Recent Videography Articles
Adobe Announces Firefly Generative AI Video Model
A videographer must master both the process of shooting and the process of editing to create a compelling final video. During the shooting phase, you capture the scenes necessary to assemble the final project in the editing phase. Once you begin editing, your only option is to work with the footage you captured during shooting. If you neglected to film a particular shot, there is no way to create it later. Today marks a paradigm shift with Adobe's announcement of a Firefly Video Model in public beta, making it possible to create video footage from scratch.
This New Netflix Series Is a Visual Feast and an Inspiration for Photographers
Blackmagic Design URSA Cine 12K LF Body-Only Option Offers 16 Stops of Dynamic Range for Only $6995
With the announcement of a new streamlined version of the Blackmagic URSA 12K LF camera for less than half the price of the kit version, Blackmagic Design has once again proven itself to be a company in touch with its customers' needs.
The Filmmaking Genius Behind Gladiator's Opening Battle
The opening battle of Gladiator remains a memorable moment in modern cinema. Its combination of layered storytelling, technical precision, and visceral energy still holds its own more than two decades after the film’s release.
Panasonic Announces Four New 4K 60p 10-Bit Professional Camcorders
Panasonic has unveiled four new 4K professional camcorders designed for high-quality video production, broadcasting, and live streaming The AG-CX20, HC-X2100, HC-X1600, and HC-X1200 models combine 4K 60p 10-bit recording with advanced features in a compact and lightweight design, making them suitable for a wide range of users, from solo filmmakers to professional production teams
We Review the Zhiyun Cinepeer Crane 4E
Zhiyun has a wide range of gimbals to choose from, and the new offering is the Cinepeer Crane 4E. In this article, I put the gimbal through its paces and give my opinion as a first-time user.
We Review the Latest Pro Smartphone Stabilizer: Insta360 Flow 2 Pro
As you might be familiar with Insta360’s Flow Pro, the first smartphone gimbal that features Apple DockKit, they have now released a brand-new model, the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro, which features a sleek design and even more advanced features. With the rapid growth of AI integration technology, the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro has taken the leap to become the next-gen AI-powered smartphone stabilizer, featuring the all-new Deep Track 4.0 that offers advanced tracking capability.
Hollyland Lark M2S Announced: The Ultra-Mini Wireless Microphone
Hollyland has officially unveiled its latest wireless mic solution, the Lark M2S microphone. Tailored for content creators who demand excellent audio quality without compromising convenience or dominating the shot, this sixth-generation Lark Series microphone delivers on multiple fronts. Here’s why this ultra-mini wireless microphone deserves a spot in your production toolkit.
Our Hands-On Review of the Venus Optics Laowa Nanomorph T/2.9 1.5x LF Anamorphics
A new line of full-frame anamorphic lenses has just hit the market. Get ready for the Venus Optics Laowa Nanomorph T2.9 1.5x LF Anamorphics.
Nikon Z9 Adds Shutter Angle Option For Filmmakers
As press releases go, this one was brief. But short can sometimes be significant, as Nikon announced today a new version of firmware that brings to its mirrorless cameras a staple of the film industry: shutter angle.
Why I Choose the Nikon Z9 Over the Z8 for Video
I read a quote recently that stated, “Buying a Z8 over a Z9 is a no-brainer.” Er, excuse me, may I add my two cents? Or maybe I should say, allow me to weigh in (you’ll get that pun later)…
How To Use Timecode Across Multiple Mirrorless Cameras and Audio Devices
Today, I’ll share a quick look at my simple solution to a sometimes convoluted process.
A Cinematic Secret Photographers Shouldn’t Miss: Pro Mist Filters
If you're into shooting video, you may have heard of or even used a Pro-Mist filter. But have you ever thought about using them for photography?
Laowa Releases Macro Sword Full Frame Cine Series Lenses
Today, Laowa has introduced a new line of cinema lenses to the cinematography market. And these have a major perk: macro capabilities.
Two Big Price Cuts From Blackmagic Design For Users Of DaVinci Resolve Studio and Blackmagic Cloud
Blackmagic Design has made two price drops, one permanent and one temporary, that might be of interest to those of you who use DaVinci Resolve Studio to bring your video projects to reality.
