Zacuto Saves the Day: A Testimonial

[ photo by Wayne Granzin ]

After receiving this amazing email from Wayne Granzin, we wanted to share with you his testimonial on using the Zacuto Universal Baseplate and how the adjustability and adaptability of Zacuto gear saved the day during his recent shoot.

From Wayne:
Steve, just wanted to send you a note of thanks for your great products. I was on a shoot today and was using my Brevis 35mm adapter with my hpx170. Once I got my adapter on and tried to secure the mounts, I noticed that the cameras tripod mount is off-center off the lens, which left the whole rig about a half inch offset of the rails center - YIKES!

[ photos by Wayne Granzin ]

Zacuto Saves the Day ~ by Wayne Granzin
The infinite adjustability of my Zacuto Universal Baseplate saved the day! I simply loosened the 4 allen screws at the front and back of the plate and everything easily slid over to compensate for the offset. My trusty Baseplate and rails aint goin' anywhere - EVER! I will be visiting the Zacuto store soon and I'm glad I went with Zacuto over the other guys. Keep up the great work.

And...out of curiosity, did you guys design the lateral adjustabiliy into the baseplate, or is it just a happy accident of the build?



Steve Weiss response to Wayne:
No happy accident Wayne. In terms of product development of the Universal Base Plate, originally it was designed for exactly what you used it for. The XL2 or XLH1 has an offset screw and we needed right left adjustability to center the camera on the baseplate for matte boxes.

About Zacuto's Universal Baseplate: Works with all cameras, including Panasonic HVX200, DVX100a/b, Canon XL-H1, XL1, XL1s, XL2, GL2, XH-A1 Sony XDCAM EX1, SO-HVR-Z1U, VX1000, VX2000, PD-150, PD-170, JVC GY-HD100U,HD200U, HD250U, Silicon Imaging SI2K, RED ONE and any other cameras of this size. Please vistit our website www.Store.Zacuto.Com for additional specs, testimonial videos and the Zacuto line-up of accessories.

Memories of My ReFrame Shootout

Shot and Edited by Steve Weiss on October 21st at the Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco while attending the RE:FRAME Collective.

I shot this vintage (Super 8 film look) video using my new Digital Harinezumi Video Camera bought on-line at urban outfitters for $170. Using a prototype Zacuto Zgrip Point + Shoot (stabilizing hand-grip). All of the scenes of me, I shot holding the Z-grip and pointing the camera at myself. No post process was done to this video, just captured and edited.

Also seen in the video are some ReFrame presenters + crazy shooters: Philip Bloom, Joe Simon, Den Lennie, *kristen, Jon Conner + more...

{ music: "Memories" by Elvis Presley }

New Website on DSLR Cinematography

"Make movies...faster...cheaper...better," says Noah Kadner when talking about the launch of his new website which highlights news, reviews, and tutorials about DSLR/SLR (Single Lens Reflex) cameras. "These are the latest and greatest cameras capable of shooting high definition video using high-quality still camera lenses at frame rates like 30p and 24p." says Kadner.

With the increased attention and media frenzy for this new breed of hybrid cameras, such as the Canon 5DMKII and 7D, filmmakers and professional photographers are hitting the ground running on how to take advantage of these new technologies ~ "The Game Changers."

So in comes, Noah Kadner with www.dslr-cinematography.com which brings together filmmakers, manufacturers and educators in one place to discuss DSLR Cinematography.

The website brings together news and information from DSLR cinematographers, camera manufactures and camera accessories manufacturers such as Zacuto USA, who have extensive product lines specifally designed for the DSLR market. "Digital SLR cameras are an intriguing hybrid between digital still cameras and high definition video cameras. They allow you to achieve cinematic shallow depth of field and expressive cinematography at relatively low prices. These cameras include the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and EOS 7D, the Nikon D90 and D300S and the Panasonic GH1 and DMC-GF1," says Noah.

"In addition to news and reviews you’ll also read exclusive interviews with professional cinematographers and photographers shooting digital stills and video at the same time with their DSLRs. So grab your camera and let’s get shooting." ~Noah Kadner

To learn more about DSLR Cinematography, please visit Noah and his team of DSLR experts t www.dslr-cinematography.com and make sure to check out his new book "RED: The Ultimate Guide to Using the Revolutionary Camera."

