Showing posts with label Gear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gear. Show all posts

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Audio Specs for Available Cameras

Nikon D5100

48000 Hz - 16 bit

Nikon P510

48000 Hz - compressed

Sony HDR-AS 100V

48000 Hz - compressed

Canon Powershot SX230 HS

48000 Hz - 16 bit

Canon 5D Mark II

48000 Hz - 16 bit

Friday, May 23, 2014

Some HD-SLR Video Gear Links

Rigs and Accessories - DSLR Video Shooter:


Vidpro MR-400 Motorized Focus & Zoom Rig VIMR400 B&H Photo: "The Vidpro MR-400 Motorized Focus & Zoom Rig features a battery-powered focus and zoom belt drive system, a height-adjustable baseplate, 3-door mattebox, and 5 lb counterweight. Integrated thumb switches on the handles control the drive belts at variable speeds dependant on the pressure you apply. A second set of identical switches is located on a rear-mounted component and enables comfortable control when you have the rig mounted on a tripod. The baseplate and shoulder pad both have 1/4" tripod-mount threads underneath."

Essential HD Video Accessories for DSLRs from Adorama Learning Center: "Convergence is a marvelous thing. The ability to combine the elements of high-tech electronics and software in unprecedented new ways his resulted in such marvels as the iPhone, the Blackberry, 8-megapixel cell phones, and yes, digital SLRs that can shoot HD movies of breathtaking quality. When I asked a PhD physicist and software developer why Nikon, Canon and now Panasonic decided to include HD movie capability in their latest DSLRs, he responded laconically, “Because they can.” Yes, you can shoot HD movies with your HD-enabled DSLR alone without using any accessories whatsoever other than a lens and a high-capacity memory card, but if your aim is to produce professional looking movies and movie clips, the following accessories will certainly help."

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

How to Record Audio: Video Tutorial for Nikon HDSLR from Nikon

How to Record Audio: Video Tutorial for Nikon HDSLR from Nikon: "Audio is the important second half of any movie, whether it's a Hollywood blockbuster, wedding video, documentary short film or home movie.
Many Nikon HDSLRs have a microphone built-in, some even have a stereo microphone built-in. You can use this built-in microphone or if you want more control over how you capture your film’s sound, you can purchase an optional accessory mic such as the Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone. To find out more about using the ME-1, read this L&E article."



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Tuesday, April 8, 2014

A quick look at DSLR video gear

Top Gear Selections For DSLR Video Beginners | Nikon Cinema:

A Look Inside National Geographic Cinematographer/Producer David Wright’s Bag In David’s own words, read more about his choice of gear, plus a few valuable lessons he’s picked up while on the job. These are all things you may wish to consider for your own video workflow.


The unsung hero of every video shoot is the sound-recordist. Whether shooting live action, an interview or other subjects in-between, I am often reminded that great capture with bad audio is unusable. On the other hand, good audio, even if accompanied by inferior imagery, is almost always useful; if your visual capture was not up to snuff you can usually shoot it again!
... 
I’m convinced the Nikon ME-1 is a great way to equip your camera for video work. The ME-1 has impressive specifications and is compact. It is powerful and will pick-up the smallest of sounds.
 ...
Also consider an add-on for improved sound—some sort of wind protection to shield the microphone. If you venture out into the wilds to shoot you’ll benefit from a windjammer (windscreen). 
... 
An interesting point about a “traditional” cinema lens is that the aperture ring does not have click stops. Most new photography lenses don’t have an aperture ring; all adjustments are made via a dial on the camera body.
... 
The solution? Use that filter for easy on-the-fly exposure control. Practice with the variable ND filter and gain expertise in maintaining correct exposure by merely spinning the front element. With practice you can take the motion of your subject, combined with your own movement, to hide in-camera adjustments. No one will even be aware that changes have been made.
...
For my work I often need to look down into a finder instead of the backside of a camera where the LCD screen is. My solution is to add an external electronic viewfinder. These monitors provide extra features such as focus assist modes, histograms for checking exposure and much more. These added tools will likely help boost your confidence in what you are capturing.
... 
The tripod is not only essential for steady telephoto shots, but the better the head, the smoother the movement during video pan or tilt. There are a lot of brands on the market, but my choice for best build quality, design and price is the Miller range of products. For times when I am on foot and/or need to keep a low profile, I’ll also carry a monopod to help steady the capture.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Old Monitor & Card Specs

Just some notes for myself about some of the gear I have laying around...

