Tag Archives: helix

cameras, general

2015 NAB predictions

I was thinking earlier today about what is going to drop at NAB in April. With a new camera every year from BlackMagic I feel this year will be no different. Now that they have their sensor sourcing figured out and in camera card formatting and firmware updated the next camera will be more refined building on what they have learned. I believe they will release a super 35 sensor 3.2K “pocket” camera. Maybe the form factor will be slightly chunkier depending on the card the decide on. They like off the shelf SD, SSD, etc, but maybe the will take the leap to CFast as ARRI has. Either way it will give the GH4 a run for the money and perhaps not be as awkward as their other offerings.

The Canon c300 mk2 is obvious, but what it will hold is up in the air. 4K? price? slow motion? I think the other rumor floating around about Canon dropping something below the c100 to give the GH4 some competition is interesting. 4K with dual pixel for under $1500? SOLD! fixed lens? maybe not.

RED will have the circus around their update. Do you really need it?

Stabilizers. I hope to see some more innovation rather than just copies of the MOVI and RONIN. I do think with the recent price drop of the Ronin that DJI is clearing inventory for another version of the Ronin. Lighter? yes please, this guy is a beast even with a 5D on it. A smaller version to hold A7s, GH4 and other smaller cameras? Could be.
I am still very interested in the HELIX from Letus but at the price point it is still too far out of reach.

general, videos

End of the Year

Goodbye 2014.

It has been a busy and productive year for Little Tree Films and myself. We worked on some fun projects for Shriners Hospitals for Children – Twin Cities and shot a couple of weddings and did a spot for Edgewood. I worked on a project that took me to Pittsburgh and Phoenix in the same week. I also shot for Victory motorcycles in the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats. I did some more work for Best Buy with my friends at 1 Light Films. I finished out the year filming a performance of the Nutcracker done in Burlesque.

Next year we hope to expand the business and work on more fantastic projects. Hopefully we’ll see a HELIX and Sony Fs7 join the stable of gear. And we look forward to the cool toys that haven’t come out yet. See you next year.

cinematography, general

Helix

I’m sure I’ll post more about the Helix soon. The Helix is a stabilizer designed and built by Letus. They came to be during the 35mm adaptor fad. They made a quality product and have continued to make accessories for the changing market. I first saw a clip about the Helix at NAB and thought the design idea was cool. They center the lens for 360 degree rotation. It has a flat base so you can set it down. It is designed to be a camera stabilizer not a helicopter gyro. Anyway, I got to try one out today at Cinequipt. Just a couple of minutes and my first impression is sold. The Ronin is great, but much heavier, difficult to hold for long periods and just not as refined. I’ll be putting in an order soon.