-- --
Facebook
Twitter
Google
Pinterest
SCREEN AFRICA EXCLUSIVE:
Over the years technical advances and electronic development in manufacture has produced some pretty amazing cameras. From the first three pickup tube colour cameras of the early 1950's, to today's high-tech full-frame sensors, the camera is essentially only as good as the glass in front of it. There are thousands of different lenses out there but none has had as bigger impact in the film and television industry than the zoom lens.
-- --
Almost 60 years ago, American inventor turned cinematographer Joseph Bailey Walker's ever active mind developed the Electra-Zoom Lens for RCA, which became standard equipment for TV cameramen the world over back in the 1960's. Whilst zoom lenses had been used in the cinematic field since the 1920's, it wasn't until Walker's invention hit the scene that zoom lenses became an essential part of television production. His lens, as the name suggests, has a small electric motor that was used to drive two moving components, a front negative element that moved rapidly whilst the rear positive element moved slowly in the opposite direction giving the system a focal length range from 52mm to 152mm at f3. Much has changed over time when you compare Walker's Electra-Zoom Lens with Canon's new UHD-DIGISUPER 66, for example, which possesses a focal length range of 9mm to 600mm, and features a built-in 2x extender that allows users to double the zoom range capabilities of the lens - up to 1200mm on the telephoto end.
New lens technology was a big highlight of NAB 2018 and the search for that ideal piece of glass' was at the top of the list for many of the visiting buyers. There were three standout cameras at NAB, all due for release later in the year. Three different price categories but each one feature-filled and all with amazing lens choices to get the best out of what the cameras are offering.
SONY FS5 Mark II
Sony's new FS5 Mark II camera (also released at NAB 2018) has the same sensor as the original FS5 but Sony has taken the colour science from the Sony Venice to provide better skin tones and a more cinematic look. You would be spoilt for choice when deciding on a lens suitable for this piece of kit. Starting with Fujinons 18-55mm T2.9, a Cabrio Sony E-Mount Cinema Zoom Lens, it's a lightweight and compact alternative to other lenses on the market, while still keeping 4K Cabrio quality in an affordable package. The lens is colour matched to other Fujinon lenses such as the HK, ZK, and XK series, which enables smooth intercutting between lenses. The 85mm front enables use with many cine-style matte boxes via use of optional step up rings (rings not included). The lens is lightweight for a cinema zoom that holds focus and aperture throughout the focal length range. It is designed for camera's with a Sony E-mount, so it has a short flange focal distance, but the lens allows for flange focal distance adjustment so you can fine tune it to the camera you are using the lens on.
Another suitable lens for the FS5 Mark II is the Canon 18-80mm T4.4. Based on Canon's heritage in optical design and performance, the CN-E18-80mm T4.4 L IS KAS S produces exceptionally high quality images. Those using the lens, such as documentary filmmakers, will benefit from the incredible servo performance which is incorporated on the lens's body, enabling precise digital zoom operations. Users are able to achieve maximum speed and responsiveness with seamless switching between auto and manual focusing and zoom. For those using a shoulder-style rig or shooting hand-held in demanding positions, the dedicated zoom grip is a perfect accessory - the grip simply attaches to the side of the lens, offering simple integration and zoom management.
Of course many will choose the bespoke lens from Sony itself, the E PZ 18-110 mm f/4 G OSS Lens. This powered zoom lens delivers optimum performance in Super 35 mm applications, starting at 18 mm wide-angle and extending through an impressive 6.1x zoom range with a constant F4 maximum aperture. The G Lens optical performance delivers image quality that is suitable for 4K throughout the zoom range.
Sony PXW-FS5M2 4K release date is later in the year at a price of US$4749 (body only).