Dell 1503FP

Mfr Date: 2001/02


Quick Specifications  See all specs
Display Type: LCD monitor / TFT active matrix
Diagonal size: 15.0 in
Display interface: DVI / VGA (HD-15)
Dot pitch: 0.297 mm
Aspect ratio: 4:3
Contrast ratio: 300:1


Product Information
The Dell 1503FP LCD monitor ensures crisp and clear picture quality with 1024 x 768p max resolution. The 4:3 aspect ratio of this Dell 15-inch monitor provides a wide screen viewing experience. The 200.0 cd/m2 brightness level of this Dell LCD monitor offers bright and lively images. The 300:1 contrast ratio of the Dell 1503FP LCD monitor darkens the black and whitens the white level for an outstanding screen performance. The anti-glare feature of this Dell 15-inch monitor lets you watch reflection-free images. This Dell LCD monitor is ideal for home, small offices, and a corporate environment.
Product Identifiers
BrandDell
Model1503FP
Additional MPN32DVX

Key Features
Display TechnologyFlat Panel LCD TFT (Active Matrix), LCD, LCD Flat Panel LCD TFT (Active Matrix), LCD Flat Panel LCD TFT (Active Matrix) LCD Flat Panel LCD TFT (Active Matrix)
Screen Size15"
Maximum Resolution1024 x 768
Aspect Ratio4:3
Contrast Ratio200:1,300:1
Refresh Rate75 Hz

Technical Features
Synchronization Range - Vertical60 - 75 kHz
Synchronization Range - Horizontal31 - 60 kHz
Max Viewing Angle Horizontal100°
Max Viewing Angle Vertical80°
Regulatory ApprovalBSMI, Energy Star, Energy star, FCC, NOM, TCO-99
Form FactorDesktop

Connectivity
Analog Video Input Connector1 x 15 Pin D-Sub connector
Digital Video Input StandardDVI-D

Miscellaneous
Monitor ColorBlack

http://www.ebay.com/ctg/Dell-1503FP-15-LCD-Flat-Panel-LCD-TFT-Active-Matrix-LCD-Flat-Panel-LCD-TFT-Active-Matrix-Monitor-/52113780

Dell E152FPb

Mfr Date: 2003/12

Product Information
This 15-inch Dell E monitor is functional, contemporary, and capable of taking your computing experience to a higher level and delivering outstanding graphics as you add to your system's performance. The great mid-sized screen on this Dell E monitor helps you to take advantage of the ample screen size and put more open documents next to each other. With its charcoal gray body, this 15-inch LCD monitor will be a classic upgrade for any computer. The exceptional display resolution on the Dell E152FPB makes it easy for you to open more documents at the same time without using multiple monitors. Because this Dell E monitor has a lightning fast 25ms response time, you can avoid distortion and ghosts while viewing movies. Since this 15-inch LCD monitor has detailed liquid crystal technology, you can take advantage of its reduced footprint and significantly reduced heat radiation. In addition, you can change the display settings till you get them just the way you want them to maximize your reading proficiency or office productivity since the Dell E152FPB features effective controls.
Product Identifiers
BrandDell
ModelE152FPB
Additional MPNE152FPB

Key Features
Product LineDell E
Display TechnologyLCD
Screen Size15"
Maximum Resolution1024 x 768
Aspect Ratio4:3
Contrast Ratio350:1
Response Time25 ms

Miscellaneous
Monitor ColorCharcoal Gray
http://www.ebay.com/ctg/Dell-E-E152FPB-15-LCD-Monitor-/112240377


Hanns.G HS191D 19" LCD Monitor

MFR Date: 2007/04

Product Information
This 19-inch Hanns.G monitor is modern, appealing, and made for people who want to upgrade their computer graphics. This Hanns.G monitor makes it easy for you to stave off the tangle of extra cables required for external speakers with its high-quality built-in speakers. This LCD monitor helps you to admire the solid viewing experience and enjoy enhanced gameplay thanks to its detailed advanced image technology. As the Hanns.G HS191D has powerful controls, you can easily modify the display settings to your specifications to maximize your office productivity or reading proficiency. The excellent 1280 x 1024 resolution featured on this Hanns.G monitor allows you to see more of your game space at once without getting a bigger monitor. What's more, this LCD monitor has an excellent moderate-sized screen, so you can take advantage of the ample screen size and put more open documents next to each other. With its black and silver body, the Hanns.G HS191D is a stylish addition to any computer system.
Product Identifiers
BrandHanns.G
ModelHS191D
UPC4710859553973

Key Features
Display TechnologyLCD
Screen Size19"
Aspect Ratio5:4
Contrast Ratio700:1
Response Time8 ms