Noah Kadner was born in New Jersey and raised in New Mexico. He graduated from the MFA program in production at the usc School of Cinema-Television. Noah lives in Los Angeles and runs High Road Productions, a film, television, production and post-production company. He has directed several short films, commercials and music videos. He also works as a DVD authoring specialist. His clients have included the U.S. Army, United Nations, NBC, PBS, Sony, and Fox. Noah also administers several online filmmaking forums including Withoutabox, 2-pop, Creative Cow and DVXuser.com.

Noah also writes for industry magazines like Videography and American Cinematographer. Noah wrote cover stories for Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End and Indiana Jones and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Noah also completed the book Red and its workflow for Peachpit Press.

Zamerican Arm ~ Latest Review

Check out the latest video review of the Zacuto Zamerican Arm by Daren Findling "The Finner" on his popular website, "Finner Knows Best: Gear reviews to keep you looking smart." With over 20 years of experience in the film industry, he definitely knows his gadgets + gear! To learn more about Daren and the other talented reviewers and filmmakers at FKB, visit http://finnerknowsbest.com

About the Zamerican Arm: 20% lighter, made with chrome balls for silk movement, aluminum ends for rust reduction and stainless steel to increase strength and reduce bulk. It is built with Z-Release, giving you built-in quick release action using Zacuto's new Z-lock technology. To learn more about the Zamerican Arm, visit www.store.zacuto.com

Z-Finder User Reviews and Comments

{photo: courtesy of www.philipbloom.co.uk}

Following the release and product launch of our Z-Finder V2: a DSLR viewfinder critical for precision focus on shallow depth-of-field cameras, we've received amazing feedback and reviews across numerous social media forums. From the independent filmmaker to avant-garde wedding videographers to professional photographers, the Z-Finder has become essential for a full range of DSLR cameras such as: Canon 5DMKII, Canon 7D, Panasonic GH1, Nikon D300, Nikon D5000, and Pentex 7D. See below for some of the most recent reviews.

For more information on the Z-Finder V2, additional benefits, and a very detailed step-by-step tutorial product video, visit www.store.zacuto.com

Z-FINDER USER REVIEWS + COMMENTS

"At the moment there is nothing that comes close to this. It is absolutely essential for video on the 5DMkII. I couldn't shoot hand-held without it that’s for sure. It has a 3x magnification making the image huge in your eye. Yes it is magnifying the pixels, but it still improves focusing a hell of a lot. ~ Philip Bloom, Independent DP and Director www.philipbloom.co.uk

“The Z-finder V2, a magnificent upgrade and sharp as a tack across the whole image. The focus gearing was accurate, frictionless and backlash free.” ~ Robert Primes, ASC.

“The Z-Finder, an absolute must have piece of equipment.” ~ Rodney Charters, Director of Photography, on the Television Series “24”

"My focus is 100% more precise with the Z-finder than without it, but it could have been even better if the camera LCD had more pixels. This is great because it means the Z-finder is future proof: it’s performance is going to improve as LCDs get better!" ~ Alain Pilon, Photographer & Videographer.

{Photo: courtesy of www.canon5dtips.com}

"The Z-finder also make it easy to keep both eyes open while shooting. One eye is used to focus while the other look around at the environment to make sure you don’t fall, trip on something and keep the action within the frame. I use this technique a lot while shooting stills and I am happy to be able to do it now while shooting clips." Read Full Review at www.canon5dtips.com

"This Z-finder is awesome. I am using it in Lima, Peru right now and am so glad I purchased it. I had a Hoodman but the quality of this is amazing and the eye cup is truly spectacular!" ~ W. Ashley Maddox, DP/Director, Wam Pictures Ltd www.wampictures.blogspot.com

"What I'm most impressed with is the ability to critically focus my still shots. I use a lot of wide-aperture Canon lenses that are hard to get tack-on focus. So I turn on live view, move the focusing spot right on the subject's eye and with the Z-finder's help, I'm able to confirm that the eyeball is super sharp." ~ Jason Smith, Chicago Based Event Photographer www.jasonsmith.com

