With the latest 3.0 firmware update, Sony has given users the ability to shoot a variety of high frame rates, but many people are still a bit confused about how to get to their desired frame rate. I've created a flow chart to help de-mystify the process, but first, let's go over the menu options needed.

Last week I visited the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, which features millions of electronic gadgets that would make any geek smile. I went with purpose though, touring the massive halls looking for new gear and technology that might have an impact on filmmakers.

The PCU2 is the latest generation of AbelCine's popular control unit for Phantom cameras. The PCU2 is compatible with most Phantom cameras (including the Flex4K) and can simultaneously control two cameras in a stereo 3D configuration. The PCU2 adds Bluetooth capability for wireless control.

AbelCine is now selling the RED 3-Axis Lens Control System, which is composed of three motors, a Wireless Motor Drive (W.M.D.) and a Tactical Hand Controller (T.H.C.). The lightweight RED lens control motors are extremely well-engineered for quick attachment to rods and placement on a lens. Watch RED's demo to see it in action.

Some of the most common questions we get from clients are about whether the HDx35 Mark II or HDx2 Mark II optical adapters will work with a particular camera. Sometimes the answer is more complicated than "yes" or "no" - things like sensor size and resolution must be taken into consideration. To make things a little easier, we've created a new comparison chart that lists the cameras that are currently compatible with the HDx35 and HDx2.

AbelCine client Nicholas Matthews is a cinematographer who has worked on varied projects such as award-winning commercials, music videos, and features like In Loving Memory (International Film Festival of LA Official Selection). Recently, he started work on a new project - an indie film called Jackrabbit 29 .

In one of my previous posts, I discussed using the Canon C100 with the Atomos Ninja 2 recorder, but what I didn't touch on was how to rig up this combo for real-world shooting. Kitting cameras is always challenging because every camera operator shoots a bit differently. When building a camera rig, it is essential to get the ergonomics right to ensure operator comfort and ease-of-use.

AbelCine is an official reseller of the Freefly MōVI Camera System, and we offer the only Freefly certified workshop on the MōVI system.

A few years ago, one of our Phantom customers asked us to solve a problem: how could handheld sports shooters using a Phantom v640, which lacked any on-board controls, perform basic functions without being tethered to a computer, which was the only existing way to control the camera at the time? Figuring that it should be possible to use a micro-controller to communicate with the camera to accomplish this goal, I started working on a solution in my spare time. Using a development board wired to the camera with some buttons and some custom code, the result was a box that could be velcroed to the side of the camera. It could perform black balance and white balance, as well as switch to some frame rate and shutter presets. The device worked pretty well and was used to shoot a number of sporting events, prompting clients to start asking for "Jesse's Box."