Miscellaneous
Monitor ColorBlack & Silver

http://www.ebay.com/ctg/Hanns-G-HS191D-19-LCD-Monitor-built-in-speakers-/114227941

specs

  • Widescreen
  •  
  • 19 inches
  •  
  • 1280 x 1024
  •  
  • 300 cd/m²
  •  
  • 700:1
  • 8 ms
  •  
  • Matte / anti-glare
  •  
  • DVI, VGA
  •  
  • Speakers (Integrated)
  •  
  • 12 x 15 x 2.5 in

General
TypeWidescreen
Screen size19 inches
Screen resolution1280 x 1024
Aspect ratio5:4
Screen typeLCD (Color)
Picture
Brightness300 cd/m²
Contrast ratio700:1
Refresh rate60 Hz
Response time8 ms
Viewing angle150° (horizontal)
135° (vertical)
Screen surfaceMatte / anti-glare
Advanced picture
Dot pitch0.29 mm
Color support16-bit / 16.7 million color 


http://www.engadget.com/products/hanns-g/hs191d/specs/

Hyundai N71S

Product Information
This 17-inch Hyundai ImageQuest monitor is full-featured and appealing, and it is designed for people who want to upgrade their computer graphics. With the exceptional moderate-sized display featured on this Hyundai ImageQuest monitor, you can make use of the ample screen size and put more open documents next to each other. Be the envy of your friends with this LCD monitor and its classic black body. The Hyundai N71S allows you to effortlessly add immersive sound to your interactive gaming and home entertainment with its high-fidelity built-in speakers. Tweak the contrast, sharpness, and color balance the way you want it with the handy controls found on this Hyundai ImageQuest monitor. With the brilliant liquid crystal technology on this LCD monitor, you can appreciate the wonderful viewing experience and enjoy an improved computing environment. In addition, the Hyundai N71S makes it easy for you to fit more detail on your screen without taking up too much desk space thanks to its excellent 1280 x 1024 display resolution.
Description
Product Features
  • Wide viewing area
    It is available to appreciate its vivid display from all directions - right and left, up and down - since the wide viewing angle has been applied.
  • A clear contrast ration between light and shade and a high response rate
    You can feel clear cut images without smudges in the screen even when enjoying a speedy action movie and a game because the super-high speed in response rate panel is applied.
  • Support high resolution
    It is easy to read documents because the super-high speed in response rate panel is applied.
  • Automatic adjustment function
    With one-button, you can conveniently adjust its optimized contrast and brightness.
  • Wall mounting meeting the VESA
    It is designed for easy of use by supporting wall mounting meeting the VESA requirement.

Product Identifiers
BrandHyundai
ModelN71S
UPC824314001894
Additional MPNN71S

Key Features
Product LineHyundai ImageQuest
Display TechnologyFlat Panel LCD TFT (Active Matrix), LCD
Screen Size17"
Aspect Ratio5:4
Contrast Ratio500:1
Response Time8 ms

Technical Features
Synchronization Range - Vertical60 - 75 kHz
Synchronization Range - Horizontal30 - 80 kHz
Max Viewing Angle Horizontal150°
Max Viewing Angle Vertical130°
Regulatory ApprovalCB, CCC, CE, FCC, GOST-R, TCO-03, TUV GS, TUV-GS, UL
Color Support24-bit (16.7M Colors)
Form FactorDesktop

Connectivity
Audio OutputHeadphones, Speaker(s)
Analog Video Input Connector1 x 15 Pin D-Sub connector

Dimensions
Depth7 in.

Miscellaneous
Monitor ColorBlack
Monitor Platform SourcePC
PNY Geforce 7600GS 512MB Agp

http://www.cnet.com/graphics-cards/pny-verto-geforce-7600/4505-8902_7-32012969.html

Quick SpecificationsSee all specs Graphics Processor / VendornVidia GeForce 7600 GS Max Resolution (external)2560 x 1600 Video Memory Installed512 MB Slot typeAGP 8x CompatibilityPC TechnologyDDR2 SDRAM 128-bit Max monitors supported2


Friday, December 6, 2013

Photo and Video Editing Monitors

Best Under $500 Budget Photo and Video Editing Monitor 2013:
e-IPS vs. p-IPS Vs. H-IPSThere's a lot of confusion when it comes to IPS panel types and their categories. What should be done is some type of standardization in these names; however, here is what technically should be associated with each of these names. 
e-IPS
This is a cheaper-to-produce IPS panel that has become very popular as of late. Typically, the color gamut associated with these types of monitors is not as good as Pro-IPS or H-IPS panels, but is still much better than what you see on a typical monitor. For those that don't necessarily have to have brand color sensitivity, then these types of monitors should be good enough. Typically monitors in this category are advertised as 8 bit with 16.7 million colors; however, in the case of some of the least expensive models are more 6 bit with A-FRC or 8 bit simulated. TFT Central's recent article expands upon this.
H-IPS
Most modern IPS panel models are made in this format with horizontal IPS pixels arranged in vertical lines.
p-IPS
 
