First time out with the RED Epic W yesterday. A fine camera as it goes. From an operating standpoint it was really no different than using the original EPIC. It all comes down to what accessories you add to it to make it useable in your configuration. I was using the Gratical Eye from Zacuto in addition to the RED monitor bolted to the top. Most of the day was Hand-held so I was using an EASYRIG to take some of the load off. The handle was prone to slipping off the clamp because of the front heavy arrangement using the Sigma Cine zoom and Wooden Camera matte box.
I will say the fan noise was much reduced over that of the original EPIC. I still find the menus and setup of the camera to be cumbersome. A few more quick access buttons and an easy way to configure the ones that do exist?
I didn’t have much time to examine the footage before turning it over to the client but it was much better looking than it looked on the tiny screen on camera. 🙂

So when Andrew Reed at EOSHD posted a first look at the Sony A7sMk2 I really did have to ask why am I still filming with the Canon 5Dk3? Decision has been made. Accessories ordered. Waiting to pick up the camera at a local retailer rather than order form B&H. So why now?
120fps, Slog3, 4K UHD
Sure it is still an 8bit small photo camera, but with those features for $3K, finally have to pull the trigger. The plan is to use the Wooden Camera cage I have for the 5D which will beef it up a little. I ordered the Metabones standard adaptor for use with full frame lenses. For High frame rate or cropped sensor material I already own the speed booster ultra so I can use that for those. I can also use the metabones standard adaptor with my Tokina 11-16 in crop mode. I’m looking forward to that.
Looking forward to checking out this new camera for real.
So back in January, I think, I signed up to be a kickstarter for the smallHD port protector for the 5DmkIII. They did a great job with the mkII so I thought why not, I’ll be one of the first to get it and I need it. Before that I had tried the port protector from redrock Micro along with their cage and I found it to be awkward to install and I didn’t care for the cage. Replaced it with a Wooden Camera cage, which is awesome. So the port protector from smallHD arrived today along with a T-shirt as a backer. It was easy to install and seems to work really great. Except my cage doesn’t fit with it in place. So if you use your 5DmkIII without a cage and would like to have some security for your HDMI cable this is your product.
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