All posts by JenThorpe

Nikon Releases the NX Field Remote Shooting System

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Nikon Inc., announced that NX Field, a remote shooting and image transfer system designed for use by commercial and editorial agencies as well as wire services, is scheduled to be released on June 17, 2021. This solution will support those on the front lines of news, sports, and event reporting by allowing its users to link multiple compatible Nikon cameras, operate and adjust settings, and automatically upload images captured with the cameras to an FTP 1 server.

The system is currently compatible with the Nikon D6 and Nikon D5 digital SLR cameras. Support for mirrorless camera such as the Nikon Z 9, Z 7II, and Z 6II is planned for the future.

NX Field will be a scalable solution released by Nikon Professional Services (NPS), a Nikon program that offers extensive support and services to professional photographers throughout the world. The NX Field system consists of the dedicated camera firmware, which can be installed for a fee, as well as the NX Field app which can be downloaded to a compatible device/tablet.

When connecting multiple compatible Nikon cameras, the camera set as the master camera can simultaneously control the shutter release on up to ten remote cameras. The cameras can be connected via a wired LAN cable or wireless LAN.

Further, with the additional use of the NX Field app for smart devices, the shutter release on remote cameras connected via a wired LAN cable or wireless LAN can be controlled from the smartphone or tablet to which it is installed. The app can also be used to easily perform a number of tasks remotely, including checking the Live View through the lens, changing or confirming camera settings, and uploading images captured with the cameras. The user interface that pursues flexibility and usability streamlines the on-site workflow. The NX Field system supports remote shooting via the 5G high-speed communications standard or the internet 4, which, for example, can enable the remote operation of cameras positioned in Tokyo from an operator in New York.

What’s more, the system enables the immediate and automatic upload of images captured with the master and remote cameras to an FTP server. When a wired LAN cable connection is used, the system is extremely stable and is not easily affected by external factors such as a lack of sufficient Wi-Fi signal or high Wi-Fi traffic.

By enabling the remote cameras to be positioned in places that people cannot easily access, such as at the finish line of a race, near a stadium ceiling, or in situations where the number of photographers allowed on site are restricted, NX Field supports the confident capture of decisive moments. The system achieves immediacy in workflow with images captured from previously difficult perspectives and angles for greater diversity.

Nikon will continually update NX Field and support professional photographers’ active on the frontlines of the reportage of decisive moments.

NBC Olympics Selects Sony Broadcast and Productions Equipment for Olympics

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NBC Olympics, a division of the NBC Sports Group, has selected Sony Electronics to provide broadcast and production equipment for its production of the Games of the XXXII Olympiad, which take place in Tokyo, Japan, from July 23 – August 8. The announcement was made by David Mazza, CTO & SVP, NBC Sports Group & Olympics, and John Studdert, Vice President, Media Solutions, Sony Electronics.

NBC Olympics’ Crew will use nearly 100 Sony cameras to capture footage at event venues and record athlete interviews, press conferences, and other assignments that require studio and portable recording and capture. A selection of the Sony cameras, including the HDC-3500, will be used for IP-enabled transmission, while the rest will operate in SDI. The camera roster also features Sony’s HDC-5500 and HDC-3500 4K/HDR, high-frame rate studio cameras for slow-motion footage, along with XDCAM camcorders, including the PXW-Z750, PXW-Z450, PXW-X400, and PXW-Z280.

NBC Olympics will use several of Sony’s production switchers models – including the flagship XVS-9000 4K/3G/HD IP-ready switcher and the XVS-8000 and XVS-6000 4K/3G/HD video switches designed for IP-and SDI-based production. Many of the switchers will be used in an IP-based environment and several will be designated for 1080P HDR production.

The switchers will handle feeds from each sports venue to NBC Olympics’ production facility inside NBC Olympics’ International Broadcast Center in Tokyo, as well as to originate HD cable coverage across NBCUniversals’s various networks and platforms. NBC Olympics will also use hundreds of Sony’s professional monitors, including 4K Master Monitors for critical picture evaluation and Series of TRIMASTER EL OLED/4K monitors for on set and location monitoring.