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
After years of asking for a successor to the original Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, Blackmagic have finally given the fans what they've been asking for. The Pocket Cinema Camera 4K looks a lot different to the original (it's definitely bigger in size) and although it might not fit inside your pocket it is still a compact size. The Aussies over at Blackmagic have clearly been listening to what their customers have been wanting as this camera is packed full of some impressive features. The Pocket Cinema Camera 4K shoots at 60fps in 4K and at 120fps in 1080p and has a dynamic range of 13 stops. Slow motion can be recorded in both 12-bit CineDNG Raw and 10-bit Apple ProRes 422 HQ. Blackmagic have really made a point of focusing on the low light capabilities of this camera with ISO range of 400 - 25,600. Users can load LUTs on to the camera and even plug in a USB-C drive to record directly on to, of note is Samsung's new T5 USB-C solid state drive, it's tiny but packs a punch when it comes to speed. Here's another way Blackmagic's camera stands out from most interchangeable-lens cameras. When you buy a Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus, Panasonic or Pentax camera, you are committed to that company's lens mount. So, if you buy a Canon camera, you can only use lenses that fit a Canon mount. Likewise for Nikon, Sony and Pentax. Olympus and Panasonic use the same Micro 4/3rds mount, so they're compatible with each other, but not the others. According to Blackmagic, the Pocket Cin
Africa Stories
24/04/2024
Skeem Saam: Tuesday's episode, 23 April 2024 [video]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African so...
24/04/2024
Endearing Simpsons character killed off' after 35 years, fans in shockAn often-seen yet seldom-discussed character from the popular show The Simpsons drops...
23/04/2024
Tonight on Skeem Saam: Pretty is shocked by what she finds out about LehasaDon't miss Tuesday, 23 April's riveting episode of South African soapie Skeem...
23/04/2024
Tonight on House of Zwide: Bra Zakes asks Isaac to hold off going to the cops un...
23/04/2024
Skeem Saam: Monday's episode, 22 April 2024 [video]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African soa...
23/04/2024
Skeem Saam' May Spoiler: Inside Mr Kgomo, Eunice's romance? Skeem Saam' May teasers reveal that Melita will be jealous of Mr Kgomo and Eunice's ...
23/04/2024
Tonight on Scandal: Dintle takes a huge risk on her quest to save her daughterDon't miss Tuesday, 23 April's riveting episode of South African soapie Sc...
22/04/2024
[Watch] Artists covering their favourite classicsArtists often watch other performers to get some of their inspiration. Check out some of these classic famous s...
22/04/2024
WATCH: Queen of hip-hop Lil2Hood thanks ParisProducer and DJ Lil2Hood (Flash.Wrldwide) has proved that she's a queen of modern hip-hop. Lil2Hood thanked Par...
22/04/2024
Tonight on House of Zwide: Funani informs Isaac about Nkosi seeing his hijacker ...
22/04/2024
Tonight on Scandal: The carpet is pulled out from under NhlamuloDon't miss Monday, 22 April's riveting episode of South African soapie Scandal! on e.tv ...
22/04/2024
LGBTQ writers asked to submit their storiesWriters have been asked to submit their short stories (up to 20, 000 words) for an upcoming anthology called Just LG...
22/04/2024
[Watch] Queen of hip-hop Lil2Hood thanks ParisProducer and DJ Lil2Hood (Flash.Wrldwide) has proved that she's a queen of modern hip-hop. Lil2Hood thanked Pa...
22/04/2024
Isaac Mutant: HemelBesem gave me R2, 500'Cape town rapper Isaac Mutant claims he was paid less than everyone else's fee for the use of his music in Sho...
22/04/2024
Afrikaans (free) television shows you can STILL watchAfrikaans television shows are making a comeback through AfriForumTV. However, not everyone wants to see sh...
22/04/2024
Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Virginia learns Sonto and Sakhile slept togetherDon't miss Monday, 22 April's riveting episode of South African soapie Smo...
22/04/2024
Tonight on Skeem Saam: Kgosi reveals the details of what he witnessed Lehasa doi...
21/04/2024
Gqeberha: The Empire' loses more viewers on DStvTshedza Pictures' isiXhosa telenovela Gqeberha: The Empire' lost more viewers in March and was plac...
21/04/2024
Youngins' fans praise actor Thabiso Ramotshela as MahlatseSouth Africans praise former The River' actor Thabiso Ramotshela, who plays Mahlatse in Showm...
20/04/2024
Skeem Saam: Friday's episode, 19 April 2024 [video]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African soa...
