How to Make “Faceless” YouTube Videos Some people find it very easy to appear on-screen in their own videos whilst for others this is definitely an acquired skill! Then you have people like me that not only have a face for radio but also a deep…
Utilizing Atomos and Panasonic Lumix for Behind the Scenes Interviews – Videoguys
A major industry podcast recently used the power of RAW video with the Atomos Ninja and Panasonic Lumix cameras to create a high quality mobile video solution. Oliver Ricketts gives us an inside look at the equipment he used on his recent production for Designing Hollywood.
Designing Hollywood is a podcast about the craftsmanship that makes the movies you love happen- including costume and set design, writing, directing and more. It is produced by Martika Ibarra, Marilyn Vance, and Robert Meyer Burnett. The podcast was founded in 2020. Although it started in a studio setting, the show has since hit the road, filming multiple episodes on location in actual working costume houses.
This has required a mobile video setup that doesn’t sacrifice the quality of the image one might be able to create in a functioning studio. Designing Hollywood turned to Videoguys.com, Atomos and Panasonic Lumix for this solution.
Most recently Designing Hollywood sat down with costume designer Dayna Pink from Amazon’s new film: “Road House” at the world famous Western Costume Company.
The podcast’s host, Robert Meyer Burnett, director of Free Enterprise and producer of Star Trek: The Next Generation and Agent Cody Banks, sat down with Dayna Pink to discuss her work on Road House (2024), as well as several other major films including: Crazy Stupid Love, and Bad Boys for Life. Pink shared some details on challenges she faced making stars like Jake Gyllenhal and Connor McGreggor fit into the world of Roadhouse, and how the costuming in the film takes the overall aesthetic to another level.
Of course, when showing off a costume designer’s work at a costume house, picture quality and color spectrum are important. The video work used to display this content must be up to par and must accurately reflect the talent on screen as well as the prestige of the location.
This is where Atomos Monitors, paired with Panasonic Lumix cameras, come in. With incredible control over shot composition and color that comes with the Atomos Ninja, the production crew was able to customize three cameras to match the content.
A three camera shoot was set up using the Panasonic Lumix BGH-1, GH5, and the S5 MK II X. Each camera was fed into an Atomos Ninja Monitor. Although these three cameras have distinct differences, Lumix cameras when paired with the Atomos Ninja can achieve recording in the ProRes RAW file format. This process makes it easy to color match and maintain a consistent feel for each angle present in the interview clip.
Better yet, recording for close to two hours over three devices was no problem due to the Atomos Ninja monitors long recording capabilities to Angelbird SSD drives.
Western Costume is both the oldest costume company in the United States and the largest one with approximately 2.5 million costumes on the premises. Western Costume consists of three buildings and boasts 112 years serving the industry. Designing Hollywood was also treated to a video walking tour of the entire costume department from CEO and President of Western Costume, Gilbert Moussally.
This was another area where flexibility was needed from the video gear being used. As a working costume house and a large space overall, Western Costume’s facility is full of areas with vastly different lighting conditions and temperatures, as well as small and large spaces alike. A video solution was needed that could weave into small spaces, but not make the large open areas of the costume house look small. In addition, the ever changing lighting conditions of both fluorescent and LED lights, with overcast shadows and unobstructed light throughout, would need to be addressed in order to create a video that looked cohesive and had continuity.
The solution, again, laid in Atomos and Panasonic LUMIX. Strapped to a double shoulder body mount, Oliver Ricketts, director of photography on this shoot, used a Panasonic LUMIX BGSH-1; a lightweight cinema grade camera perfect for a studio setting or a run-and-gun shoot. The raw picture capabilities of this camera ensured ultimate control over the color profile of the image in post-production.
This camera’s output was fed into an Atomos Ninja to give a clear picture of what was being shot at a glance; essential for any fast-paced shoot. In addition, the color tools on board the Atomos Ninja, and the ability to upload custom LUTS to the monitor itself, were paramount to understanding what the final image would look like while shooting.
A teaser for the full costume house tour can be seen HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5kCaxHDG6A&t=1s
And the full interview with Dayna Pink will be coming soon to the Designing Hollywood Podcast, which can be found HERE: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGYmtexynt_E9R7RJNspB6ux-LyplkBrH&si=WIeadVX0aIkVcvAi
PTZOptics Hive Studio Demo with Paul Richards – Videoguys
On This Week’s Videoguys Live, Gary is joined by Paul from PTZOptics in-studio as they unveil the future of live broadcasting with the all-new PTZOptics Hive Studio. Discover browser-based camera control, live video switching, and recording in an intuitive interface.
