Another grey day may have beckoned over the rest of London but film and tech lovers alike had hope, today we will see a glimpse of the future, a look at ourown future. The very latest advances in film and television technology and the biggest names boasting this year’s achievements. It’s the Broadcast Video Expo show for the world of film and video; a chance to see what’s coming next and we were there.
Last year the Canon DSLR range stole the show, revolutionising film as we know it, both in affordability and its staggering ability, but that’s old news. It’s been a year, it might as well have been a decade as far as these eager critics care, so what’s new?
Amongst a hoard of shiny new tech, dazzling screens and flashing buttons a few exceptions stole the show. Sony and Panasonic stood proudly behind their new flagship F3 and Af-101 cameras, a crowd hovered admirably around them all day dribbling for a chance to play. They all took their turn and I’m sure their subsequent orders will soon follow. Both camera combine great image quality, reliability and smooth workflow management with a range of compatible prime lenses mimicking the 35mm classic. Unlike its DSLR predecessors its a ‘proper camera’, with less media limitations, a decent sized viewfinder and proper audio XLR inputs, it’s undertaken a logical evolutional step forward.
3D televisions were as expected, dotted in every direction, but in all honesty I still think there is a long way to go before it’s ready for mass consumption, let alone the corporate market. Very occasionally something crops up which is visually stunning, ore inspiring; slow moving, detailed and vibrant close-ups can really mount 3D’s abilities. As a fan of both these it pains me to say that marauding groups of luminescent break-dancers and the range of high-octane sports now available in 3D fall short. I feel similarly to 30 years ago when it was first introduced it stands more in the realms of an expensive gimmick than reality, best kept in the IMAX, not in your living room.
Technodolly showcased their unmanned range of cranes and jibs, it’s an astonishing feat and the first of its kind and will undoubtedly be putting grips out of work very soon. Working with set key frames the camera can through memory operate through a series of unlimited and complex motions. With its ability to remember precision shots, movements and transitions instantly and effortlessly desired effects to be achieved in minutes.
Suitably impressed and seething with jealousy we re-entered the realms of reality, affordability and another grey day in West London.
