Category: SitRep

Research #12

Here’s what I’ve been researching this week:

  • Vernier probes and sensor systems for iPads
  • Internet of Things
  • Modification of C-Mount lenses
  • Smartphones used as a biometric sensor
  • Misfit Shine 3d printable mount for watch band
  • Book Creator iPad app
  • Re-soling Troentorp Bastad Clogs (is there really only one place that does this?)
  • Quick pickling
  • UV and ND filters

Research #11

What I’ve been researching this week:

  • Good pre-school iPad apps
  • Alternative pickling methods
  • Creating a custom trunk floor for my car
  • Emerging market boutique camera lenses
  • Japanese style iced coffee (also, Cory Doctorow’s no-mess method)
  • Home made seltzer rigs (thanks for the idea, Sarah & Jason)
  • Remote-camera options (security and whatnot)
  • Sourcing Century Stands & Grip Hardware

 

Research #10

What I’ve been reading about this week:

  • Anamorphic vs standard lenses
  • Davinci Resolve Lite LUT’s
  • WiFi enabled outlets and powerstrips
  • Cutting foam
  • Re-Upholstering Eames Lounge chairs
  • Manfrotto Autopole 2
  • Harris Tweed Plaids
  • Hunting Jackets sewing patters
  • Dog Schidt Optiks FF58 lens
  • Gustin Japanese Oxford in white

 

Studio Test #3

We’re getting close. First half has some very basic color correction done- the lights are at 5000K, and really, to be neutral, 5500-5600K would be better. So I’ve got to pull a little red out. No biggie.

The second half is color corrected, and then has a filter applied that pushes some blue into the colors, but filters for skin tone and warms those somewhat. I’m not sure it’s my favorite implementation of the effect, and I’m looking into some more fine-control options. For now, it’s getting me the better separation between my subject and the background that I wanted.


 

Research List #9

It’s been a busy last week around here, but here’s the (short) list of things I’ve researched:

  • Crop factor on Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera (appears to be 2.88?)
  • Mazda 5
  • SquareSpace hosting
  • pickling watermelon rind
  • Aging quick-pickles (seems contradictory, but who knows?)
  • Looking for other educators on App.net
  • Better color correction in FCPX
  • Davinci Resolve Lite
  • GoRuck Sandbag (20lb? 30lb?)
  • Filson Guide Work Tweed Jacket (sourcing this fabric?)

 

Videos.

Here’s what’s going on with my videos:

My new studio is mostly set up- some smaller bits coming (today?) and it’s totally good to go.

The camera isn’t running aftermarket firmware- yet. Looking into that more.

The first focus is going to be a large series of videos on Lord of the Flies. Between me and my partner, I’m envisioning something on the order of twenty (!) videos- so that will take time. Following that substantial effort, I want to do Canterbury Tales. But that’s a while from now.

For now, I’ve shot two rounds of test footage- one to confirm that my 2700K lights weren’t going to cut it, and the second (just this morning) to see if the 5000K replacements I purchased were substantially better (they are). I’d love to have some bulbs that are 5600K, but those are a) hard to find and b) spendy. So 5000K it is. The image looks a lot better now (and the sound is far better too…), but I still need my Optical White umbrellas to get the image looking closer to what I want. I’ve included a still (of a test subject) below. Note: that still is totally raw- no post/color correction or anything else. Looks even better with some work done.

Next I need to spend some time writing and planing the episodes, as there’s a LOT of material to cover- up to and including some pre-loading that needs to be addressed.

All that said, I’ve got some impending (good) family drama that will slow things down for a bit, but I’d expect to be putting the first few episodes out before the summer is over.

Stay tuned.

Test Shoot #2

Research #6

Here’s what I’ve been reading about this week:

  • Metabones Speed Boosters
  • M42 mount lenses
  • HumanGear products
  • Used Lumix GH2 bodies
  • Konica AR mount to Nikon DX adaptors
  • Better online communal area for remote group learning
  • App.net

 

Research #5

Things I’ve researched in the last week:

  • Sourcing 5/8″ Grip pins with 1/4″ female threading
  • New IFTTT channels (specifically interested in activity tracking -> web tasks)
  • Better rainwater storage/management via Ram Water Pumps
  • Replacement vintage KLH Model 30 tweeter
  • Onion Pi (Raspberry Pi & TOR hotspot)
  • Analog or Digital video in via Thunderbolt interfaces (Black Magic Design)
  • Underwater-safe KinoFlo (DIY LED lit)
  • Better Twine functions

 

Research List #3

The research list for the last week includes:

  • Padcaster iPad mini Kickstarter
  • Live-view from camera via EyeFi Card
  • Blackmagic Pocket camera specs and test footage
  • New iPad workflow: Drafts as a starting poing (with custom actions)
  • Cinema workflow for RAW video vs ProRes244
  • Home data center (via NAS or other options)
  • Microphone boom mount/shock mount
  • iBooks Author developments & setups
  • Fair-Use copyright law re: video in classrooms
  • Multi-charging options for iPads
  • Plotting price drop of 4k resolution screens (down $300 in the last month!)
  • Outdoor faucet plumbing replacement

Still pretty video heavy, but that’s where some of my focus needs to be, so…