Directive Studios Blogs

Supporting 4K resolution at 30fps, we couldn't resist the new GoPro Hero 5 Black. We have always been satisfied the with quality and durability GoPro products have to offer. This being their first camera that is completely waterproof without housing, we're excited to put this thing to the test. Voice control, video stabilization, touch screen display, and 12MP photos with different modes including time lapse, we couldn't think of a reason not to have it!  B&H Link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1274419-REG/gopro_chdhx_501_hero5_black.html

For a drone or handheld gimbal, this DJI Zenmuse Camera can record in 4K and take 16MP photos. Not only is the resolution great for the size of this camera, it also has over 12 Stops of dynamic range which gives us more shadows and highlights to play with. The videos and stills can record to a micro SDHC/SDXC card that will make sure your footage stays nice and secure. From single shot and burst photos, to time-lapse and video modes, this DJI Zenmuse camera is a highly recommended choice!  B&H Link:https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1186060-REG/dji_x5l_camera_and_3_axis.html/prm/alsVwDtl

I'm excited to announce that we've added a new piece of equipment to the family, the powerful A7S Mark II. Because we travel with our gear so often, it's a hassle getting all of our lighting equipment from place to place. Sometimes lights just aren't feasible, this low light masterpiece can still help you get a great shot in low light situations. It's ISO can range from 1600 to 409,600. Now, any photographer and filmmaker will know that a high ISO can introduce a lot of noise to the picture. That is exactly what caught our attention about this camera. It's higher ISO levels are very very low noise. However, that is not the only thing that caught our eye. It's internal 4K recording and 5 axis image stabilization adds to the list of reasons why I really wanted this camera. It's perfect for our CAME-TV handheld 3axis gimbal. 5 axis...

Mounting to your helmet, body, cars, drone, and countless other things, this professional full HD camera is a blast to film with! This GoPro comes with many awesome features such as built in Wi-Fi that allows you to remote control your settings! The waterproof housing is great protection for the camera. We never know when we might need some underwater B roll, or perhaps rainy footage for our projects. An awesome inventory item we're looking to use more and more when the shot is too risky for our DSLRs.

We're always looking for gear that will bring better resolution pictures and videos to the table. The GoPro Hero 4 Black does exactly that. Supporting 4K footage, the Hero is great for aerial and underwater film and photos! The fully waterproof housing allows us to get the image we want no matter what the elements are. With the auto low light and night photo modes, we can now use the Hero 4 throughout any part of the day. B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1078001-REG/gopro_chdhx_401_hero4_black_edition_adventure.html

No matter where or what the weather is, we have a camera for it. A great addition to our inventory is the GoPro HERO3+ Silver Edition. Shooting full HD at 1920 x 1080 and 60fps, the ultra wide angle lens captures any video on and off land. We no longer are afraid of the rain or bad weather knowing the fully waterproof housing will keep this camera safe. With a battery life that lasts 30% longer than the HERO3, we're not afraid of missing any footage while we're out and about. Now that GoPro also has an App for our mobile devices, the built in wifi helps display the image we're hoping to get. B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1003322-REG/gopro_chdhn_302_hero3_silver_edition_camera.html

By owning a few Canon lenses, we decided to get a hold of the Speed Booster EF-M43 since we have a couple of GH4s in the studio! The speed booster, also known as a speed adapter, is powered by the camera to help adapt third party lenses to the Gh4. Even though we are highly satisfied with the lenses we have for our GH4s, we never know when we could use more of a variety. B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1079566&gclid=CN6Gxb_U9MYCFUoXHwod3voMrQ&is=REG&m=Y&Q=&A=details

We’re excited to have two Panasonic Lumix GH4s in the studio for our videos. One of our only concerns we have about these cameras is that our clients will look at the size of these without knowing what they are capable of. Awesome quality and color packed into such a small body!  B&H Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1028453-REG/panasonic_dmc_gh4kbody_lumix_dmc_gh4_mirrorless_micro.html

I recently received my ColorChecker Passport. After doing a few shoots with it I can tell you it's amazing. Setting the profile for my camera in different lighting situations to get the perfect color calibration for my camera is awesome. It so simple to use too. I use it primarily with LightRoom. Make sure you download the DNG Profile Manager so you can manage and rename the profiles you created. So you don't have to hunt for it like I did, it's located here: DNG Profile Manager X-Rite Product Description: ColorChecker Passport is a powerful 'capture to edit' color solution for any photographer looking for more accurate, consistent color and creative flexibility. And when you combine ColorChecker Passport with Adobe® Imaging solutions you'll gain even greater benefits. ColorChecker Passport combines three photographic targets into one pocket size protective, self-standing case that adjusts to any scene. Together with the included camera calibration...

This is the best ball head I have ever seen or used. I'm a really big fan of Really Right Stuff. I have their ballhead, tripod, L-Bracket and a few more pieces.  It's so solid and can handle 50lbs which means I can use my rails with full camera, follow focus, mic etc without worrying about stressing it out. It's not a video head for sure and I rarely use it for video unless it's a still shot for a testimonial or something. Manufactures Site: http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=BH-55-LR&type=3&eq=&desc=BH-55-LR%3a-Full-sized-ballhead-with-LR&key=it  

I purchased this clamp to use with my BlackRapid RS-4 Classic Camera Strap so I could very quickly connect it to my Really Right Stuff BGE11-L: L-Plate for BG-E11 Grip (5DMk3).  Manufacturers Link: http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=B2-FAB-F&type=0&eq=&desc=B2-FAB-F-38mm-clamp-with-flat-back&key=it Here's a few pics of it:  

This L-Plate/Bracket from Really Right stuff let's me very quickly mount the camera on my Really Right Stuff BH-55 LR Full-sized ballhead. The nice thing is that you can quickly flip the camera for vertical shots and the center of the lens stays is the exact same spot. I leave this on my camera most of the time. I use a battery grip so, if you don't you will want the other version. One thing to know, the after market battery grips do not fit this plate properly, I had to purchase a real Canon battery grip for it to work. If you have any questions just let me know in the comments below. Manufactures Site: Really Right Stuff Here's some pics:

  Dear BlackMagic Design, Your stuff is cool and is rocking my little foundation of thinking I had want I want. I just can't keep up with all your coolness. Makes my gut hurt to not play with your toys. I saw today an announcement from NAB that you're releasing two new cameras. I was just looking at getting something small for certain situations (like the sony NEX 7) and NOW I see this: Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera   So... I'll be waiting on finding a smaller solution until at least July, which is good so I can save up. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera will be $995 and shoot in 1080p. I'm not so worried about 4k yet for this application (small).  One of the main reasons I love this camera and it's $3,995 big brother is the 13 stops of dynamic range. That's right the Pocket camera comes with the...

The Canon 5D Mark III is awesome. I mainly purchased it because it has a full size sensor. The Canon 7D had a cropped sensor but I still love it and it's my second camera now on a shoot. There were various other enhancements that made the upgrade worth it to me. Still has the rolling shutter though. :(

Besides my original film cameras, the 7D was my second professional DSLR Camera and my first Canon Camera. My first DSLR Camera was a Nikon. The Nikon was broken and I hadn't had a camera for about 2 years.  The way I got back into it was kinda typical of how I do a lot of things; myself.  You see, I needed to get a company music video shot for an upcoming industry event.  Long time friend and client Joseph Stillman from Lapaloma Films had given me a quote, it was very very  reasonable, we just didn't have the budget. So I decided to take the money I did have budgeted and buy my own camera that was able to shoot HD Video. I ended up with the Canon EOS 7D. I remember going to Best Buy and getting it, I remember the 45 mins I spent pacing with my wife...