The Sony Alpha a99 Full-Frame DSLR Camera Review
The Sony Alpha a99 Full-Frame DSLR Camera Review
The Sony Alpha a99 Full-Frame DSLR camera is full of amazing features that allow you to capture everything in full 1080 HD uncompressed clean-screen video files to external recording devices via an HDMI connection in 24p, 60p and 60i frame-rates. Also, will capture still images at 24.3 MP.
World’s first Dual AF system10
The 19-point AF system with 11 cross sensors is complemented by a multi-point focal plane phase-detection AF sensor with 102 AF points that overlays the image sensor. Taking advantage of Translucent Mirror Technology that simultaneously directs light to the image sensor and AF sensor at all times.
PlayMemories™
Uniquely smart and easy-to-use, PlayMemories Home™ software makes organizing, editing and sharing your photos and videos a cinch. Instantly import and sort your content by event or date. Then transform your favorites from ordinary to extraordinary with intuitive adjustments and stunning filters. You can even create heartwarming slide-shows complete with transitions and soundtracks in 3 simple steps. Finally, share your picks privately with family and friends or on popular social networking sites like Facebook® and YouTube™. PlayMemories Online™ service can even securely store your content in the cloud allowing virtually all of your devices to access it anytime, anyplace.
XGA OLED Viewfinder
There’s never been anything quite like the Tru-Finder™ OLED electronic viewfinder. For size, speed and brightness even after sunset, this is a gem. It begins with 2359K dots for amazing resolution and high contrast ratio for incredible depth. OLED reduces motion blur to a bare minimum. You can also see the results of camera adjustments in real time with superb color and detail.
Dual Slot and Media Control Function
The SLT-A99V employs dual media slots. One of the slots supports SD Cards and the other supports both SD Cards and Memory Stick® media. This dual slot system allows for simultaneous recording for backup purposes (with recordings sorted RAW/JPEG file type or still/movie data) as well as copying between media. Moreover it allows movie recording to two media cards simultaneously.
Dust and moisture protection
Outer body and moisture countermeasures include the sealing and treatment of major operational buttons/dials and a convex/concave mating structure that tightly interlocks components. Controls also feature a durable structure that withstands the touch usage of advanced amateurs.
Vertical Grip Capable
The optional VG-C99AM vertical grip designed exclusively for the SLT-A99V can house two batteries, bringing the total number of batteries (including the one in the camera) to three for significantly more hours of shooting (batteries sold separately).
Sweep Panorama™ Mode
Capture expansive landscapes automatically. Press the shutter and sweep vertically or horizontally. The camera does the rest, continuously shooting images and stitching them together.
1200-zone Evaluative Metering
Reads exposure directly from the main image sensor. Choice of Multi, Center and Spot metering accommodates a full range of shooting situations.
Clear Image Zoom
Utilizing Sony’s exclusive By Pixel Super Resolution Technology, Clear Image Zoom increases the effective focal length of your lens up to 2x by digitally magnifying the center of your image with nearly imperceptible degradation that provides greater shooting flexibility.
Multi-frame NR
Experience incredible low-light shooting without a flash. The camera captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining the data from all six, it creates a single image with a reduction in noise equivalent to two additional steps of ISO sensitivity. Sensitivity selectable up to ISO 25600. (Recommended for still subjects.)
AF Range Control
Users can set the range of distance from the camera in which subjects can be focused on the AF system. By limiting the AF range, users can prevent unwanted focusing on foreground and background objects. This intelligent function enables reliable performance when photographing sports through wire mesh fences, for example.
Newly designed three-way tiltable LCD
The SLT-A99V is the first in the Alpha series to feature WhiteMagic™ technology, which nearly doubles the visibility of the 921k-dot Xtra Fine LCD™ monitor in sunny outdoor conditions. The three-way tilt-able mechanism, highly acclaimed on the A77, is further enhanced for even greater operational ease.
For heightened comfort and more intuitive operation, the SLT-A99V features an enhanced version of Quick Navi, which was highly acclaimed in the A900 and A700. Called Quick Navi Pro, this new feature allows users to immediately access all camera parameter settings. Photographers can therefore quickly change settings with just the right hand while shooting photos.
Highly rigid body with magnesium alloy outer panels
The highly robust and durable body meets the heavy-duty needs of advanced amateurs. Both the main outer body panels and interior chassis are constructed of lightweight yet rigid magnesium alloy. Moreover, the grip and front cover are structurally unified to achieve extremely high body rigidity.
Meticulously designed body compliments advanced users
While inheriting the popular design concept of the A77, the SLT-A99V enables comfortable photo shooting through meticulously designed features including improved grip thickness that enhances grasping ease, switch and button shapes that are differentiated for easier operation while keeping your eye on the viewfinder, an exposure mode dial lock that prevents unintended turning of the mode dial, etc.
New Multi-Interface Shoe
Unlike conventional cameras, the SLT-A99V also features a newly developed Multi-Interface Shoe that dramatically expands compatibility with Handycam® accessories, thus raising the potential for photo/movie shooting (The included ADP-MAA shoe adapter maintains compatibility with conventional Alpha accessories as well).
