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"!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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... ]]> 2012-11-30T02:30:00+00:00