New G-Series Lens Announced From Sony

Sony continues its push of offering great image quality to hybrid shooters be it photography or video. Today Sony announces a new G-series 24-50mm f/2.8 lens for all of its E-mount, Sony shooters.

Image credit - Sony

Why does this matter?

So a new lens is announced. “What’s the big deal,” you ask? Well first, what’s big about this is the focal range and aperture. This focal range is ideal for both photography and video. Being an f/2.8 lens also offers great performance in low-light scenarios.

Speaking of the f/2.8 aperture, the aperture blades are important. In this new lens, Sony is offering 11 aperture blades. In entry-to-mid-level lenses, you’ll get seven aperture blades in most instances. Sometimes nine blades. These additional blades offer a much nicer looking bokeh effect while shooting wide open as well as helps reduce diffraction.

Lastly, the main reason this is big news is the weight of the lens. Sony states that the new G-series lens will come in at 440g, or 15.5oz for us uncivilized folks. One of the primary selling points of a mirrorless camera is the reduced body size and weight. I always thought this selling point was a bunch of bunk because most pro-grade lenses were freakin’ HEAVY compared to camera bodies, so the total camera package would still be considered heavy. But, I’m no marketing genius, so what do I know?

You can request your new lens from Sony for $1099 with delivery set for sometime in May 2024. Let me know if you decide to order one.

First Camera For Creators: Canon R8

I get asked frequently about cameras. Mostly, I’m asked “what camera should I buy?” I always respond with “what’s your budget?” That’s what matters for most people. Sure, there are other qualifiers that matter. Ideally, that’s a question asked by someone looking for their very first camera body. But in some instances, it comes from someone that has an “old” camera looking to upgrade. Makes sense. Camera tech has vastly improved over the years. Today, the masses are learning that creativity really is for ANYONE. If you want to capture images or video and publish it online, YOU CAN. What’s great is there are many cameras and various price points one can utilize as well as specified camera bodies for the task. For example, the Canon R8* is one I’d recommend for SERIOUS, aspiring creators.

Canon R8 - Image credit: Ant Pruitt

While at CES 2024, I had one booth in particular that I HAD to see and that’s the folks at Canon. No, I’m no Canon Explorer of Light, but I do feel nothing but love and support from the team at Canon. While at the booth, I wanted to get my hands on the R8 mirrorless camera. I’ve played with several camera bodies from Canon, but this one has gotten away from me. I was interested because it is a full-frame mirrorless body that’s priced just right for aspiring creators at $1500.

Sticker shock?

I know some of you have sticker shock when I toss out $1500. Don’t fret, it’s worthy of that price point if you’re someone that’s SERIOUSLY wanting to shoot more quality photos and videos for your own personal brand. The full frame sensor will be much better in low light situations. The sensor tech in general will offer great autofocus performance and 24-megapixels offering crispy images and vibrant colors. (Note: I’m not against APS-C sensors, don’t start an argument with me over that)

Previously, I thought the R7* would be a better camera for aspiring creators looking to get both quality video and images. The R7 is a nice camera, but in my experience, I couldn’t lean on it for all of my photo needs. It was totally fine for portraits, but it wouldn’t keep up with me when trying to capture images of fast moving objects or people. As you know, I shoot photos of my son in action. You can learn more about the R7 here where I discussed it on TWiT TV.

Back to the R8. In my hands, the camera felt great. Lightweight, solid build and great ergonomics. Weather sealing on it isn’t pro grade, so don’t take it out in rain storms. Don’t take it to your favorite sandy beach, either.

Spec wise, you can capture 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. In addition to that high framerate, you can shoot in Canon Log3. Canon Log3 is an awesome gamma for video editors looking for flexibility in color grading footage. I’ve been shooting video for a long time and prefer Canon Log2 over Log3, but I respect what Log3 is doing for creators getting their feet wet in the space. It is easier to get into color grading with it. Also, you can shoot video for longer than 30 minutes with this camera. Most video cameras have a mandated lockdown on recording time. Look it up.

I hope to get my hands on an R8* for a more extended look, so make sure you’re following me here or on social media. I wanna see what I can do with it myself. But on paper, it’s looking like a great option for a serious content creator that wants to get started until they upgrade to the likes of the R6* or R5*.

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What To Expect at CES 2024

CES is here and some of you care, most of you don’t care, most of the world really cares. For those that don’t know, CES is a massive trade show that happens each year in January at Las Vegas. Thousands of companies large and small come here to show off their products to corporate buyers and consumers alike. For the tech nerd, it’s a pretty cool event to attend. You can get hands-on time with some of your favorite tech items of the previous year that you may not have had access to. Or, you can get a glimpse of new releases for the current year or even concept products. It’s not just laptops, headphones, or even smartphones. It’s all that, everything in between and then some. Cars, agriculture equipment, smart home tech, TVs, circuit boards, doo-hickies to neatly wrap your mic cables around. Seriously. EVERYTHING.

