Everything You Need To Know About the Panasonic AU-EVA1

Filmmakers are eagerly awaiting the release of Panasonic’s new compact 5.7K cinema camera that is set to be released this month.  The AU-EVA1  camera will be a great affordable alternative to the VariCam as it is priced at $7,495.  The EVA1 will be the newest entry into the sub $8,000 4K cinema cameras, and is set to go head-to-head with the Canon C200, the Sony FS7, and the Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro.

The EVA1 can record in several formats and compression rates, and offers up to 10bit 4:2:2 in 4K.  For in-camera recording, you can capture in DCI 4K (4096 x 2160), UHD (3840 x 2160), 2K (2048 x 1080), Full HD (1920 x 1080), and HD (1280 x 720).  In a future firmware upgrade, EVA1 will offer All Intra compression for in-camera recording and 5.7K RAW output to third party recorders.

The EVA1’s 5.7K 35mm sensor delivers nearly twice as many photosites than 4K, which will yield crystal clear images with increased color information when downsampled to 4K, UHD, 2K, or even 720p.  Panasonic claims that the increased color information will result in a finer, more accurate finished image.

The EVA1 weighs in at only 2.65lbs with a compact form factor of 6.69” H x 5.31” W x 5.23” D, making it perfect to use with a drone, gimbal, or jib arm.  Some may be disappointed that the camera does not include an EVF, which means shooters will have to only rely on the LCD screen to capture images.

Additional Panasonic EVA 1 Features:

  • 5.7K Super 35mm sensor
  • Dual Native ISO 800/2,500, expandable to 25,600 with internal gain
  • Native EF lens mount
  • 4K 10bit, 4:2:2 processing
  • Records 4K up to 60fps
  • Records 2K up to 240fps
  • Dual SD card slots
  • Electronic IBIS
  • SDI & HDMI video outputs
  • Detachable handle & rotary grip
  • Touch panel LCD monitor & rotating LCD mount
  • 14 stop dynamic range
  • V-log & V-Gamut capture
  • Electronic image stabilization
  • 2/4/6 stop built-in ND filter wheel
  • Electronic on/off mechanism for IR-cut filter
  • Video assist tools including Peaking, Expand, Waveform, Zebras, Spotmeter, and Focus Squares.
  • One Shot push focus

Watch “Radio 88”, a short film that showcases the Panasonic AU-EVA1, directed by Johnny Derango and produced by Panasonic with help from Stray Angel Films:

October 16, 2017 / 

Top Four Light Metering Apps For Your Smart Phone

Despite modern innovations, a dedicated light meter is still the most accurate way to measure exposure and to ensure consistent, high-quality results on your video project.  Until recently, light meters were relatively expensive, especially when moving into color meters, which could cost upward of $1,700.  The good news is there are several great new light metering apps for your smartphone that offer accuracy, dependability, and wont break the bank!  Some of the apps utilize attachment accessories while others do not.  Here we have listed four of the highest rated and most popular light metering apps currently available:

Pocket Light Meter– Free

This app by NuWaste measures reflected light, and allows for reciprocity calculations.  In the newest version, logs can now be uploaded to Evernote.  This app provides a high degree of accuracy when measuring exposures, and you can spot meter by just tapping on the screen.  It also displays your light in kelvins so you can set it to the correct white balance.  You can even hold and save images with the values to refer to it later.  This app has a very simple design and does not offer as many features as some of the other apps on this list.

Luxi– Free/$22

This app by Extrasensory Devices is free to download, and can be used as a spot meter and measure exposures without using any accessories.  However, you have to buy the $22 Luxi For All Smartphone Attachment in order to use the app as an incident meter and to measure ambient light levels.  This app gives very accurate light and color readings, and you can even use the Luxi For All attachment in conjunction with the Pocket Light Meter and Cine Meter II to measure light in different ways.  One drawback is that this app requires calibration, and since not every device is made the same, in many cases it will need adjustments.

Cine Meter II– $24

This app is very versatile in terms of it’s functionality and features, especially when used in conjunction with the Luxi for All attachment.  It is a very accurate spot meter, and when used with the Luxi For All attachment, the app can be used as a incident meter.  The Cine Meter II offers cool features such as the ability to set shutter angle, ND filter compensation, and arbitrary filter factors.  You can also use the front facing camera to take “light meter selfies.”  Here you can check out the app’s creator, Adam Wilt’s test results of the accuracy of his color meter.

Lumu– Free/$299

Like Luxi, the Lumu app itself is free and can be used as a reflective light meter without any accessories.  However, for more professional spot and color metering, you need the Lumu Power attachment dome that costs $299, and is not compatible with any other light meter apps.  This app has an incredible amount of feautures, including the ability to measure exposure, ambient light, flash light, color temperature, white balance, as well as illuminance.  The Lumu includes a Cine/Video meter in which the settings and features are based on those within the ambient light meter, but is geared toward setting your aperture and ISO based on a fixed shutter speed.

October 10, 2017 / 

Rent The SAF Soundstage For Your Next Shoot!

