Today is the final day of NAB and as usual my head is exploding with ideas and information. But before everything totally leaves my head – I’ll share some cool things with everyone.
I come to NAB to learn, however this year I also needed to research and buy some things for my upcoming project Opening Our Eyes. In particular I was looking for a stabilization rig for my Canon 5D and 7D. My timing was perfect because at this year’s show just about every booth had gear for the DSLR cameras – the show was all about either the HDSLR or 3D. I settled on the Zacuto Striker because I wanted something lightweight and quick to put on a tripod. Zacuto had redesigned the plate making the weight distribution better and it felt just right for me. And that’s important – get the right rig for you – if at all possible visit a vendor where you can try these stabilization rigs out so that you buy the one that literally “fits” you and your needs.
One of the biggest buzz items was the HD Hero, a tiny wearable video camera for sports, made by GoPro and at the $200 show special – they sold out the first day. But check them out – even at the retail price of $300, they are amazing little cameras that can be used in all types of situations where you need something small.
RedRock Micro debuted their new HDSLR remote which uses sonar for auto follow focus. The booth was mobbed with attendees dying to get their hands on this accessory that is priced around $1000. Check out the review from the show floor at PhotoCineNews.
Canon unveiled their latest tapeless camera the XF305 that will give the Sony EX-3 a run for their money. Even as stunning as this camera is, Canon didn’t integrate that nice big chip/sensor that we see in their hybrid HDSLRs. But Panasonic did and they had their new prototype camera in a plexiglass box perched on a museum type pedestal. The Panasonic AG-AF100, is the first professional micro 4/3-inch video camcorder optimized for high-def recording. that did make use of that large sensor that everyone seems to be waiting for – stay tuned. Canon-are you watching and listening?
I’m maxed out right now with technology and information yet inspired and energized at the same time by the notion of possibilities. If you’re a still photographer singing the blues because of the lousy economy and the changing paradigm of print giving way to electronic delivery – I can only say one thing – convergence. Embrace that notion, get energized by the idea and open your mind to the possibilities and opportunities that are exploding in this new world of information technology.
Journeys of a Hybrid 