I’ve always enjoyed CES. As a matter of fact, this year I was reminded that my very first time to Las Vegas and CES was ten years ago. It was an incredible experience and opened a lot of doors for me professionally. Gina Smith and team brought me, Mat Lee and others out to cover the event. I remember taking this picture in the central hall because it really encapsulated what I always imagined CES would look like. I’m forever grateful for that trip out here.

Image: Ant Pruitt

Anyway, what to expect at CES this year? Easy, pretty much the same marketing gibberish from 2023 around the world of AI. I swear, EVERY SINGLE EMAIL I’ve gotten from marketing and PR departments about attending CES has had them pitching some form of AI within the first three sentences. Some of it sounds “ok,” and some of it sounds cringy. They should have lead with the second paragraph in this email. . . .

Let me be straight with you, as I always am, I’m pretty tired of talking bout AI. Most of the time when AI is discussed it’s around some gloom and doom or it’s “flowers and sunshine.” There’s hardly any coverage of the middle ground. Quite frankly, the middle ground is rather interesting and worthy of discussion. I spoke previously about AI on Marina Franklin’s podcast. As a comedian and creator, she had great concerns about AI. And I get that. But not all AI is bad, just as not all AI is good. Far as what’s been pitched to me in all these emails from marketing teams, it’s mostly content that makes me ask why is AI even needed for that. “We’re announcing an AI-driven soaker hose for your garden.” Is there something wrong with the timers used on current soaker hoses?

In a bit of better/useful announcements, I did see that Withings launched a new product. I’ve dealt with Withings before as they make smart watches and other smart tech such as scales to aide in fitness tracking. They’ve announced what they’re calling a “multiscope” to assist with home health checkups. Granted, you should always lean on a medical professional, but this BeamO tool can be used for getting vital signs and more.

Image via Withings

I know there will be more than AI discussed at CES, so I still look forward to what’s to come. Samsung announced it’s using AI to upscale what’s seen on your favorite broadcast to almost 8K. I need to see it to believe it. Granted, upscaling AI tools that are currently in place are pretty dadgum good. One of my favorites is Upscayl. But to see upscaling done on-the-fly with a live broadcast (of MOVING frames) will be fascinating. I’ll see if I can get my eyes on it.

I decided to take the trip to Las Vegas and attend CES this year after not being here the last two years. But, this will be a different approach. Usually, when I come to CES it is a GRIND. I’m running around the floor trying to gather images, video, audio, notes to get content created almost on-the-fly. Not this time. I’m here to do my best to shake some hands and do a mental/physical reboot.

Real talk, I need work. I’ve applied for several jobs and gigs. I’ll continue to do so. But I came here because of the relationships. And I’m grateful for the relationships I was able to create over the years at previous CES events. It opened doors. Relationships such as Canon. Real talk, I’m pretty much a NOBODY, but Canon has been REALLY SUPPORTIVE of me for YEARS. I look forward to shooting some street photography with my Canon camera.* So yeah, I’m here to find myself something that will contribute to paying my day-to-day bills and supporting my family’s needs. Then, I’m gonna lay low and just chill out. Maybe go take some pictures here and there, but I’m NOT going to go 200mph like I used to out here. Only about 25mph. My body has been wrecked recently. From having finally catching COVID a couple weeks ago to digestive issues and overall “not quite right” feeling. It’s time to chillout. Side note, be mindful of those “something’s not quite right” moments. I noticed something wasn’t right when I was in the gym. I felt fine, but the lifts I performed were much harder than usual. My body was wrecked and I needed to sit my ass down.

I didn’t tell anyone I was coming to CES because that leads to “hey let’s meet up at ABC or at XYZ and chat.” Granted, it’s nice to see some of the folks I’ve met over the years in person at this annual event, but that usually equated to a LOT of running around and a pretty flooded calendar for me. I have two things on my calendar that I set for myself as MUST DO events. That’s it. I’ll catch up with my man Tom Merritt while here. I’ve already scheduled an appearance on his show next month. That cat has been so supportive of me and other creators of color over the years doing what he can to help provide a bigger megaphone if you will. Nothing but love for him.

But anyway, those are my thoughts and plans for CES 2024. For the rest of the day, I’ll continue to roam the convention center checking out everything get set up up the official open on January 9, 2024. Pretty crazy seeing this perspective. Be well, folks. Do something nice for yourself because you deserve it. Do something nice for someone else. Even if it’s just offering an ear to allow someone to vent for a minute. And, if there’s a creator out there you enjoy, but sure to let them know and share their content with the masses. Not that stupid video of some idiots fighting in Walmart. Share creator’s works to everyone and donate to their funds if you can. It helps.