“For the Tokyo Games, NBC Olympics has been planning for several key advancements as we progress towards UHD and a new generation of infrastructure,” said Mazza. “This includes the conversion of the IBC to a fully IP system and the combination of 1080P, 4K and HDR workflows, all while protecting the 1080I SDR Streams for our main broadcasts. Sony has been key in assisting us with an updated menu of equipment, and consulting with us on how to ensure these processes run as efficiently as possible while maintaining the highest of quality pictures and reliability.”

“High-quality and remotely-managed technology has become increasingly important and will be integral to NBC Olympics’ unprecedented coverage of the Tokyo Olympics,” said Studdert. “NBC Olympics’ production team will leverage our newest IP-compatible, HDR and 4K-ready technologies to capture and produce the Games ensuring this summer’s coverage will be stunning, dynamic and immersive, while enhancing the connection to viewers across multiple platforms.”

Sony’s Professional Services Group is deploying an extensive network of resources to provide 24/7 support for all broadcasting equipment and operations for NBC Olympics’ coverage. Sony Professional Services team has once again been selected to help integrate NBC Sports’ International Broadcast Center and its studios in Stamford.

NBC Olympics Selects Canon as its Field and Studio Lenses Provider

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NBC Olympics, a division of the NBC Sports Group, has selected Canon U.S.A. Inc.,a leader in digital imaging solutions, to provide a wide variety of 4K UHD and HD Field, Portable, and Studio lenses for its production of the Games of the XXXII Olympiad, which take place in Tokyo, Japan, from July 23 – August 8. The announcement was made by Chip Adams, VP of Venue Engineering, NBC Olympics, and Kazuto Ogawa, President and CEO of Canon U.S.A., Inc.

A broad array of Canon broadcast lenses will be used, including the UHD-DIGISUPER 90 long-zoom field lens, which provides outstanding 4K UHD imagery. Canon’s 4K and HD lenses will be at every venue and studio in Tokyo, allowing viewers to see NBC Olympics’ presentation of all the action. In addition, Canon service technicians will be on-site in Tokyo to ensure that every piece of equipment is in peak operating condition at all times.

“We are honored to once again be able to showcase our finest broadcast digital imaging solutions and to be chosen as the broadcast lens provider for the NBC Olympics,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and CEO, Canon U.S.A., Inc.

“With today’s multi-format camera systems, Canon has shown that it is on the forefront of providing advanced optics for today’s UHD and HDR capable cameras, which we are utilizing at the Olympic Games,” said Adams. “The images, equipment and the support we receive from Canon are always exceptional and we look forward to partnering with them again for the Tokyo Olympics.”

About NBC Olympics

A division of NBC Sports Group, NBC Olympics is responsible for producing, programming and promoting NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Olympic Games. NBC Olympics is renowned for its unsurpassed Olympic heritage, award-winning production, and ability to aggregate the largest audiences in U.S. television history. NBCUniversal owns the U.S. media rights on all platforms to all Olympic Games through 2032. NBC Olympics also produces thousands of hours of Olympic sports programming throughout the year, which is presented on NBC, NBCSN, Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA, Peacock and NBC Sports digital platforms.

Add HX Effects To Your Line 6 Pedalboard

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You can now add HX Effects to your Line 6 pedalboard. The HX Effects processor was designed to be integrated into traditional amp and pedal setups and may serve as anything from a dedicated multi-effects unit to the command center for your entire rig. Although compact in size, it delivers the same professional-grade sound quality and authentic HX Modeling found in our market-leading Helix processors.

For a limited time, you can get a $100 instant rebate on HX Effects until July 31st, 2021!

HX Effects was created for guitarists and bassists who want their Line 6 flagship Helix effects for traditional amp and pedalboard setups. Powered by the same engine as Helix processors, HX Effects includes the full array of Helix effects plus legacy effects from the M-Series and Stompbox Modeler pedals. All in a compact pedal that fits easily on your pedalboard.


Here are some of the Terms and Conditions:

  • Promotion Period: May 25, 2021 through July 31, 2021
  • Eligible Products: HX Effects only
  • Instant Rebate: HX Effects $100 USD
  • The Instant Rebate will be reflected in the final purchase price at the time of sale.
  • This offer is only available to Line 6 customers with mailing addresses in the United States
  • Eligible products must be purchased as new from an authorized reseller.
  • Instant Rebates are not available for re-manufactured, demonstration, or non-new products.
  • Purchases from online auctions are not eligible.
  • The Instant Rebate cannot be transferred or combined with any other offer.
  • Available only while supplies last. Offer limited to Eligible Products in-stock during the Promotion Period.

