The professional/semi-professional lens market is getting very competitive very quickly — which is great for filmmakers who are now using cameras that are much sharper than DSLRs, and need lenses that can match that resolution, and also provide smooth iris and focus. Schneider has been making PL mount lenses for some time, but they’ve now decided to introduce a full-frame cinema lineup with interchangeable mounts to go head-to-head against similarly priced lenses from Canon and Zeiss. Check out the FreshDV video below with Ryan Avery from Schneider: (more…)

We took a look at the Cinevate Axis Jab at last year’s NAB, but they’ve made quite a few improvements that really make this even more set-ready. Our friends at FreshDV checked out the jib this year at the Cinevate booth, and talked with Dennis Wood about some of the changes and improvements over the model they were showing at NAB 2012. Watch the video below: (more…)

Wireless follow focus systems are slowly getting cheaper, but when you’re dealing with wireless, quality is still the most important aspect. Hocus Products, who makes the Axis 1 Wireless Follow Focus System, has been developing the device for several years, but they are now finally about to ship to users. I’m told from those who have used it that it should stack up nicely against the much more expensive Preston systems which can run over $30,000 for a complete kit. Click through to check out the FreshDV video with Peter Hoare from Hocus: (more…)

If you thought you were safe from more NAB videos, well, you were wrong, as we’ve got a few additional interviews from our friends over at FreshDV. The DJI Phantom has certainly brought down the cost of entry for getting great-looking aerial footage — especially with cameras like the GoPro HERO3 — but right out of the box, there are some modifications that can be done to improve the steadiness. Here is Chris Newman from CineChopper on his modifications: (more…)

Perhaps the biggest story at NAB this year was Freefly Systems’ steadicam-esque gyro gimbal MōVI, which we’ve covered several times. The Vincent Laforet-directed debut film was DP’d by nofilmschool friend Timur Civan, and at NAB I had a chance to sit down with Timur briefly to chat about how they shot the debut video, how the Canon 1D C behaved, how the MōVI might affect the steadicam market, and what impact it might have on filmmaking in general. (more…)

Richard Schleuning from Zeiss discusses at length their new lens options, including the Zeiss 28-80mm Compact Zoom, featuring full frame (24x36mm) coverage and interchangeable lens mounts. Hit the jump for FreshDV‘s coverage, and listen in to an interesting conversation about the future of sensor sizes: (more…)

Robert Rozak from Juicelink shows us his new Blackmagic-specific on-camera preamp with balanced outputs, while Izotope shows RX 2 and RX 2 Advanced audio repair and restoration software. Get the scoop from our floor coverage with FreshDV: (more…)

FreshDV brings us a look at a number of new fresnel and PAR style lights from K5600, including their Joker 200 and Alpha 200, adaptable to both 5600k and 3200k options via switchable globes. Watch the video for all the gritty details and to learn about HMI technology: (more…)

FreshDV talks with Paul Scurrell about the Timecode Buddy and how they’ve begun to use RF to broadcast timecode for multiple time-saving applications on set. Also, capabilities to transmit timecode via WiFi for iPad and iPhones helps everyone get in sync. Get all the details straight for the source, after this jump: (more…)

Here’s more for editors and post-production professionals from Avid, talking about the new Media Composer 7, the Symphony upgrade, AMA linking, working with 4K footage in the HD timeline with Frame Flex. FreshDV also talks with EditShare about Lightworks and their new price-point to compete with the other NLE giants: (more…)

Well, arguably the hottest announcement this year so far came in the form of the MoVi. Our guys on the floor at FreshDV get some hands on access, hit the jump for the video: (more…)