News

The new Adobe CC 2014.1 deskop video application releases introduced at the IBC 2014 feature numerous enhancements. All of the Creative Cloud video applications have been given gentle facelifts, using a more subtle color scheme and simplified UI elements. In addition to the UI refinements, the video apps have all been updated to work with HiDPI displays, including Mac OS X and Windows 8.1 devices.

Adobe Premiere Pro CC 2014.1

– New Search Bins allow users to automatically generate dynamic bins based on search criteria, including new Advanced Timeline Search capabilities. Search Bins update as new content is added to a project, so users can keep projects organized, even as new footage is still coming in.

– Consolidate & Transcode allows users to move all relevant files in projects and sequences to reduce the overall project size. Once the setting is selected in the Project Manager panel, all content is rendered into a single codec and a compact new project file is created.

– Multi-project workflows allow editors to bring everything they need into one workspace. Users can open multiple Media Browser panels for easy access to as many projects as needed. The new Source Monitor Timeline view opens a second Timeline for media and sequences from other projects, making it easy to bring existing clips, edits, transitions, or graphics directly into your current project.

– Premiere Pro CC now offers full support for reading and encoding GoPro CineForm, an easily managed, cross-platform intermediate codec, ideal for high resolution footage. And the Premiere Pro CC engineers keep finding ways to get more out of the GPU with native support for 4K, 5K, 6K (and higher) content, including new GPU-based deBayering for AJA RAW, Canon RAW, and Phantom Cine, as well as RED and Cinema DNG footage.

– Existing features see some significant new capabilities, too, like enhanced Masking & Tracking, that enables users to adjust feathering directly in the Program Monitor, or use the free-draw polygon tool to create complex mask shapes. Use Render & Replace to speed up performance of VFX-heavy sequences by flattening After Effects CC compositions into video clips—and thanks to Dynamic Link, the original comps are always accessible if you need to make further changes. Improved Master Clip effects, Send to Audition, and AAF export to DAWs, are just a few other enhancements coming to Premiere Pro CC this Fall.

Adobe After Effects CC 2014.1

– The 2014.1 release of After Effects CC offers an enhanced Live 3D Pipeline, adding Cineware 2.0 and CINEMA 4D R16 compatibility, so that artists can work faster and more easily with 3D elements in their compositions.

– Broadcasters and large facilities that use Adobe Anywhere for video will benefit from improved Anywhere collaboration to streamline remote workflows with version tracking and project sharing.

– In addition, the new version offers a number of usability refinements, such as more visible anchor points on layers, tracking behavior improvements, and more incremental improvements that make motion graphics and visual effects work easier and more efficient.

The AJ-PX800G is a new-generation camera-recorder for news gathering. It is network connectable and provides superb picture quality, high mobility and excellent cost-performance. Weighing only about 2.8 kg(main unit), the AJ-PX800G is the world's lightest shoulder-type, 2/3-type, three sensor camera-recorder equipped with three MOS image sensors for broadcasting applications. It also supports several AVC-ULTRA codecs - the picture quality and recorded data rate can be selected from one of the AVC-ULTRA family of codec's (AVC-Intra/AVC-LongG) according to the application. Along with a Low-rate AVC-Proxy dual-codec recording ideal for network-based operation and off-line editing. Built-in network functions support wired LAN, optional wireless LAN, and 4G/LTE network connections (third-party module required) enabling on-site preview, uploading data to a server and streaming. The AJ-PX800G is a single-package solution for virtually all broadcasting needs.

Press Release

Blackmagic Design announced the immediate availability of Camera 1.9 software which includes new “heads up display” on screen metering that provides customers with histogram, peak audio meters and recording time remaining for the Blackmagic Production Camera 4K.

Camera 1.9 update is available now free of charge from the Blackmagic Design website.

Using these additional displays for the Blackmagic Production Camera 4K means that customers can easily and quickly check important camera settings such as exposure, audio level and the remaining space on their recording disk.