Explaining Most of the Things About Canon Log (C-Log) to Get You Started in Filmmaking
Coming from a photography background, venturing into the video realm can feel overwhelming. While I'm confident in most aspects of photography, the learning curve for filmmaking is steep and often more complicated than expected.
Bird Banding in the Peruvian Amazon: New YouTube Docuseries
Ever wonder what it’s like to do bird research in the Amazon jungle?
The Best Single Lens for Travel Filmmaking: 24-70mm
I love prime lenses—they’re always my preference—but I had to travel across Spain recently to make a documentary film and was traveling light. I had to pick my lenses carefully, so I chose the 24-70mm as my main lens. I quickly discovered it was the perfect travel lens.
The Most Customizable Tabletop Tripod: We Review the Tilta BT03 Portable Tripod
Tabletop tripods are always nice to have whenever the need arises. While most mini tripods have the same features and functions, this one might offer more uses than most.
Thoughts on The FUJIFILM GFX Eterna Filmmaking Camera Development Announcement
This week, Fujifilm announced the development of a new camera designed with filmmakers in mind, the Fujifilm GFX Eterna. The camera builds on Fuji’s GFX line of medium format still cameras but will be focused on video capture and is aimed at independent filmmakers and documentarians.
Affordable Cinema-Style Lenses That Can Help Create Beautiful Visuals
Nikon Announces Development Of NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Lens
Nikon, a brand with a long history of quality in photography, continues its growth in the video market today with the development announcement of a new NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens with filmmakers in mind.
3 Gimbal Upgrades I Wish I Made Months Ago
For any videographer, getting your equipment setup just right is key to achieving smoother workflows and better-quality shots. Recently, I upgraded my gimbal setup with a few accessories that have made a significant impact on both my shooting experience and footage quality. Looking back, I wish I had invested in these upgrades much sooner.
How Good Is the New Insta360 Ace Pro 2 Action Camera?
Mobile Creators Rejoice: Lexar’s Go Portable SSD Can Save You Money
If you’re creating content on your iPhone, Apple’s storage pricing can make it very difficult to justify using storage-heavy workflows like ProRes. Lexar’s Go Portable SSD, however, is specially designed to be the perfect external storage pairing for iPhones and other USB-C mobile devices.
Granting My Mirrorless Camera Eternal Life With Two Inexpensive Tools From SmallRig
Film production equipment is notoriously expensive. But some of the most helpful tools can still be had for a song.
A Professional Photographer’s Look at the Accsoon TopRig S60 Motorized Slider
As a professional commercial photographer, my main priority has always been to capture the perfect still image whether for client delivery or personal project.
What It’s Like to Use an iPod Nano as an Everyday Camcorder
Five years ago, I suggested that Apple get into the dedicated camera game again by turning its long-neglected (and now officially dead) iPod touch into a sweet connected camera. It didn't happen, but apparently there are some folks who appreciate iPod cameras just the way they are.
A Hybrid Tripod Built for Diverse Needs: Tilta VT05 Travel Tripod Review
If you shoot both photo and video, you’re probably used to having a different kind of tripod for each separate workflow. However, this new tripod from Tilta just might make things easier when you’re shooting on the go.
Tips and Tricks for Discreetly Vlogging in Public
Vlogging is often fraught with peril. Whether that's overcoming your own shyness, or overcoming people on the street uncomfortable with someone overcoming their shyness in a vlog, there are techniques and gear to help minimize issues.
How To Use The New RED LUTs On A Nikon Mirrorless Camera
Last week, Nikon released a quintet of LUTs for its Z line of cameras that bring a touch of RED color science to the Nikon world.
The Advice Film Director Stanley Kubrick Left to All Photographers
You may not have been aware that film director Stanley Kubrick was also a professional photographer, having shot assignments for magazines before he ever made any of his award-winning movies. So what did his photographer’s eye bring to his movies, and what can we learn from his creative process?
Saramonic WiTalk 9 In Use: Production Level Wireless Headsets for Everyone
While the image of a harried producer talking into a wireless headset on a film lot might be a cliche, there’s a good reason why these products exist. Saramonic’s WiTalk 9 series of headsets offer an affordable way to access professional quality wireless communication, ideal for productions, drone operations, or other content creation endeavors where hands-free communication is essential.