“Before, focusing on the LCD at arms length was impossible. The Z-finder actually adds functionality to the camera. Even though $399 is a little high, the added functionality is worth it to me. On top of video, the Z-finder actually has still photo functionality as well. It’s great for reviewing photos. Even with the large screen on the 5D, I had trouble checking focus in the field. The Z-finder solves that problem.” ~ Greg Milneck, Television and Film Producer www.digitalfx.tv/blog

"Man, I hate to sound like a Zacuto whore, but…The Z-Finder, expensive as it is, makes the GH1 do exactly what you want it to do. And they've got a grip configuration that fits the bill as well. Here's a link to footage I shot last week using exactly this combination of gear… http://vimeo.com/6636855" ~ By Stephen Mick at DvxUser

{Photo: courtesy of Mike Vlack of Cinema5D.com}

"The thing is, I like the Z-Finder so much that I find myself using it for shooting stills as well, as I love the zoomed in Live View mode for manual focus. Bottom Line: Currently the best solution on the market." ~ Mike Vlack, Film and Television Graphic Designer and Photographer www.molecule.com.au

"My wife saw some of my post Z-Finder V2 footage from the 5DMK2 yesterday and said, ‘Wow, you've gotten a lot better.’ What she was noticing was improved stability and focus which were hit and miss without it, but I'll settle for better.” ~ Michael Shaw.

"I have problem eyesight....Contact lenses, left eye reading, right eye, distance, + booster half frame reading glasses, when all else fails. I'm really pleased with my Zacuto Finder, the magnification allows for easy tracking focus...Really good value." ~ Ron Coker of DVinfo.net

"This is an amazingly solid, well crafted unit. The optics are clear and bright, the housing is bomb-proof, and the eye cup is very comfortable. This is such a solid unit, I have no doubt it will serve a very long life with the rest of my kit." ~ by Current Motion at www.cinema5d.com

“DSLR video is bloody hard work without my Zacuto Z-Finder. Wouldn't have a hope in hell of finding focus on my 5DmKII. ” ~ Michael Robertson www.velodramatic.com

“I purchased the Z Finder to replace a Hoodman loupe for this project I am currently shooting for and am I happy I went ahead with this purchase! An Essential item for any 5D shooter, great job Zacuto!” ~ Raffaele, Videographer & Photographer

“Lots of 5D MKII video shooting on the set today. Had three cameras rolling with good sound feeding in. Z-finder was big hit.” ~ Mark Harmel, Los Angeles based Photographer www.harmelphoto.com

“I did a shoot at a research lab with my 5D MKII and Z-Finder last week, I used the freebie Zacuto lanyard and found that the lanyard method worked very well for my needs, nice to just snap it on and off as I needed it.”~ Dan Brokett of DVinfo.net

"I got to try the Z-Finder 2 Today hands on a the HD show in NYC. It's amazing compared to the Hoodman ~ worlds apart. In my opinion after trying it out, it's worth every penny especially since there is a great warranty and believe me, I'm not being hired by Zacuto to say this." ~ FotoArt, Pro Member at Cinema5D.com

"I have never used the hoodman, so cant say. All I can add is that the Zacuto really makes a difference if you shoot video...it lets you actually set focus w/o guessing." DigitalFx from RedUser.net

"I've used a hoodman and it is not even close, the Z-finder is best in class." ~ Matt Gottshalk, www.mcgeedigitalmedia.com

"Just got my Z-Finder and it works great. A necessity rather than an accessory..." ~ Richard Maldonado.

"Before the Z-Finder had arrived, I’d been out shooting some video with the Mark II, only to find out that I couldn’t really see what was going on on a very sunny day. I was having a LOT of trouble seeing what I was filming and the Rodenstock loupe was not much help for live viewing! The Z-Finder arrived and was just a thousand times better for viewing what was being captured on the back." ~ Dave Warner. Read full review here www.LensFlare35.com.

New Technology + Isabel's First Day at School

Isabel on her first day of School

I just got an iMac and I'm thinking about starting to edit my own videos again. This is the first project I've ever edited non-linear. The last time I edited was in 1992 in a tape base analog room. Since non-linear editing came out, I always did assisted edit sessions with an editor. It's amazing how fast non-linear editing is compared with a taple based analog system.

