The PixelPainter
Jeff Foster has written and contributed to several books and magazines, and has been producing m...
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Part 1 - Initial Testing & Useability
By Jeff Foster | January 31, 2013
Everyone is looking for that elusive aerial cam that's both affordable and easy to operate for the average videographer. I'm setting out to see if the DJI Phantom Quadcopter combined with a GoPro Hero3 Black Edition is the answer, in this two-part review and workflow study.
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DIY Upgrades and Troubleshooting for Better Video
By Jeff Foster | February 27, 2013
After using the DJI Phantom quadcopter with the GoPro Hero3 for about a month, I've discovered several tips, tricks and resources for getting better photos & videos with this setup. In this segment, I share what I've learned about stabilization, calibration and experimental mounts for the GoPro to get rid of Rolling Shutter (Jello Cam). I've also learned that I'm a terrible pilot and still need a lot of practice and "flight time"!
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First reactions to this new HFR format on the big screen...
By Jeff Foster | December 29, 2012
There has been much anticipation for this holiday release of The Hobbit - not only in bringing this classic novel to life from the team that brought us a success of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but to experience the new technological advances of 3D on the big screen at 48p. But is HFR (high frame rate) really ready for "prime time" or are we just not ready for it? I share my first reactions after seeing it myself and connect with other sources/opinions in attempting to make sense of it all... and this is going to be a heated debate for years as subjectivity and viewer feedback will win out in the end.
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A temperature-adjustable 500 LED light panel for $200?
By Jeff Foster | February 06, 2013
Adorama introduces another hit in their line of affordable video and photo lights, with the Flashpoint 500C - a 500 LED portable light panel that features adjustable dual color temperatures and output running on either AC or battery power (battery not included), works on overseas voltage and includes sturdy, built-in reflective barn doors - all for about $200.
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Extremely portable LED kit with dial-in color temp controls
By Jeff Foster | December 17, 2012
I give the new Lowel Blender 3 Light LED Kit a good inspection and ponder the possibilities of it being a single option portable lighting source for on-location video production/interviews. This kit offers extreme portability, dial-in color temp control and flexibility for more interview situations. For today's quick "run-'n-gun" productions, having limited time, space and setup requires a lot of flexibility - especially when you're shooting solo and your subject is on a tight schedule.
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Stabilize your hand-held GoPro or iPhone shots
By Jeff Foster | November 29, 2012
After struggling with homemade handheld rigs for my GoPro Hero2, I had the opportunity to use the Steadicam Smoothie in various shooting scenarios and after some practice, I believe it's the only way to shoot handheld with the GoPro or your iPhone. I only tested the GoPro Hero...
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An interview that outlines the history and process of compositing
By Jeff Foster | November 30, 2012
As the author of the Green Screen Handbook (Sybex/Wiley, pub), I’ve been interviewed a few times for publications, blogs and videos. One such interview because a feature on a blog called the SpliceVine with Eric Wise. They do a monthly feature interview that publishes a new topic/question for each weekday and my interview was on the topic of Keying/Matting.
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DBA Createasphere