Auto HDR built into camera
Captures more scene dynamic range than a single exposure can handle—and more range than photo film. Combines the best highlight detail from one shot, the best mid-tones from a second and the best shadow detail from a third for one incredible shot. (Recommended for still subjects.)
Creative Styles
Control how the camera processes your images with 13 finishing styles: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Clear, Deep, Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, Autumn leaves, Black & White, Sepia. You can even fine-tune contrast, saturation, and sharpness to your personal taste.
New AF-D Mode4
This highly advanced Continuous AF mode uses 19 AF points with reliable depth-direction focusing performance to steadfastly capture subjects and is strongly assisted by the 102-point multi-point focal-plane phase-detection AF sensor. It continues to accurately focus on the subject whether the subject is moving in depth or plane direction4.
Fast continuous shooting speeds
Highly responsive continuous shooting at approximately 6 frames per second (fps) is made possible by Translucent Mirror Technology and an enhanced Tracking Focus function offering more advanced acquisition and tracking performance. The Tele Zoom High Speed shooting mode shoots up to 8 fps at 10 MP while maintaining continuous auto focus and auto exposure.
World’s lightest Full-frame Sensor Camera10
The SLT-A99V is the world’s lightest10 35 mm full-frame interchangeable-lens digital camera. It weighs only 733 grams (body only), thanks to features like Translucent Mirror Technology and high-rigidity magnesium alloy panels. Users will enjoy agile and flexible shooting despite the full-frame specifications.
Translucent Mirror Technology
Sony’s proprietary Translucent Mirror Technology simultaneously directs light to the image sensor and AF sensor at all times to realize Full-time Continuous AF that keeps the subject in sharp focus and even during continuous shooting and movie shooting. It also allows the high-precision electronic viewfinder to accurately display the results of camera setting adjustments in real time so the photographer can make sure the results match his or her creative intentions.
Approximate 200,000 shutter release durability
The newly developed, highly durable and reliable shutter unit has been proven to endure approximately 200,000 shutter releases. This durability ensures long-lasting shooting performance that takes into consideration the large number of photos shot by advanced amateurs.
PC Remote Camera Control
Enables users to remotely change various camera settings, switch still/ movie shooting on or off, and automatically transfer still images to enhance the efficiency of the studio photo shooting workflow.
New Wireless Commander Control
The new optional accessory RMT-DSLR2 Remote Commander® for movie shooting that includes a dedicated movie record button.
D-Range Optimizer
Improves results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows. Settings include Auto, Level with a choice of five operating levels and Off.
Superior Auto
Get cleaner, more dynamic pictures and fewer missed shots. Unifies and simplifies Sony intelligent technologies, the camera automatically recognizes the correct scene mode, then quickly shoots and combines up to six shots to produce images with greater clarity, optimum dynamic range using Auto HDR technology and lower image noise using three-shot layering technology.
This camera is available to rent. Please contact us at 801-999-8552 or at https://philmgear.com/contact-us/ for more information.
GoPro HERO3 Review
GoPro HERO3 Review
The Wi-Fi enabled GoPro HERO3: Black Edition is the most advanced GoPro, ever. No expense was spared during its development, resulting in a GoPro that is 30% smaller, 25% lighter and 2x more powerful than previous models. Wearable and gear mountable, waterproof to 197′ (60m), capable of capturing ultra-wide 1440p 48fps, 1080p 60 fps and 720p 120 fps video and 12MP photos at a rate of 30 photos per second, the HERO3: Black Edition is the world’s most versatile camera. Built-in Wi-Fi, GoPro App compatibility and the included Wi-Fi Remote (normally a separate $79.99 accessory) make the HERO3: Black Edition all the more versatile.
To get an idea of some of the footage you can take with this amazing camera, please visit http://gopro.com/videos/video-of-the-day/.
The HERO3: Black Edition captures professional, cinema-quality video at 2X the resolution and 2X the frame-rate of previous models while delivering 2X better low light performance. Slow-motion aficionados and industry professionals will love the HERO3: Black Edition’s various video modes while those desiring a cinematic look will appreciate the ultra-high resolution 2.7KP-30 fps and 4KP-15 fps (Protune only) video modes.
The HERO3’s reduced-distortion, 6-element aspherical lens combines with user-selectable Ultra-wide, Medium and Narrow field-of-views to deliver more perspective-capture options than ever before. Add the totally updated flat-lens waterproof housing that delivers stunning image sharpness both above and below water and you’ve got one of the most powerful and durable image capture solutions on the planet.
KEY CAMERA SPECS
- 1080p60 / 720p120 / 1440p48 /
- 4kp15 / 2.7kp30 / WVGA-240fps
- 12MP / 30 fps Burst
- Wi-Fi Built-In
- Wi-Fi Remote Included
- GoPro App Compatible
- Pro Low-Light Performance
For more information and to order, please visit https://philmgear.com/shop/hero3-black-edition/.
