An amateur journey of digital recording
Posts tagged Canon 7D
Sachtler Support for DSLR at NAB 2011
Apr 17th
Sachtler, a Vitec Group brand, presents the Cine DSLR fluid head at NAB 2011 in booth C6032. The new support is ideal for digital single-lens reflex cameras with video function for three reasons: the unique proprietary camera plate features an anti-twist retainer for HDSLR cameras, the professional ten-step counterbalance system, as well as Sachtler’s signature damping that offers three vertical and three horizontal grades of drag (+0) to ful-fill the requirements for precise panning and professional operation.
The payload range of 1 to 11 lbs (0.5 to 5 kg) is constructed so that heavier lenses or ac-cessories can be used while filming. Additionally, the fluid head works with classic Sachtler Speedbalance technology, which enables a fast and target-oriented counterbalance of the camera set-up. Furthermore, the long sliding range of the camera plate as well as the self-illuminating Touch Bubble are typical Sachtler features. The Cine DSLR has a tilt range of +90° to -75°.
From fluid head to camera stabilizer system
In addition to the Cine DSLR, Sachtler will display its renowned camera support systems such as the FSB 4 and FSB 6 75mm heads, the SOOM System, the ENG / EFP updated classic Video 18 S1 and Video 20 S1, as well as the Cine 7+7 HD and Cine 30 HD heads. Sachtler will also present two versions of modular camera stabilizer systems, the artemis Handheld for lightweight HDV and HDSLR cameras and the artemis Cine HD Pro which features dual video processing and HiCap wiring. The Hot-Swap technology provides an uninterrupted power supply when changing batteries.
Sachtler Live Events
In the Vitec Live Event area, part of the Vitec Group exhibition booth, hot topics and tips will be featured in eight daily 30 minute sessions. For Sachtler, New York-based cinema-tographer Michael Huss will show the Sachtler Cine DSLR and the artemis Handheld. He will speak about “HDSLR in Focus” on Monday 2:30 pm, Tuesday 11:30 am, and Wednes-day 2 pm. The member of the Wendelin Sachtler Academy will also be a key speaker on Wednesday 12 noon. He shares his extensive knowledge of the industry with his presenta-tion “Latest filming and lighting techniques showcase”. Visit www.vitecliveevent.com for the itinerary of the whole event.
For more information visit www.sachtler.com or contact: Sachtler, 709 Executive Blvd., Valley College, NY 10989, Phone: 845-268-0100, Fax: 845-268-0113, Email: info-cd-usa@vitecgroup.com
Kinsky Chooses Sachtler artemis Handheld for The Aerial Girl
Apr 17th
Sachtler, a Vitec Group brand, announces that cinematographer Danna Kinsky has chosen the artemis Handheld stabilizer system to support “The Aerial Girl”. Kinsky and director Anna Simone Scott decided to capture this short narrative adventure using the Canon 7D and prime lenses.
“Pairing the lightweight Canon camera with the artemis Handheld allowed us to move quickly and keep the audience in the moment,” explains Kinsky.
Kinsky discovered the range of artemis camera stabilizer systems while attending Sachtler’s artemis workshop in Los Angeles last November. “I found artemis to be better than other stabilizer systems I have worked with in the past,” she explains. “As a woman, the vests of the other rig brands never quite fit me. In testing the artemis rigs and vests, I found the smaller size of the artemis DV Pro to be a better fit, which makes for better stabilization and makes me a better operator.”
“When “The Aerial Girl” project came up, I knew the artemis Handheld would help me capture the story the way we wanted,” she adds. “Curt Schaller and the people at Sachtler set up a practice session for me, so I could master all of artemis’ capabilities. After three hours, I felt comfortable with the system in hand.”
“On the day of the shoot, after a few takes, the director and producers were pleased with the results. There were a few very specific shots that I could never have accomplished without artemis.”
“As the director of “The Aerial Girl”, beautifully shot by Danna Kinsky, I found her use of the artemis Handheld to be most evocative in one scene, as it created a feeling of the pivotal character moving large towards the frame which was perfect for that scene,” adds Scott.
Whether using a full-sized artemis or the Handheld, a key advantage of Sachter’s precision crafted modular system is compatibility with a wide range of cameras and operators. The artemis design ensures that the camera rig is optimally balanced, due to the ability to freely position batteries and monitors based on the patented ‘dual dynamic balance’. Special attention was also paid to the heart of the stabilizer, the gimbal.
