Zacuto Does It Again…With The DSLR Z-Cage

Zacuto never ceases to amaze me with their new and innovative products, and the Z-Cage is no exception. This expandable, ergonomic and customizable stabilization system is the perfect, light weight system for the HDSLR. The big punch here is the base plate.  You adjust the height of the plate with the twist of a knob to accommodate all cameras even the 1D Mark IV or if you use a battery grip – nice!   Really, really nice –  the baseplate also has a quick release for your camera. This is huge if you want to shed the cage quickly and easily without hassling with a ¼ 20 connection. The cost, $827, and if you’ve owned Zacuto before, you know it’s worth every penny. Zacuto is now taking orders, and they estimate delivery in two or three weeks. You can find out more information at www.zacuto.com.

The Zacuto DSLR Z-Cage allows you to have a small, stable, and portable mounting solution for your DSLR and all of the accessories used with it. The Z-Cage allows you to gain a better form factor for holding the camera in your hands, thus giving you more stability when shooting and lots of options and space for all of your additional accessories such as an HD monitor, audio recorder and so forth. The Z-Cage uses our DSLR baseplate and our DSLR handles which are very durable and form fitting to your hands.

The DSLR baseplate is fully adjustable and expandable. You can adjust the height of the plate for compatibility with all DSLR cameras with and without battery grips simply by using the Allen screws on the front of the baseplate. The DSLR baseplate is also the platform for building your kit into a shoulder mounted rig. The plate also has multiple 1/2″ 13 threads on the sides so you can expand the cage into a shoulder mounted rig if you ever choose to change or create your own system.A huge advantage we have over competitors is that your camera can be quickly released from the rig by turning the red knob on the side of the DSLR baseplate then pulling up on your camera. The camera quick release plate stays mounted to your camera so you can quickly switch between using the camera as part of the cage or on its own. Your tripod plate mounts to the bottom of the plate by using the standard tripod screws, (2) ¼ 20” and (1) 3/8 16”. The 3.5″ rods on the front of the baseplate are perfect for mounting a follow focus or matte box. If you are using longer lenses, rod extensions might be needed.For mounting a small hd monitor as pictured, a monitor mount is needed.

CS5 ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok — pardon my enthusiasm, but I just have to say, CS5 ROCKS!!!!!!!!! I can’t tell you how gratefull I am for a this program — it’s like buttah! Smooth as glass — I can scrub footage again — but now right out of my 7D!!!!! I haven’t seen smooth scrubbing like this since the days of DV. The program loads smooth…, no glitches. OMG — it’s the sh**!!! Do yourself a favor, if you have a HDSLR, you MUST get CS5!!!! Until you do you’ll be living half a life.

http://www.adobe.com/products/creativesuite/production/?promoid=DIOCI

Canon 7D

A glimpse of what we’ve been working on over the last few weeks.  A glimpse of what we’ve been working on over the last few weeks.

The documentary is about the current global financial crisis and how it’s effecting American people, loss of homes, jobs, businesses & pensions. Whilst in the States we spoke to many people, economists and everyday Americans alike and there’s alot of disillusionment with the current economic instability and fears that the worst is yet to come. We also look at what’s happening in the world… how the globalized world is so connected that one countries bankruptcy effects all. It’s pretty political but the main thing is, people are beginning to demand change for a system that looks after the majority instead of an elite few.

Would love to hear your thoughts.   Written & Directed by Richard Houston Becka Mezzatesta.  Producers Becka Mezzateta Dragana Kalezic.   Shot & Edited By Harry Charnock.  Music is After the Storm by Mumford & Sons.

Kit used Canon 7d on Redrock rig + Z-finder 70-200mm 2.8 IS 16-35mm 2.8 50mm 1.4 35mm.f2

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HOUSE – Season Finale Teaser

Unless you’ve been under a rock, you’ve surely heard about the season finale of the FOX show HOUSE being shot on a 5D Mark II. House director Greg Yaitanes announced the news on Twitter, then he preceded to take technical questions from the audience. Apparently the 5D was a perfect fit for the “tight spaces” of the finale. They used Canon prime lenses along with the 24-70 and 70-200 zoom and, believe it or not, they didn’t use an image stabilization rig of any sort for the non-tripod shots.It’s been hyped for weeks now on twitter and on the bogs. Last night was the big night. I haven’t heard much from anyone saying anything either positive or negative, and I myself did not have an opportunity to watch it. It should be on hulu in a few weeks. In the meantime, I’ve posted the teaser from FOX here.If you saw it, please post a comment and let us know what you think. Did the episode live up to the hype?

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Ian Woods Canon 7D Reel

All footage shot on the Canon 7D by Ian Woods.

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My New Tattoo – Canon T2i/550D

Shot with the Canon T2i. No color grading. Kit lens EF 18-55mm f/5.6 IS – low lighting with this lens isn’t completely amazing.Got the chance to help an aspiring tattooist friend from the comfort of my own couch. If you can call getting ink “comfortable”. Thanks to Ian Crossland and David Haverty for helping with the camera work.. and of course ‘Neener for the “ink-vigorating” tattoo.The tattoo is my design. Basically, it’s the scorpio sign with the numbers 2.39:1 under it. This is, of course, CinemaScope’s aspect ratio for film. The red stripe symbolizes everything I feel passionate about. After all, scorpio’s are damn passionate. The “M” may also stand for music, another of my passions.

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Burrard (Canon 7D)

First Canon 7D skate Footage.

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Philip Bloom on Lucasfilm’s Red Tails

Philip Bloom takes HDSLR filmmaking to the THE level – a George Lucas film.  For those of you who don’t know, Mr. Lucas has been talking about making a film about the Tuskegee Airmen since the early 80’s.  So for Philip Bloom to be a part of this monumental production is not only a testament to Bloom’s skills as a filmmaker but also to the legitimacy of the HDSLR revolution as well.

Philip shares all about his experiences  while on Mr. Lucas’ set on his blog here:

http://philipbloom.co.uk/2010/05/12/redtails/

He also shares some behind the scenes video from the set of of RED TAILS.

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“CITY OF LAKES” The Feature

What happens to a dream when it becomes reality?Does it still exist somewhere, in some ethereal place, waiting to come to fruition again?Could a fictional narrative capture an emotional state, and the true meaning behind a real, live event with more drama and conviction than a traditional documentary?These were just some of the questions that arose when I took on the “CITY OF LAKES” project late last year. First, it would become an unprecedented attempt to combine a fully scripted, produced film with Melissa & Samir’s real, live wedding, with the intention of creating one, seamless film. Second, the live wedding and production would be shot entirely on-location in Udaipur, India over a period of nine days. Third, our skeleton crew would consist solely of live event filmmakers from across North America, who would shoot the live wedding events and production simultaneously & exclusively on DSLRs, the Canon 5D MarkII and Canon 7D.

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Last Make Up

Pushing the limits post is always more effective if you’re starting with clear crisp images from a 7D, plus the song rocks! -CM

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