…wow i’t been a long time. Just randomly “found” my WordPress Page/Blog again.
(while re-activating my liftgammagain.com profile)
Last post was January 2015 … over 4 years ago.
Do People still blog and does anybody still follow along those things?
#AskingForAFriend
So “over night” … “out of the bue” Logic Pro X got a major update. Quite a few more or less big or/and small things are new and/or better. Seems like the people at Apple really care about the product. For me Logic Pro X really is the best tool for the money even for Video Post Production, even tho’ its mostly a Music Production App. Its also really good for Video Postporduction and Sound Design.
Here are some of the new features that i think are quite interesting – especially for Video Postproduction:
– Redesigned Compressor plug-in features scalable, Retina-ready interface and 7 models including the new Classic VCA
– Automation can now be part of a region, not just the track
– Relative and Trim Automation modes extend the options for fine-tuning existing automation
– Realtime rendering of fades allow them to work with Flex Pitch and speeds up project load times
– Plug-in Manager allows to customize the organization of the plugin menu
customize “plugin folders”
( and these customize “plugin folders” actually even show up in Logic Remote)
– addition of console-style VCA faders
– Logic can now import multichannel interleaved audio files and convert them to individual mono files
– When bouncing a project, the default name for the bounced file is now the project name
– A single click now inserts an EQ into the EQ slot of a channel strip
– Logic now supports 50, 5994d, 5994, 60 d and 60 fps frame rates
– There’s now a Track Protect button for the Movie track
– When Logic extracts audio from a movie file, it now creates a time-stamped Broadcast Wave file
– When a movie is added that is longer than the current project, the project is now automatically lengthened to accommodate it
– The movie now responds more accurately when scrubbing by frames with the Playhead
– Logic Control control surfaces are more reliably detected at launch
– When a region is copied at the same position from one track to another using the same channel strip, Logic no longer asks whether automation should be copied
– When automation is enabled for the first time in a project, the power buttons for track automation now default to On for each track
– It is again possible to drag and drop a movie from the Finder to the Movie track
– Importing an XML file with a different frame rate into Logic Pro no longer causes an unexpected SMPTE offset
And much much more…
Full List here:
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203718
But especially the free Logic Remote (now Version 1.2) got some nice / big updates:
– New plug-in view provides access to Logic or Audio Unit plug-in parameters
– Use Multi-Touch gestures to shape the tone of your tracks with Visual EQ
(even better compressor smart controls on the iPad now) 
– Remotely add or re-order plug-ins
– Control the microphone and other input settings for compatible audio interfaces
More about it here:
itunes.apple.com
In my opinion its a great update to the whole Logic Pro X system. I’ll will have a closer look at it in the next few days and use it in some real work audio post production for video project and keep you updated how its goes and how it all works not only on “paper” but in real life.
And also remember here is way Logic Pro X is a great app especially for Final Cut Pro X users:
links for that specific unit:
F&V RS-1 Softbox 30×40 and Bracket for HDR-300 LED Ring Light
http://www.fvlighting.com/soft-box-and-bracket-for-r-300-led-ring-light.html
F&V HDR-300 LED Ring Light + Milk-White Diffusion Filter
(DE: http://amzn.to/1xBLmBa + http://amzn.to/1AqKNtt)
(UK: http://amzn.to/1AqKLln + http://amzn.to/1In0ZO9)
shot with:
SONY alpha 7s
(DE: http://amzn.to/1x8fAYt)
(UK: http://amzn.to/17NOPCM)
SONY 18-55mm (SEL1855) Lens
(DE: http://amzn.to/1zSa1Ox)
(UK: http://amzn.to/1In0K5M)
Zoom H5 Audio-Recorder
(DE: http://amzn.to/1yoQrNA)
(UK: http://amzn.to/15aqpSk)
F&V RS-1 Softbox, F&V HDR-300, F&V R-300, LED Ring Light, Ring Light, Ringlight, LED Light, F&V Ring Light, Softbox, F&V Softbox, Milk-White Diffusion, Milk-White Diffusion Filter, Milk Diffuser, Sony a7s, Sony NEX6, Sony alpha 7s, Light, Lightkit, Light-kit, light kit, Zoom H5, Video gear,
So a lot of people with the (expensive) Metabones EF Lens to Sony NEX Smart Adapter (Mark IV) and even with the Viltrox EF-NEX II (for around 100-130 EUR) have odd lens connection issues so that the A7s does not boot up / screen stays black or does not allow to change aperture / iris especially after switching batteries. But with the Viltox I even sometimes had aperture / iris change issues all of a sudden while shooting.
