and the Panasonic GH4 and Canon EOS-1D C for indie productions. But with this explosion of cameras, the 4K indie workflow is a work in progress. Whether you’re... Read more

The New 4K ARRI ALEXA SXT

ARRI to release the ALEXA SXT, which offers in-camera 4K capture

By Neil Matsumoto

For years, one of the biggest criticisms of the ALEXA camera was that it did not offer 4K recording. Because it’s a professional digital camera system whose primary distribution is through broadcast and cinema, ARRI took their time in releasing a 4K camera since 1080 and 2K are still the dominant distribution channels. Although they were never... Read more

The Indie Broadcaster

Whether you’re shooting for the small screen or the web, broadcast gear doesn’t have to break your budget

By Alex Cunningham

Back in the old days—think 15, even 10 years ago—there was a huge gap when it came to the sort of gear used to shoot big-budget features and TV shows compared to low-budget indies and cash-strapped broadcast productions. But thanks to the digital revolution, and fueled by the insatiable demand of the Internet, the playing field has been leveled... Read more

Built For Post

Panasonic releases not one, but two new VariCams, the VariCam 35 and VariCam HS

By Dan Brockett

A decade ago, the original Panasonic AJ-HDC27 VariCam was a ground-breaking technical achievement. It was the first 2⁄3-inch-CCD, high-definition production camera that was capable of variable frame rates. Featuring frame rates that were selectable from 4 fps to 60 fps in single-frame increments, the camera could also change frame rates during recording,... Read more

Compact Broadcaster

Sony’s PXW-X70 XDCAM camcorder delivers the “ENG” experience in a small package

By Neil Matsumoto

You may have read reports that the camcorder is dead. After all, the masses are now shooting video with their mobile phones, and the rest are shooting motion with DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. Even with vast improvements in DSLR technology, if shooting video is your primary function, a camcorder is still your best bet, offering features that most hybrid... Read more

The Anvil – Hands-On The Blackmagic URSA

Blackmagic’s URSA weighs a ton, but delivers a professional 4K RAW workflow

By Neil Matsumoto

For the past few years, Blackmagic Design has been the most forward-thinking company in the industry, creating innovative cameras, software, i/o devices and more. After purchasing DaVinci Resolve five years ago, in 2012, they released the Blackmagic Cinema Camera—a box-like camera that featured a 2.5K sensor and could capture CinemaDNG RAW files,... Read more

The DSLR Evolution

DSLR, mirrorless and compact camera innovations have created a new generation of accessories for motion capture

By Clint Milby

Back in 2008, Canon released the EOS 5D Mark II, which forever changed the way we shoot video. It was an act of rebellion, as novice and pro shooters alike traded their dedicated video camcorders in lieu of video-enabled DSLRs. Thus, the DSLR Revolution was born, and with it, an entire universe of support gear. Fast-forward six years, and DSLRs are... Read more

Sony a7S

Could the $2,500 compact camera be the king of dynamic range and sensitivity?

By Neil Matsumoto

Main Features Of The Sony a7S • Full-frame image sensor (35.8×23.9mm) • Wide ISO sensitivity (ISO 200-409,600) for movies • Captures 15.3 stops of latitude • Captures XAVC S files at 50 Mb/s • S-Log2 gamma expands dynamic range by up to 1300% • Can output UHD (3840×2160)... Read more

Workflow Special: Stepping It Up

The Nikon D750 delivers a better video experience than its predecessors

By Neil Matsumoto

In the stills world, one can argue that Nikon is the gold standard in the industry, with professional photographers coveting their camera bodies and Nikkor lenses. In terms of their sensors, Nikon currently occupies six of the top 10 positions in the DxOMark.com sensor ratings scale, which is based on performance in color depth, dynamic range, low-light... Read more

Compact Broadcaster

You may have read reports that the camcorder is dead.

By Lisette Rose