Tag Archive for: filmmaking

Mavic Mini – A Vloggers Dream!

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DJI Introducing Mavic Mini

This is a MUST for all filmmakers! DJI Mavic Mini!

Posted by How To Kill an Hour on Thursday, 31 October 2019

 

DJI have released their latest drone. However, this time it’s small. Very small. The foldable Mavic Mini is the lightest and smallest model that DJI have released. It weights 249g and comes with a whole host of features. That makes flying drones and aerial photography fun and accessible for everyone. The size of the Mavic Mini too doesn’t require FAA registration either!

Mavic Mini has a range of 2.5miles (4km) and has a flight time of 30mins. GPS recievers and downward visual sensors allow for precise hovering and stable flying. It has 2.7k video and 30fps which is a higher resolution than the Mavic Spark (1080p)!.

However, it doesn’t have obstacle avoidance or quickshots (pre-programmed flight photography). The Mavic Mini is designed for simple every day use, fun, quick set up and go. Not your high end filmmakers. Think of this one for your vlogging arsenal.

You can get the Mavic Mini in 2 different options.

One option, a standard option, comes with the Mavic Mini, remote controller, one batter, extra propellers and accessories for $399.

The Fly More Combo comes with all the things available in the standard but with a 360 degree propeller cage, 2-way charging hub, 3 batteries, 3 sets of extra propellers and a carrying case. All that for $499.

Available on November 11th by clicking here!

(Engadget)

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Europe From Above

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Europe From Above _ Official Trailer – Elevate Your Perspective

Europe looks so different from above! National Geographic

Posted by How To Kill an Hour on Tuesday, 29 October 2019

EUROPE FROM ABOVE

National Geographic will give people an impressive aerial tour across Europe very soon! As part of a brand new six part series “Europe From Above” premiering on 10th November, we will get to see spectacular views, unique insights and a brand new perspective on Europe’s finest cultural and geographic landmarks.

Filmed over a course of a year, Europe From Above will explore in stunning visual detail, the culture, history, innovation and engineering feats which have shaped Europe. Viewers will get to witness what their favourite countries look like. Through the change of seasons, such as the tulip fields in Holland magically bursting into colour! Furthermore viewers will get to witness the cascading waterfalls at Italy’s Dolomites solidify into ice in seconds!

Each episode is focused on one distinct European country. As this awe-inspiring visual journey highlights and celebrates both natures creations and the human stories which contributed to how their modern nations look today.

Furthermore, viewers will be soaring over well known sites such as Spain’s unfinished Sagrada Familia. Also, the beautiful, historyic windmills and floating homes of the Netherlands and the UK’s Eden Project.

Also, witness incredible views of a tropical resort from within a disused airship hangar in Germany, the largest castle in the world in Poland and an ice-track in Italy.

Europe From Above Episodes:

 

Europe From Above: United Kingdom

Premieres Sunday 10th November at 9pm

This spectacular aerial journey reveals the United Kingdom, as we’ve never seen it before. Flying cameras soar over the Giant’s Causeway as jet-ski litter pickers tidy up the coast. Daredevil gardeners handle chainsaws while hanging from the Eden Project roof. Glide through the London skyline as one of the city’s tallest skyscrapers gets a spring clean.

Europe From Above: Italy

Premieres Sunday 17th November at 9pm

Cameras swoop over the treasures of ancient Rome, fly alongside dredger in Venice and get a bird’s eye view of Sicily’s ladder top fishermen.  We look down on daring scientists as they climb Italy’s Etna volcano, we see bizarre vibrating forks at work in Puglia’s olive groves. Race around an ice track in the high Alps at the world’s strangest supercar school.

Europe From Above: Germany

Premieres Sunday 24th November at 9pm

Hover over a factory the size of a city, fly alongside a record-breaking cable car and get a bird’s eye view of the largest land vehicle on the planet. But this is a country with a quirky side. We’ll fly through a tropical resort inside a vast disused airship hangar. Tour 10 tiny islands where residents have their own personal trains.

Europe From Above: The Netherlands

Premieres Sunday 1st December at 9pm

This spectacular aerial journey reveals the innovations that made the Netherlands a technological powerhouse.  Flying high over historic windmills, futuristic greenhouses, modern turbines and floating homes we reveal the Netherland’s battle for space to live on and grow food.  Weird looking forts provide a glimpse of this nation’s struggle for independence, and bizarre New Year’s traditions bare its community spirit.