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Centralized Control and Streamlined Workflows
Streamline your workflows with Hive. Real-time collaboration allows you to work in sync on live video – from the comfort of your home or right on set.
“Hive-Linked” Hardware Advantage
Hive is embedded in PTZOptics cameras, enabling instant cloud control with no hardware, plugins, or extra software needed.
Best in Class Camera Control, From Anywhere in the World
Advanced framing and color correction tools help you bring out the best of your camera. And you can do it from anywhere, anytime.
Cinematic Control
Automate complex camera movements for easy cinematic framing. Our new framing tools make beautiful video production effortless.
Auto-Tracking On Any Camera
Leverage cutting-edge tracking algorithms and facial recognition for industry-leading tracking performance. The best part? It works with any brand of PTZ camera.
Cloud Control
Manage your cameras from any location worldwide with sub-300ms latency, making remote control as simple as logging in.
Unlimited Custom Presets
Organize and save an unlimited number of presets by category or shot type for quick access and consistency.
Intuitive Color Tools
Our platform’s color tools are designed to provide standard color control that works seamlessly across camera makes and models.
Live Color Adjustments
Make live adjustments to your camera’s color settings and create presets that adapt to various production environments.
Advanced Color Matching
Employ sophisticated color matching across multiple cameras to achieve a cohesive look throughout your production.
Image Presets
Leverage image presets and fine-tuning options to achieve the perfect aesthetic, reflecting your brand’s identity or the event’s mood.
Seamless Video Switching
Choose from different transitions or switch between multiple cameras in real-time. PTZOptics Hive is perfect for pre-recorded and live productions.
RTMP Streaming
Hive supports RTMP streaming, enabling direct live streaming to popular platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, and more.
ISO Input Recording
Hive offers individual input and output/stream recording locally. This flexibility ensures that no critical content is missed.
NDI® Outputs
Output up to 4K at 60fps, ensuring seamless integration into popular production software like OBS, vMix, and more.
Instant Camera Discovery
Add any camera model or brand in seconds through Hive Studio’s auto-discovery feature.
Customized Controls
Whether you’re using an Xbox controller or StreamDeck, design your workflow with personalized hotkeys for a control experience that’s uniquely yours.
Cross-Brand Compatibility
Not limited to PTZOptics or PTZ cameras, Hive supports a growing list of over 400 major camera models.
Unified Interface
Camera management is a breeze with Hive’s user-friendly interface that adapts to your make or model of camera.
Elevate Your Multi-PC Workflow with OWC’s Thunderbolt Go Dock Featurin – Videoguys
Other World Computing (OWC) has revolutionized multi-PC workflows with the introduction of their Thunderbolt Go Dock, now enhanced with Intel® Thunderbolt™ Share. Announced at COMPUTEX 2024, this innovative feature allows seamless sharing of devices and content between two Thunderbolt-equipped PCs through a single port, simplifying the process and boosting efficiency. Read more about it in this article from TechCritter below:
Effortless PC-to-PC Connectivity
The Thunderbolt Go Dock transforms into a potent digital KVM switch with Thunderbolt Share. Users can share a single monitor, keyboard, mouse, storage, and files between two computers at the lightning-fast speed of Thunderbolt. This integration eliminates the need for multiple peripherals, making switching between PCs hassle-free and enhancing productivity.
Unleashing the Power of Thunderbolt
Compatible with both Thunderbolt 4 and 5, the Thunderbolt Go Dock offers more than just file sharing. It features three Thunderbolt 4 ports for ultra-fast data transfer, two USB-A ports, a USB-C port for versatile connections, a 2.5G Ethernet port for seamless networking, and an HDMI port supporting breathtaking 8K displays. Additionally, it includes an SD card reader and a 3.5mm audio jack, making it an all-in-one solution for diverse connectivity needs.
Ideal for Mobile Workflows
Designed with mobile professionals in mind, the Thunderbolt Go Dock’s compact form and integrated power supply eliminate the need for bulky power bricks, ensuring a tidy and organized workspace. This makes it an ideal accessory for those on the go, providing convenience without compromising functionality.
“The Thunderbolt Go Dock with Thunderbolt Share empowers users who work with multiple computers,” says Larry O’Connor, CEO of OWC. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Intel and unlock the next generation of Thunderbolt capabilities.”
By combining cutting-edge technology and practical design, OWC’s Thunderbolt Go Dock with Intel® Thunderbolt™ Share sets a new standard for multi-PC workflows, enhancing productivity and convenience for users everywhere.