Panasonic Introduced LUMIX S 50mm f/1.8 Lens to its Full Frame Lineup

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Panasonic introduced a new large-aperture standard fixed focal length lens, the LUMIX S 50mm F1.8 [S-550], as the second addition to the series of four F1.8 large-aperture lenses based on the L-Mount system standard.

A total of four F1.8 lenses from the LUMIX S Series feature a common size and position of control parts which, for example, make it easy to exchange lenses quickly when the camera is on a gimbal with minimum adjustment of connected gears. In addition, because the diameter is consistent, users can also apply the same filters across this set of lenses. The filter diameter is 67 mm, with a 9-blade circular aperture diaphragm.

The LUMIX S 50mm F1.8 is compromised of nine lens elements in eight groups including three aspherical lenses, one ED [Extra-Low Dispersion] lens and one UHR [Ultra-High Refractive Index] lens. Three aspherical lenses achieve high descriptive performance and beautiful bokeh across all F1.8 lenses in the series, and are suitable for a wide range of images, from portrait to landscape. Notably, the ED lens effectively suppresses chromatic aberration.

The LUMIX S 50mm F1.8 also excels in video recording performance with a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing, previously a fatal problem of all interchangeable lenses designed for still image photography. This advantage, together with a micro-step aperture control for smooth exposure change produces professional quality video.

Compact, lightweight [approximately 300g] dust/splash-resistant and able to withstand use under harsh conditions as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit, the LUMIX 50mm F1.8 is designed for excellent mobility.

The new 24mm and 35mm F1.8 large-aperture lenses are also under development to further enhance the LUMIX S Series lens lineup. The Panasonic and L-Mount system alliance is committed to the development of L-Mount lenses for the further expansion of its lineup to fulfill the needs of customers.

The LUMIX 50mm F1.8 will be available in July at valued channel partners for $449.99.

Accusonus Introduces Voice Changer

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Accusonus introduced Voice Changer. It allows you to craft perfect voice effects fast. Transform regular voices into any character you can imagine. Advance your dialogue into new scenarios, with creative environments and voice effects. A quick, simple, but powerful voice modifier.

Character

Your content portrays a ton of varying characters, who need varying voices. From epic movie trailer tones to subtle whispering, evil AI voices to baby robots. An alien, a dragon, a monster, a ghost, a giant… Quickly modify your voice, and create great anime voice filters or scary voices. Use vocoder effects and morph your character into a robot, a girl, a man, a woman, a baby or anything you want. Start off by altering Voice Changer presets, or dive straight in and create your own character’s sound.

Effect

When your mic meets accusonus Voice Changer, it can be any device you want. Emulate old-times news broadcasts, car radios, walkie-talkie chatter – or any voice filter you want. Simulate sound from a range of mediums, including a VHS tape, megaphone, CB radio, and phone.

Environment

Leap out of your office or studio setup, and lay out a virtual landscape behind your voice. Recording inside a cave, crypt or canyon used to be tricky, but not now. Stadiums, airports, bathrooms, cathedrals… Even mountain echo sounds. You can ‘Record’ anywhere, from home!

Voice effect presets

Combine and tune these 3 voice modifiers: character, effect, environment. Design your own voice effect presets, or explore Voice Changer’s comprehensive preset catalogue to find quick solutions for common sound design problems. Make your track sound like a 90s video tape, an airport announcement, a crowd megaphone, a kitchen radios living room TV and beyond. Emulate a dialogue from the next door apartment, a phone call, or explore fantasy and robot preset sounds.

Regular Updates

Get voice effect and sound design ideas on the fly. With Accusonus’s new update system, you will frequently receive new preset packs in real-time, without even having to close your session.

Voice Changer is designed for a wide range of people who work with voices in audio. Here are some examples:

  • Content Creators like YouTubers, Streamers, Influencers and Podcasters looking to swiftly and easily increase their production value.
  • Marketing and Media teams in need of fast ways to optimize their creative workflow.
  • Filmmakers, Voice Over Actors and Video Artists looking for fast sound design with a cost-effective tool.
  • Audio Professionals, Post-Production teams and Engineers who require speed and simplicity, that’s reinforced with powerful tech.

