Focus Check
What’s new in filmmaking technology this week? News, reviews, education, insights, opinions and ideas - from the CineD newsroom, mostly with Nino Leitner and Johnnie Behiri. This is Focus Check - the weekly cine tech podcast. New episodes every Thursday.
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Episodes
6 hours ago
6 hours ago
This week, Nino shares his experience attending the Apple launch event for the new iPad Pros, Final Cut Pro 2 for iPad and Final Cut Camera app for iPhone and iPad at Battersea Power Station in London, Apple's new UK headquarters. He shares his experience what it is like to be at such an event for the first time, and of course what he thinks the new products mean for filmmakers and content creators.
Show chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:00:38) Nino attending the Apple Launch Event in London
(00:08:37) The new iPad Pro and Final Cut Pro 2 for iPad - how feasible for professionals?
(00:15:20) M4 processor - why first in the iPad Pro?
(00:19:47) Final Cut Camera for Live Multicam
(00:26:31) Does Final Cut Camera compete with the Blackmagic Cam app?
(00:27:10) The processing power of iPad Pro M4 & Tandem OLED display
(00:31:17) Other iPad innovations: Pencil Pro
(00:34:40) Innovative ways of interacting and creating content with touch & stylus
(00:36:15) Final Cut Camera & Live Multicam would be nice if they could be used with other cameras
(00:38:35) Sony BURANO Lab Test
(00:49:53) SIRUI Factory Tour video shot in China by Johnnie
(01:00:40) New MZed course “The Art and Science of Lenses”
(01:03:39) Goodbye!
Thursday May 02, 2024
Thursday May 02, 2024
This week Nino and Johnnie talk about reviewing tech products and whether these reviews can potentially hurt companies. They reveal CineD’s philosophy when it comes to reviews and Lab Tests. Johnnie and Nino also discuss whether consumers are lately seen as mere Beta testers by companies. They delve into virtual production on a budget and reveal some of the most memorable products they saw at this year’s NAB. Don’t miss the end when they give a quick explanation of the platform CINEFLARES and an exclusive discount offer for our readers.
Subscribe to our weekly podcast to stay up-to-date with all the latest cinema gear news and tech insights!
Show chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:00:44) Review ethics: Can a bad review hurt a company?
https://youtu.be/6xWXRk3yaSw?si=mCU18IDTFa17PMdf
https://youtu.be/TitZV6k8zfA?si=qN8IJfTD11sdYucR
(00:17:50) The CineD method and Lab Tests
(00:25:32) Lens reviews: Clean vs. character
(00:29:59) Are consumers treated as Beta testers these days?
(00:38:57) Virtual production on a budget: CineShooter+ & Unreal Engine
https://www.cined.com/virtual-production-on-a-budget-chris-field-eric-kessler-on-cineshooter-unreal-engine/
https://www.cined.com/quasar-science-introduces-image-based-lighting-solution-for-virtual-studio-production/
(00:52:07) NAB aftermath and most memorable products
https://www.cined.com/clouzen-tainer-portable-all-in-one-backup-storage-introduced/
https://www.cined.com/godox-magic-xt1-wireless-microphone-system-first-look/
https://www.cined.com/gutek-tortoise-hard-cases-for-gear-by-nanlite-first-look-at-the-new-brand/
https://www.cined.com/rode-interview-pro-wireless-mic-and-smartphone-rigs-explained/
https://www.cined.com/falcam-treeroot-quick-lock-travel-tripod-first-look/
https://www.cined.com/bebob-mlmicro-v-mount-battery-adapter-with-extras-hands-on/
https://www.cined.com/fujinons-duvo-hzk25-1000mm-lens-tales-from-a-safari-in-kenya/
(01:11:04) CINEFLARES Pro launched and offer for CineD readers
https://www.cined.com/cineflares-pro-launched-with-markus-forderer-asc/
We hope you enjoyed this episode!
You have feedback, comments or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com
Thursday Apr 25, 2024
Thursday Apr 25, 2024
What are Nino’s and Johnnie’s back stories? In this week’s episode learn about their journeys of becoming filmmakers, and how they met each other and ended up running CineD.com together. Johnnie also raises an interesting question: Why is everyone a DP nowadays? Nino and Johnnie further discuss whether it is worth going to film school or not, and what pieces and projects of their own body of work they are most proud of.