Read the full article by TechCritter HERE
Vizrt TriCaster Mini X is Professional Video Production for All with S – Videoguys
Freedom in Live Production
TriCaster® Mini X gives producers at any level the freedom to create and share video wherever and whenever they want using anything from a smartphone to a 4K camera – truly demonstrating the power of software-defined visual storytelling.
Accessibility, Unlocked
Bringing the possibilities of professional live video production to anyone with a story to tell – without vast investments in infrastructure.
Flexibility, Attained
Off-the-shelf HDMI devices connect directly to the Mini X in minutes creating professional-level productions without having to purchase any new equipment.
Scalability, Achieved
As part of the NewTek ecosystem of products, users can take advantage of the many ways to scale up their productions to suit any need.
Vizrt Summer TriCaster Mini with PTZ Cameras Bundles!
Add 1 or 2 Vizrt PTZ Cameras at a discounted price to your Vizrt TriCaster Mini X to maximize your live production!
Step 1: Buy a TriCaster Mini X or TriCaster Mini X with Control Surface Bundle
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Making professional video production possible for all – the Mini X gives producers at any level the freedom to create and share video wherever and whenever they want using anything from a smartphone to a 4K camera – truly demonstrating the power of software defined visual storytelling. |
The ideal traveling partner for TriCaster Mini X, the TriCaster Mini CS provides studio-style control and a small footprint to deliver professional results…from the office, an event, or anywhere. |
Step 2: Add 1 or 2 Vizrt PTZ Cameras at a discounted price
Vizrt TriCaster Mini X Features:
- LiveLink – bringing the power of the internet directly into TriCaster
- HD switching, streaming, and recoridng
- 8 external video inputs and 4 mix outputs
- Connect to compatible IP devices via NDI
- Streaming to Facebook Live, Twitch, and more
- Real-time social media publishing
- Multi-channel recording and internal storage
- Video playback without any additional hardware
- Built-in live titling and motion graphics
- Multi-channel audio mixing
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Tell Your Story Better Than Ever All You Need And More – In One Place |
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New Firmware Features for the Move 4K 20x PTZ Camera – Videoguys
Great news! The PTZOptics Move 4K firmware is now available for our 20X models, enhancing the performance and features of your PTZ cameras.
Currently available for 20x models ONLY; firmware update for 12x and 30x models coming soon!
Move 4K 20X Firmware Feature Highlights:
Subject Selection
A unique number is now provided for each subject shown in the live video area of the web interface. This new feature allows you to quickly switch between subjects that you would like to track using the web-interface or the IR remote control. Plus, our intuitive bounding box system only appears on the web interface, keeping your SDI, HDMI, USB, and NDI feeds clean and distraction-free. Simplify your video experience with our smart auto-tracking technology!
Auto-Tracking Composition Modes
Introducing composition framing for auto-tracking in the Move 4K. Whether you prefer your subject centered, to the left, or to the right, these innovative modes offer the flexibility to frame your shots just as you envision. The camera seamlessly tracks your subject, ensuring they stay in the perfect spot within the scene. These new modes allow camera operators to determine how they want the subject framed in the scene while the camera automatically tracks the subject.
Auto-Tracking Zoom Modes
Take control of your visuals with the Move 4K’s advanced Auto-Tracking Zoom Modes! We’re excited to introduce four new zoom modes: Dynamic, Close-Up, Medium, and Long Shot. Dynamic Zoom Mode puts you in the director’s seat, giving you full command over optical zoom during auto-tracking. Prefer consistent framing? Choose from Close-Up, Medium, or Long Shot modes for steady, uniform zoom levels. This feature is great for tracking subjects with one close-up view and a second wide angle shot.
Track Now
Introducing the ‘Track Now’ feature in our Move SE and 4K cameras! With ‘Track Now’, the camera begins tracking from its current position, offering immediate and seamless subject following. This mode is a perfect addition to our standard auto-tracking, which starts from a pre-defined PTZ preset location such as a teachers desk or presenter podium.
Auto-Tracking Sensitivity
Enhance your camera operations with the Move 4K’s new Auto-Tracking Sensitivity feature! This customizable sensitivity setting allows you to adjust camera movements to your specific needs, ensuring smooth, responsive tracking in every scene. Whether it’s a subtle pan or a quick zoom, your Move 4K can adapt to your creative vision. Experience seamless, professional-grade video with just a few adjustments.
Auto-Framing
Auto-Framing is now available in the PTZOptics Move 4K cameras! Auto-Framing seamlessly includes multiple subjects in every shot, intelligently adjusting pan, tilt, and zoom to frame your composition perfectly. Whether it’s a group discussion, a team presentation, or a special event, the camera can intelligently adjust to frame all participants in a single, harmonious scene.
