3 minute read
Rounding up all the recent news with updates from Blackmagic, Pixotope, Tiffen’s Domke wear, Maxon’s December update, Filmgear’s new MegaBrute, and Chaos joining OpenUSD.
Blackmagic Camera 1.2.1 update
Blackmagic has released a new update for its wildly popular Blackmagic Camera app. Blackmagic Camera 1.2.1 adds the ability to flip images both vertically and horizontally for SLR lenses, improved ISO controls to allow lower ISO ranges, and improved handling when importing duplicate LUTs.
As well as the ubiquitous general stability and performance improvements, the bug squashing squad has also been in evidence with the team addressing an issue with preview quality when switching phone orientation, as well as one that occurred with audio sync when switching lenses during recording.
Pixotope adds industry-first zoom capabilities to virtual production
Pixotope has added what it says are industry-first zoom capabilities to its through-the-lens (TTL) camera tracking software solution, Pixotope Tracking - Fly Edition (Pixotope Fly). This now provides access to zoom capabilities beyond the current limitations of one fixed lens position on drones and other cameras to enable more dynamic shot composition for AR, XR, and virtual studio work. Being able to zoom in and out of a space without physically having to move the camera closer or farther away hardly sounds revolutionary, but in the virtual space, that’s been the reality so far.
“As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, the addition of dynamic zoom capabilities to Pixotope Fly marks a pivotal advancement; we’re empowering operators to explore new creative horizons while reducing costs and enhancing tracking stability. In the process, we’re setting a higher standard for audience attraction and engagement,” says Gideon Ferber, Senior Vice President of Product at Pixotope.
Tiffen introduces new Domke bag, vest, and pouch
Tiffen has some additions to its line of Domke wear and gear, proving that you can never have enough ways to carry your gear around with you.
The newest Domke Sling Bag provides 6 liters of total storage volume for ample room to carry a DSLR mirrorless camera with up to two additional lenses or a flash plus a lens, as well as other essentials. The sling design allows for easy carrying on the back with a single padded shoulder strap. It also provides ample opportunity to rotate the bag from back to the front, making it easy to access gear while worn. For added security, a waist stabilization strap with quick-release buckle may be hitched or unhitched as needed.
The new PhotoTOGS Vest brings back the popular place-for-everything cargo vest. Twelve individual pockets feature weather-tight zip-up closures and oversized back pockets—are all made to keep things put with zippers, snaps, or hook and loop. Add to that dual roomy hand warmer pockets, a rear water bottle pouch, pen/pencil holders, clear press pass ID holder, and hidden storage, and there's a home for most essential gear.
The Domke Tech Pouch is designed to secure and organize small technical items shooters need on every job. Suitcase style, with a full wrap-around zipper, the compact (10"w x 6"h x 4"d) Tech Pouch opens flat to reveal the contents. Four larger zippered mesh compartments and an array of layered pockets hold and display necessities from memory cards to portable drives, tools, batteries, cables, and more. Elastic loop storage is provided for four pens or tools, and larger elastic loops provide cable storage.
Maxon December update
Pic: Zachary Corzine
The Maxon development program keeps forging on. New this month are:
Cinema 4D 2024.2: Now offers enhanced integration with Adobe's Substance 3D materials. Additional updates include improved Project Asset Inspector, advanced collision detection for Rigid Bodies, as well as comprehensive upgrades to Pyro, all aimed at providing artists with the tools they need to create more vibrant, engaging work.
Redshift 3.5.22: Offers boosted stability and speed for Adobe Substance 3D materials import, Preview Rendering within Redshift RT, Texture compression options, adjustable denoising settings, and more.
Cineware: Datasmith Direct Link plugin for Cinema 4D provides a new efficient way to export Cinema 4D projects to Unreal
Capsules: A number of new additions, including a Spline Modifier that opens up possibilities for creating plants, electrical effects, and more.
Pre-orders open for the FilmGear Megabrute
Names are important, so in a world of endless product numbers, it’s nice to come across something that’s simply labeled with a tag of something unforgettable. And the FilmGear Megabrute definitely excels at that.
The Megabrute is an evolution of the already well-monikered Maxibrute. Building on the strengths of the LED Max, the new Megabrute ramps up the output from 180W to a staggering 270W from the company’s state-of-the-art RGBW MCOB chips per head. “Still not enough power for you? Fuse multiple of these 4-headed modules together for a truly impressive wall of light,” writes the company. “Our custom TIR lenses allow the Megabrute to maintain a more focused beam at greater distances, all while minimizing the shadow-splitting effect that’s plagued traditional maxis in the past.”
Preorders are open now. Drop them a line.
Chaos adds further momentum to OpenUSD
The move toward a unified 3D ecosystem just took another step forward, as Chaos — makers of V-Ray, Enscape, Vantage, and more — has joined the growing Alliance of OpenUSD (AOUSD).
As you may remember, the AOUSD was started earlier this year by some of the biggest 3D creators in the world — including Apple, Adobe, Autodesk, NVIDIA, and more — and is working to standardize, develop, and grow Pixar’s Open Universal Scene Description.
As part of the Alliance, Chaos will collaborate with experts from some of the most influential 3D companies in the world, who have banded together to make 3D more accessible. By contributing to OpenUSD, Chaos will ensure better interoperability between Chaos products and other leading tools so its users can share and dynamically update assets no matter where they start. Chaos will also gain access to the latest developments and innovations from across the industry, which it can continue to build into its products.
Tags: Production
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