In May this year collectors, dealers, and institutions from around the world gathered for a chance to bid on photographic history. The item for sale was one of the first Daguerrotpe wooden box sliding cameras ever made. In fact the camera was made 170 years ago in September 1839, just a few weeks after the public announcement of the invention of photography itself!

So it is not surprising that when it's North German owner placed it for sale it exceeded even the auction house WestLichts expectations. The final price reached €732,000, making it the most expensive camera in the world.

Cinematographer Shane Hurlbut, ASC, recently used the Canon 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera to shoot several short HD films about U.S. Navy rescue crews.

One of those films is below.

Navy Swimmer Short 720p from Shane Hurlbut, ASC on Vimeo.

PRESS RELEASE

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Cameras Capture Heroic Action in the Hands of Cinematographer Shane Hurlbut

The video imagery begins in dramatic slow-motion: The crew of a Blackhawk helicopter sprints toward a waiting aircraft. Upon boarding, it takes to the sky. Cruising over forbidding alpine terrain, the crew locates an injured mountain climber trapped in a crevasse atop a remote peak. The Blackhawk lowers a Navy diver, who straps the victim into a gurney. Then the two are hoisted aloft on a long, thin cable. Once aboard, the aircraft speeds off into the sunset, headed for the nearest hospital helipad.

Beautifully photographed in digital HD and impressive to see, this three-minute commercial is remarkable not only for its depiction of a highly trained U.S. Navy rescue team, but also for the fact that it was shot in just a few hours using Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR cameras. As its director of photography, Shane Hurlbut, explained, it could not have been made with any other camera system.

"It would have been impossible to shoot within the time parameters we faced,” Hurlbut said. “Nothing is as small and nimble as our Canon 5D Mark II camera packages. We rolled eight 5D Mark II cameras simultaneously in real-time. Re-loads and unlimited re-takes were not an option.

Hurlbut carefully pre-planned the shoot. He used one Canon 5D Mark II onboard a Jet Ranger helicopter to shoot the Blackhawk in flight. Another camera operator aboard the Blackhawk took advantage of the 5D Mark II’s compact size to capture shots from inside its cockpit. He also shot breathtaking views by holding the 5D Mark II out the aircraft’s door, and by aiming straight down the rescue cable. Later, airlifted part-way up the mountain, Hurlbut and his camera assistant hiked another 1,000 ft. carrying backpacks that held additional 5D Mark II’s, lenses, and a tripod. At the summit, Hurlbut shot the Blackhawk hovering overhead.

"If we had used motion-picture cameras it would have taken us half the day just to haul the gear up the mountain,” Hurlbut noted. “What we accomplished was all because of the compact nature of the 5D Mark II and our ability to take advantage of its still-photography platform to make beautiful motion pictures. It was amazing what we were able to pull off in so short a time.

Even more amazing was that it was the second U.S. Navy commercial they shot that day. Several hours earlier, Hurlbut and his team used their Canon 5D Mark II cameras for an equally complex shoot of Navy swimmers making a helicopter rescue of a downed pilot in the ocean.

Game Changer
A member of the American Society of Cinematographers, Hurlbut has captured moving images using practically every film and video format currently available. When he first saw the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera, however, he immediately identified it as a “game-changer,” adding that he had “never been so excited by the creative possibilities a camera offers cinematographers.

"I call the Canon 5D Mark II a ‘game changer’ for several reasons,” Hurlbut elaborated. “The first is its big CMOS sensor’s ability to collect light in widely varying ISO’s. It’s very clean up to 1600 ISO. Its light-gathering capability has a nice, very film-like gradient. The 5D Mark II’s sensor also delivers ‘VistaVision’ depth of field. Not one digital HD camera out there will deliver that. I find that if you operate at the right f-stop with the 5D Mark II, you get a wonderful, shallow depth of field. You’re also getting skin tones unlike any delivered by other cameras. I don’t think the other manufacturers have put the kind of R&D into their cameras that Canon put into its 5D Mark II. Perhaps the biggest reason why the 5D Mark II is a game changer is because it’s so compact. You can capture perspectives with it that no other camera system can deliver.

