In the first two parts to this series we detailed how to create a bootable Mac OS X install hard drive, and include disc images of pro apps installer DVDs and other programs on it. In part three, we identify a user’s data files, custom files and presets, and folders that should be copied to [...]
Some jobs require both handheld and locked down shots in environments that are inconsistent with full-sized sticks. Others dictate that you travel lightly, shoot handheld, and quickly grab some steady shots as well. In these situations, a small tripod may not be sturdy enough to be trusted with an expensive camcorder. A large tripod would [...]
The New Approach.
Commercial LEDs were introduced 40 years ago, but only recently have emerged as an option for the video professionals. It’s not surprising that the evolution took so long. First generation LED lights required more watts per lumen, and were grossly inefficient compared to the incandescent bulb. How things have changed. High-brightness LEDs [...]
One reality when taking video captures to print is the constrained video resolution of 72 dpi. The video will look fabulous on a 60-inch plasma screen, but still images intended for print are, for the most part, unacceptable in both size and resolution. Many people resort to Photoshop’s bicubic or “nearest neighbor” feature to “uprez” [...]
This versatile and unique shapes-based modeling and animation application is few and far between. Inexpensive, capable of creating beautiful 3D animations, and easy to use. And did I mention . . . inexpensive. Kinemac offers real-time 3D animation and presentation abilities using OpenGL acceleration and QuickTime support. Add drag-and-drop capabilities for scrolling and 3D text, [...]
Tiffen’s diminutive Steadicam Merlin was a pleasant surprise, both in delivery and performance. The zippered soft case and fitted foam neatly held the device, stainless steel balance weights, dovetail mounting plate, screws, manual, and instructional DVD. A certificate of authenticity personally signed by its designer, award winning Garret Brown, was included. The Merlin, sans cam [...]
Apple’s no show at the blu-ray™ party hasn’t deterred one Mac accessory company from marketing its own Mac compatible internal and external blu-ray™ burners. Other World Computing has offered blu ray burners for the Mac for some time. Over the past year, it has increased burn speeds four-fold, provided Toast 10 Standard version as a bundled option, [...]
Noise Industries released FXFactory v.1 eighteen months ago to coincide with the introduction of Apple’s FXPlug architecture for Motion and Final Cut Pro. The debut package was an impressive bundle of filters, generators and transitions, all of which were optimized for GPU-accelerated rendering. You could even author custom filters and plug ins using Apple’s Quartz [...]
Anyone involved with delivering video content knows how incredibly efficent and stunningly beautiful the h.264 codec is. It produces exceptional video quality at impressively low data rates for both streaming and stored formats. It is used for streaming and messaging video delivery, popular web sites like YouTube, Vimeo and ExposureRoom, and it is the codec of choice [...]
Camcorders like the HVX200 provide benefits and present challenges. Their smaller size and weight facilitate a less obtrusive presence while shooting, but it’s a challenge to stabilize handheld shots particularly when compared to shoulder mounted cams. Dozens of products purport to address this issue, but none do it completely. The Camhandle represents an innovative approach to stabilizing small cams.