Digital Cinema Society Newsletter Year in Review

The current issue of the newsletter from the Digital Cinema Society is full of interesting news items including their year in review which points out that at Sundance over half of the films screened were acquired digitally and TrendWatch reports that a fourth of all non-studio features are being shot in HD. Check it out, although most events listed are in the LA area, their web site and newsletter offer interesting and timely interviews and articles about digital filmmaking production, postproduction, and projection. Be sure to check out the Tech Tips section!

DVX-100A Gamma Curves Chart

I have seen some odd looking gamma curves published for the DVX-100A that don’t match my experience with the camera, therefore, I decided to run my own test and share the results: Download file.

Grayscale chips from a GratagMacbeth chart were used for the measurements and IRE Values were taken from the spot meter on DVX-100A. Grayscale chips from a GratagMacbeth chart were used for measurements. IRE values were taken from the spot meter on DVX-100A. The test was performed by first adjusting the iris until the white chip read 95 for each gamma setting. Then, measurements were taken of each chip. Black at 0 assumes a Video Setup value of 0 (rather than 7.5).

High Output’s bring back the seventies party

High Output’s bring back the seventies party (a.k.a. new year party) Friday night was a blast. A fabulous comeback (they did not have a party last year), I hope the folks at High Output continue this long time tradition in the Boston film/video production community. It was great to catch up with several old friends that I’ve not seen since moving to New York back in 1996. The lighting design was stunning, and Eric Goddard took Howard Phillips and I on a tour of their impressive new facilities. Outside of L.A., High Output’s facilities place them among the most extensive and well-run studio/lighting/grip facilities in United States. My photos of the event are available on line.