Author Archive

Followup: Nikon D5100 evaluation

Posted in Photography, Reviews, Video on May 19, 2011 by William Hooks

I’m delighted to find that this camera’s small and light form has already made my videography life much easier. I can mount it on a boom and maneuver in a way which would be much less practical with D3 -sized cameras.  The battery life in normal temperatures has proven to be more than adequate for my needs, noting that I carry at least one spare.  Availability of very high-capacity SDXC cards which are compatible with this camera allows for realistic application of its longer clip recordings, up to 20 minutes.

Clearly its low-light capacity is not in the same class as the D3s. I don’t use its viewfinder much, not only because it seems inferior to the FX models but the articulated screen works very well- and I can use  the same monitor loupes with all 3 HD-DSLR’s as they’re  3-inch diagonal size.

Some remaining potential issues for my kind of use: how does the battery behave in very cold weather? What about the durability of its shutter? More testing will tell.

Samsontech Zoom H4N portable audio recorder

Posted in Video on May 17, 2011 by William Hooks

Added this unit to my tool bin  recently and I’m inpressed with the features, and small form factor. Once I get some more experience with syncing audio and video tracks on Adobe Premiere Elements 8, I plan to post a review.

Incidentally, I plan to update to PE9 as soon as practical for these reasons: first, it allows direct integration with my cameras for file transfer. Second, it reportedly offers smoother operation overall; third, as with Lightroom it ‘s now possible to output directly to Facebook. In summary- faster, more practical workflow and that’s especially important with video versus stills.

Do yourself a favor

Posted in Captain's Personal Log, Science Fiction on May 13, 2011 by William Hooks

Take a few minutes sometime and watch some clips from the second episode of season 4, STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE entitled THE VISITOR. It is easily found on YouTube, for example.

I’ve  enjoyed TREK since 1966, when the premiere of the first episode of the original series aired. Of all of the series, DS9 became my personal favorite. And of all of the episodes, this one stands out in my mind and my heart- and that’s saying a lot when you consider TNG ‘s classic ALL GOOD THINGS, and so many others. One of its priceless elements: the music of Dennis Mc Carthy.

If you’re able to see THE VISITOR, let me know what you think?

My first image on Trade For Prints.com site

Posted in Photography on May 10, 2011 by William Hooks
Sadi

We’re making some headway getting images into the Gallery there, seeking

 
actors for headshots. (Nikon D3, 24-70mm f/2.8 Nikkor @ 35mm)

First week with the Nikon D51C (5100): an early review

Posted in Captain's Personal Log, Music, Photography, Photojournalism, Reviews, Travel, Video on May 6, 2011 by William Hooks

So far I have these observations:

– The Selective Color and Color Sketch Effects modes seem most appealing to me, partly because I enjoy their looks and partly because, like the others, they can be applied either in capture (with Live View) or retouching JPEG’s already shot.

-Having native ISO to 6400 available is expected to be very useful for my style of shooting- both stills and video.

-Ergonomics seem very good, although distinctly different in some ways from my pro bodies. I find that the button placements are generally very intuitive given the presense of the articulated screen and have been easy to use. I like the operation of the LV lever, it would be nice if there were a concentric video button as with the D7K – a minor issue.

– I intend to work with this camera mounted to a Matthews or Manfrotto SuperClamp, since it allows remote triggering.

-The layout of the left panel output access ports is appealing. Having a GPS-ready camera this size is exciting and like the new Nikon ME-1 microphone, the GP-1 doesn’t have an internal battery (to fail or corrode). I’m going to look for that microphone and evaluate its features as soon as available.

– Shutter lag is definitely much greater that with my pro bodies and AF is slower to much slower, very much depending on lens choice. I ‘ll experiment more with my upper-end FX lenses in coming weeks to evaluate how much of a factor that may be, should I try shooting limited sports with this camera.

– The  AC adapter has eliminated battery life as a factor in the studio , or where a generator is available.

-I’m definitely going to scarf that 12-24mm f/4 DX from Grant to use in the backcountry…..

Gallery 2

Posted in Photography, Photojournalism, Studio Portraiture, Travel on May 4, 2011 by William Hooks

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Gallery 1

Posted in Photography, Photojournalism, Studio Portraiture, Travel on May 4, 2011 by William Hooks

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Added Nikon D5100 to my toolbox today

Posted in Captain's Personal Log, Photography, Photojournalism, Studio Portraiture, Travel, Video on April 30, 2011 by William Hooks

This body will give me the ability to capture full HD 1080p video, 16MP files, and perform HDR and selective color rendition of images in-camera with very light weight and a compact form for backpacking, climbing, travel and other active pursuits. The articulated 3″ screen is excellent and makes extreme-angle shooting such as video and macro much easier.

Don’t yet know how its battery will hold up to cold nor how the body will withstand heat and other weather.. we’ll see.

Photojournalism: Politics- May Day Labor march in Los Angeles

Posted in Photography, Photojournalism on April 27, 2011 by William Hooks

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=206699476030534

for more information about this demonstration and march in downtown Los Angeles, held at Olympic and Broadway intersection  and beginning at 10 AM Sunday, May Day (1 May 2011).

I will attend if my schedule allows that morning, and if so I plan to shoot HD-video for interviews and crowd coverage as well as still images. In the past I’ve sent material to the ANSWER coalition’s LA chapter for use in the media, including on the Washington, DC national website. I have included a direct link on my blog/site here for more information about their activities.

If others plan to attend, and wish to join me, write or call.

Danke, Angela….

Posted in Captain's Personal Log, Photography, Studio Portraiture on April 26, 2011 by William Hooks