Europe From Above: Poland

Premieres Sunday 8th December at 9pm

Swoop over the largest castle in the world, zoom through fireworks over Krakow. Witness the struggles of European Bison, the largest land animal in Europe. This bird’s eye view of Poland also reveals a nation undergoing an astonishing transformation. In Warsaw Poles are hard at work building what will become the tallest building in the EU.

Europe From Above: Spain

Premieres Sunday 15th December at 9pm

Soar over Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia as architects work around the clock to finish the building. Daredevil barnacle hunters rappel down jagged cliffs to hunt for one of the world’s most exclusive shellfish. Glide over one of the world’s greatest abandoned buildings nestled deep in Spain’s northern mountains.

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Benro 3XS Lite

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New Mac Pro

The NEW Mac Pro – Apple gives us what we want!

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The Mac Pro has finally arrived and despite the mammoth computing company getting a roasting online for it’s cheese grater look. It’s the insides that make all the difference. It’s the Mac Pro we’ve all been waiting for. The interior is structured for modularity, designed to be upgraded any time a consumer wants. Bringing with it huge flexibility in terms of how much power a consumer wants and needs at the time of purchase. While still being able to upgrade if they needed to going forward.

28 Cores. That’s what the Mac Pro will be capable of. 28cores of new Intel Xeon Processors. It’s going to be powered by 300W and heavy duty cooling. Therefore allowing it to be fun to it’s fullest capabilities at all times, without the worry of it over heating. Not too sure if I’d want to do that for too long though! Maximum RAM is a HUGE one and something that we are very very impressed by, it’s a number we didn’t even think was possible too! So, what is it? 1.5TB of RAM. Yes you read that correctly. 1.5 TERABYTES! It’s able to do this with six-channel memory across 12 DIMM slots.

Furthermore there are 8 PCI Express slots, while 4 of them are double wide to allow larger expansion cards. Other connectivity features are 2 USB-C / Thunderbolt 3 slots. There are also 2 USB-A slots on the rear and 2 USB C /Thunderbolt 3 slots on the top of the machine.

While that’s not all either! Apple are launching a custom expansion module. They’re calling it an MPX Module. So, you connect it via a dedicated Thunderbolt 3 slot, which Apple have built into the motherboard. Consequently this delivers additional power and high spped connectivity to components.

So what is a MPX Module?

The MPX Module is a giant quad-wide PCIe card which houses 2 graphics cards. It has it’s own dedicated heat sink and has a custom Thunderbolt connector to hook into the computer. So, this isn’t some ProSumer device. This device is built for your production houses, but it pays to dream! Don’t believe us? Well Apple will also sell an optional “Afterburner” dedicated video editing card. This video editing card uses FPGA to process up to 6billion pixels per second. Again. This device is a beast.

The power supply maxes out at 1.4kw. There’s 3 large fans at the front which sit behind an aluminium grille. This will provide air to the components and the sysyem at a rate of 300cubic feet per minute. Worried it is going to sound like it’s going to take off? Apple says the device remains quiet. Impressive.

Apple also sell the Mac Pro with optional wheels, if you want to move it easily.

Releasing this autumn it comes with a hefty price tag. $5,999. That’s a base line. So the maxed out device could be astronomical! Base model is a 32GB of memory, an octa-core Intel Xeon CPU, Radeon Pro 580X graphics card and 256GB SSD.

Apple also announced a high grade monitor too, a 32-inch 6K Pro Display XDR, which is priced at $4999. It comes without a stand though, which is priced at $999.

So taking all that into account. We can but dream about these devices. Production Houses, you’re being spoilt. They look sooooo goood!

(The Verge)

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Mavic 2

Mavic 2: Brand new Drones!

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DJI Mavic vs DJI Mavic 2 Pro

Made in Sweden, Hasselblad cameras are renowned for their iconic ergonomic design, uncompromising image quality, and Swedish craftsmanship. Since 1941, Hasselblad cameras have captured some of the world’s most iconic images – including the first moon landing.

Posted by How To Kill an Hour on Tuesday, 23 April 2019

 

Mavic 2 Pro

Made in Sweden, Hasselblad cameras are renowned for their iconic ergonomic design, uncompromising image quality, and Swedish craftsmanship. Since 1941, Hasselblad cameras have captured some of the world’s most iconic images – including the first moon landing.