The Stray Angel Films 1545 square foot cyc soundstage is available for rent after recently wrapping a three month lock out for a major network show, and is now ready to shoot your next project on! This stage is fully soundproofed and includes a green room, production office, and six reserved parking spots in the SAF lot.  It also has a 14′ lighting grid and is pre-lite by five brand new Mole Bi-color LED (2k equivalent) space lights that a controlled by a fully customizable DMX board.

This stage offers a pull down 12 x 12 green seamless, and has distro power rated at 600A that includes 4 x 100A Bates connectors plus another 200A spread over 12 Edison outlets, making it perfect for commercials, high power music videos, and more!

The SAF soundstage also features an integrated Fender Event playback system that features:

  • 375 watts of output power
  • Integrated seven-channel mixer with reverb
  • Two 8″ Fender Special Designs speaker cabinets
  • Bluetooth-equipped to stream wireless audio from mobile devices
  • XLR and 1/4″ mic/line inputs for flexible source connectivity
  • Stereo 1/8″ input to play recorded material from mobile devices
  • Stereo 1/8″ output for headphone monitoring and sending stereo mixes
  • Sub Out with automatic high-pass filter for powered subwoofer use
  • Mono Out with Level control for powered monitor use

Dimensions:

  • 14′ high
  • 37’9″ x 42’8″

For more information on the SAF soundstage, please email [email protected] or give us a call at (310) 277-6900.

October 2, 2017 / 

Sony is taking on the GoPro with the Sony RX0

Sony is attempting to compete with GoPro with the new waterproof Sony RX0. The Sony RX0 takes the image quality of the RX series and compresses it into a robust, ultra-compact camera that Sony says will “facilitate creative photographic and videographic expression beyond current limitations.”

The Sony RX0 weighs just 0.24 pounds and measures 2.38 x 1.63 x 1.19 inches. It is a true action camera in that it is waterproof up to 33 feet (or 330 feet with a case), and is able to shoot in the rain or snowy, dusty and sandy environments. The camera is extremely durable as it is crushproof for weights up to 440 pounds and shockproof up to 6.5 feet.

The Sony RX0 can be used on it’s own or as part of a multi-camera set-up to shoot still images, film video and super slow motion footage at up to 960 frames per second. The camera’s 1-inch, 15.3 megapixel CMOS image sensor is bigger than those available on GoPros, and includes a wide 24mm Zeiss lens fixed at F4.

Sony’s wireless radio commander can be used trigger up to 15 RX0 cameras simultaneously to film unique content like time-slice and bullet-time shooting. Users can also use the PlayMemories Mobile app to wirelessly connect up to five RX0 cameras. Sony announced that they are working on a “wireless multi-camera shooting solution” that is scheduled to be released in January 2018 via firmare update. Sony says that in January 2018 they will release a camera control box that will give users the option of a wired connection.

The Sony RX0 will begin shipping in October 2017, with an estimated price of around $700

Check out the video below showcasing the versatility of the Sony RX0:

September 19, 2017 / 

Move with the MoVI Pro!

The MoVI Pro is the newest professional handheld digital 3-axis motorized gimbal stabilizer from Freefly now available for rent at Stray Angel Films that has redefined the possibilities for camera movement.  

Freefly has said that the MoVI Pro is “adaptable, expandable, and flexible enough to allow users to create production quality content quickly, easily, and repeatedly” and that “it features high quality sensors with precise calibration to enable the most demanding of shots.”

The MoVI Pro offers convenient upgrades and improved features including:

  • Internal Wiring to prevent damage/snags during usage. All connections are strain relieves and enclosed to ensure maximum reliability in a variety of weather conditions.
  • Ability to mount a camera package up to 15 pounds and shoot smooth handheld footage.
  • Hot swappable batteries save you the trouble of wasting valuable time rebooting.  
  • All cameras and accessories are powered via the MoVI Pro, meaning users do not have to worry about various sets of batteries.
  • A new integration with RED cameras allows users to access RED camera controls from hundreds of feet away using either the MoVI Controller or the new MIMIC Controller.

MoVI Pro Tech Specs:

  • Dual hot swappable 22.5v 1.8Ah batteries with status indicators
  • Integrated focus/iris/zoom controller
  • Embedded screen for tuning/customization
  • Increased motor torque over previous generation stabilizers
  • D-Tap outputs for camera and accessory power
  • Full stiffness and Filter autotune in approximately 10 seconds
  • Compatible with MoVI Pro applications for IOS and Android
  • Majestic Mode
  • Timelapse
  • Dual GPS (top and bottom) for solid signal in Sky or GroundView
  • Full RED RCP integration (Focus, Iris, ISO, Start Stop, and more)
  • Internal long range 2.4GHz frequency hopping radio for connection to MIMIC.

Watch Freefly’s video showcasing the MoVI Pro to learn more:

September 13, 2017 / 

Our Most Popular Filmmaking Videos

Many years ago, when Stray Angel Films was run by just two guys in a single office, our YouTube channel was created. Even though resources were much more limited then, Josh & Suren both realized that YouTube was a great opportunity to connect with other filmmakers and wanted to utilize it. They began shooting demos of our gear and also film school-esque videos, like teaching depth of field.