19/04/2024
Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Thandiswa panics when she learns of possible evide...
19/04/2024
Tonight on Skeem Saam: Khwezi stares death in the faceDon't miss Friday, 19 April's riveting episode of South African soapie Skeem Saam on SABC 1 on DSt...
19/04/2024
Tonight on House of Zwide: Faith refuses to talk to Zola and to discuss the matt...
19/04/2024
Skeem Saam: Thursday's episode, 18 April 2024 [video]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African s...
19/04/2024
Prison Journalism: Tragic story of Jerry's life and crimesDavid van Nek was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Prison from 2013 until 2015 and participated in the re...
19/04/2024
House of Zwide' Spoiler: Soka dates Mampho and OnaThe House of Zwide' May teasers reveal that Soka will date both Ona and Mampho and get caught. Will h...
19/04/2024
Beer: Seven celebrities talk about their loveBeer is one of the world's most popular beverages. We asked several celebrities about their favourite brews or ...
19/04/2024
Tonight on Scandal: Tlhogi cannot believe what she hears from TapsDon't miss Friday, 19 April's riveting episode of South African soapie Scandal! on e.t...
18/04/2024
Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Caesar almost finds Thandiswa with the bloody wedd...
18/04/2024
Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department' set to drop on FRIDAYTaylor Swift will release her highly anticipated record The Tortured Poets Departme...
18/04/2024
Tonight on Skeem Saam: Lehasa puts his plan to eliminate Khwezi in motionDon't miss Thursday, 18 April's riveting episode of South African soapie Skeem ...
18/04/2024
Prison Journalism: April's experiences of black boudoirThabo Mthembu was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Prison from 2014 to 2019. Read Thabo's story
by Tha...
18/04/2024
Prison Journalism: Can gangsterism and violence be reduced in prison?Dean Mashimbwe, a Zimbabwean migrant residing in Cape Town, was incarcerated at Pollsmoor C...
18/04/2024
Software making music: How DJs are doing itSoftware plays a big part in music production, recording, and performances. Here's what DJs are using, and how yo...
18/04/2024
Tonight on House of Zwide: Zanele later blindsides an unwitting Faith into meeti...
18/04/2024
Debut author stuns with international bestselling thriller Anna O'Matthew Blake burst onto the book scene with his bestseller Anna O', a deliciously d...
18/04/2024
Skeem Saam: Wednesday's episode, 17 April 2024 [video]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African ...
18/04/2024
Watch: Trailers for the best Afrikaans movies ever madeDon't know what to watch? Here are some of the best Afrikaans movie trailers ever made, including Too...
17/04/2024
Isitha: The Enemy' is the second-watched TV show on e.tvE.tv's popular telenovela, Isitha: The Enemy' secured second place on the channel with over...
17/04/2024
Tonight on Scandal: Dintle reels in the line but it seems she's the only one...
17/04/2024
Trailer debate: What's the BEST South African movie?The trailer debate is on! We'd like to spark the debate What's your favourite South African mov...
17/04/2024
Tonight on Skeem Saam: Lewatle and Pax are punished for their misdeedsDon't miss Wednesday, 17 April's riveting episode of South African soapie Skeem Sa...
17/04/2024
Tonight on House of Zwide: Isaac tells Funani he has no leads on Nkosi's hij...
17/04/2024
Ster-Kinekor to cut 236 jobs, close THESE nine cinemas in South AfricaSter-Kinekor has announced plans to lay off almost a third of its 728 employees and close ...
17/04/2024
Disney and National Geographic celebrate Earth MonthDisney's storytelling prowess merged with National Geographic's legacy of exploration to celebrate E...
17/04/2024
Prison Journalism: How have you changed as a person while in prison?Jeffrey Shockley is a writer serving a life sentence in the State Correctional Institution-F...
17/04/2024
Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Thandiswa is determined to solve Dikeledi's su...
17/04/2024
Smoke and Mirrors: Tuesday's episode, 16 April 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South Afri...
17/04/2024
Skeem Saam: Tuesday's episode, 16 April 2024 [video]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African so...
-- -- 