Subscribe to our brand new weekly podcast to stay up-to-date with all the latest cinema gear news and tech insights!
Show chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:01:35) Johnnie’s journey into filmmaking
(00:14:36) Nino’s history from media school to DP
(00:28:47) Everyone’s a DP nowadays? Where did the cameraman go?
(00:34:07) Should you go to film school? Johnnie’s and Nino’s takes
(00:45:17) How did Nino and Johnnie meet?
(00:47:01) Out of all the projects they have done, which one are they most proud of?
https://www.cined.com/production-insights-new-documentary-through-the-thick-shot-in-south-africa/
https://www.cined.com/sony-a7s-iii-review-mini-documentary-and-lowlight-sample-footage/
We hope you enjoyed this episode!In the end, Alex did not win any money at the quiz show.
You have feedback, comments or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com
Thursday Apr 18, 2024
Thursday Apr 18, 2024
What an exciting NAB it was this year! Lots of great new gear to wrap our heads around. Nino, Johnnie and Graham talk about all the latest and greatest that they discovered at the show and their favorite interviews that they conducted. They also discuss the winners of this year’s “CineD Best of Show'' awards, so tune in to find out who won!
Subscribe to our weekly podcast to stay up-to-date with all the latest cinema gear news and tech insights!
Show chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:03:13) Johnnie’s favorite interview of the show
(00:04:56) Grahams best moment
(00:11:07) Nino’s highlights, starting with Blackmagic Design releases
https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-ursa-cine-17k-with-65mm-sensor-explained/
https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-design-pyxis-6k-full-frame-camera-first-look/
(00:23:28) Mixed news from the showfloor
(00:32:24) What’s new in the world of lighting
https://www.cined.com/dopchoice-debuts-a-smaller-airglow-the-inflatable-booklight/
https://www.cined.com/nanlite-pavoslim-60cl-240b-240c-first-look/
(00:42:52) Starting the “Best of Show” Awards with DJI
https://www.cined.com/dji-focus-pro-introduced-lidar-fiz-system-with-new-motors-and-hand-control-unit/
https://www.cined.com/dji-rs-4-and-rs-4-pro-gimbals-announced-same-payload-capacity-vertical-shooting-capabilities-and-more/
https://www.cined.com/dji-avata-2-review-larger-sensor-easy-acro-mode-new-goggles-3-with-cameras/
(00:52:17) New lenses unveiled at the show
https://www.cined.com/laowa-ranger-s35-compact-cine-zoom-series-announced-first-look/
(01:04:54) Wrap-up and recap
We hope you enjoyed this episode!
You have feedback, comments or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com
Thursday Apr 11, 2024
Thursday Apr 11, 2024
Lots of exciting news just before we head off to NAB 2024! In CineD Focus Check this week, Nino is joined by long-time writers and contributors Jakub and Jeff as well as Johnnie to talk about all the fantastic gear that is coming out. DJI just announced some great new products like the DJI Avata 2, the 4th generation of its Ronin stabilizers and the DJI Focus Pro.
There is a new professional mounting system for the iPhone 15 Pro by Tilta, Aputure and Litepanels have some lighting news and PROTON promises a very small camera. Panasonic has released a new firmware update and lots more!
Subscribe to our weekly podcast to stay up-to-date with all the latest cinema gear news and tech insights!