Have Cameras, Will Travel
Hurlbut cites the Canon 5D Mark II’s compact design as crucial to his current production, Act of Valor, which depicts Navy SEAL covert ops in fast-paced action close-ups. Hurlbut has been shooting the movie in various locations around the world for the past year. The compact size of the 5D Mark II enables his six-man crew to transport an eight-camera production package in the overhead bins of airliners and avoid the risks of checking it as baggage. Passing through customs is also simplified, given that still cameras typically entail fewer restrictions than motion-picture cameras. Once on location, his crew of six goes into what Hurlbut called “platoon module,” with everyone carrying equipment and multi-tasking production duties. This includes shooting with the 5D Mark II.

"Whether they’re grips, gaffers, or loaders, they’re all members of my elite team,” Hurlbut commented.

“They’re all co-collaborators and they’ve all used DSLRs. When I hand them a 5D Mark II camera they know what to do. It’s amazing the great footage they get.The compact size of the 5D Mark II also speeds production, allowing for many more set-ups per day than are possible with larger cameras. Hurlbut has his crew outfit their 5D Mark II cameras for different shooting configurations that he can switch to at a moment’s notice. These configurations are made possible with support rigs and accessories from such companies as Redrock Micro and Zacuto. Hurlbut has also designed his own custom base plates for mounting extra-large motion-picture lenses on the 5D Mark II.

A Fresh, New Style
Hurlbut believes that the Canon 5D Mark II is destined to benefit the entire production industry. “I have seen agency creatives get very excited by the 5D Mark II because its reduced cost and high film-like quality make storyboards that were once too expensive to shoot suddenly become affordable. Also, I think as more film studios begin to understand the power of the 5D Mark II platform they’ll change the way they think about making movies and episodic television.

“More than anything, what I love about the Canon 5D Mark II is that it’s part of a global revolution,” Hurlbut concluded. “The 5D Mark II is causing a paradigm shift in the production industry because it provides film-like quality combined with lightweight operation and amazing mobility. It’s also affordable, so it’s giving a lot of people a voice who’ve never had one before. I think the style of filmmaking that’s going to come out of the use of the 5D Mark II will be a whole fresh new style that hasn’t even been named yet.”

I found this guys website after browsing some of my favourite international photographers Blogs. Stumbled upon this post from Chase Jarvis, and just had to share it with you guys.

Skull Camera....I have nothing else to say. This is a camera made from a real Human Skull. Wayne Matin Belger constructs all his cameras himself and to say he has a different view on things is probably the understatement of the year. "I create my tools of Aluminium and Titanium and Blood and Body to be in direct relationship with the subjects they are created for" Wayne says.

This idea has led to some amazing creations including cameras made from Infant hearts, and HIV positive Blood- The blood pumps around and in front of the lens creating a red filter. All the cameras as mentioned are created in direct relation to the Subject he is photographing and he has created some truly remarkable images.

To see more of these "different" cameras click here.

As a youngster I thought we would all be watching 3D movies on our 3D TVs, shooting 3D video in the 21st century - and voila! The craze has hit the town.

(unfortunately the personal jetpacks are not here yet...shucks.)

Curiously enough, Holga have jumped on the boat with the Stereo Holga recently spotted at CP. Click here for CNET's brief review and a shot of this little monster. It is very suiting, considering the technology is actually from the "50s!

The camera has dual lenses and images may be viewed with a special device to experience the complete 3D effect. Alternatively, users will be able to scan the shots and animate the frames -  see some crazy images of this here!

Fujifilm have also decided to join in, with the Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D - a sleeker, digital counterpart. It has lots of features, explained in greater detail here.