Co-engineered in partnership with Hasselblad after two years of tireless research, the Mavic 2 Pro comes equipped with the all-new Hasselblad L1D-20c camera. The L1D-20c possesses Hasselblad’s unique Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution (HNCS) technology, helping users to capture gorgeous 20-megapixel aerial shots in stunning color detail.

1-inch CMOS Sensor

The brand new 1-inch CMOS sensor has an active sensing area four times more effective than the original Mavic Pro. The large sensor also means better performance in low-light environments with a more extensive ISO range, max ISO lifted from 3200 to 12800.

10-bit Dlog-M Color Profile

The Mavic 2 Pro supports a 10-bit Dlog-M color profile that yields higher dynamic range for more flexibility in the grading room. The system records over 1 billion colors (compared to the 16 million colors from traditional 8-bit color coding technologies) and retains more in-depth details in both highlights and shadows. Now you can capture the subtlest gradations at sunset or sunrise, leaving greater space for post-production.

HDR Video

With 4K 10-bit HDR support, the Mavic 2 Pro can be plugged into a 4K TV with HLG and will immediately play back footage with the right color tones. The brighter highlights and increased contrast are what make HDR video so appealing.

Adjustable Aperture

The f/2.8-f/11 adjustable aperture delivers outstanding image quality both in high and low-light environments. When shooting in low light, set the aperture to f/2.8 to allow more light in and to capture bright and clear photos. When shooting in well-lit environments, set the aperture to f/11 to lower the shutter speed and make your videos smoother.

Mavic 2 Zoom

Powered by a 1/2.3-inch 12-megapixel sensor with up to 4x zoom, including a 2x optical zoom (24–48 mm), 4 the Mavic 2 Zoom is all about dynamic perspectives. Capture everything from wide angle to mid-range shots for even more creative options.

More Expressive Mid-Range Shots

Compared to a 24mm wide angle lens, the 48mm telephoto lens compresses your perspective, enhancing the parallax effect for a classic cinematic look. 4 Now a whole new world of aerial photography is open to explore with even more epic, cinematic shots.

A Worry-Free Way to Find a View

When shooting Full HD video, 4x lossless zoom (including 2x optical zoom) gives you a closer view of faraway subjects, making unique scenes more accessible to capture at a distance. This option also helps you maintain a safer distance from buildings, vehicles, animals, and people.

Quick and Accurate Focus

Hybrid autofocus on the Mavic 2 Zoom combines phase and contrast detection for higher focus accuracy with an increased focus speed of up to 40% more than before. The autofocus tracking system makes subjects appear clear and sharp when zooming in and out.

Zoom During Flight

Dolly Zoom is a new QuickShot for the Mavic 2 Zoom, offering an otherworldly perspective in a fully-integrated drone. Dolly Zoom automatically adjusts focus when flying, adding an intense, warping visual effect to your video. When flying manually, you can also set proper focus speed values for even more creative shot options.

Super Resolution Photos

The Mavic 2 Zoom also has a brand new Super Resolution feature. An asset when capturing the vivid details your landscape photography deserves. When taking a picture with a 24 mm equivalent field-of-view, 4the camera will capture and patch nine photos with its telephoto lens, resulting in a 48-megapixel super resolution photo. Compared to ordinary panoramas, the super resolution photos retain the original look of the shooting targets with a more accurate composition.

(DJI)

There is so much more information on DJI’s website! It details all about the cool things that the new DJI Mavic 2 can do! Such as  Active Tracking 2.0 which includes: High speed tracking, trajectory prediction, precise recognition and obstacle sensing. Lowlight improvements, hyperlapse capabilities and longer and quiet flight time. However to get the low down on what these super cool Mavic 2 drones can do head on over to their website here.

 

 

Check out their press release here:

 

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Super High Tech Cruise With Le Champlain

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Super High Tech Cruise in NORWAY!

We recently went on a trip around the Norwegian Fjords! Upon one of Ponant's most luxurious cruise-liners and it was amazing! That's not just the views of the Norwegian Fjords either. The Le Champlain cruise liner was absolutely breathtaking! So, check out the video of our trip above to truly get an understanding of how beautiful our time on the Le Champlain was.Read more & see some beautiful pictures of our time in Norway by in the first comment on this post.

