tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82955748052690904942015-03-06T20:50:48.966-08:00Corporate and Nonprofit VideographyAlex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-45278111294146747692015-03-06T20:43:00.000-08:002015-03-06T20:50:48.975-08:00

During my last event video streaming test I ran again into this problem.  I have Panasonic GH4 recording at 4K 23.98fps, GH3 and Canon HF G10 recording at 1080p 23.98fps.  Their HDMI output timings differ though.  GH3 and G10 produce 1080i 59.94.  GH3 output is 1080p 23.98. So I asked myself what would it take for GH4 to produce 1080i 59.94 signal on its HDMI output. The answer is anything but

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-11003304928783813312015-03-03T18:17:00.002-08:002015-03-04T12:00:24.679-08:00

I was asked to recommend a live video streaming service.  Here is my attempt to answer that question.  It was at least a year since I reviewed live video streaming offerings.  I have direct experience with  Ustream and YouTube Live and grew to like Telestream Wirecast (OEM version of which is) used in both.  I was intrigued with what I learned... Who You Are As usual, understanding one's

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-10035122459749572192015-02-23T19:46:00.001-08:002015-02-26T22:55:22.894-08:00

Having a blast shooting another ACM event!

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-14314589848452354642015-02-19T00:24:00.002-08:002015-02-19T00:24:25.708-08:00

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-64409106037457944632015-02-10T23:36:00.002-08:002015-02-26T22:54:22.608-08:00

Fantastic performance!  Huge challenge from technical perspective - light color and amount change constantly and unpredictably.  I was lucky enough to work with a director who cares a lot about video production of his play - Val Konovich was directly involved in multi-track edit of the entire recording.  Theater crew was extremely helpful and patient with me, for which I am deeply grateful. 

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-40843396712557991692015-02-09T00:36:00.001-08:002015-02-18T23:15:04.449-08:00

I plan to record a couple of tutorials.  So here is the setup that I think will work: Capture screen and audio using BB FlashBack Express.  The free version can export into flash FLV or AVI file.  The former can not be imported into Sony Vegas.  For the latter to work you need a good codec... This is where Huffyuv loss-less codec comes in.  Installation instructions work on Windows 8.EDIT: It

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-41814033132992792122014-11-23T21:10:00.001-08:002014-11-23T21:10:47.621-08:00

What a great idea!  Can't wait to see it in action!

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-91307964731398813232014-10-25T09:52:00.001-07:002014-10-27T11:35:53.311-07:00

Having a blast shooting the whole day event: Data Science Camp.  Session Schedule.

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0North San Jose San Jose37.376974 -121.921437tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-32443802506721418952014-08-05T21:58:00.001-07:002014-08-08T00:48:04.327-07:00

Today I will be looking again into my audio recording options.  Since I looked into it last time I've got some new equipment.  So here are the options: Panasonic GH3 with Audio Technica ATR-3350 lavalier microphone. Sony ICD-AX412 Stereo Digital Voice Recorder with Audio Technica ATR-3350 Lavalier microphone Sony PCM-M10 recorder with built-in microphones TASCAM DR-100mkII with built-in Uni

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-5280269352589140662014-03-10T23:29:00.003-07:002014-08-07T22:03:07.834-07:00

. I used a source of pink noise (my iPhone with Ambiance app)  positioned within 2 feet from GH3 to normalize the recording levels for all the options.  Here are the settings leading to the same perceived recording levels: Microphone OptionGH3 mic level GH3 built-in6 Takstar SG-598, +0dB6 Takstar SG-598, +10dB1 Shot at 24fps with Panasonic Lumix 35-100mm f2.8 lens, 70mm focal distance at

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-32365824918288341722014-03-09T23:06:00.002-07:002014-03-09T23:06:56.093-07:00

Just a quick tip video. What worked: desaturated color in postprocessing Vegas multi-track support GH3 manual focus Did not work: lighting - seriously? clutter in the frame should have used lavalier microphone - the room it too lively titles should be of higher production value Overall it was a fun experience!

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-13500243229050023862014-03-05T21:34:00.002-08:002014-08-05T22:07:07.240-07:00

Here I evaluate my options for audio recording with my Canon Vixia HF G10 camcorder: built-in microphone Canon HF G10 with TAKSTAR SGC-598 microphone Sony PCM-M10 with its own built-in microphone Audio-Technica ATR-3350 lavalier microphone My findings - in order of quality: ATR-3350 lavalier mic into PCM-M10 sounds the best.  Level should be adjusted manually for best results.  On

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-85831956662754237652014-03-03T13:00:00.001-08:002014-03-03T13:02:45.833-08:00

Today I ran into One Market Media and their wonderful blog. Here are some very impressive examples of their industry analysis.

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-78724837829708554572014-03-02T19:21:00.001-08:002014-03-02T19:21:28.692-08:00

Great summary which I wholeheartedly agree with. Nikon D5300 Review and why DSLRs are dead for video  Shame to see DSLRs overall and Nikon specifically loosing it so fast.  Makes me feel better about my moving to GH3.

