Nikon Announces New D5100 HDSLR Camera. Under 1K.

By: Jared Abrams

Nikon announced the new D5100 with full auto focus in video mode at both 30P and 24P. This looks like a solid attempt to cater to their base. Most still photographers want auto focus and the ability to use their entire lens line up. This sub 1K camera kit should fit the bill quite nicely. It even has a microphone! Here is the full rip from engadget.

“Been waiting for a new Nikon DSLR to slide in under that magical $1,000 mark? Then we’ve got some good news for you, as Digital Home Thoughts has now let slip some official details and pictures of Nikon’s new prosumer D5100 model. This one steps things up to a D7000-matching 16.2 megapixels from the 12 megapixel D5000, and boasts a 3-inch articulated display (side-mounted this time), 1080p video recording at both 30 and 24 fps (with autofocus!), ISO settings from 100 to 6,400, and an 18-105mm lens included in the kit (no body-only option available just yet, it seems). What’s more, Nikon’s also releasing a new ME-1 microphone alongside the camera to let you take full advantage of those video recording capabilities — check it out after the break. Look for this one to set you back $899.95 for the kit, with the mic running $159.95. Those are Canadian prices according to Digital Home Thoughts, though we’d expect US pricing to be the same.”

Click here for the press release.

Source: (nikon rumors, engadget)

creativeLive with Vincent Laforet. Free Workshop and Gear.

By: Jared Abrams

Vincent Laforet will be teaching an HDDSLR workshop at creativeLive March 4^th-6^th. He will also be giving away a ton of gear. Here is a rip from his blog. Click here to check it out.

“OK here we go!   This coming Friday through Sunday promises to be a very exciting 72 hours!  As most of you who read the blog know – we will be shooting and broadcasting live on web the second part of our creativeLIVE HDDLSLR workshop titled “HDDSLR – Moving From Still to Video with Vincent Laforet”

The workshop will be broadcast free during that 72 hour period and go on sale thereafter.

We will also be giving away an insane amount of gear during the workshop – to be eligible to win it – all you need to do is to follow @creativelive and @vincentlaforet on twitter – that’s it!  We’ll send everyone more details as we get ready to give stuff away.

For those of you who took part in the first workshop a little under a year ago – here’s how this workshop will differ from that one.   The first workshop focused heavily on gear and theory.  We did a little bit of shooting and a quick edit.  This workshop will flip that around – we’ll focus a bit on some new gear, and on some other important things you need to know prior to any shoot.  But most of our time will be spent actually shooting.  We’ll discuss a little theory of course – but ON SET and DURING a shoot.  We will also devote a good chunk of the first day to workflow – both with Apple’s Final Cut Studio and Adobe’s CS5 suite, from ingest to output – and even backup – something a lot of this blog’s readers have been clamoring for for awhile!”

Jorgen Escher Anti Moire Plug In For FCP.

By: Jared Abrams

Jorgen Escher has written a FCP plug-in that will reduce the micro-moire found in some HDSLR footage. This will not solve all moiré problems, but may help you clean things up a bit. The video demo has no sound and is quite short. Here is a rip from his site.

“This FCP plugin battles the disturbing problem of micro-moire. Micro-moire manifests itself as red/blue color streaks and pixels that appear in natural and irregular patterns, such as hair, water and grass. Micro-moire is seldom visible on the camera’s LCD display and sometimes not even on a 7″ external monitor. Many a good shot has been spoiled. Get them off the shelf and run them through this new filter!”

Click here for more info.

Click here to download the FCP plug-in.

Source: Philip Bloom

New Cinevate Simplis Gun Stock Rig For Under $400.

By: Jared Abrams

Cinevate has announced a new gun stock style rig for just under $400. I have to commend them on this very cool stop motion concept. It’s refreshing to see a company with a little sense of humor about their products. Here is a rip from their website.

Click here to check it out.

“The Proteus Simplis DSLR Rig is the solution for anyone needing a lightweight, “run and gun” support rig. Incorporating a revolutionary system that allows a filmmaker the unique ability to customize and scale their rig as desired, Simplis is ideal for any filmmaker seeking a versatile, modular and upgradeable DSLR Support System.”

Simplis Solo – DSLR Rig includes:

▪Simplis Quick Release Plate

▪Articulating ¼-20 Hand Grip

▪Shoulder Stock

▪3 lengths of Shoulder Stock Rods