How Tripods Can Elevate Your Filmmaking
A tripod might seem basic, but its simplicity is its strength. In an age where drones, gimbals, and cranes dominate, it’s easy to forget the power of keeping your camera still. The composition becomes the star, allowing you to focus on framing and detail. Sometimes, the camera doesn’t need to move to make an impact.
What the Flip Happened to Flip Video Cameras?
If you're a child of the 'aughts, you've probably seen a Flip Video camera at least once in your life. Before cellphone videos were a thing, these bad boys ruled the amateur video circuit with their ease of use and novel design that incorporated a literal flipping USB port on the side. But what happened to these once ubiquitous cameras?
For Better Visual Storytelling With Your Photography, Director Steven Spielberg Has Some Great Advice for You
Before you instinctively dial in a wide aperture for that dreamy bokeh, consider what you might be losing in terms of your photograph’s ability to tell a story. How about taking your fingers off that aperture ring for a moment and listening to one of the world’s greatest visual storytellers?
Filming Malaysia's Largest Da Shi Ye Effigy at the Hungry Ghost Festival With Canon 1DX Mark II
With a history spanning over 130 years, the Hungry Ghost Festival in Bukit Mertajam stands as one of Malaysia's most significant and enduring cultural events.
ProGrade Launches More Affordable CFexpress Type A Cards
ProGrade Digital makes a wide range of memory cards, targeting their products at the professional market. While their Iridium line of CFexpress Type A cards have already shown fantastic performance in my hands-on review, the combination of their blazing speed and larger capacities left them with a higher MSRP (although still at a good price per GB, to be clear). With the Gold line, ProGrade is bringing many of the desirable features to a lower pricepoint and capacity.
A Photographer's Transition into the World of Video Production
Entering the world of photography can be challenging enough. The world of video can feel even more daunting! For someone who has solely focused on photography 100% from day one, taking on the challenge of video is a whole new world. Here are the things I learned from creating my video for my work as a photographer without video experience.
Review: Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI – A Game-Changer for Smartphone Filmmakers
As a passionate landscape photographer, I often emphasize that a phone will never fully replace a professional camera. However, in an age where social media dominates and more photos and videos are being captured on personal phones than ever before, it's important to acknowledge the innovations enabling phone users to capture incredible footage and photos. The Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI is one such innovation worth noting.
Making Movies With a $9 Video Camera
A while back, I tested Amazon's cheapest non-kid camera, a $20 piece of junk that was sold under various scammy names on the online retailer's site. Lowering the bar in ways I didn't think was possible, one filmmaker has decided to challenge himself by using the cheapest camera on the site to make a short film, and this time, it is actually a kids' camera.
DJI Launches New Lightweight SDR Video Transmission System
Stable and reliable video monitoring is essential to any film or video production. Today, DJI has introduced a new set of products aimed at keeping your production connected.
Must-Watch Films of 2024
Love movies? This awesome video highlights three exceptional films from the first half of 2024.
The Nikon Z6 III: A Transformative Camera That Might Give Sony Shooters Reason to Jump Ship?
With the release of their new Z6 III hybrid camera, has Nikon just thrown the proverbial cat among the pigeons for anybody looking for a new camera that can hold its own in both video and still photography? Based upon this first look at a pre-production Nikon Z6 III, the answer might well be yes.
4 Essential Video Accessories for Creators on a Budget
It's easier than ever to get started with video, thanks to the great video capabilities of most cameras (and even phones!), but having the right accessories can make a huge difference. Here are some essential accessories every videographer should consider adding to their kit.
Canon Announces New RF-S 3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye Lens for APS-C VR Creation
Meanwhile, in VR news, today, Canon announced a new addition to its lens lineup, the new RF-S 3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye lens.
Not on Location? Film in Front of a TV for a Convincing Fake Background
If I hadn't already written an article about it a couple of years back, it would be one of my best-kept photography secrets: I often use my monitor and some bokeh shots I've made over the years as a product photography background.
Canon Announces New Canon EOS C400 Cinema Camera and CINE-SERVO 17-120mm Cinema Lens
Canon has just introduced two new tools for filmmakers and videographers, the Canon EOS C400 Cinema Camera and the CINE-SERVO 17-120mm Cinema Lens.
Save 95% and get $3,700+ in Video Products
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