Posted by How To Kill an Hour on Tuesday, 23 April 2019

We recently went on a trip around the Norwegian Fjords! Upon one of Ponant’s most luxurious cruise-liners and it was amazing! That’s not just the views of the Norwegian Fjords either. The Le Champlain cruise liner was absolutely breathtaking! So, check out the video of our trip above to truly get an understanding of how beautiful our time on the Le Champlain was.

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and encourage you, our audience, to go on one of these cruises, no matter where you are travelling in the world, you will have an experience that will last a lifetime. The memories that you will make whilst on your travels will stick, it won’t be just another holiday, it will be an absolute life defining moment. You truly feel like you are a super star whilst traveling on this cruise liner. There’s a reason as to why Le Champlain got a lot of attention when it was first announced.

Le Champlain Luxury

Not only is it a beautiful boat it is environmentally friendly too. The rooms are elegantly designed, there’s spacious suites with fantastic large windows allowing you to take in the world around you. The lounge areas of Le Champlain are open planed too, so they open into the outside area. There are a total of 92 staterooms and suites which offer a truly unique experience whilst traveling upon this cruise liner. The Le Champlain, the second ship in a brand new series from Ponant. Truly embody the cruise line’s hallmark of having a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.

If you have a passion for travel, we highly recommend travelling aboard the Le Champlain. It flies the French Flag with pride and provides such a pleasurable and intimate ride. Not only that but there is an ever increasing list of destinations that the Le Champlain travels to. Each retaining Ponant’s luxury service topped with ethnic-chic ambiance.

World Heritage Site: Norwegian Fjords

It is said that over 1000 people visit the Norwegian Fjords each year. Furthermore 10 cruise ships traveling through the beautiful are each year too! From 2005, the Fjords are protected under UNESCO (Meaning that it’s classed as a world heritage site: As defined by Wikipedia:

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) as having cultural,[1] historical, scientific or other form of significance, and is legally protected by international treaties. The sites are judged important to the collective interests of humanity.)

“Their exceptional natural beauty is derived from their narrow and steep-sided crystalline rock walls that rise up to 1,400 metres from the Norwegian Sea and extend 500 metres below sea level. The sheer walls of the fjords have numerous waterfalls while free-flowing rivers cross their deciduous and coniferous forests to glacial lakes, glaciers and rugged mountains” UNESCO

National Geographic Recognition

National Geographic gathered a panel of experts in 2006 to rank and reward the most popular of World Heritage Sites. It is here were the Norwegian Fjords were victorious! They ranked higher than the pyramids of Egypt and even the Grand Canyon!

“This seems to confirm that Norwegians tend to take excellent care of their places compared to the rest of the world. These are skills that leaders in other places would do well to study and adapt to their own situations” Jonathan B. Tourtellot, Director of the Center for Sustainable Destinations, National Geographic Society.

The Beautiful Norwegian Fjords

Firstly, it’s very easy to see the beauty via gallery below! There are more than 1000 Fjords in Norway, all of which are along the beautiful coastline. A Fjord is a blue still lake, however, they consist of saltwater. Fjord’s are also described prolonged arms if the seas. At times, reaching deep inland with huge towering cliffs on each side. Many of the Fjords are intertwined. You can often sail through them and make your way back into the open sea. While many have described that visiting them can feel like they’ve visited a secluded universe! As a result the Norwegian Fjords have become both an important symbol of Norway and a very popular attraction for tourists.

(Visit Norway)

Check out the gallery of our time in the Norwegian Fjords below! (Click the first image to enlarge it to get a real good look at how beautiful Norway is! Consequently, you’ll be able to get a good look at the Le Champlain! The boat was HUGE and had a very nice ride. Therefore we cannot be happier with our experience upon the Le Champlain)

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Le Champlain parked
Bronzy, Captain of Le Champlain
Le Champlain Norwegian Fjords
Le Champlain Pool
Le Champlain
Aboard the Le Champlain
Mountains around Norwegian Fjords
Le Champlain window

Suggestions

Also, we’re very open to your suggestions. We want to be able to do things in your neck of the woods. Therefore we’re keen to hear from you guys! Where do you think the team should go next? Hit us up via our socials with the best places in the world to do some wild and exciting things. We’d love to hear your suggestions. The crazier and more exciting the better! Help us show off your area to the masses!

So, why not listen to the guys talking about this on the show my clicking here!

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