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-15197488305548119412014-03-01T14:04:00.001-08:002014-03-01T16:34:29.853-08:00

I did use Ustream to broadcast this event.  Loved Ustream Producer software, possibility to integrate desktop streaming, ease of editing "shots" which allowed to mix multiple streams and create goodies such as on-screen logos.  A custom-built  PC with i5 CPU and two Blackmagicdesign DecLink Mini Recorders was used as a software switcher and encoder. Now my customer wants to use YouTube Live

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-40567816303475725482014-02-28T18:16:00.003-08:002014-08-06T01:16:56.035-07:00

This is one useful piece of equipment.  Really simple and cheap.  Has multiple uses.  I grew to rely on it for almost every shoot.  I have no idea what to call it, so I just call it video clamp.  Put together in one short session from parts found in my grip box. You take eBay C-clamp ($9), remove the spigot and attach in its place a metal shelf bracket ($6) and add to its tip a small ball

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-60348171300774847592014-02-21T14:33:00.000-08:002014-02-21T15:44:27.012-08:00

Inspiration: A Day in the Life: San Francisco  Minus aerial shots. Plus a female figure (camera following her, her face never seen) unifying all the experiences. Sometimes others (a kid, her girlfriend) joining her. About 3min total clip length. Iconic locations, may not be in this order: water tower and the swingset Library and surroundings Ainsley house Farmer's market - live music Basketball

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-64001460105034092352014-02-14T15:29:00.003-08:002014-03-09T23:10:05.302-07:00

BorrowLenses.com delivered! GH3 and 35-100 2.8 lens fit and finish are nice.  I'd say similar to my D600.  Feels good in the hand.  Light.  Lens focuses fast and quietly.  Bad news is the flip out display is wobly. Almost immediately I bumped into GH3 stopping recording unexpectedly.  Scared me! Actually it's just that about 10 seconds into the recording display changes.  Weird.  They say this

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-50469235088052585672014-02-12T22:11:00.003-08:002014-02-15T15:48:15.383-08:00

Delivering value to my customers is my highest priority.  And shallow depth of field screams value.  At least I think so.  Even for event video.  So now I consider replacing (at least one of) my camcorders with a larger sensor camera.  The D600 and lenses I own proved to be a poor choice for shooting event video.  On the other hand I love the way my Canon VIXIA HF G10 does face recognition and

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-65226227546387729762014-01-15T16:45:00.003-08:002014-02-12T17:06:47.832-08:00

First 5 min are awesome. The rest is just simple fun. Just "Stop being bottom!"

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-43634810491317305652013-12-29T23:07:00.000-08:002013-12-29T23:48:22.699-08:00

The moment I read a twit about Phlite I knew I had my holidays DIY project cut out for me! So I started with a $10 eBay umbrella adapter I already had and went to IKEA to pick the rest components.  Click the image on the left for more step-by-step pictures. I settled for a Rodd table lamp base (a cheaper and shorter version would be better but I never realized it existed!) and an Ollsta shade

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-22572655907261608262013-10-02T17:13:00.000-07:002013-10-03T10:48:00.742-07:00

I bet you've heard this before: "Thou Shalt Calibrate Your Monitor".  So how often did you act on this?  Aha! I was always confused not only by the complexity of the procedure but also by the fact that it can be done on so many layers - you can adjust your monitor knobs, your graphics card driver has calibration controls, e.g. gamma, Windows (and I suspect others) offers some procedures, and,

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-2837572730411144412013-09-22T23:48:00.000-07:002013-09-27T10:27:43.804-07:00

An amazing production by a local amateur theater.  Duo of actors in a 3-part play.  Performed without a hitch.  I feel privileged to have an opportunity to capture it. Technically it was a challenge.  Low light, multiple cameras (Nikon D600 and Canon HF S200) which required matching color and sensitivity. What worked: Limiting video AGC on Canon HFS200 to 10db, sometimes even to 6 or 3db. 

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-7762002316598268892013-09-20T10:25:00.002-07:002013-09-20T10:25:59.056-07:00

... it is ON!  Can't wait to see old friends and meet new ones! http://worldwidephotowalk.com/walk/campbell-ca-united-states-campbell-downtown/

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295574805269090494.post-41142349975321735592013-09-10T09:58:00.001-07:002013-09-17T13:41:39.594-07:00

Originally submitted at Adorama Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder - PCIe Capture Card for 3G-SDI and HDMI Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder - PCIe Capture Card for 3G-SDI and HDMI Good bang for the buck By AVS from Campbell, CA on 9/10/2013 4out of 5 Pros: Smooth Instalation, Video Quality, Price Cons: Not Plug-n-play For Hdmi Primary use: Business Computer Platform: PC

Alex Sokolskyhttps://plus.google.com/113831268089698749468noreply@blogger.com0