Artificial lights including LED lights can sometimes create a color cast. We recently got the larger 1200 LED video light panel in the studio and decided to put it to the test against our 600 and 900 LED lights. Keeping our exposure settings the same, we test out the intensity and color differences for all [...]

San Francisco is full of familiar and odd noise alike. It’s a symphony of sounds and for this, we saw it perfect for testing out Rode’s new Stereo VideoMic Pro. This new addition to the Rode family of mics is suited to capture a wide stereo image with natural depth. This microphone is designed to [...]

A lot of readers ask me about the portability of the Manfrotto 561BHDV-1. Here is a common question from OTech reader, Ryan: “Hi, I just ordered the Manfrotto 561BHDV-1 and noticed on the specs that the minimum height is 2.5′ is this with the head or without? My main concern is that I am traveling [...]

The GoPro is a standard for action cameras for a reason, they are in-freaking-credible! Now with the addition of the HERO2, the GoPro line has upped the ante yet again. 120fps, multiple FOV, an external mic input and an 11MP sensor are just a few of the new features on this bad boy. Now, if [...]

In the video above, GoPro’s HD HERO2 and HERO are compared for low light capabilities and overall image quality. A sample of the 120fps and an internal/external mic sound test are also shown. At 120fps, only the 170 degree wide angle view is available to shoot at in WVGA. The optional Wi-Fi BacPac and Wi-Fi [...]

I get a ton of questions in regards to LEDs vs. softboxes as light sources. Which are better, can I use LED panels to light a green screen or infinite white, what is the major difference between these two, etc. I love this question because once explained, the difference between the two is very clear. [...]

A few friends and I were arguing about the T3i vs. 60D or 7D yesterday. My friend who is a shooter is debating on buying a T3i, since the sensor is the same as the 7D and the 60D. He wants to keep the cost down and figures he can just switch out the lenses. [...]

Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Fluid Head clocks in at 3.5 lbs. and can support up to 13.2 lbs. The new 501HDV boasts an improved drag on both axis and comes with a switchable counterbalance. The medium length sliding camera plate helps balance uneven payloads. Two separate axes of movement – panoramic rotation and front-rear tilt [...]

After getting our hands on the Sigma and the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 lenses, we were able to truly assess what the main pros and cons and performance differences were between the two in a side by side video and photography comparison. Here’s a look at some examples shot at F/1.4, F/2.8, F/5.6, F/8, and F/16. [...]

I took my first GH2 video and tried to play with the brightness and contrast settings. Overall it’s exciting to see the potential. I think for this to work I have to change the brightness and contrast to each section of the video differently. I tried to apply a contrast setting to the entire edited [...]