Blog

How Much?

Jon McKee — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 20:08:55 +0000

I'll let this video speak for itself. ;-)

Top 3 features of the new Zacuto Z-Finder EVF - Electronic view finder for your Canon 5D Mk II, 7D, T2i, Nikon D7000

Jon McKee — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 17:45:53 +0000

It's hard to shoot pro video on a DSLR for the simple reason that the ergonomics don't accommodate a proper shooting style. Most shooters have invested in an optical view finder mounted to the LCD of their camera, but the results are still unbalanced. What we have needed, and wanted, was an electronic view finder similar to what is found on pro film and video cameras. This allows you to mount the camera off-set from the viewfinder, giving you better access to the lens, and positioning your cam over your shoulder for support. Existing camera rigs allow you to offset the camera from a shoulder mount to get your eye directly behind the cameras LCD, but this doesn’t fix the access to the lens. Your essentially stuck executing a reach around technique to pull focus. Also in this configuration there are no options for monitoring with a viewfinder from any direction other than directly behind the camera.

Today an industry leading camera accessory manufacturer Zacuto announced their latest product, the Z-Finder EVF. A 3.2” high resolution monitor that will be used in conjunction with their industry leading line of optical viewfinders called, Z-Finders. The incredibly robust and high quality Z-Finders will mount to the monitor in place of a permanent optical viewfinder.

Here are the specs so far

"DSLR Video On Assignment with Dan Chung" REVIEW

Jon McKee — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 02:42:27 +0000

A little over a year ago, in the early stages of the "DSLR Revolution," The F-Stop Academy, a London based training company for filmmakers run by 20 year industry veteran Den Lennie, established themselves as one of the early resources for DSLR training with their release of the video, "Learn Canon 5D Mark II Cinematography with Philip Bloom"

Following up on the success of the first DVD they quickly produced a follow up DVD for the Canon 7D when it was released, as well as releasing a DVD educating stills shooters, by “Epic Advertising Photographer” Drew Gardner, later that year.

By following award winning photojournalist Dan Chung while on assignment covering the Hindu festival Thaipusam that takes place yearly at the Batu Caves north of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, F-Stop’s latest DSLR training video, “DSLR Video On Assignment with Dan Chung,” takes a slightly different approach than previous releases.

When Will We See 4K TV At Home?

Jon McKee — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 22:01:38 +0000

JVC's new 4K D-ILA Projector the DLA-SH4KNLGChange happens all the time, especially in the world of television and film technology. At the moment the discussion seems focused on chip size, film look, resolution, and the democratization of production with the introduction of low cost, high quality cameras.

On my twitter feed the other night there was a tweet by Tom Lowe, of www.timescapes.org fame, that sparked a brief discussion.

Content is Still King on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Jon McKee — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 20:18:40 +0000

Content is still king at Jimmy Kimmel Live as they get set to air a broadcast of his late night talk show shot entirely on his Mac Book Pro Laptop.

I talk all the time to my clients about the importance of "content" above "quality" in their video projects. The goal of any content producer is to produce the highest quality possible given the constraints of a project. That said, the most important element of a project continues to be the content.

The possibilities of DSLR Video

Jon McKee — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:40:45 +0000

I don't plan to post other peoples work on my blog on a regular basis, but I felt that this film warranted your time.

There has been a lot of talk about the quality and possibilities of DSLR video, and there are a lot of "high profile" projects that are coming down the pipe in the coming months, but what I believe to be the first "real" demonstration of the cameras capabilities for filmmakers comes in the form of "City of Lakes." A concept wedding film from a talented group of wedding filmmakers led by Kevin Shahinian of Pacific Pictures, "City of Lakes" puts the Canon line of DSLRs through their paces.

NAB Interview w/ Jon McKee - Discussing HD & DSLR video, and why video pros should go to NAB

Jon McKee — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:19:03 +0000

The great guys over @Jag35 and Thomas Roberts @trstudios caught up with me on the first day of NAB for a short chat about my work and some of the tools I was excited to see at NAB 2010.

Check out the Interview over at Jag35.com

DV MAGAZINE ANNOUNCES 2010 NAB BEST OF SHOW BLACK DIAMOND AWARD WINNERS

Jon McKee — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:42:32 +0000

Las Vegas, NV (April 15, 2010) — DV magazine, published by NewBay Media, announced its Best of Show Black Diamond Awards today at the 2010 NAB Show.

NewBay Media's Broadcast & Video Group of products, which also includes DV.com, Digital Video Expo, Videographymagazine, videography.com, and the Creative Planet Communities, is uniquely poised to recognize the full spectrum video technology on display here at NAB. A select panel of engineers, editors, and production and post professionals joined the magazine staff to judge the Best of Show awards for DV.

The DV Black Diamond Awards recognize outstanding achievement in the advancement of the art and science of video technology. The 2010 Black Diamond Award winners are:

TurnHere Video of the Week.

Jon McKee — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:46:36 +0000

One of my clients TurnHere chose one of our recent projects as their "Video of the Week"

I will post some details of the shoot later but for now, enjoy the clip.

-Jon

http://producers.turnhere.com/2010/03/video-of-the-week.html

THE PXL2000 Spark

Jon McKee — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 18:42:09 +0000

The PXL2000 Video CameraThe year was 1987. Somewhere in between shooting hoops in the driveway, playing H-O-R-S-E with my brother, riding my bike, or hangin’ down the street at John Pierre's house playing Mike Tysons Punch Out, the PXL 2000 entered my life. I had no idea at the time that I would be a DP/videographer when I grew up. All I knew was that this sweet piece of gear let me make movies and TV shows all on my own.