In brief, it s capable of 3D Still and Movie Shooting with Dual 10 megapixel CCD sensors Plus 3x Optical Zoom - bonus is that it is capable of 1600 ISO, in order to get those night shots going. The possibilities are endless...

We are pleased to announce the release of the New Olympus PEN E-PL1 Micro Four Thirds System interchangeable lens digital Camera.

This Camera will be positioned to join its kin, The Olympus PEN E-P1 and E-P2. Both Widely acclaimed cameras that aid even the most inexperienced photographers to take high quality images through its live guide interface.

The Photo Art Gallery is aiding in the Launch of this amazing piece of gear and in an interesting twist, the Australian Public will be among the first to actually trial this camera and give their thoughts on how it performs. More information on this will be revealed shortly here and on the Olympus website so Stay tuned for more news on that front.

      
PR1002004
February 3, 2010

You and your camera have a relationship. That's right partners, you know there's a third wheel in there. Take a romantic walk for instance, "Ok honey let's have a stroll on the beach this evening and watch the sun go down!" "Sounds great!" exclaims the other," Aw actually do you think the camera can tag along, I just can't bear to miss a moment!" And there you have it, the third wheel in the relationship. The great thing about taking your camera with you as many places as you can is that timing and luck will start to favour you. How many special moments has every photographer experienced without their trusty, loyal, ever willing camera in hand to bend the rules of time and take that moment home with you for ever? Too many to mention!

So our time recording devices teach us a valuable lesson about relationships. Give your camera some love and attention, take it on outings and you will be rewarded more often than not with a moment otherwise lost to the memory. It's give and take. Take a picture, it gives you a moment.

The following image is a fantastic representation of this. There is a guy that lives in Bondi who gets up EVERY morning to shoot the waves, the people and the Bondi lifestyle. He did this so often he started a website and this website grew and grew to become Aquabumps, a success story born from perserverance, dedication and skill. Two day ago the AB photographer had "partner" in hand as usual when out of the blue two archetypal aussie birds started fighting for position. He spun, shot and captured one of those special moments otherwise lost to the memory. The image received a lot of attention the next day, so much so that the Daily Telegraph ran the image in the next day's paper! This could happen to any of us, just so long as you treat your camera with respect and never neglect!

1. How did you get into photography?

I've always enjoyed it as a hobby, but never studied it at school or did any formal training.

When I got my first digital camera my obsession blossomed - I photographed anything and everything that I did.

2. What was the first camera you ever used?

Before digital photography I was never too attached to a particular camera - I 'd just use disposable ones.

My first digital camera was the Canon Ixus V. A small point and shoot that served me very well.

3. Describe your photo style?

I'm still working on it and I wouldn't say that my style is set in stone. I 'm not a big fan of photo manipulation or heavy retouching. I like intimate moments. I like action. I like pictures that tell stories.

4. Do you have a favourite photographer and why?

I don't have one single all time favourite, but growing up and being obsessed with music, I became quite attached to Anton Corbijn's iconic photos of my favourite bands.

When I think of the artists he's photographed, his photos come to mind just as much as the music.

5. If you could shoot anyone - who would it be and why?

I feel like I 've missed the boat on a lot of people. Many of the people I 'd like to shoot are passed their prime or dead.

But perhaps David Bowie? He's such a music icon and has always been very creative with his image. He's ageing gracefully and would still make a wonderful portrait.

I'd also just love to chat with him for a bit - the photo would just be an excuse for that!

6. Some words of advice for photographers wanting to break into the industry?

It's so trite, but I 'd just suggest shooting what you love. Do it with passion. If you love cars - shoot cars. If you love music, shoot musicians. If you love partying - shoot events. If you love eating - shoot food.

Unless you're connected in some way with your subject, you won't do it justice in a photo.

Don't be concerned about "breaking into the industry" - be concerned with taking the best possible pictures.

D - http://www.boudist.com