I’ve been in the market for a new HD video camera for some time now.  That’s why I played around with my schedule and bailed on a couple of days of billable work to go to Las Vegas for the National Association of Broadcasters convention (NAB).  For those who have never gone to this annual toy-fest there’s really no way to describe it.  It’s the entire LV Convention Center (and the surrounding parking lots) filled with the latest TV and radio technical toys. It’s a porn show for geeks.  It’s the last place you’d expect a conversion to take place (unless of course we’re talking about converting a H.264 video file to an editable MOV file… but I digress).  Nevertheless, I was converted in Vegas, and when something of that magnitude happens, it can’t just stay in Vegas. [Read more →]

My right shoulder has been proud to hold a wide array of cameras — first were the CP-16, Eclair ACL2 and Arri-BL film cameras, then the RCA TK-76 and Ike HL-79. Finally came the death of 3/4″ and a long series of better and better Sony Betacams. Then digibeta cameras and various DVCPro configurations. Now I use a Sony XD HD that makes pretty pictures but it has something in common with all of the other cameras I have traveled the world with:  they’re big.

Today I just worked to get a small high-def camera for an upcoming shoot. It’s amazing… low light capability, tape or flash drive recording, a real lens. Pop that baby on a carbon fiber tripod and slap a micro led light panel on the hot shoe; attach a mini wireless receiver and you’re set to make great broadcast TV and everything can fit in a carry on bag!  I love it!

My shoulder can still support the big cameras, but for all of my international and disaster stuff – give me the small camera, please.