Note: Auto-Framing operates independently and cannot be used simultaneously with auto-tracking.
PTZOptics API G3
Exciting news for developers! We’re thrilled to introduce the PTZOptics API G3, a significant leap forward in camera control technology. Building on the success of our previous versions, the new API expands your capabilities with over five times more options. Now, harness the power of advanced features like auto-tracking, auto-framing, and subject selection, all through our robust API. PTZOptics API G3 is designed to empower our developer community, enabling you to create more dynamic, responsive, customized camera experiences. Dive into a world of possibilities with PTZOptics API G3!
Preset Tour
The Preset Tour feature allows users to cycle through a specific set of saved pan, tilt, and zoom presets. Designed for automation and precision, this feature allows you to cycle through a series of customized pan, tilt, and zoom presets effortlessly. Once activated, the Preset Tour navigates through your pre-determined settings at a chosen speed, ensuring smooth transitions and consistent framing. Ideal for controlled environments like studios, conferences, or theaters, where precise camera positioning is key.
Privacy Mode
Introducing the Privacy Mode on PTZOptics cameras, a feature designed for your peace of mind. In today’s world, privacy and security are paramount, especially in sensitive environments. Privacy Mode goes beyond just turning off the camera. When activated, it places the camera in a standby state, closes the lens iris, and physically turns the lens to face the wall, ensuring complete privacy. Unlike powering down, this mode keeps the camera ready to activate instantly when needed. This blend of convenience and security makes Privacy Mode ideal for confidential settings where quick reactivation is essential.
FreeD
Step into the future of video production with FreeD support now available on PTZOptics Move 4K cameras. FreeD, a camera tracking data protocol, unlocks new creative possibilities. By integrating PTZ camera position data with FreeD systems such as those found in Unreal Engine, you can craft immersive virtual environments and enhance your live video projects. This feature is perfect for creators seeking to blend physical and digital realms, offering a dynamic and engaging viewer experience. Dive into a world where your imagination is your only limit with PTZOptics Move 4K and FreeD.
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The Friday Roundup – Resolve VFX Tips & Using Markers
The #1 PROBLEM with VFX – DaVinci Resolve Fusion Tips Regular readers will know that I usually include something each week from Casey Faris somehow related to the subject of DaVinci Resolve. What you may have also noticed is that over the past few months Casey…
Panasonic LUMIX GH7: New Flagship Camera – Videoguys
Pete Tomkies’ blog post on Videomaker introduces the new Panasonic LUMIX GH7, a flagship micro four-thirds mirrorless camera. Building on the success of the LUMIX GH6, the GH7 features a 25.2 MP BSI CMOS sensor with over 13 stops of dynamic range. This advanced sensor enhances light-gathering efficiency, resulting in higher sensitivity and reduced noise.
Panasonic LUMIX GH7 Key Features:
High-Resolution Video Recording:
- Records up to 5.7K 30p in ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes RAW HQ.
- Supports 10-bit 4:2:2 DCI 4K and UHD 4K up to 60p.
- Offers 10-bit 4:2:0 recording up to 120 fps.
- Provides 5.8K full-sensor open gate recording at up to 30p.
- Features unlimited video recording up to C4K 60p with internal cooling.
Advanced Autofocus and Stabilization:
- Includes Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) for precise focus.
- Introduces real-time autofocus for airplanes and trains.
- Enhanced image stabilization with perspective distortion correction.
- High mode in Active IS for powerful stabilization on the move.
Professional Audio Capabilities:
- First interchangeable lens digital camera with 32-bit float audio recording.
- Requires optional DMW-XLR2 XLR microphone adapter for 32-bit float audio.
Versatile Storage and Workflow Integration:
- Dual card slots for CFexpress Type B and UHS-II SD cards.
- Real Time LUT feature for applying LUTs during recording.
- Proxy recording for efficient editing workflows.
- Native Camera to Cloud integration with Adobe Frame.io.
Durability:
- Dust and splash resistant.
- Freeze-resistant down to 14°F (-10°C).
The Panasonic LUMIX GH7 offers outstanding video recording capabilities, making it a top choice for professional video shooters. Its internal ProRes HQ and ProRes RAW recording capabilities, along with high frame rate options, provide exceptional video quality. The inclusion of 32-bit float audio recording, previously requiring external equipment, is a significant advantage for solo videographers. The GH7 is set to become a favorite among micro four-thirds camera enthusiasts, thanks to its robust features and user-friendly design.