And there seems to be no real solution to the issues.
So I just got the Commlite to test that one out… and so far it seems to work nicely… SO YES NO LENS CONNECTION ISSUES AT ALL!
Autofocus seem a lil bit better but not really…
but if u need AF you kinda have to go with nativ SONY FE lenses!
You have to a bit careful when you buy the Commlite there still are some old version out there that do not support Fullframe lenses … so make sure you get the new version.
Here are links to the adapters:
Metabones EF Lens to Sony NEX Smart Adapter (Mark IV)
metabones.com/products/details/MB-EF-E-BM4
Viltrox EF-NEX II
viltrox.com/en/Products/Lens_adapter/2013/0508/55.html
Commlite Auto-Focus mount adapter EF-NEX Black Version
commlite.com/en/disproduct.asp?id=41
shot with iPad Air (yes thats right! 😉 … i don’t have any Canon DSLR anymore to use of that kind of stuff)
edited in FCPX
Audio / VO recorded via: Zoom H5 (USB Audiointerface mode)
and the Rode Reporter Microphone
MUSIC:
6th Sense (via FMA)
freemusicarchive.org/music/6th_Sense/
Profound
soundcloud.com/profoundbeats/dj-premier-style-beat-part-5
Anitek – Rooftop Serenade (via FMA)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Anitek/FreeQuency060/04_Anitek_-_Rooftop_Serenade
So I wanted to “field-test” the new Camera Cage for my Sony a7s and also do some more slog2 “overexposing” tests. With that “task” in mind i came a across a local Skateboard-Contest-Event (Bring Da Truckaz 2014), so i thought, well why not just test some 720p 100fps as well. Here is the result.
All slog2 (settings below) and a mix of 720p100, 1080p50 and some 1080p25 all in a 1080p25 Project (PremierePro CC 2014) mostly all like +1.0 or +2.0 “overexposed” (so to be more specific: between 1 or 2 stops EV based on the camera’s spot meter) like it was suggested by David Carstens (newsshooter.com/2014/08/13/can-the-sony-a7s-really-give-good-skin-tones-david-carstens-has-the-answer)
Lenses used: Canon 24-105mm F4 (with the Commlite EF/NEX adapter), WalimexPro/Samyang 14mm T3.1 Cine FE
Color Grading was a basic layer of Colorista II to get exposure and contrast a lil bit more “natural” looking, then i used Film Convert with the ALEXA LogC source settings, film stock is Fuji Film 8543 Vivid (Film Color 50%, Curve 50%, Grain 10%) and a finally a lil bit of MagicBulletLooks for some vignetting and a bit more pop. I did add some 20-25% of sharpening as well.
Thanks to Ed David for the hint/inspiration for the slog2 and the basic FilmConvet settings:
vimeo.com/102244108
Slog2 PicPro from Kholi –
Black Level: 0
Gamma Slog: 2
Black Gamma > Range: Middle , Level: -3
Knee > Mode: Auto , Auto Set > Max Point: 95 , Sensitivity: Mid
Colore Mode: Pro
Saturation: +8
Color Phase -2
Color Depth > R+1, G-1, B+2„ C-2, M-1, Y-3
Detail > Level, -5 Adjust > Mode; Manual, V/H Balance: -2, B/W Balance Type3, Limit: 0, Crispening:0, hi_light Detail: 0
White balance > Manual > Grid setting B 1 (one to the left)
(dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?326049-A7S-PicPro-Settings&highlight=kohli)
MUSIC:
Stay With Me (Prince Fox Remix)
soundcloud.com/princefoxmusic/sam-smith-stay-with-me-prince-fox
Three Six Mafia – Twerk (JSTJR Bootleg)
soundcloud.com/jstjr/three-six-mafia-twerk-jstjr
Poldoore – In Your Head – In Your Head
soundcloud.com/poldoore/poldoore-in-your-head-01-in
Poldoore – That Game You’re Playing
soundcloud.com/poldoore/that-game-youre-playing
VYVCH – On and on
freemusicarchive.org/music/VYVCH/Royal_Treatment/11_-_On_and_on
another camera cage i’m testing for the SONY a7s
quite big tho’ but quite “open” so to say … especially on the right side
also the battery compartment can be accessed with no issue
built quality is ok for the money (around 130 EUR) its a bit heavy tho’ but not too bad … i thing in its the closest in terms of dimensions and such to the Walimex Pro Aptaris XL DSLR Cage even though not as well made and in a way not as versatile and a bit bigger in size. you can remove the base rode mount.