The "p" in p-IPS stands for professional and typically means that a particular IPS monitor has a wider color gamut. While many of these models say they have a 10 bit color palette of 1.07 billion very few do and as in the case of e-IPS some which are advertised are actually 8 bit with AFRC simulation. True 10 bit monitors will exceed the 8-bit+AFRC module monitors in price. 
Other options:
There are many other IPS options available in the market. Overall, pay attention to customer ratings and reviews for a more accurate depiction of what you're getting in a monitor.

Best IPS Photo Editing Monitors for Photography 2013: "People no longer want to just read words on a paper they want to see it and photographers tell a story that is rich in detail and meaning. Sometimes a photo comes out just right, but most of the time it takes tools, calibration, and editing to get a photo to look like you had it in your mind. In this post I'll review some of the top rated budget or entry level, mid range, and high-end IPS monitors for photography. We'll also discuss the importance of panel types, color gamut, resolution, proper calibration, and more."

Best Monitor for Photo Editing and Photography 2013 Review: "One of the first things you learn as a amateur photographer is to know the intent of your photographs and why you want to take them. If you've come here looking for the best monitor for photo editing, then ask yourself what your intent is. If you're a professional photographer, then you may be looking for a high-end IPS panel monitor with wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction. Casual photographers still want accuracy, but probably want quality options that fit within their price range. In this post I'll review high, mid, and budget IPS monitors for all types."


Calibrate your display: "What is Display Color Calibration?

Calibrating your display helps to ensure that colors are represented accurately on your monitor. In Windows, you can use Display Color Calibration to calibrate your display."

HP Pavilion 23bw 23-inch Diagonal IPS LED
Backlit Monitor support

Screen is discolored

The entire screen is discolored.
Figure 10: Incorrect colors
Incorrect colors
Figure 11: Correct colors
Correct resolution
To fix incorrect colors, complete the following steps:

  1. Check the video cable connections and make sure the connection is not loose. Tighten the connection screws if the connector is loose.
  2. Press the Auto or Autoselect button on the monitor.
  3. Press Menu , and select Factory Reset . If the screen is still discolored, continue to the next step.
  4. If the monitor has more than one type of connection available such as VGA, DVI, or HDMI, try a different type of connection.
  5. If possible, connect the monitor to another computer. If the colors are incorrect when the monitor is connected to the second computer, the monitor might be damaged or defective.
  6. Service the monitor.



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Sunday, May 20, 2012

It’s Spooky in the Future! Fun with Obsolete Technology

Bumming around on YouTube watching tech geeks’ fathers fail on Windows 8, I noticed these…

Related Posts

Gear: RIP frankenPC II - 2011-2012 & some thoughts on Windows 8 Consumer Preview

FrankenPC II  - 2011-2012.  May 17, 2012.

Well, it didn’t die so much as I chose to go in a different direction.  A while back I installed Windows 8 Consumer Preview (yes, the beta)…  It was interesting, but I was never able to get the sound running. 

Fullscreen capture 5202012 110232 AM

Long story short, yep…

Played the driver game, did everything suggested, and still no sound… 

This wasn’t a big deal, I could use my laptops for anything I needed sound for, except for editing videos.  The editing program I am stuck dealing with lives on frankenPC II and is non-transferable, but the hardware was so old that it had a hard time working with 1080 HD video anyway…

So, I already was planning on getting some Adobe software to edit on my newest computer and to call it good. 

Before installing 8, I also reorganized a lot of my files, backed everything up, and started using my Toshiba laptop as my primary computer. 

By this point, all I was really using frankenPC II for was using Windows Live Synch to automatically back up the photo files off of the Toshiba. 

Now, from the beginning, there was something a little off with frankenPC II.  Even XP was crashing a lot on this beast, so, of course, it only took a month or two before Windows 8 just got tired and didn’t want to play anymore.

If 8 had an easily accessible way to boot in Safe Mode, I probably could have fixed the problem, if it was a software issue, but I couldn’t keep it up and running long enough to navigate to the buried menus where they keep this option in 8. 

However, considering XP’s troubles, I think the motherboard was just reaching the end of its life. 