Show chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:01:25) DJI Avata 2 announced - Jakub's full video review: https://www.cined.com/dji-avata-2-review-larger-sensor-easy-acro-mode-new-goggles-3-with-cameras/
(00:18:07) DJI RS 4 and RS 4 PRO Gimbals Announced – Same Payload Capacity, Vertical Shooting Capabilities, and More - https://www.cined.com/dji-rs-4-and-rs-4-pro-gimbals-announced-same-payload-capacity-vertical-shooting-capabilities-and-more/
(00:27:35) DJI Focus Pro Introduced – LiDAR FIZ System with New Motors and Hand Control Unit - https://www.cined.com/dji-focus-pro-introduced-lidar-fiz-system-with-new-motors-and-hand-control-unit/
(00:41:45) Tilta Khronos Ecosystem of Accessories for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max Released - https://www.cined.com/tilta-khronos-ecosystem-of-accessories-for-iphone-15-pro-and-pro-max-released/
(00:47:32) Aputure INFINIMAT Announced – New Pixel-Mappable RGB Light Mats With Inflatable Diffusion - https://www.cined.com/aputure-infinimat-announced-new-pixel-mappable-rgb-light-mats-with-inflatable-diffusion/
(00:49:52) Litepanels Astra IP Bi-Color LED Panels Announced – Now with Weatherproof Construction - https://www.cined.com/litepanels-astra-ip-bi-color-led-panels-announced-now-with-weatherproof-construction/
(00:53:19) Panasonic LUMIX S5II/S5IIX Firmware Update Announced with Camera to Cloud Integration - https://www.cined.com/panasonic-lumix-s5ii-s5iix-firmware-update-announced-with-camera-to-cloud-integration/
(00:56:42) New Frame.io Version 4 Introduced – With Multi-Panel Customization, Metadata Frameworks, and More - https://www.cined.com/new-frame-io-version-4-introduced-with-multi-panel-customization-metadata-frameworks-and-more/
(01:02:55) PROTON Claims to Release “World’s Smallest Broadcast Quality Camera” at NAB 2024 - https://www.cined.com/proton-claims-to-release-worlds-smallest-broadcast-quality-camera-at-nab-2024/
(01:04:31) Atlas Orion Anamorphic Lenses – 18mm, 135mm, and 200mm Focal Lengths Now Available - https://www.cined.com/atlas-orion-anamorphic-lenses-18mm-135mm-and-200mm-focal-lengths-now-available/
(01:05:55) ARRI L-Series Plus LED Fresnels Announced – 90% Brighter, Direct Network Connectivity - https://www.cined.com/arri-l-series-plus-led-fresnels-announced-90-brighter-direct-network-connectivity/
(01:07:34) ARRI ALEXA 35 Live - https://www.arri.com/en/camera-systems/live-cameras/alexa-35-live
We hope you enjoyed this episode of CineD Focus Check!
You have feedback, comments or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com
Thursday Apr 04, 2024
Thursday Apr 04, 2024
We welcome our first guest on the podcast! Markus Förderer, ASC, is a German-born DP currently working in L.A. on exciting shows such as “Constellation” for Apple+ and big movies such as “Red Notice”. We talk to him about his path to Hollywood, his love for anamorphic lenses and his very own platform Cineflares.com which lets you compare the flare characteristics of different lenses.
Subscribe to our weekly podcast to stay up-to-date with all the latest cinema gear news and tech insights!
Show chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:01:36) Markus’ background and history
(00:02:49) What’s it like being a DP in L.A.?
(00:04:43) Using anamorphic lenses for filming Constellation
(00:09:58) The Ronin 4D used in high-end shoots
https://youtu.be/fOqARAgwdNM
(00:20:32) How does Markus choose a camera?
(00:27:29) A short history of RED cameras
(00:30:52) Can mirrorless cameras be used in major productions?
(00:32:37) What will Nikon’s acquisition of RED bring in the future?
(00:35:42) The current situation in Hollywood and AI threat
(00:42:19) Technology and artistry
(00:45:29) Introducing Cineflares.com - https://www.cineflares.com
https://www.cined.com/cineflares-com-launched-worlds-most-complete-lens-flare-library-by-markus-forderer-asc/
https://youtu.be/RP9cEqquJsQ
(00:53:48) What is Markus’ dream anamorphic lens?
(01:02:34) Advancements in technology over the last years
(01:08:17) Lens look - clean vs. character
We hope you enjoyed this episode!
You have feedback, comments or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com
Thursday Mar 28, 2024
Thursday Mar 28, 2024
This week brings major firmware updates from Sony and Blackmagic Design for some of their most popular cameras! BLAZAR announced a new Super 35 Anamorphic Lense while SYNCO enters the wireless microphone market. Nino and Johnnie also react to your comments on last week's AI centric episode, and take a look at our poll in which we asked you about your next move regarding generative video AI. Logitech has announced a micro-four-thirds streaming camera - but who is it for? And finally we look forward to NAB which is approaching in big steps!
Subscribe to our weekly podcast to stay up-to-date with all the latest cinema gear news and tech insights!