will test/try it for a week or so … more soon
This is a quick review of the new Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM with some “random” test footage I shot on my way to a client-meeting. Overall a pretty impressive Lens (especially for the Money) on a APS-C sensor like the CANON EOS 70D but also the Canon C100 since the Autofocus really work quite nice and super silent as well. It seem Canon had video shooting in mind by crating that lens.
Its sharp and has a nice overall look, there are no noticeable real nasty unsharp edges or corners like the Canon 10-22mm or the Tamron 10-24mm. The non-constant aperture is not really a big issue it seems, the iris works kinda smoothly. The lens just is not made for low light … thats all 😉 Zoom-range is OK, I liked the Tamron 10-24mm for the 24mm but its nothing that i really miss on a super wider angle lens.
pro’s:
– makes optically nice & sharp pictures
– great wide-angle look
– great & silent Auto-focus works smooth in Video-mode
– good Images stabilizer (IS)
– good close focus range … almost macro feel to it
– works good for taking stills
– good price (around 270 EUR in Germany and $299 in the US)
con’s:
– manual focus ring is small and has no hard stops or markings on it so its a bit hard to manually focus
– non-constant aperture
– built quality is not the best / its not exactly weather sealed
– does not come with a Lens Hood
But thats it … it might not work as good on non auto focus cams and is not as super cinematic as a wide open Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 but then again the Canon EF-S 10-18mm is a pretty nice lens for the money after all.
It also is pretty great for taking stills:
more info on the STM Focus “thing”:
Video: Comparing Canon’s USM and STM Lenses Using the 70D’s Dual Pixel AF
more info about the Lens:
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup/ef_s_10_18mm_f_4_5_5_6_is_stm
So a while back I was shooting for RED TOWER FILM a Documentary about a Converse Project called CONS SPACE 002 BLN.
It was located at a old abandoned factory in Berlin that was revived again by skaters and lots and lost of art. There is a full length Docu (70min or so) in the making and there well be a Teaser released soon.
For now there are two 1st clips online about Art and Music…. All shot on Canon C300, 60D, 7D and GoPro. Edit by a colleague and me in Premere Pro CC on OSX on a Late2013 iMac and 2009 MacPro.
…more updates soon
A few weeks ago I had the chance to speak with Adventure Photographer Lucas Gilman in Berlin. He was there for a G-Technology event at the Apple Store in Berlin. We talked a bit about the passion and craft that goes in the work he does and about his work & “challenges” in the Video world.
Stay tuned for part two next month. He will talk more about his workflow and using the new MacPro since he had the chance to use it early 😉
Shot on Sony F3 using vintage Nikkor 35mm, 50mm and 85mm lenses and Canon 70D with Sigma 17-50mm f2.8
I actually used one tip I’ve got from Lucas for this Video … since it was kinda bad, grey and cold weather in Berlin everything kinda looked grey and cold but like Lucas said these are actually good conditions for Black and White shots. So his tip was: If the weather isn’t that great and all looks grey, make it black and white…and I think that worked out pretty nice 😉
So thanks for that tip, Lucas and for the time and thanks to the whole G-Tech crew in Berlin.
BTW I used a G-DRIVE ev via USB 3.0 on a 2009 MacPro with a CalDigit USB3.0 PCI-E card to manage the footage of the Sony F3 and 70D. I also used that drive for editing in Premiere Pro CC. It’s a solid little drive with transfer speeds like a big internal 3,5″ drive… pretty good!
some more info about Lucas Gilman:
g-technology.eu/g-team/lucas-gilman
nikonusa.com
apple.com/uk/aperture/action/gilman/
and his twitter-stream:
twitter.com/lucasgilman
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