Canon Powershot G1 X For Stock Video

 

Canon have launched a successor to the very popular Canon G series compact point and shoot cameras, the Canon Powershot G1 X what makes this interesting to stock video shooters will be it's size and that it takes video. Normally you are not allowed to submit footage to most of the stock agencies like Shutterstock and Pond5 from a point and shoot camera. This camera has a larger chip than the Canon G series camera, much larger in fact larger than the popular Olympus and Panasonic four thirds sensor.

This sensor is an all new CMOS from Canon measuring in at 18.7mm x 14mm giving 14.3 megapixels. For filmmakers and in particular stock video clip producers we have full HD 1080p at 24fps, the camera also has a dedicated movie button and a huge step forward a 3 stop neutral density filter so you can open up the aperture for a shallow depth of field. Add to that a 4x zoom lens with 4 stops of image stabilization (IS) with a maximum aperture of f2.8.

Canon have produced a compact camera to offer the pro shooter a walk around camera capable of high quality lowlight capable and good enough for stock photography and stock video all in a very small form that can get lost in your jacket pocket.

Summary

14.3 megapixel CMOS sensor larger than four thirds senors

HD 1080p 24fps, 720p 30fps

4x zoom f2.8 lens with Image stabilization

3 stop ND filter built in

Swing out LCD screen

New Nikon D4

Announced by Nikon today January 6th 2012 The new flagship camera Nikon D4 is finally official. The D4 is a full frame 16.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, magnesium professional body with full HD 1080p 30 fps broadcast quality video. You can read the full specs here 

Along with the announcement was the introduction of a new Nikon 85mm G AF-S f1.8 lens, which will be a good addition for video shooters.

New Challenges In Stock Video

I have started the New Year buying the Canon 5D MKll even though I have acquired this camera at the end of it's product cycle, the camera will still be good when it is replaced, also being discounted by $900 for the kit lens version was awesome. I'm very serious about producing quality stock footage for sites like Pond5 and Shutterstock and the style I have adopted for now is the more run and gun travel content. This means I'm shooting in controlled lighting environments as well as low light night scenes, the Canon 7D is a great camera but and yes there is always a but, the low-light performance of the Canon 7D is not good enough for quality stock video clips and still photographs. The brief time I have had the Canon 5D MKll I have been repeatedly impressed at it's low-light performance. I have shot video at 320 iso that is extremely high quality and suitable for stock footage sales. I'm keeping the Canon 7D as a back up camera and for the 60 frames per second for slow motion.

My personal goal is a one camera set up for stills and video clips, being light to travel with and extremely versatile in a variety of lighting situations, especially while traveling. I'm having trouble with some airlines and their carry on rules for weight so for my next planned trips to Panama and Beijing  I will be traveling with the minimum of equipment as carry on and checking the tripods and light stands into my checked baggage. I will always have my Panasonic HDC-TM700 stuffed into my cargo pants for the ultimate stealth stock worthy video clips for quick set up grab shots.

Best wishes for a successful 2012