#CreateAndDominate

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Adobe Video Fall Updates 2023: Premiere Pro, After Effects, FrameIO

During IBC, Adobe has announced more updates to its professional video creation products in Creative Cloud*. Adobe has been on a tear with updates around its video editing software Premiere Pro as well as its compositing package, After Effects. Some previous updates include changes to the interface, new features and of course the growing AI integration.

Premiere Pro Updates

A few months back, Adobe allowed editors to speed up the rough cut workflow with its text-based editing tool. I can speak first hand that this tool has been a bit of a game changer for creating social media/promotional content at the speed of typing on a keyboard. But Adobe isn’t stopping here.

Improved Text-based editing

Adobe has allowed even more speed when removing pauses in dialogue. Instead of going line by line to find the pauses, now an editor can select all the text and Premiere Pro will highlight the pauses for removal.

Image: Adobe - Premiere Pro text-based editing interface

Enhanced dialogue

Previously, enhanced audio tools were only available in the Adobe Podcast service as a beta online. This has now been implemented into Premiere Pro with additional controls to really fine tune how much better crappy audio is cleaned up.

Color grading enhancements

The Lumetri color panel has included some bug fixes for the QuickTime gamma issue as well as better LUT management, metadata and timecode burn-in, Blackmagic RAW installer guidance and performance boost. I admit that I still enjoy Davinci Resolve more for creative color grading, but Lumetri is getting closer and closer to Resolve on that front.

After Effects Updates

Adobe continues to make After Effects a true 3D workspace for video compositing. Substance 3D has also provided some free 3D assets that can help get a creator started with beautiful, 3D motion graphics. No Substance subscription required.

Roto Brush AI improvement

The new Roto Brush is in public beta and it has continued to get better with not only the selection process, but the motion tracking has improved because of AI Sensei. This is the tool used to separate a subject in a video file for compositing.

3D Workflow

Now the tools are all available within an After Effects composition as Adobe has optimized the 3D rendering engine. One can only assume this includes the Apple Silicon architecture. No more round-tripping from After Effects to other 3D applications. Lighting and texture assets are all in one place.

Image: Adobe - After Effects 3D tools

FrameIO Updates

FrameIO is a great tool for sharing assets of a creative project with your team members or clients. Now there’s more flexibility in how files can be shared as a comparison view for your team or client reviews. This is going to be key considering how often generative AI images are created with different iterations. Adobe has also updated workflow with its Camera-to-Cloud (C2C) interface by adding more compatible devices:

• Atomos Ninja

• Atomos Ninja Ultra

• Accsoon Seemo

• Accsoon Seemo Pro

• Fujifilm GFX 100ii

The Accsoon annoucement is huge considering the entry price of Accsoon gear.

More information on the Fall 2023 Adobe Video updates can be found here on the Adobe blog. These updates are now available in public beta for you to try out, but the official updates will hit the apps later this fall. . .usually around October and Adobe Max. Get your hands on the Creative Cloud suite if you’ve not gotten into the Adobe products just yet by going here* for a free trial .

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Holiday Deals on Sony Alpha Cameras

Sony has announced so deals on a couple of its Alpha series cameras as we close in on the end of the holiday shopping season. Sony has done a great job in the mirrorless camera space offering devices suited for most anyone be it a newbie photographer, intermediate or pro. Here are a few discounts on some of its cameras that I think you’ll find helpful for the photographer and content creator just getting started or looking to upgrade to a full-frame sensor. These deals are valid from December 19 through December 25. Sony has also welcomed me into its affiliate program. I appreciate this and their support. So links below are all affiliate links which will earn me a small commission if you decide to make a purchase.

Sony ZV-1

The ZV-1* is is a compact point-and-shoot system with some really impressive specs. I’ve tested this camera before and found it to be ideal for vloggers. I’m not much of a vlogger, so it didn’t fit my style, but the specs on this are great for vloggers. The body is compact and the system UI is great for navigating through settings. 20-megapixels for still images and 4K video resolution as well as slow motion shooting is on the spec list. Nice camera for $650*.

Sony A7C

Moving into the full-frame side of things, the A7C* is a HIGHLY CAPABLE camera. I tested this one as well. I thought it could potentially cannibalize some of Sony’s other cameras because of what it offered. The tiny form factor is the key here. You’re getting a 24-megapixel sensor and 4K recording as well as Slog3 and S-Cinetone for video creators that love artistic colorgrading. Heck of a deal on this camera for $1800* down from $2000.