Voice Changer requires a $4.99/month subscription.

Panasonic Develops the LUMIX GH6 Micro Four Thirds Mirrorless Camera

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Panasonic logoPanasonic is proud to announce the development of the LUMIX GH6 that combines the new Micro Four Trends sensor and a new image processor. This flagship camera of the LUMIX 6 Series will be commercialized for its release to world markets by the end of 2021.

After establishing the LUMIX brand in 2001, Panasonic introduced the world’s first digital single lens mirrorless camera in 2008. Since then, it has produced a host of innovative cameras and interchangeable lenses by taking advantage of the outstanding mobility and high video performance which are unique to the mirrorless camera system. These cameras and lenses were originally used for photography but have also been used for film creation. After 20 years of innovative contributions to the imaging culture, LUMIX cameras and lenses have earned a solid reputation with a wide range of users, including professional photographers and film creators.

As the next milestone in the evolution of the legacy of LUMIX cameras, Panasonic is proud to announce that the development of the LUMIX GH6 is underway. The flagship of the LUMIX 6 Series is the latest model of the GH line, it is renowned for its stunning mobility and innovative video performance. Combining the high-speed sensor and Venus Engine image processor, the new GH6 realizes next-generation video expression.

Providing 4:2:2 10-bit DCI 4K/60p recording capability 2, the LUMIX GH6 achieves unlimited video recording when the camera is used under the certified operating temperature. It is reliable enough to record continuous footage for a desired duration. It also provides a 10-bit 4K 120p High Frame Rate (HFR) and Variable Frame Rate (VFR) for high resolution slow/quick motion video.

Moreover, the GH6 records 10-bit 5.7K 60p video by taking full advantage of the newly developed Micro Four Thirds sensor. Accommodating a variety of recording modes and assist functions, the GH6 enables photo/video hybrid-use for various purposes including films, music videos, documentaries and short clips for social media to meet the creators’ needs. The GH6 will retail for approximately $2500.

In addition to the camera, the new interchangeable lens will be added to expand the G Series lineup, and the LEICA DG 25-50mm F1.7 is also under development. It covers from 10mm to 50mm (35mm camera equivalent:20 – 100mm) together with the LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm / F1.7 ASPH which is currently available and has been met with high acclaim. These two lenses have common aperture, high descriptive performance, shape and operability so that it is easy to make the creator’s own unique image using these two lenses with minimal workflow.

While the LUMIX G Series based on the Micro Four Thirds standard boasts high mobility, the LUMIX S Series offers high descriptive performance made possible with the full-frame sensor. With these two series, Panasonic demonstrates its commitment to further providing maximum product value as a tool for users to unleash their creativity and challenge the ever-changing photo/video culture in the digital era.

Panasonic Introduced LUMIX GH5M2 Digital Mirrorless Camera

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Designed with creators in mind, Panasonic is proud to introduce its newest digital mirrorless camera, the LUMIX GH5M2, featuring outstanding video performance for all film creators. The next high-performance product in the evolution of the GH5m the LUMIX GH5M2 achieves C4K / 4K 60p 4:2:0 10 bit internal recording. With the pre-installed V-Log L, it is easy to match the color tone with the footage in V-Log of S1H/S1 and V-Log L of GH5/GH5S.

The 20.3-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor with Anti-Reflective (A.R.) coating clearly captures details and drives the maximum performance of the lens. The image processor is also updated from that GH5 by adopting the latest Venus Engine that boasts high speed and performance.

Building on the exceptional performance and legacy of the GH5, the GH5M2 puts more creative power in the hands of filmmakers and videographers, equipping them with high quality video, high basic performance to meet various production sites, wire-optional live streaming, the high LUMIX standard of reliability and wide expandability.

The LUMIX GH5M2 is capable of unlimited video recording in various settings, reflective of the LUMIX GH Series’ notoriously outstanding video performance for professional videography. In addition, the GH5M2 can record C4K / 4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit as well as produce simultaneous output of 4:2:2 10-bit over HDMI during 4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit internal recording. Because it realizes a crop factor of 1.0x in 4K 60p by using whole area of the sensor, the user can record video in the original viewing angle of the lens.

