BTS Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K
MAARTECH - Blog
by Maarten
3y ago
My review of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K was challenging. At times fun, at others frustrating. In the review I wanted to provide a sense of the capability and quality this camera provides, but also the complications that may ensue. Blackmagic’s agency set up a video conference with a product specialist before the camera arrived – but that did not prepare me for the challenges I was about to face. There would also be time pressure, as Blackmagic’s agency required me to return the camera 14 days after it arrived – including the arrival and shipping days, so really only 12 days. When ..read more
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Sony ZV-1 review (BTS)
MAARTECH - Blog
by Maarten
3y ago
While there are many cameras that can be used for vlogging, there are not many that are designed specifically for the purpose. Sony’s ZV-1 is. As the camera is in demand, Sony Canada provided me a shorter than usual loan period – 9 days. I concentrated my work on the vlogging and video features, including the updates and changes new for this camera.  Much of this video was shot along Toronto’s waterfront, along the Martin Goodman trail. The introductory scenes are at the foot of Norris Crescent. I shot and reshot the vlogging scenes which illustrate the features several times, each time ..read more
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Do you care where a camera was made?
MAARTECH - Blog
by Maarten
4y ago
It’s a question that viewers like you often ask. I’ve got two possible motivations.    Nice day for a canoe ride on the Humber, so Kim and I packed up some camera gear and rented a two-seater from Toronto Adventures.  My cap promotes MGI Software’s VideoWave, a video editing package from a Canadian Developer. I worked at MGI as a product manager (not on VideoWave) early in this millennium. My paddle is a handcrafted RedTail. Kim was behind the camera for this video (I am doing all the paddling). We recorded using the Sony ZV-1, using picture profile 7 (S-Log2) to accommodate th ..read more
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Secrets of the ATEM mini BTS
MAARTECH - Blog
by Maarten
4y ago
A few weeks ago I purchased the ATEM mini to use for live broadcasts. I was astounded by its capabilities, and thought I share a few of the operational secrets I’ve picked up.  https://youtu.be/4eI5HYPcjfM I found the ATEM mini easy to use, but when using only the physical switcher, it’s quite limited. For those who have not used switchers, it can be confusing, so this video is a high level functional overview of the switcher, and the desktop software to manage and customize the physical controls. This video is a solo effort, and was shot in my studio in Toronto, over two days of shooting ..read more
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Be Prepared
MAARTECH - Blog
by Maarten
4y ago
Hey photographers … and videographers. To you, this is a video.  To me, as I record this, it’s the culmination of several hours of work. And today, I’m going to talk to you as the producer of this video – not the host and presenter. As a producer, I remember the advice I learned at Boy Scouts.  Be prepared. Such a good motto – just to think through the details and make sure you’re ready for what’s ahead. If you’re prepared, everything just falls into place, and you’re ready for the inevitable set-back. If this looks easy, that’s because I’m prepared – not because I’m winging it ..read more
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Nikon Z6 Review
MAARTECH - Blog
by Maarten
5y ago
Hey photographers … if you’ve already seen or read my review of the mirrorless Nikon Z7, this is going to be a little bit of déjà vu.  The mirrorless Nikon Z6 is a nearly identical camera. But if you winced at the price of the Z7, you’ll probably smile at the price of the Z6. And, like the Z6, it’s the electronic viewfinder with an OLED display that impresses – which if you’re coming from a DSLR – is going to be an important feature. The Z6 has came along to Hawaii. Holidays are always an opportunity for binge photography. I do, mostly, shoot with the viewfinder. And this one is bright, cri ..read more
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Nikon Z7 Mirrorless Camera
MAARTECH - Blog
by Maarten
5y ago
The first thing that impressed me about the Nikon Z7 was the viewfinder – it’s bright, crisp and clear, the view feels larger than I expected and the colours are pure and true. And if there’s one initial impression that Nikon needs for this camera, that’s it. The rest: Nikon’s image quality, colour science, feature set and so on, we can take for granted. But in a high-end mirrorless camera – the viewfinder has to satisfy photographers who are likely coming from an optical viewfinder.       We took the Nikon Z7 on a trip to Japan, Thailand and Cambodia, as well as a wedding in California. We ..read more
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Fujifilm X-T3
MAARTECH - Blog
by Maarten
5y ago
October 2018 (revised May 2019) I’m not sure if the Fujifilm X-T3 is an upgrade to the X-T2, or the X-H1 – it has features that will make owners of both of those models envious. Physically, the X-T3 conforms to my traditional mental image of a camera. The silver accents on the weather-sealed magnesium alloy body give it a style that I find pleasing, and the physical controls provide a classic sense of design and usability. It looks familiar, it appears comfortable.     Contents Testing the New Basics Connectivity Performance Focus Manual Focus Back Focus Focus Bracket Video Focus Shutter Expo ..read more
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Sony RX100 VI
MAARTECH - Blog
by Maarten
5y ago
September 2018 (revised May 2019) When we decided to cycle across France, I knew I wanted a small, easy to carry camera that still took high quality pictures. I decided to borrow the Sony RX100 VI for review. It is small enough to fit in the pocket of my cycling jersey, where it’s always ready for a photo. This is the third time I’ve taken an RX100 model on a cycling trip, and it’s great to be able take it out and shoot quickly. While riding, I’m more cyclist than photographer, so I don’t often take the time to study a scene or adjust my settings manually. As a result, most of the photos are t ..read more
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Fujifilm X-H1
MAARTECH - Blog
by Maarten
5y ago
August 2018 (revised May 2019) Fujifilm Canada knew I loved the X-T2 – they extended the loan after I reviewed it so I could continue to shoot with it. When they called and asked me to sign an NDA for a new video-centric camera – I rushed over in a snowstorm to see it. While I was very excited by the promise of the Fujifilm X-H1, the initial firmware release had some issues, so when Fujifilm promised an upgrade I put down the camera and waited. This review is based on firmware 1.11 (the current version is 2.01) – and it fixed the lockups and resets I experienced with the initial release. For t ..read more
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