Sony has even more deals listed for its cameras over on the website. Just click here* to check them out. Some savings up to $600. Let me know what you find and end up purchasing.

Image: Sony A6400

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Filmic Pro Updated to V7

I’ve been a fan of the offerings from the squad a Filmic for quite a while. I remember firing up the Filmic Pro app on my OG Pixel smartphone to take advantage of the phones (for that time) superior video capture capabilities. Plus, the app also integrated smoothly with my smartphone gimbal. It has been a great way to film content via the smartphone with pro-sumer grade tools. Today Filmic Pro v7 has been released.

Image: Filmic Pro V7 false color and cinematic tools

Tools Video Creators Need

I got my hands on the beta version for Android some time back and was quite impressed with the app, even though I did have a few crashes here and there. But then again, it was beta software so perfect performance shouldn’t have been expected. The public release is great and is packed with tools video creators need to get the most out of their trusty iPhone or Android phone’s camera.

Image: Filmic Pro resolutions and frame rate

With the updated re-design, you get a more intuitive interface allowing creators to easily access the app tools to manage video capture and exposure such as shutter speed, ISO, false color and focus peaking. This is based on what Filmic calls “QAM” which is short for Quick Action Modal.

The app leverages the power of today’s top smartphone cameras allowing for capture of ProRes up to 4444 quality, support for 10-bit SDR, clean HDMI-out for use as a webcam in your broadcast or streaming set, image stabilization and more

You can find out more about the new version of Filmic Pro via this great video the team put together. The app is now subscription based app now due to the team recently being acquired by Bending Spoons. If you’re an old-timer Filmic person like me, you get the annual subscription at a discounted rate of $40 instead of $50. But, you are also offered a free trial. Get the app in the App Store or on Google Play if your Android phone is supported.

First Look at KRK GoAux Studio Monitors

I was sent some KRK GoAux speakers* to try out, recently. These are studio monitors designed to be ultra-portable allowing content creators the option to work on video and music projects wherever they go. The speakers feel nice and sound. . .well, just watch the video below to learn more about the GoAux 3* speakers.

Image: Ant Pruitt all rights reserved

*Affiliate link used. Affiliate links allow me to earn a small commission as a content creator if you purchase items using the affiliate link. Thank you for your support.

Holiday Deals From Lensrentals

Lensrentals* has shared its holiday deal with me. This is just a general discount on orders arriving by February 24, 2023. Have your order delivered by then, you’ll save 20%. Just use code LRBF2022. In addition to this discount, Lensrentals* is also offering a 15% discount on all used gear sales. Just use code KPRBF22.

I’m pretty sure a Cyber Monday deal is on the way, but I don’t have details on that just yet.

Image: Lensrentals

*Affiliate link used. Affiliate links allow me to earn a small commission as a content creator if you purchase items using the affiliate link. Thank you for your support.

Boris FX Black Friday Discount For Creators

Boris FX offers some pretty amazing special effects tools for photography and video. Even some FREE tools. From now until midnight PST November 27th Boris FX is offering a 25% discount on its tools.

Image: Boris FX

I’ve not used all of their tools (yet). I’ve only used the Particle Illusion. The free standalone plugin you can use with Adobe Premiere Pro, Davinci Resolve or Final Cut Pro. It has a fairly intuitive interface and creates beautiful particles for your videos. It took very little time to create the particles I applied to the end of this video I created.

I’d like to try out the Continuum + Sapphire package one of these days. Could be fun to play with.

Black Friday Photography and Creator Deals from Datacolor

It’s that time of the year. Holiday shopping and holiday deals are rolling into everyone’s inbox. Over the coming days and weeks, I’ll be sure to share some of the deals I’ve seen just in case you’re interested in some new gear or software for your content creation endeavors. First up, Datacolor.

Color Checker and Color Matching Tools

Datacolor’s Spyder Checkr Photo is marked down from $99 to $79*. Use this tool to make sure your colors in your photos and videos are accurate. You can snap a photo of it and apply the profile most photo or video editors used today.

Image: Datacolor

Datacolor has also discounted its ColorReader EZ tool. Use this tool to scan flat surfaces and identify the closest color match for Savage Universal backgrounds as well as well as match up color schemes when working on design projects. It’s discounted from $59 to $39*.

Image: Datacolor

Noteworthy Mention

The SpyderX Pro is a must have for creatives. At the time of this post, it’s not discounted, but I HIGHLY recommend getting your hands on a screen calibration tool. I currently own the older Spyder5* model, but the latest SpyderX Pro is available for $169*.

If you see any other deals out there, feel free to share with me so I can share with others. Thanks, everyone.

*Affiliate link used. Affiliate links allow me to earn a small commission as a content creator if you purchase items using the affiliate link. Thank you for your support.