Using the histogram scope, customers can now easily and rapidly set exposure in a shot as the histogram shows the the distribution of luminance in their images and if highlights or shadows are being clipped. Images with clipped highlights or shadows make it much harder to color grade the shots in post production, so having the histogram feature helps DOP’s shoot with confidence. The histogram scope is real time so highlights and shadows can be adjusted interactively with the lens setting, ensuring images are not clipped and maximum detail in tonal ranges is preserved, critically important for allowing colorists to create amazing grading effects in post production using the full contrast range of the camera.

Camera 1.9 software update also includes a new audio metering with peak hold feature to allow setting audio levels for Channels 1 and 2 when using the built in microphone as well as externally connected audio sources. The audio meters make it fast to view audio levels and adjust camera audio gain so that audio is not clipped or distorted.

The new heads up display also includes a recording time remaining indicator that shows remaining space on the recording disk. The time remaining indicator is automatically re-calibrated to ensure an accurate time remaining value if the either the frame rate or codec are changed, and displays red when the disk is getting full.

This update is available to our Blackmagic Production Camera 4K customers free of charge. Customers can download this update now and install it onto their camera from either Mac or Windows computers using a simple USB cable connection to the camera. Once the update is complete, customers can view the new on screen menus by simply swiping their finger up from the bottom of the capacitative touch screen.

This new heads up display will be released for other models of Blackmagic Design cameras over the coming weeks, so an even wider range of Blackmagic Design camera customers can get the benefits of this new display.

“We are extremely excited that we have been able to provide yet another release for our camera customers ,” said Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design. “Having this new heads up display with on screen scopes will enable film makers to shoot the most amazing images with confidence that they will get incredible results in post production!”

Blackmagic Production Camera 4K Key Features

– Large high resolution 4K Super 35 mm sized sensor with superior handing of image detail.

– Professional global shutter for smooth pans and image motion.

– Wide 12 stops of dynamic range allows capture of increased details for feature film look.

– Compatible with extremely high quality EF mount lenses.

– Built in SSD recorder allows long duration recording onto solid state disks.

– Open file formats compatible with popular NLE software, such as Apple ProRes and compressed CinemaDNG 12 bit RAW. No custom file formats.

– Features all standard connections, including jack mic/line audio in, 6G-SDI output for monitoring with camera status graphic overlay, headphone mini jack, Thunderbolt, LANC remote control and standard DC 12 power connection.

– Built in touch screen LCD for camera settings and metadata entry compatible with popular video editing software including Final Cut Pro X.

– Supports Ultra HD and 1080HD resolution capture in 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97 and 30 fps.

– Includes UltraScope software for live scopes via the built in Thunderbolt connection.

– Includes DaVinci Resolve color grading software.

Availability and Price

Camera 1.9 is available now for download from the Blackmagic Design web site free of charge for all Blackmagic Production Camera 4K customers.

Press Photography

Product photos of the Blackmagic Production Camera 4K, and all other Blackmagic Design products, are available at www.blackmagicdesign.com.

About Blackmagic Design

Blackmagic Design creates the world’s highest quality video editing products, digital film cameras, color correctors, video converters, video monitoring, routers, live production switchers, disk recorders, waveform monitors and real time film scanners for the feature film, post production and television broadcast industries. Blackmagic Design’s DeckLink capture cards launched a revolution in quality and affordability in post production, while the company’s Emmy™ award winning DaVinci color correction products have dominated the television and film industry since 1984. Blackmagic Design continues ground breaking innovations including 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI products and stereoscopic 3D and Ultra HD workflows. Founded by world leading post production editors and engineers, Blackmagic Design has offices in the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore and Australia. For more information, please go to www.blackmagicdesign.com.

Press Release

Blackmagic Design announced that Blackmagic Cinema Cameras EF were used to capture complex action sequences in the new film “The Expendables 3.” Second Unit DP Paul Hughen, ASC, placed the cameras directly in the action in order to get incredible shots, including exciting scenes of car races, intricate boat chases and large scale action sequences.