Show chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:02:33) Sony Releases Major Firmware Update - https://www.cined.com/sony-releases-major-firmware-updates-for-the-alpha-7s-iii-alpha-1-alpha-7-iv-and-alpha-9-iii/
(00:13:12) Blackmagic Design Adds Cloud Functionalities to Pocket Cameras -
https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-camera-8-6-public-beta-released-cloud-support-for-specified-cameras/
(00:16:06) BLAZAR Remus Super 35 Anamorphic Lenses Teased -
https://www.cined.com/blazar-remus-35mm-t1-6-1-5x-super35-anamorphic-lens-teased/
(00:21:42) SYNCO G3 Pro Wireless System Announced -
https://www.cined.com/synco-g3-pro-wireless-system-announced-first-look/
(00:27:35) User Feedback and AI discussion -
https://www.cined.com/openai-sora-first-videos-generated-by-beta-testers-released/
https://techcrunch.com/2024/03/14/ai-powered-ad-ignites-creator-controversy-on-instagram/
https://www.instagram.com/p/C4TevHHPVYN/
(00:31:38) User Poll: Generative AI Video -
https://www.cined.com/poll-generative-ai-video-is-almost-here-what-is-your-next-move/
(00:46:15) Logitech Mevo Core Announced -
https://www.cined.com/logitech-mevo-core-micro-four-thirds-webcam-announced/
(00:53:14) Looking forward to NAB - https://www.cined.com/join-cined-at-nab-in-las-vegas-win-a-fujifilm-x-h2s-lens/
We hope you enjoyed this episode!
You have feedback, comments or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com
Thursday Mar 21, 2024
Thursday Mar 21, 2024
Is AI taking over? What jobs in our industry are at risk? Nino and Johnnie tackle one of the biggest topics that is on the minds of everyone at the moment. Get their takes in this week’s podcast.
Other topics this week include: The iPhone 15 Pro as a filmmaking device. Our podcast producer Alex has made a video on the differences between the free and paid versions of DaVinci Resolve. Our Lab Test results of the Red Raptor X 8K VV are out and showcase our camera database. The new software called PRODUCER is put to the test in the real world. Johnnie and Nino present the newest MZed course about lighting people outdoors. And lastly: submissions are open for manufacturers for CineD’s Best-of-Show Award for this year’s NAB in Las Vegas.
Subscribe to our weekly podcast to stay up-to-date with all the latest cinema gear news and tech insights!
Show chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:00:36) AI - Is it coming for our jobs? - https://www.cined.com/is-openais-sora-trained-on-youtube-videos-a-question-of-ethics-and-licensing/
https://www.instagram.com/openai/reels/?hl=en
https://www.cined.com/youtube-to-require-ai-labeling-by-creators/
(00:28:43) The iPhone 15 Pro as a filmmaking device -
https://www.cined.com/iphone-15-pro-anamorphic-experiment-what-makes-a-cinema-camera-by-michael-cioni-strada/
https://www.cined.com/strada-interview-insights-on-the-new-ai-enabled-cloud-platform/
(00:37:01) iPhone 15 Pro showcase film “Midnight” -
https://www.cined.com/midnight-by-takashi-miike-shot-exclusively-on-the-iphone-15-pro/
(00:39:25) DaVinci Resolve - Differences between the paid and studio version -
https://www.cined.com/davinci-resolve-18-6-free-vs-paid-studio-version/
(00:43:58) Red Raptor X 8K VV Lab Test results -
https://www.cined.com/red-v-raptor-x-8k-vv-lab-test-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/
https://www.cined.com/databases/
(00:53:02) PRODUCER software evaluated in real world testing -
https://www.cined.com/producer-software-evaluated-in-real-world-testing-by-mxr-productions/
https://www.cined.com/producer-maker-machina-tested-first-look-at-the-all-in-one-production-software/
(00:56:54) “How to Light People Outdoors” - New MZed course -
https://www.cined.com/how-to-light-people-outdoors-tips-on-handling-the-sun-from-paul-atkins-asc/
(00:58:42) CineD’s Best-of-Show Awards - NAB 2024 now open to submissions -
https://www.cined.com/cined-best-of-show-award-at-nab-2024-submissions-now-open-for-manufacturers/
We hope you enjoyed this episode!
You have feedback, comments or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com
Thursday Mar 14, 2024
Thursday Mar 14, 2024
Our third episode of weekly tech news is here!