Here’s the kicker, I shot this video with this Canon Camera for $190: a point and shoot camera that shoots 720 30p HD video and 12 mega pixel photos. It’s a little shaky and we have a solution, the Zacuto Zgrip point and shoot handgrip (coming soon) that will allow you to get much steadier shots.

The Canon Powershot

The camera is extremely tiny and light (4oz.) and very hard to keep the horizon steady without a handgrip, but I just wanted to get some home movies of my kid going to school on her first day. Now, no one can complain that gear it too expensive and high quality filmmaking is available to everyone.
Steve

DOF Adapter Killer

Steve Weiss, Jenny Lynn & Jens Bogehegn, DV.com Black Diamond Award NAB 09

Just after NAB in April I told Jens Bogehegn (my co-designer) a prediction I had that we would see the death of the depth of field adapter by Xmas. And a huge reduction in sales of the mid class HD cameras shortly after. I don’t think that Jens disagreed with the death concept but he believed it would take much much longer. Think about it, DSLR’s have: shallow DOF, ability to shoot both photos and video, cheap compared to video cameras, small size and lightweight, media cards are way cheaper, low light capability is much better than video cameras, it’s a no brainer. Now with several models available like the 5DMK2, 7D, GH1, D300s, D5000 it's becoming a reality.

These days, I’ve believe that major market technology shifts happen every 6 months as opposed to 5 or 6 years ago when you could count on technology to last you 2-4 years. This makes the rental business very hard because you need to know how long to amortize the rental fee over to not only pay for the equipment but also to make a profit from it before it is worthless due to technology shifts. In a recent visit to one of our dealers (who I will leave unnamed) they pumped me for information on where I felt the market was heading. How DSLR cameras as well as small point and shoot cameras that do 720 30p HD are going to affect many of their current product lines?

Also, where DSLR cameras should be in the store, in the photo area, pro video area or broadcast area? What will happen to all of the consumer video cameras now that the trend for small point and shoot cameras is to have 720 30p HD video in a tiny little package that shoots 12MP images too? And where a consumer needed two cameras one for video and one for photos has now merged, (something I’ve been dreaming about for years).

DSLR ~ Canon Booth

We’ll here is what I told them. DSLR cameras are a major shift in technology for these industries: photography, photo journalists, Internet news reporting, event videographers, indie filmmakers, corporate production, schools, military and more. Industries I think will not be affected by DSLR technology: Broadcast, religious programming, webisodic internet and small scale television style programming.

It’s changing the job description of several industries. Never before were photographers calling us looking to get info on shooting video now that they have the tools. Photo Journalists as well are now calling on us asking how to shoot video because their stations are asking them to get some video while they are out covering a story, wedding videographers are being asked to get some photos (where they only shot video in the past) and vice-versa with the wedding photographers. Many people’s job descriptions just got larger, (similar to when NLE systems came out) and producers & directors took on the editing role into a homogenized person we now call a predator (producer, director, editor).

Rapid Fire Shooter Zacuto’s DSLR Gunstock Gorilla kits

What I really told my dealer is that I can only tell you what I think will happen to the market for the next three months. That’s how fast things are changing these days. When I look back to what we thought at NAB just 6 months ago, it’s a completely different game now and the products we are designing and selling are different. Many of the dealers at NAB still thought that DSLR’s were a joke or a passing fad or something they were never going to get into. They saw us marching around NAB with Gunstock Shooters and sort of laughed at us. That song has changed. All of them are now selling DSLR’s as well as accessories for DSLR’s. Prior to two months ago I had never seen a point and shoot consumer photo camera that was capable of shooting beautiful 720 30p HD and most all of Canon cameras can do this now and other brands are starting to follow suit.

Sony EX3 Zacuto DOF Indie kit

So I go back to my prediction with Jens do I still feel that the DSLR is a DOF adapter killer by Xmas, I think so, if not then, soon after. Will the market for mid class camera become smaller, absolutely. And will Zacuto be at the forefront of designing new products and anticipate what accessories photographers, videographers, filmmakers and consumers will need, you betcha!