In “The Expendables 3,” the mercenary group returns to battle with the team's co founder turned ruthless arms dealer Conrad Stonebanks, who in this latest installment has made it his mission to destroy The Expendables. With an all star cast, including Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Terry Crews, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Wesley Snipes, Antonio Banderas, Mel Gibson, Harrison Ford, Kelsey Grammer, Victor Ortiz, Ronda Rousey and Kellan Lutz, there is no shortage of action and adventure.

“I was looking for a stunt camera that offered maximum resolution and ease of workflow, and I wanted the action footage to be as close to the main unit resolution as possible,” says Peter Menzies, First Unit DP. “The Blackmagic Cinema Camera’s RAW image is the best quality available in a camera of that compact size and versatility, and the image is very sharp and has great latitude.”

“The Blackmagic Cinema Camera’s form factor was perfect for the many complex camera positions that Second Unit Director Dan Bradley and I came up with,” explained Paul. “We wanted to mount the cameras to different vehicles with the smallest amount of rigging possible. We mounted them to boats, tanks, and trucks; and in one of the most involved and exciting sequences, three Blackmagic Cinema Cameras were attached to the front and sides of a high speed military train.”

The Blackmagic Cinema Camera’s light weight also allowed Paul to attach the cameras to the front or side of a motorcycle because the form factor kept rigging and cables to a minimum and made it safe to carry for the rider. “The cameras were so easy to use that we often found ourselves giving them to stuntmen who turned them on and ran with them on top of trains or rode with them in the backs of Jeeps. The light weight and easy handling made the cameras the action unit workhorse,” said Paul.

Because of the nature of the action unit, Paul and his team knew that the Blackmagic Cinema Cameras were going to be in harm’s way. While the camera’s form factor sometimes afforded them the opportunity to use metal crash cages to protect them, other times they simply mounted them and hoped for the best. As such, affordability was key.

“Affordability was a major factor in deciding to shoot with the Blackmagic Cinema Cameras. However, over the course of shooting we only lost one camera, and the exciting shots we got far outweighed the cost of a replacement,” said Paul. “The camera that was destroyed was attached to the bottom of a free falling elevator. Upon action, the camera was turned on and allowed to fall with the metal cage of the elevator nine stories to the bottom of the shaft. While the camera was destroyed in the fall, the SSD was protected, and we were able to retrieve the information from it and get a great shot.”

Press Photography

Product photos of Blackmagic Cinema Camera are available at www.blackmagicdesign.com/press/images.

About Blackmagic Design

Blackmagic Design creates the world’s highest quality video editing products, digital film cameras, color correctors, video converters, video monitoring, routers, live production switchers, disk recorders, waveform monitors and real time film scanners for the feature film, post production and television broadcast industries. Blackmagic Design’s DeckLink capture cards launched a revolution in quality and affordability in post production, while the company’s Emmy™ award winning DaVinci color correction products have dominated the television and film industry since 1984. Blackmagic Design continues ground breaking innovations including 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI products and stereoscopic 3D and Ultra HD workflows. Founded by world leading post production editors and engineers, Blackmagic Design has offices in the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore and Australia. For more information, please go to www.blackmagicdesign.com.

Sky Glide Cinema, top of the line of Sky Glide camera stabilizers, offers computer-controlled balancing in 3 axis with remote control, 3 joystick controls, and 3 modes of operation (simple, stabilization, and tracking). This digital, brushless 3-axis gimbal is suitable for cameras weighting up to 6 kgs. The stabilizer is made of carbon fiber and aircraft-grade aluminum materials and features an intergrated 2600 mAh Li-Poly accu, plus a hard travel case. Suitable for Blackmagic Production Camera 4K, Blackmagic Cinema Cameras, Sony F55 or FS700, Panasonic DMC-GH4, RED EPIC, ARRI ALEXA M, Canon C500, Phantom Miro, and other digital cinema cameras.