Macro & MikroMak Lenses – all you need to know. Cinematography, Lenses Introduction I am no longer surprised at seeing the sceptical look on cinematographers’ faces when I tell them that a group of macro primes exist which don’t follow the usual … Read more
Judgement Day – VMI Publishes Lens Comparison Videos Cinematography, Lenses In a break from tradition demos, VMI invited 40 camera department professionals to come and shoot their own tests across full frame lenses from Cooke, Gecko, Tribe and Sigma on either Sony Venice or ARRI Mini LF. No agendas. No hard selling. Just creative people doing what they do best.
The Creative and Technical Differences between Full Frame and S-35 Cinematography Fully Updated Article, April 2023: To shoot Full-Frame or S-35? Are there really artistic reasons for shooting on FF? What are the advantages and what gear will I need?
Shooting Large DoF with InfiniProbe lenses Cinematography, Lenses @vmitv New VMI blog post: A considerable effort is given to creating a shallow depth of field (DoF) to create a more cinematographic look, however there are occasions when a large DoF is needed. Here’s how to achieve this.
What real world Cinematographers think about using Infiniprobe lenses Cinematography, Lenses The Digital Cinema Society presents an exploration of Micro/Macro cinematography with three DPs including Bill Bennett, ASC, James Mathers, and Cameron Cannon. The trio photograph a variety of shots in order to evaluate these exceptional lenses and also share their insights in behind-the-scenes coverage.
Macro and Micro Cinematography Cinematography, Lenses We all love to see images of extreme magnification to show a world which we can’t experience with our own eyes but just like all cinematography, this is hard to do well. The choice right lens for the specific shot is key and this article aims to explain the differences between Close Up, Macro and Micro photography/cinematography and in particular, to introduce the cinematographer to a relatively recent new type of lens, which are called Nelsonian Lenses made by Infinity Photo-Optical and which use microscope techniques to create unique images which are not possible using traditional optics.
Beginner’s Guide to Depth of Field Cinematography, Lenses This article is written mainly for those who want to know the very simple concepts which allow camera operators to manipulate the Depth of Field in order to make them look more cinematic.
A VMI guide to lens extension tubes and diopters to reduce the minimum focus distance of lenses. Cinematography, Lenses Connecting a lens tube behind the lens will move the lens farther away from the camera’s film plane or digital sensor, which allows the lens to focus much closer than … Read more
Capturing Wildlife in Super Low-light – all you need to know Cinematography Filmmakers wanting to shoot in extreme low light or even no light conditions have never had it so good. Camera technology had advanced to enable the recording of the most unbelievable images in almost total darkness.
A Filmmaker’s Guide to Sensor Sizes and Lens Formats Cinematography This article aims to help questions such as: – “Will this lens work with my camera?” – “Will this lens cover 8K?” – “Will this lens cover full frame.” – “What will full frame lenses look like on a S-35 sensor.”
Guide: How to Shoot Bullet Time Cinematography A VMI guide with video, courtesy of Stephen Roach and Jermaine Allen of Merchant Cantos showing just how easy it is to create unique ‘Bullet time 360″ videos for the ultimate ‘hero’ selfie.
What it is like to shoot with Uncoated Lenses – Duncan Telford DoP Cinematography, Lenses DoP Duncan Telford shot a Weetabix commercial with Uncoated Cooke Mini S4s and describes in this article what it is like to shoot with uncoated lenses and how this look varies between different types of lenses
Do we adopt 4K now or wait for 8K? Cinematography A short summary of the big IBC dilemma: adopt 4K now or wait for 8K (AKA UHD-1 or UHD-2).
How Infrared light affects Cinematography Cinematography Infrared cinematography opens up a whole new spectrum of light not visible to the unaided eye. This has the potential to give otherwise ordinary scenes a surreal and dream-like appearance … Read more
UNCOATED lenses – what you need to know Cinematography, Lenses This article seeks to explore the effects that removing the lens coatings can have on an image. ‘uncoated lenses’
Shooting with B4 mount Video lenses on large sensor cameras. Cinematography A short article to explain how to shoot with B4 (traditional HD) lenses on large sensor cameras.
LENS COVERAGE AND CAMERA COMPARISON TOOL Cinematography, Lenses This is an excellent application written and designed by Sam Measure of CVP. Every day customers ask us a variation on this question: “Will this lens cover that sensor?” … Read more
HDR reality and monitoring – a DOP’s Perspective Cinematography THESE ARE SOME EXCERPTS OF A CML THREAD ABOUT HDR AND MONITORING HDR, WHICH I HAVE REPRODUCED WITH PERMISSION FROM GEOFF BOYLE AND ART ADAMS. IT WAS REALLY INTERESTING AND IS ABOUT HDR FROM THE DOP’S PERSPECTIVE.
The Case for and against 4K Cinematography An essay arguing the case for and against 4K, written in 2014.