We have been able to connect with hundreds of thousands of filmmakers we may have otherwise never gotten the chance to. We’ve interviewed companies like Panasonic and DJI about new products, as well as tested out new cameras to see how they compare against others. Sometimes we’ve even been able to lend clients gear to do awesome projects like shoot in desert at night using only moonlight for exposure!

Today, we have almost 5,000 subscribers and over 700,000 views! It has been so much fun to watch our channel grow and also rewarding to give a little back to the filmmaking community.

In case you don’t keep up with our YouTube channel, we wanted to create a post showcasing our most popular videos.

10. Canon C300 vs Sony FS7

9. How To Wrap A BNC Audio Cable

8. Sony FS7 vs ARRI AMIRA vs URSA vs C300 Mark II Dynamic Range

7. Meet The ARRI ALEXA XT

6. How To Shoot With & Balance The MoVI M10

5. Canon C100 vs Canon C300

4. Basic Cinematography: How To Light An Interview

3. Sony FS700 Slow Motion Test

2. Cine Style Lenses vs Still Photography Lenses

1. How To Shoot A Fight Scene

If you enjoyed watching any of these filmmaking videos, please subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss a new one. If there’s a gear demo or filmmaking tutorial you’d like to see, please let us know! We always take requests.

July 12, 2016 / 2
ARRI Skypanel Lights are great for people who hate gelling lights.

Hate Gelling Lights? Then You’ll Love ARRI Sky Panels!

If you hate gelling light, then ARRI’s Sky Panel LED lights may just be perfect for you.

The Sky Panel’s recently got a firmware update that lets them to something really awesome. With just the turn of a dial, you can scroll through the library of gels (over 277 from manufacturers like Lee & Roscoe) to choose the exact one you need. That could be a serious time saver on set!

Check out the other updates the Skypanel has received in this ARRI video:

April 23, 2016 / 
New DJI Phantom 4 Drone Offers Impressive New Technology

New DJI Phantom 4 Drone Offers Impressive New Technology

DJI is back at it again with their new Phantom 4 drone. The new Phantom has a few impressive new features, all thanks to the new advanced computer vision and onboard sonar.

The DJI Phantom 4 is equipped with four cameras (in addition to the main 4K cam) that serve as the drone’s advanced computer vision. This allows the drone to see the world around it and help make sure it doesn’t crash. If you get too close to an object or wall, the Phantom 4 will actually stop itself from running into it. Early testers of the drone have said that this feature works incredibly well.

There is another new feature, “TapFly”, that is aimed at beginner pilots. When TapFly mode is engaged, it eliminates the need to use the stick controller. You can use the app and simply tap a waypoint on the screen. The Phantom 4 will then fly itself there, using the best path and avoiding in obstacles in it’s way.

Probably the most exciting new feature of the Phantom 4 for filmmakers is the “ActiveTrack” mode. This setting allows you to pick a moving object (such as an actor) and then the drone will track and follow it, keeping it in frame.

How much will the DJI Phantom 4 cost? Only $1400, which considering all it can do is really not that bad. Phantom 4 drones will start shipping at the end of this month (March 2016). You can currently pre-order the Phantom 4 on B&H.

March 6, 2016 / 

Panasonic Announces New 4K “Mini” VariCam LT

The Panasonic VariCam 35 will be getting a little brother soon, the Varicam LT. The LT VariCam model packs many of the same specs and features as the VariCam 35, but at half the price and in a body half it’s size.

Panasonic has said that the Varicam LT is “the ideal camera for handheld, SteadiCam, job, crane, drone, gimbal, and overall cinema vérité work” and that the camera is “tailor-made for owner/operators, independent filmmakers, documentary makers  and corporate production creators.”

Panasonic VariCam LT Specs:

  • Same sensor as the VariCam 35
  • Removable Canon EF or PL Mount
  • 14+ Stops of Dynamic Range
  • 4K 10bit (AVC Intra) up to 30fps (422) / up to 60fps (LT)
  • 2K 12bit up to 30fps (444) / up to 60fps (LT)
  • 2K crop up to 240fps
  • Dual Native ISO: 800 / ISO 5000
  • P2 card media / SD slot for proxies
  • Weight: 6 lbs
  • Timecode Genlock
  • Integrated ND filters (CLEAR, 0.6, 1.2, 1.8)
  • 3 simultaneous SDI outputs (including EVF)

The Panasonic VariCam LT will cosy $18,000 for the camera body, or $24,000 for the camera and a AU-VCVF10G Viewfinder. Cameras are anticipated to start shipping next month, March 2016.

February 13, 2016 / 
Stray Angel Films Rental House Moving Sale

SAF Moving Special!

We’re moving! To help celebrate and help things run smoothly, we are having a special on gear.

If you pick up gear this Thursday, (01/28/2016), or Friday, (01/29/2016) you can keep it until Tuesday, (02/02/2016), for a one day rental with an added 20% discount.
***This applies to in-house rentals only. Subrented items do not apply.***
***Pickup at the old address (2236 S Barrington Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90064) and return at the new address (11318 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025) ***

If you’d like to book an order please e-mail [email protected].

 

January 25, 2016 /