Read the full blog post by Pete Tomkies for Videomaker HERE
OWC Intros Slick Powerful Storage for Content Creators – Videoguys
At Computex 2024, OWC showcased a variety of cutting-edge storage solutions for creators, as reported by btarunr for TechPowerUp. Renowned for their compatibility with Macs and iOS devices, OWC’s latest offerings are now standardized for both Macs and Windows PCs.
The OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock supports Intel’s new Thunderbolt Share standard, enabling a 40 Gbps network connection between two PCs or Macs. It facilitates sharing its ports, I/O, and card readers, including two downstream Thunderbolt 40 Gbps, HDMI display output, gigabit Ethernet, two 10 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 type-A, a 10 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 type-C, USB 2.0, HD audio with a 4-pole headset jack, and an SD card reader. The dock has its own internal power supply, driving all functions.
The Express 1M2 is a sleek, USB4-based portable SSD enclosure with an M.2-2280 slot featuring PCI-Express 3.0 x4 connection, achieving tested bandwidths up to 3151 MB/s. The aluminium enclosure, acting as a heatsink, supports up to 8 TB drives, starting at $249 for the 1 TB model.
OWC’s ThunderBlade X8 is a desktop portable SSD enclosure housing up to eight M.2-2242 SSDs, providing a total of 32 TB storage with RAID 0/1/4/5/1+0 configurations. In RAID 0, it offers sequential read speeds up to 2826 MB/s and write speeds up to 2949 MB/s. It features a 40 Gbps Thunderbolt 3 interface with two ports for daisy-chaining.
The Envoy Pro Elektron is the newest addition to the Envoy line, a portable SSD starting at $99.99 for the 240 GB model, and going up to 4 TB. It contains an M.2-2242 SSD with PCIe Gen 3 x2 connectivity and uses a 10 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 bridge chip.
Finally, the Atlas USB4 CFexpress 4.0 Card Reader provides seamless connection to CFexpress 4.0 memory cards via a 40 Gbps USB4 interface. OWC also presented a range of SD, SDexpress, and CFexpress memory cards under the Atlas brand.
Read the full article by btarunr for TechPowerUp HERE
Talon AV’s Sky-High Success with Epiphan Pearl: Revolutionizing Remote – Videoguys
Small Company, Big Impact in Video Production
Talon AV, a video production company, excels in providing top-notch video streaming, recording, and production services for live events. From corporate webinars to multi-day conferences with multiple breakout rooms, their efficiency enables them to manage multiple concurrent events, making a significant impact despite being a small team.
How Talon AV Manages Remote Event Production with Epiphan Pearl
To overcome the challenge of being in multiple places simultaneously, Talon AV’s CEO, Tim Kerbavaz, turned to Epiphan’s Pearl systems. These systems are renowned for their flexibility, reliability, and, most importantly, remote control capabilities. By deploying Pearl systems on-site and connecting them to the network, Talon AV can oversee multiple events from any location. Remarkably, they have even managed live streaming sessions from an airplane. This is all made possible through Epiphan Edge™, which facilitates remote production and monitoring of Pearl systems from anywhere.
Scaling Operations with Remote Event Support
The ability to manage multiple devices remotely has allowed Talon AV to expand its services beyond a single site. They now offer remote event support services, enabling the team to handle several events simultaneously. This scalability has significantly boosted their operations without the need for a larger physical footprint.
Key Benefits of Using Epiphan Pearl and Edge for Remote Event Management
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Remote Management: With Epiphan Edge, Talon AV can remotely monitor and control Pearl devices, make real-time adjustments, and manage file workflows from various locations. This capability is a game-changer for events spanning multiple rooms or locations.
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Versatile Streaming and Recording: Pearl’s adaptability ensures high-quality video delivery under different network conditions and requirements. Whether it’s direct streaming or point-to-point SRT links, Talon AV can handle diverse show needs with one set of hardware.
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Large-Scale Event Management: For events with multiple breakout rooms, Pearl hardware facilitates efficient management and recording. It meets strict security requirements while maintaining a compact operational footprint, proving indispensable for capturing content in large-scale events.
Conclusion: Talon AV’s Success Story with Epiphan Pearl
For Talon AV, Epiphan’s Pearl and Edge are indispensable tools in their event production arsenal. These products have enabled Tim and his team to tackle the challenges of live event production head-on. The reliability and flexibility of Epiphan products have not only streamlined Talon AV’s operations but also significantly boosted the company’s image.
By managing more clients and multiple events simultaneously, Talon AV has set itself apart in the industry. Their ability to achieve more with fewer resources has enhanced their reputation for efficiency and excellence, making every event a success story.
Explore how Epiphan Pearl and Epiphan Edge can revolutionize your remote event production, just like they did for Talon AV.