DJI Ronin RS 2 now available!
We are so excited to announce that we have added the latest gimbal offering from DJI to our inventory. We now proudly offer to you, the DJI Ronin RS 2! This new and improved gimbal improves upon the Ronin S with increased weight capacity, improved performance, and expanded abilities. Paired with a new Canon C70, and you're looking at a compact and very high quality solution for your next project. Make sure to jump over to the gear section and build your perfect setup for your next Las Vegas video production!
C300 Mark III now available!
We've officially taken the plunge and got our hands on a new Canon C300 Mark III Cinema Camera! The latest in the extremely popular, rugged, and versatile EOS C300 line features a Super 35mm Dual Gain Output sensor with up to 16 stops of high dynamic range capability, providing superior HDR recording with low noise.
Canon improved on it's ability to film at high frame rates above 1920x1080; you can know record at up to 120 fps in true 4K, and up to 180 fps in 2K cropped. The Mark III offers Canon Log 2 and 3 gamma modes and the imaging quality that has come to be expected from Canon Cinema.
Beyond the tech features/improvements, some physical aspects of the camera have been greatly improved. The XLR inputs have been moved onto the camera body itself, leaving the LCD monitor to be streamlined and more robust. What was once a weak point in the LCD/XLR input hot shoe mount has been replaced with a sturdier design.
The camera also seems to have grown ever so slightly in size, enabling a few more buttons to be added to the side, saving time going through the menu.
After a few trial runs, it's clear that while the Mark II is still a fan favorite, the Mark III is going to quickly rule the roost. Make sure to reach out and give this camera a go on your next Las Vegas video production.
Stay Calm and Keep Filming!
We hope that everyone stays safe and healthy in the coming weeks. We also know that times are tough, especially for businesses. While we can't generate business for you, we can definitely help make it a little more viable. We're offering a guaranteed 19% off all rentals moving forward. (Laughter is medicine.) If you have a production that's on the fence because of budget, let us know and we'll be happy to try and help! Visit F11 Rentals for all your Las Vegas video production needs!
Best Gear for Small Spaces
Filming in hotel rooms and on the trade show floor have one thing in common: small spaces. Hotel rooms are not designed with filmmaking in mind - of course. Also, the Realestate at say, CES, is very expensive! When you're not in a studio or wide open spaces, the right gear is crucial for success. Here are some of our favorite "small spaces" items:
Cinevate Duzi 4 slider. This amazing item gives you a 24 fantastic inches of sliding glory. It's light weight, and unassuming.
Edelkrone Slider Plus. Another awesome solution for motion, this item is great with DSLR cameras. The addition of the Steady Module was a game changer; adding much needed tension for smooth slides.
DJI Ronin-S. One of our favorite items, the Ronin-S immediately increases production value. DSLRs are easy to balance, and the Ronin is so simple to operate.
Sound Devices 633. While great in the studio, the 633 is really compact for how much versatility it gives you, and how many channels of audio you can capture. (Make sure to have a harness so you don't wreck your back!)
Litepanels Gemini 1x1 LED. You can do Man-on-the-Street interviews and b-roll all day with just one of these lights. They output a tremendous amount of light for their size and weight. Four batteries should get you through the day.
Canon 5D Mark IV or Sony a7S II. Both of these cameras are easy to use, capture great images, and can be used with all the above listed gear. The only caveat is audio capturing; however, if you have the 633, you can just record audio to your mixer. Less cables, more smiles.
Anytime you're here in Fabulous Las Vegas, make sure to hit us up and get the video production rental gear you need to succeed.
Matching cameras on Multi-camera shoots.
How important is it to match cameras (make and model) on multi-camera shoots? Like everything in production, that depends on your end goal. Generally speaking, you always want to match not only brand (make), but also the model of camera. There are differences for instance, between the image produced by a Sony FS7 MkII and a Sony a7S II, but it's not a huge difference. You could dive into the specs of the processors, image sensors, color space, etc., but when push comes to shove, they're very similar. Let us hypothesize a few scenarios:
Two-subject, three-camera interview. Budget is always the driving factor in production. Using a DSLR as your lock-off wide shot for a two or three person interview is great. You can easily match shooting specs, and shoot without a color profile. Additionally, run audio to your nicer cameras capturing the singles, and you're great.
Event coverage with interviews. If you have the budget to have a Sony FS7, Canon C300 MkII, or similar, you want to take advantage. However, getting smooth gimbal or slider shots is much easier with a DSLR and Ronin-S or Cinevate Duzi (think small and light). The b-roll that you're using to compliment your interviews will look great as long as you're matching camera makes (Canon with Canon, etc.)
Different cameras, same assignments. If you have two crews capturing similar content, but using different brands of cameras. The common viewer may not notice, but an experienced client probably will.
All in all, while the world won't end if you mix camera brands or models... life will be easier if you don't.
Most Popular Cameras from Summer 2019
The Sony FS7 Mark II enjoyed quite a bit of work during the flurry of spring conventions. The FS7 after all, is very popular for run-and-gun, ENG style shoots that usually accompany trade shows. As late spring turned into summer, and the trade shows took their normal breaks, so too did the FS7s. This summer saw the resurgence of popularity amongst the always impressive Canon C300 Mark II. Both commercials and high-end corporate projects dominated the summer months, and the C300 Mark II is perfect for such scenarios. The excellent range of picture profiles, 4K capability, and advanced image processing make this a go-to camera; especially with our cinema lenses. The FS7 did enjoy a hand full of "reality TV" days, as it's again, great for run-and-gun style shooting. Finally, the end of summer saw our Arri Alexa Mini go out for both a short film in Utah, and a few of Las Vegas' exciting music festivals. The truly cinematic capabilities of the Alexa Mini made it a no-brainer for the short film, as well as the very high-end demands of IHeartMusic and Life Is Beautiful. We are definitely looking forward to seeing what autumn brings!