Decision time.  I spend an entire day, most likely, rolling back to Windows XP or I could just stick with my two laptop solution (applications on the newer Toshiba, email and music on an old Inspiron 9100) and move on…

Rebuilt external hard drive.  May 17, 2012.Considering that the backed up picture files were stored on a second hard drive and the fact that retiring frankenPC II would free up a lot of real estate on my desk, I chose retirement.

Fortunately, dealing with another recent issue, I had some hardware laying around to turn the internal HD into an external, plus I pulled a bunch of hardware and memory out of frankenPC II to soup up the tower in the living room, and this is a win, win, win situation.

So, the end result.  I have a lot more room on my desk.  I have to manually back up my picture files from time to time.  I have an ancient laptop as my permanent desktop PC (and a lot more room on my desk).  I am not bouncing between three different PCs running three different operating systems.  I need to invest in some new editing software, which I was planning on doing already. 

And, best of all, I am happier and less frustrated with my computer situation than I have been for a long time.

Some thoughts on Windows 8 Consumer Preview

As for Windows 8?  It was all right.  Mostly Window 7 with the Metro interface slapped on top.  A quick internet search will lead you to a lot of comments about the new operating system, and I think they are pretty fair and valid.Old Brick.  Inspiron 9100.  May 17, 2012.

In short, bright back the Start button for the Desktop.  Allow a choice between opening in the Metro mode or the Desktop mode (right now, it always opens to the metro screen).  Obviously, bring back the old F8 screens, with all of those start up options accessible immediately…

Oh, and work out that damn sound issue.  It looks like I wasn’t the only one struck deaf by my upgrade.

I can see where touchscreens are going to be playing a huge role in the future, and where touchscreens, for many people in many PC configurations may abandon their mice in the future.  However, I cannot see entirely abandoning my mouse ever.  There will always be, for as far into the future as I can see, times when I will want a mouse.Toshiba.  May 19, 2012.

Also, I can also see a future where I may have my screens mounted in places where it is inconvenient not to have a mouse or some similar input device.  When TVs are fully replaced by/merged with computers (5 to 10 years?), like hell I am getting up and walking across the room to interface with a menu!

In these case, I don’t know if I will want the Metro screen or the Desktop, probably depends on what I would be doing, but since we are not at this point yet, we need the choice.

Other than these small issues, when the time comes and I need to either purchase a new OS or a new PC, I see no problem picking up the latest version available.  7 if it is sooner, 8 if it is later. 

If if is 7, I’ll probably just stick with it and not bother upgrading for a while.  But I really see no real need, at this point, to avoid it like many people did with Vista.

Some Links

The State of Windows 8: Cheap Upgrades, Better Apps [RUMORS]:

Microsoft reporter Mary Jo Foley first reported that the company intends to provide cheap upgrades for new Windows customers over the summer. According to “contacts,” after the Release Preview arrives, customers who buy Windows 7 or a Windows 7 PC will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 when it’s released in the fall for just $14.99 — a pricerevealed to Windows Supersite by “sources.”

The best part of the deal is that those customers will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro, the “higher-end” version of the software that’s a step above the basic edition. (for more on how Microsoft intends to market Windows 8, see this summary).

Living With Windows 8 Consumer Preview:

Microsoft has said that Windows 8 aims to be a "no compromise" operating system, focused on "and" instead of "or"—not a touch screen or a mouse and keyboard, but both together. It sounds great, but as I use it, I'm not quite convinced.

It's certainly improved since the developer preview. You can now use it successfully on a desktop or notebook, but I'm not sure why a typical desktop or notebook user with Windows 7 would upgrade to Windows 8.

…

Overall, I've gotten used to running Windows 8, and while a lot of it is neat, I'm still a bit skeptical.

In short, it almost feels like two operating systems in one: Metro, which works quite well on touch screens and tablets but feels awkward in the desktop mode; and the classic Windows UI with a Metro Start screen for desktop users, where the new UI seems unnecessary at least for now. It makes a lot of sense on a tablet with an optional keyboard, or with a hybrid or convertible notebook/tablet, but those seem to be relatively small parts of the market.

I think there are a number of things Microsoft could do to make Windows 8 more appropriate for desktop users. I'm not expecting it, but it would be nice to see an option for desktop users to return to the classic Start menu, and even launch Metro apps from there. For laptop users, it would be good to be able to use a touch pad for the kind of gestures you would use on a touch screen (a similar feature is in Mac OSX Lion). And for desktop users, I would be interested in an option to run Metro apps within windows, so you could have a number visible at the same time, particularly for large or multi-monitor setups.

As it is, Microsoft is right in saying there is "no compromise" to utility. You do get both sets of features, but simplicity of operation is compromised, I fear that will make a lot of desktop users in particular rather unhappy.

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