A V-Log L is pre-installed in the camera to deliver a high dynamic range and broad colors, eliminating the need to purchase a Software Upgrade Key separately. V-Log L renders a very flat image while maintaining the entire range of color information within the image, resulting in a greater level of play when the images are put through post-production processes. V-Log L has log curve characteristics similar to negative film.

Users can download 35 conversion LUTs for VariCam cinema cameras for free for use in the LUMIX GH5M2. Color tone is easily matched with the footage recorded in V-Log of S1H/S1 and V-Log L of GH5/GH5S. Practical tools like a Waveform Monitor and V-Log L View Assist was available.

Following the S1H, the video flagship camera of the S Series, the LUMIX GH5M2 provides types of Cinelike gamma presets in the Photo Style. With these modes, impressive looks with warm skin tones or delicate nuances of light and shadow can be reproduced even without color grading over V-Log footage. The Cinelike D2 gives priority to dynamic range and the Cinelike V2 prioritizes contrast. MonochromeS and L. ClassicNeo have also been added. All these modes can be used for Anamorphic video recording.

Leica Camera and Sharp Corporation Partner in Smartphone Photography

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Leica Camera AG and Sharp Corporation announced the establishment of a long-term technology partnership and presented the first AQUOS R6 Smartphone ‘co-engineered with Leica’ for the Japanese market. Both companies are working in close collaboration in the field of optical engineering and the development of innovative solutions for the achievement of best possible imaging quality in the smartphone photography segment.

The AQUOS R6 ‘co-engineered with Leica’ has been developed exclusively for the Japanese market. This smartphone impresses with an exceptionally large 1-inch sensor. In combination with integrated Leica lens technology, this not only ensures excellent picture quality on the end-device, but also enables the production of outstanding quality prints.

Since its founding in 1912, Sharp has been responsible for continuous innovation in numerous product categories. With cutting-edge technologies and absolute commitment to highest standards of quality and design, the products manufactured by Sharp stand for best entertainment, maximum convenience and new perspectives.

For more than 100 years, the Leica brand has been synonymous with photographic excellence, best image quality and the finest German design and engineering. The company manufactures premium quality cameras and lenses and its precision tools continue to impress both professional photographers and new comers in all areas of photography. An integral part of the Leica brand culture is the diversity of activities the company undertakes for the achievement of photography – since the beginning, this long-established company has promoted both established photographers and up-and-coming young talent from around the world.

Fujifilm to Launch FUJINON Broadcast Zoom Lenses with Digital Drive Unit

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Fujufilm corporation is pleased to announce that it will gradually launch FUJINON broadcast portable zoom lenses featuring the newly-developed digital drive unit ‘S10’ (18 models) in June 2021. These lenses are equipped with the S10 to deliver precise zooming and focusing to support remote recording based on a robotic system, which is growing in demand at video production site.

In the conventional production of video contents including television shows in a studio and live coverage of sporting or music events, staff are assigned to each of video cameras to operate them. More recently, robotic systems that support remote operations are increasingly used to meet the needs of streamlining video production and in the midst of growing remote-shooting demand due to the pandemic of the novel coronavirus. In the given trend, the industry is calling for broadcast lenses that are capable of zooming and focusing to suit each scene and meeting the demand of producers even when a robotic system is used for video filming.

The new FUJINON broadcast zoom lenses (18 models) are equipped with the digital drive unit ‘S10,’ developed with the cutting-edge mechanatronics technology. These lenses have improved drive unit response to zoom and focus without delay even during pan broadcast, while enabling ultra-slow and smooth zooming and focusing during live music coverage to deliver expressive video. Remote shooting based on the robotic system thus achieves high-quality video production equivalent to video recording captured with a real videographer’s advanced skills.

These lenses can also output positional information on zoom, focus and even iris which allows the high-precision position detection. This means live video footage can be combined with virtual video in optimum settings, thereby catering to the growing demand for virtual video production.

In addition, enhanced zoom and focus response helps camera operators shoot video exactly as intended even with using with the zoom demand / focus units or when handling the equipment with a camera on the shoulder.

FUJINON lenses by Fujifilm are known for advanced descriptive performance, and used in the production of movies, TV commercials, and live sports coverage across the world. Fujifilm will continue to respond to diversifying needs of broadcast production with its lineup of high-quality and high-function FUJINON broadcast lenses, including the 18 S10-equipped lenses.