“The Aerial Girl”, produced through Anna Simone Scott and Peter Sands Vision Fire Films and shot by Danna Kinsky, is now in the last stages of post production. The film is set to travel the international film festival circuit later this year.
For more information visit www.sachtler.com or contact: Sachtler, 709 Executive Blvd., Valley College, NY 10989, Phone: 845-268-0100, Fax: 845-268-0113, Email: info-cd-usa@vitecgroup.com
Audio Technica BP4001 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Review
Nov 28th
MSRP $259
Available January 2011
Everyone knows that the on-board sound for the Canon 7D (actually all DSLR cameras) leaves something to be desired. Yes it will work in a pinch, but it does not compliment the high quality of the video it records. In a noisy area like a trade show floor, the internal microphone on the camera is nearly unusable. This fact has Canon 7D users looking for audio recording companions. Many of us are using the Zoom H4n or shotgun mikes like the Rode Videomic. While better, these solutions do not completely eliminate loud ambient environments. Fortunately, on-site interviews have being going on for decades and companies like Audio Technica have been building hand-held microphones optimized for this task. Coming soon in January 2011, the BP4001 is one of their latest offerings. How does it handle the task? Let’s find out.
First Look
The Audio Technica BP4001 is a professional cardioid dynamic microphone. It sleek black design has an extended handle making it perfect for on-location interviews like trade shows. The cardioid polar pattern focuses the sensitivity away from the sides of the microphone optimizing isolation of the subject of your interview. Frequency response is stated to be 80Hz to 18kHz. The BP4001 has an impedance of 300 ohms.
The BP4001 has a rugged housing and the grille, made from hardened-steel has an integral foam windscreen that protects against wind and breath noise. The overall length is about 9.5 inches long with a barrel diameter a litter over 1.5 inches long. The weight comes in at 275 grams or about 10 ounces. Included with the Audio Technica BP4001 is a nice black case, a shock insulated carrying case, microphone stand mount and external foam windscreen. Connection is made through a standard 3-pin XLR connector.
Initial Observations
This microphone feels solid and rugged. After removing the grille, you can see how the microphone back cavity assembly floats inside the handle shell. General handling of the BP4001 produced no sound in the audio recording. Even slight taps to the handle casing resulted in no noise. I was also pleasantly surprised that the Audio Technica BP4001 was unaffected by mechanical noises transferred through cabling. This can be a problem in lesser microphones. The XLR cable connection was solid, never feeling loose. The quality of this microphone is obvious when you hold it in your hand.
The Audio/Video Rig
I connected the Audio Technica BP4001 to my Zoom H4n with a standard XLR cable. For the interviewer, I used the Audio Technica ATR-3350 lavalier mic also connected to the Zoom H4n. This made it easier to facilitate syncing during postproduction. Video was taken using my Canon 7D with an external monitor and a Litepanels Micro for additional light.
Performance
For comparison, I put together a clip of the Audio Technica BP4001 audio versus the on-board sound of the Canon 7D. The results are, well, staggering. The audio came through extremely clear, not boomy and especially not burdened with the background noise of the trade show.
Obviously, the microphone has an advantage over the on-board microphone of the Canon 7D but I never expected it to be that drastic. When compared to the internal microphone of the Canon 7D, it sounded like we were in a different venue. In fact, it sounded clearer than I remembered the actual interviews.
During the entire time we were recording interviews, we did not experience any mechanical noises generated by the handling of the BP4001 or cabling. That is very impressive giving the situation. The result was clear, well-balanced audio that sounded great and required no post edited except to normalize levels.
Conclusion
The Audio Technica BP4001 fills the audio performance gap found on all DSLR and even professional video rigs. At an expected street price of $200, you get a professional grade microphone that looks and feels as good as it performs. If you are looking for an professional grade audio microphone for field-interviews, the Audio Technica BP4001 is an excellent choice.
Specs
Frequency response: 80–18,000 Hz
Length: 240.8 mm (9.48″) long
Head Diameter: 40.0 mm (1.57″)
Weight: 275 g (9.7 oz)
Connection: Integral 3-pin XLRM-type S8 AT8470
Included: Quiet-FlexTM stand clamp for 5/8″-27 threaded stands; 5/8″-27 to 3/8″-16 threaded adapter; foam windscreen; carrying case; soft protective pouch
NOTE: The unit reviewed is a pre-production version of the Audio Technica BP4001. We at 7DSLR expect the production version to perform the same as the provided pre-production sample. No money was paid for this review.