NAB 2014
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4 Observations from a First Time NAB Experience
This was my first year at the gear-head mecca of NAB. It definitely did not disappoint, and I had a blast attending, checking out new gear (which you can see a list of here) and finally meeting some people I’ve only had contact with in the online world. Here are some of my overall impressions about what I saw (or didn’t see) on the showroom floor and the conference itself. Very Few Surprises and Not a Whole Lot of New 4K The #1 question I keep getting asked is, “What was the best thing you saw?” And I really don’t […]
by Joey Daoud on Apr 29, 2014 -
Red Giant Creates Universe and Updates Software Suite
At NAB Red Giant announced a wide array of updates and new effects across their various programs. A lot of the changes revolve around Supernova, an original framework they developed that enables them to rapidly create new effects that run quicker than before. This is the backbone of their new Universe plug-in suite, a collection of 50 effects, everything from lens flares to retro film looks. Universe is also experimenting with the subscription model, though not forcing anyone to commit. You can choose a recurring pricing option for $10 a month or $99 a year, or get a lifetime membership (essentially […]
by Joey Daoud on Apr 22, 2014 -
5 Things I Learned about the Panasonic GH4 at NAB
I have been a big fan of Panasonic’s GH line since the GH2. When the GH3 was announced I was first in the cyber line for pre-orders and same deal when the GH4 went up. This time I opted to get the YAGH Interface Unit package. My thought process was I’d have a “real camera” setup that can handle XLR audio (I hate dealing with a second recorder and syncing audio), I could jam-sync the timecode on multicam shoots, and then I’d be set up to just rent a 4K recorder for high-end jobs that needed 10-bit 422 recording. I […]
by Joey Daoud on Apr 21, 2014 -
Tenba Builds First GoPro Camera Bag for Pros
Tenba showed off the Shootout 14L Action Pack – a bag specifically built to carry all your GoPros and rigs to remote locations. It’s a small backpack that opens up to a series of small cases to organize all your gear (a bunch of labels are included so you can organize it however you like). The bag is built to hold 4 GoPro bodies with accessories, but you can obviously configure it with more or less. In the open flap are some removable sleeves for batteries and media cards. The outside has some more pouches, one big enough to hold […]
by Joey Daoud on Apr 11, 2014 -
Airbox Softens LEDs in a Small Package
Here’s another clever tool on the NAB floor that’s both small and handy. Airbox is a modifier that attaches to your LED light to give you a softer, larger source. It packs up flat but with a few quick blows it quickly inflates to attach to your light. It also has a clear sleeve in front to slide in gels. Also available is an attachable egg crate to focus the light’s beam. Available in three sizes, both with and without the egg crate, ranging in price from $39 to $115. Get more info at Airbox.
by Joey Daoud on Apr 10, 2014 -
iOgrapher Adds Support and Mounts to iPhones and iPads
It’s becoming more and more common to do quick shoots with iPhones and iPads. They’re inexpensive, they have great cameras, they’re connected to the internet. But they obviously lack certain elements of even the most basic camera. When high school teacher David Basulto was using iPads in his media arts class he was noticing a common theme – shaky footage with poor audio. This led him to create iOgrapher. iOgrapher is a simple plastic molding that now comes in three flavors – iPhone 5, iPad, and iPad Mini, with iPad Air on the way. The rig gives you two handles, […]
by Joey Daoud on Apr 10, 2014 -
DaVinci Resolve 11 – New Editor on the Block?
Besides the new URSA and Studio camera announcements, Blackmagic announced some new updates to their popular coloring software DaVinci Resolve. While the newest version boasts over 100 new features, the vast majority of them are improvements to the editing capabilities. In previous versions the editing area of Resolve was more for making tweaks to an ingested timeline to correct any errors or drop in footage that didn’t import properly. Now it’s aiming to be a full fledged editor. The latest version adds a bunch of features you’d find in most NLEs – lots of timeline trimming options and keyboard controls, […]
by Joey Daoud on Apr 10, 2014 -
VectorMount Adds Movement to GoPro Action Shots
I stumbled on an interesting GoPro mount in one of the far corners of the NAB showroom floor yesterday. Though it shares a striking resemblance to a weather vane, VectorMount is a mount for vehicles that adds movement to action shots. The camera is free to rotate with an aerodynamic tail extending from the back, straightening out the camera as the vehicle moves. What you get are some nice pans and movement from an un-operated camera mounted on a vehicle that’s a little more exciting than just a wide static shot. A weight on the tail rod let’s you adjust how […]
by Joey Daoud on Apr 9, 2014 -
Small and Handy Grip Gear from Manfrotto and Matthews
With lots of one-man-band shooters out there and small productions, it’s always great to find small but effective gear along with gear that does double duty. Manfrotto released the new Nanopole Stand, a lightweight stand with a twist. The center column pops out of the legs, giving you a boom pole to quickly hold a small light or accessory overhead. Works great with their new Smart Tilt Head, a flexible cold shoe mount adapter. Another nice feature of the stand that is also appearing in other Manfrotto stands is a flexible leg that slides out, giving some adjustment room to […]
by Joey Daoud on Apr 9, 2014 -
New Pocket Series Rigs from Edelkrone
Edelkrone has taken their Pocket Rig concept and broken it down to create an entire series of different pocket solutions so you can pick and choose what type of attachments you’d like on your camera. The first one that caught my eye was the Pocket Slider. While obviously you won’t get as much slide from this as a full track, this is a really neat rig to get a little camera movement in your shot from a device that can easily fit in your bag instead of taking up its own bag. For other movement options there’s the Pocket Skater. […]
by Joey Daoud on Apr 9, 2014
