Archive for Video – Page 3

Starting a Photography Business: Part 41 – Heart and Soul

This last week I have been spending time on getting another business that is very close to my heart closer to launch. The inspiration came from something that happened to me and how I overcame it; and that story can now help others.

A few years ago I lost my voice; the previous day I’d had the most severe sore throat I’ve ever had and the next morning when I woke up I simply couldn’t speak. It wasn’t a normal cold and sore throat, I was in severe pain and I stayed this way for many months. In that time I was only able to communicate by writing what I wanted to say on paper or type it on my phone, and of course I could only comfortably go out when I was with someone; so they could speak for me.

The doctors were baffled and perhaps not surprisingly, with only my thoughts going around in my head and no quick way to express them, depression and anxiety set in. As with many people I had no idea I was depressed, I was too busy focusing on the pain in my throat which I felt on waking and all the way through the day; I was really wrapped up in my own pain and how it restricted me, and giving the throat pain an awful lot of power.

I started to do a little research, and with the help of a friend took a turn down a more alternative approach to healing; meditation, living in the moment more to keep me grounded in the here and now rather than past or future events. Hence my twitter name became @iaminthemoment to help to remind me that is where I need to be, which is challenging enough on its own!

There was a bit more to my recovery than meditation and living in the moment there were other therapies, yet the one thing that helped me to move out of the gloom of depression, and take my attention away from me, was returning to my landscape photography. Read More→

Animoto Completes $25 Million Financing

June 30, 2011 – PRESS SUMMARY – Animoto (www.animoto.com), the online video creation service, announced it has completed a $25 million financing led by Spectrum Equity Investors and with participation from existing Animoto investors Madrona Venture Group and Amazon.com. The new funding will allow Animoto to expand its innovative online video creation service which enables consumers, professionals and businesses to create and share professional-quality videos. The company has grown to over 3 million registered users and 100,000 paying subscribers in more than 150 countries worldwide.

“We’ve only just begun to realize the full potential of our original vision for the technology and product,” said Brad Jefferson, CEO and co-founder of Animoto. “With our rapidly growing and highly engaged user base, Animoto is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the rapid onvergence of photos, videos, mobile and the digital living room. We are pleased to be partnering with Spectrum as we enter our next phase of growth.”

As part of the announcement, Ben Spero, Managing Director for Spectrum Equity Investors, will be joining the Animoto Board of Directors. He also serves on the Boards of Spectrum’s portfolio companies Ancestry.com, SeamlessWeb, and SurveyMonkey. Read More→

Apple's New Final Cut Pro X, a Revolution in Video Editing

June 22, 2011 – PRESS SUMMARY – Apple® announced Final Cut Pro® X, a revolutionary new version of the world’s most popular Pro video editing software which completely reinvents video editing with a Magnetic Timeline that lets you edit on a flexible, trackless canvas; Content Auto-Analysis that categorizes your content upon import by shot type, media and people; and background rendering that allows you to work without interruption. Built on a modern 64-bit architecture, Final Cut Pro X is available from the Mac® App Store™ for $299.99.

“Final Cut Pro X is the biggest advance in Pro video editing since the original Final Cut Pro,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “We have shown it to many of the world’s best Pro editors, and their jaws have dropped.”

Read More→

Samsung's Multi-Proof W200 Full HD Pocket Cam

April 22, 2011 – PRESS SUMMARY – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, announced the launch of its W200 Pocket Cam. The W200 is designed so it can be taken anywhere to capture brilliant video in the toughest conditions, particularly underwater, thanks to features such as a 5 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor and F2.2 Bright Lens. Created for those whose active lifestyles demand both durability and quality, it houses Samsung’s leading imaging technology in a shock, water and dust-proof rugged body.

The W200 is built to withstand the elements to produce high-quality video in almost any circumstance and thanks to specialized functions, it makes brilliant underwater video easier to achieve than ever. It is waterproof up to three meters, making it suitable for great video of a relaxed day by the pool or even up-close shots of coral reefs. The W200’s anti-water drop coating also means that the LCD screen will stay free of condensation, even in damp conditions, so you can film without wiping the screen. The lens also features anti-fog coating that lets steam disperse so you always have clear, blur-free videos and pictures even straight after coming out of the pool. To make capturing amazing underwater footage simple, the W200 also includes an Aqua Mode setting, which automatically sets the ideal parameters for the bright and clear underwater video. Despite being slim and compact, it is also shock-proof and dust-proof and so is the perfect addition to a backpack for any trip and robust enough for worry-free family vacations with young children. Because the W200 is designed to be taken anywhere, it also comes with a built-in USB arm to make it easy to share your adventure. Read More→

Cinevate's New Atlas FLT Lightweight Camera Slider

April 16, 2011 – PRESS SUMMARY – Cinevate announces the addition of its most compact, affordable and lightweight DSLR camera slider – the new Atlas FLT. Based on the rock solid design and construction of its predecessor, Atlas 10, but measuring only 26 inches long and weighing in at less than 10 pounds, the new Atlas FLT makes it even easier for filmmakers to travel and transport.

Atlas FLT empowers filmmakers of all skill levels and abilities, allowing the creation of horizontal, vertical and even angled camera movements. By using the specially designed vertical pulley system and counter-balance, operation is simple, effective and stable for every take. With a non-reflective, black satin anodized finish, full CNC aluminum/steel construction, and stainless steel fasteners, users can expect a lifetime of reliable operation.

Read More→

Cinevate Debuts Simplis and Grip Sticks

April 15, 2011 – PRESS SUMMARY – Cinevate debuts their line of Simplis DSLR handheld rigs. The Simplis DSLR Rig is the ideal solution for any filmmaker needing a lightweight, “run and gun” support rig. Incorporating a revolutionary system that allows a filmmaker the unique ability to customize and scale their rig as desired, Simplis is ideal for any filmmaker seeking a versatile, modular and upgradeable DSLR Support System.

To complement the Simplis Rigs, Cinevate also launches its line of mounting accessories called Grip Sticks. Based on components of the new Simplis system, Grip Sticks allow users to mount standard accessories with ¼-20 threads such as on-camera monitors and external audio recorders in virtually any orientation imaginable. Read More→