Production Gear

Nearly every writer for PVC was at NAB this year.  That means that we had great coverage of the event, but the good stuff is coming still.

In the magazine days, you could expect to see full coverage of NAB in the month or two following the event...once the magazine would print and be mailed.  Internet time has reduced that to up-to-the minute postings where possible.  For us at NAB, expect the really good stuff to come after we’ve had a chance to digest and come up for air.  Most of us are collecting thoughts, images, and data to post thoughtful pieces over the next few days and weeks.  Stay tuned.

I spent some time today at the Sachlter booth checking out the Artemis vest and support – ACT 2.  I enclosed a press release after the jump, but here’s what caught my attention:

• Build quality seems top quality
• Carbon Fiber, Carbon Fiber, Carbon Fiber!
• This sucker was built on a vibration table to optimize its ability for quick motion and no flex
• New internal electronics to handle the higher wattage camera systems such as RED
• Revised vest ads to breathability and flexibility

While I don’t have a need for one of these slick items, I still want one…

Press release after the jump:

As I’ve mentioned in a previous post – I’m a bag person.  Today I stopped by the folks at Petrol and got a glimpse of some of their newer products.  Lucky for me my checkbook was elsewhere.

Prior to leaving for NAB, I was looking for a back that I could walk the floor, quickly pull out my video camera, microphone, etc and start shooting.  But I also needed my Nikon D300 in case I needed to get a few great shots.  Oh yeah, and I almost forgot, I need my computer to post during the show if necessary.  Petrol has such animals, and more.  While the bags got my attention, a slick rain coat for my camera kept my attention.

Rain slickers tend to be very good form fitting products you buy for specific camera models.  What if you want to add a Matte Box?  You’re out of luck likely.  Similarly if you’d like to share slickers across different cameras, you’ll find they don’t fit.  Petrol’s newest is pretty slick indeed.  While not form fitting, it attaches to the hot shoe to stabilize it, but it’s got velcro to wrap where necessary.  Clever idea really.

Full press release after the jump:

Between meetings, booth appointments with vendors, and the crowds, I expect to update NAB news as available.

The conferences for Sony and Panasonic were interesting, but not very exciting.  I’m not talking about the new product introductions like the Sony EX3 or the Varicam 3700, I’m talking about listening to the marketing speak.  Here are some points gleaned from each conference.  Do with this data what you will.  Likely nothing…

Panasonic:
80,000+ P2 units worldwide
Fox has taken to P2 in a big way, and moving Fox News to P2HD worlwide
P2HD is the official recording format for the Beijing Olympics
P2 will double in Capacity every year
Majority of P2 repairs fixed within 24 hours.  That’s impressive actually.
Panasonic Broadcast has shown 6 consecutive years of revenue growth.
Panasonic is going “Green” with a plan to reduce CO2 emmissions by 300,000 tons by 2010

Sony:
Survivor will adopt Sony XDCAM HD for next year
Academy Awards, Indie Racing, SuperBowl and more shot on Sony HD
Ellen Degenerous moving to Sony HD
Sony is working to develope a recycling program for electronic equipment as their “Green” move.