Through the years, here at MFM, we've dealt with a number of lighting manufacturers from venerable giants like ARRI to major companies transitioning into lighting like Rosco to lesser known companies like Smith-Victor. Flashpoint (a house brand for photographic giant, Adorama) has been making lighting systems and DSLR accessories that've been impressing us of late.
Over the past decade there has been an incredible increase in camera, software and gear options for filmmakers working with limited funds. Every so often a company comes out of the woodwork spouting that they have the “latest and greatest” for an insanely low price point. In my experience, most of these claims turn out to be nothing more than promotional hype, obviously hoping to lure in unsuspecting filmmakers who have just the right amount of cash available. Over the past few years, I have been building up my own little arsenal of gear and I was always on the lookout for a small crane or jib that could get the job done without breaking the bank. In my search I eventually found a company called ProAm USA, my first experience with them was a positive one and I have been using their products ever since. When the opportunity to check out the brand new ProAm Taurus Jr presented itself, I couldn’t say no.
When I first used the iPad to film clips of my most recent child’s post-birth cooing, I realized that there was an interesting advantage to shooting with the somewhat unwieldy device: it forced you to hold your arms apart, more like you were holding a Fig Rig, which in turn meant your footage was much more stable than it would’ve been shooting with a smaller device (like your iPhone). Plus, the super huge viewing screen made focus issues virtually a thing of...
Recently, Adorama has decided to launch their internal DSLR brand, Flashpoint, which makes products for DSLR users in both the still and cinema market. And because it’s being designed by a company that’s one of the most renowned photo/video sellers already, they have the ability to focus on features customers have requested, find a pricepoint that isn’t being served, and offer new innovations in a way that’s readily...
When Propellerhead announced the release of Balance, I knew this audio interface would push the bounds of innovation, and, indeed, they have created a noteworthy and easy-to-use product with some vital features like Clip Safe. As you do your research on your next audio interface, give Balance some attention, understanding that the extra money you will pay over and above the competition goes towards special features like Clip Safe and the reliability associated with Propellerhead.
Having attractive fill lighting is something that can really separate the pros from the amateurs when it comes to cinematography and photography. Close, soft light is most ideal, especially when filming and photographing women (where harsh light and shadow demarcations are undesirable), but the security mirrors which are the human iris have a tendency to reveal artificial shapes in distracting ways. Thus, circle or ring lights are the preferred way to get closeups, as the circles of illumination reflected in the liquid-coated human iris seem natural and organic.