The Facilis Terrablock Server Review
The Facilis Terrablock Server Review
The Facilis Terrablock server provides dependable shared storage for your post-production needs. From simple all-Ethernet to mixed Ethernet and Fibre, the TerraBlock is flexible and robust. Create your own facility production network around TerraBlock; add asset management and archive; allow write access to the same volumes on Ethernet and fibre connected workstations, or isolate the workgroup on fibre channel outside your IT environment.
Video production companies and others who need file-sharing and storage for massive files have found Facilis Terrablock incredibly useful. The server even comes with a back-up drive that can be installed to recreate and backup the failed drive. Here are some of the main benefits of the Facilis Terrablock server.
MULTI PLATFORM SHARED FILE SYSTEM: Apple OSX, Windows and Linux workstations access the same writable volume with no third party software or per seat licensing, external metadata controllers or complex networking.
4/8Gbit FIBRE AND 1/10Gbit ETHERNET: Choose the speed of access to your video and audio files with multiple methods of connectivity to suit your bandwidth needs and budget. Clients connect directly to the server or through a switch.
AVID, PREMIERE AND FINAL CUT PRO PROJECT SHARING: Native, application-level Avid Media Composer project sharing and interactive Final Cut Pro and Premiere project sharing through the Facilis Project Manager.
EXTERNAL EXPANDABILITY WITH TX16 DISK SET EXPANDER: TerraBlock offers external expansion through our TX16 Expander for additional online virtual volume storage. Expand a single 24D up to 112TB with for a fraction of the cost of traditional server-based expansion.
PRO TOOLS FILE-LEVEL SUPPORT: TerraBlock is qualified for 192 tracks of 48K playback over a standard 1Gb Ethernet connection. The Facilis Shared File system provides increased performance and compatibility for Pro Tools version 9 and higher.
DYNARAID DATA PROTECTION: TerraBlock delivers the most efficient data protection at 9% overhead for RAID5. Protection type is selectable per-volume and can be changed on the fly without data loss.
VIRTUAL VOLUME WORKFLOW AND PERFORMANCE: Virtual Volumes offer dynamic volume creation, expansion and allocation, as well as tolerance to fragmentation and speed degradation. Maintain 100% performance even at 100% full.
The image below illustrates how the Facilis Terrablock server can help enable a seamless workflow.
Lecture Capture and On-Demand Viewing
Lecture Capture and On-Demand Viewing
The Haivision Viper is the all-in-one capture, stream, record, and on-demand viewing appliance. The Viper is a compact, completely integrated platform for capturing, streaming, reviewing, distributing and publishing rich, multi-stream high definition content. The Viper is available either as a stand-alone appliance or as a companion contribution appliance for the Furnace IP video distribution system. The Viper combines the power of dual-channel real-time HD H.264 encoding, performance recording, a streaming server, a multi- stream player manager, and a video-on-demand server in a single appliance with simple touch operation.
The Viper has one-touch setup and is incredibly easy to use. Without the need to rely on any central server infrastructure and without any endpoint player to install or specific browser technology required, a single operator can deliver multiple streams of HD throughout a facility or across a campus with a few simple taps on the Viper’s touchscreen. A simple link is all you need to securely enable any user with real-time, multi-stream live or on-demand synchronized HD. The Viper offers users the ability to set up multichannel sessions for performance streaming and recording, and automatically make content available from a central server for on-demand viewing (VOD). Through a simple, user-friendly touch screen operators can set up their multi-channel session, initiate simultaneous streaming and recording, and automatically make content available for on-demand viewing.
Another benefit is that the Viper can capture graphics through VGA/DVI, which means that any computer content can be captured in real-time, not just PowerPoint. It is the perfect device for corporate presentations, classrooms, medical procedures, and any other event that you need to stream or capture. Haivision’s Viper is also HIPAA Certified and complies with HIPAA security and guidelines. The Viper is the only lecture capture product to be HIPAA certified. The Viper is ideal for the conference room, classroom, and medical procedure room.
For more information about the product, please fill in the fields on the Contact Us page.
Presentation on Asset Management – Shared Storage – Archival
Presentation on Asset Management – Shared Storage – Archival
Philip Boyack will be presenting the LDS Film Festival this Saturday. He will talk about the benefits of good asset management, shared storage, and archival. In the digital age where all media assets reside on hard drives, filmmakers need a better way to find, access, share, edit, and archive their footage. Philip will discuss in detail how to do it right.
Here is an overview of what Philip will talk about.
Asset Management – An example: Someone asks you for that one clip… Oh yeah, we shot that during X project and has to be on that one drive in that folder named… hmm let me look.
Instead, they could type in the search…President Sally Beach X Project and the sought after clip automatically comes up; and/or production notes and/or XLS files and/or Picture. All metadata being harvested, and auto tags being created or easily added.
Philip will also talk about the speed of Shared Storage for multiple editors. Philip will explain the different ways of doing it and why.
Last but always Least – Archival. We always hope we back things up. Or think we do. Or just … don’t. We should. Hard drives fail. Not a matter of if, but When. See how we can tie asset management to archival. Knowing precisely where that file is and pull off that one single clip in minutes if ever needs be.
Time: Saturday, January 26, 4:00 pm, Scera Room 201
For More Information Visit: http://www.ldsfilmfestival.