This week Nino and Johnnie take a closer look at Nikon’s acquisition of RED and take a deep dive into RED’s history. They also analyze this week’s poll, in which readers were asked what their wishes are once Nikon takes over. After some major happenings this week, they also discuss the state of the industry as a whole. Johnnie and Nino also have more information on how you can join the CineD team at NAB in Las Vegas and they introduce a new factory tour that Johnnie shot at Libec - a family-run manufacturer in Japan specializing in tripods. A discovery is made, that there are currently no cameras with a high enough resolution on the market to film with Apple’s Vision Pro headset, and that the Sony BURANO is now being shipped. Finally, Leica has introduced a new camera which Johnnie is looking forward to testing.
Subscribe to our brand new weekly podcast to stay up-to-date with all the latest cinema gear news and tech insights!
Show chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:00:38) Nikon buying RED - what our readers hope the future will bring and deep dive into RED’s history - https://www.cined.com/poll-when-red-is-nikon-what-do-you-wish-to-see/
(00:21:38) Industry in turmoil? Vegas Pro producers files for insolvency - https://www.cined.com/magix-producer-of-vegas-pro-files-for-insolvency/
(00:37:55) Join the CineD team at NAB in Las Vegas - https://www.cined.com/join-cined-at-nab-in-las-vegas-win-a-fujifilm-x-h2s-lens/
(00:41:47) New factory tour at Libec in Japan - https://www.cined.com/libec-tripods-and-camera-support-systems-crafted-in-japan-factory-tour/
(00:48:52) Our Oscars highlights - https://www.cined.com/oscar-winners-2024-highlights-from-the-awards-ceremony/
(00:49:30) No camera has high enough resolution for Apple Vision Pro - https://www.cined.com/no-camera-high-res-enough-for-apple-vision-pro-according-to-canon/
(00:50:43) Sony Burano shipping to customers in Europe - https://www.cined.com/sony-burano-8k-cinealta-camera-now-shipping/
(00:51:29) New Leica SL3 released - https://www.cined.com/leica-sl3-released-60mp-full-frame-sensor-8k-and-prores-recording-dedicated-video-mode-and-more/
We hope you enjoyed this episode!
You have feedback, comments or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
This week, we talk about Nikon acquiring RED! Johnnie talks about this with our writer and RED owner Francesco. Also this week on “Focus Check” Johnnie and Nino answer the first audience questions that have come in since our first episode last week, and also share exciting news about this year’s NAB show in Las Vegas, where audience members can join the CineD team in the show coverage. We talk about the surprising results of the Sony Alpha 9 III CineD Lab Test and review two quite unusual products: a. We also listen to a discussion about paid firmware updates for cameras, and whether or not people should pay for them or get new features for free. We also dive into the new Kessler CineShooter+ motion control system that was just introduced. At the end our hosts talk about the awards season and the upcoming Oscars.
Subscribe to our brand new weekly podcast to stay up-to-date with all the latest cinema gear news and tech insights!
Show chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:00:32) Breaking news! Nikon to buy Red! - https://www.cined.com/nikon-to-acquire-us-cinema-camera-manufacturer-red-digital-cinema/
(00:10:34) Your questions answered
(00:17:21) Your chance to join the CineD Team at the 2024 NAB Show in Las Vegas - article with more info will be available on Monday
(00:25:07) The surprising results of our Sony Alpha 9 III Lab Test - https://www.cined.com/sony-alpha-9-iii-lab-test-dynamic-range-and-latitude/
(00:33:46) Blowin in the wind - the NITECORE CineWind CW10 - https://www.cined.com/nitecore-cinewind-cw10-released-portable-fan-for-content-creators/
(00:37:06) Paid firmware updates - rip off or necessary? - https://www.cined.com/nikons-firmware-update-strategy-adding-new-features-with-hardware-limits/
(00:48:26) Blurred vision - the LENSGO Smoke S Mini - https://www.cined.com/lensgo-smoke-s-mini-review-palm-sized-and-affordable-fog-machine/
(00:53:22) The new Kessler CineShooter+ Motion Control System - https://www.cined.com/kessler-cineshooter-motion-control-system-launched-now-optimized-for-unreal-engine/
(00:57:16) Awards season: ASC Awards and Oscars - https://www.cined.com/38th-annual-asc-award-winner-hoyte-van-hoytema-asc-fsf-nsc-for-oppenheimer/
We hope you enjoyed this episode!
You have feedback, comments or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com
CineD Focus Check Podcast
What’s new in filmmaking technology this week? News, reviews, education, insights, opinions and ideas - from the CineD newsroom. This is Focus Check. The weekly Cine Tech Podcast with Nino Leitner, AAC and Johnnie Behiri.