Pole cam

 

For the times when you can't use a drone, there is pole cam. You don't need a special photograph pole. We adapted a Wolf-tools extending pole with rock-steady results.

3D CAD

 Some R&D development work on a boat hull for learning to sail with Philip. Designing a model boat that can simulate a real boat in the wind and water and show the forces.

Streaming in the dark

Teaching optics online meant sitting in the dark so the students could see the ray diagrams produced by the @pascoscientific light source and some lenses.

 

Getting close up

 Using a multiway @Benro tripod to get really close up to an image. With a good macro lens, you can get a good image, but you always need a way of supporting the lens and camera closeup to the subject.

Charging the drone

 I'm off to get some drone footage, but before that, it's time to charge the batteries and handset.

Busy online day

Quite a busy day online and in the office, starting with a Podcast and video in one studio, then an online organ lesson in another then lessons in the classroom followed by online lessons in the third studio.

 

The very Versatile Wersi OAX 800

 Wersi organ was set up as a theatre organ for the first part of a session, then changed to a church organ at the press of a button, then again into a Hammond-style organ, and then to a full orchestra. There are not many organs that have such versatility.

Polaroid sunglasses

 Several years ago, a student came into my lesson late at the University, giggled a bit and then pointed out to his colleague that whilst I was lecturing, I had yet to notice the LED board I was pointing to was switched off. He then removed his Polaroid glasses and found that the screen was on. 

Off to be repaired

After successfully wading through the river and storing all the data, the machine crashed and lost all the data, and would not load properly, so it was sent back for repair before we have to do this all over again and try it on the River Thames.
 

Filming the River flow rate

Filming the river flow rate and trying to get some underwater shots of the impeller spinning. This does mean finding some of the fastest flowing water that is clear, and some wading.

 

R&D Nozzles

Which shape of the Nozzle attached to an airline cools the most effectively. A case of real-world R&D and real-world uses.

 

First Podcast for a while

We needed to reorganise the Podcast filming and recording with changes at work and trying to do some sailing. But we have finally got this sorted around my teaching and work schedule and are back into the swing of things now.

 

Building my own shop

 Not able to go sailing because of the weather. I am using some of this time to build a shop on my sailing site. It's slow going with having to write reviews on each item and create videos for each of these products.

Time to upgrade - No

 Soon after I bought a Yamaha Genos, the all-new more wonderful Genos 2 comes out and the question is will I be upgrading? - I think not. I haven't got through half of the features of the current machine and this still does what I need it to do.

New Resolve

 I don't do as much video editing as my son, so every time I edit, I have to download a new version of Resolve with more and more features to learn. It's tiresome to install but fun to learn all the new features.

Science Viedo Filming the closeup

 One of the things about science videos is the extreme closeup, so the students can see the hands - so that they can see precisely what is actually going on.

Instamic

With the arrival of the Islamic and the bad weather, hopefully, we can get out and try some recordings outside without the fear of getting the microphone damaged. Now we have waterproof mics and cameras.

 

One organ many Flavours

One Wersi OAX800, but able to also play using Hauptwerk, or Miditizer or Organ TEQ 2 or loading in other VST instruments, making any type of sounds possible on this machine, either directly on the organ or through the computer.

 

Paul learns IT isn't just computers

 Paul learns that IT isn't just computers, but sound systems DVD's, music and PA equipment as well as the weather systems, security cameras, backups, ... etc but he had great training at home before taking these to the sailing club.

Enhancing Handheld Filmmaking with the Canon R5C and Its Battery Grip

Introduction The world of filmmaking is constantly evolving, with technology pushing the boundaries of what's possible. One of the latest advancements comes in the form of the Canon R5C, a camera that's rapidly gaining popularity among filmmakers, especially for handheld video shooting in portrait mode. A significant part of its appeal? The additional battery grip – a game-changer for steady, high-quality filmmaking.

The Canon R5C: A Brief Overview Before diving into the specifics of handheld video, it's worth understanding what makes the Canon R5C stand out. This camera blends the robustness of a professional cinema camera with the versatility of a stills camera. It boasts impressive features like 8K RAW video, high frame rate recording, and advanced autofocus. But it's not just the internals that impress; the ergonomics of the R5C make it a top choice for on-the-go filmmakers.

The Power of Portrait Mode Portrait mode in video isn't just for social media content; it's becoming a staple in professional filmmaking, too. This mode offers a unique perspective, making it perfect for capturing tall structures, fashion shoots, or any subject that benefits from a vertical frame. The R5C’s ability to effortlessly switch between landscape and portrait modes makes it a versatile tool for creative videography.

The Role of the Battery Grip Now, let's talk about the extra battery grip. Why is it a significant addition for handheld video in portrait mode?

1. Stabilization: Holding a camera steady in portrait mode can be challenging, especially during extended shooting sessions. The battery grip offers additional space to hold, distributing the weight more evenly and reducing camera shake.

2. Extended Battery Life: Longer shooting times without the need for frequent battery changes are a dream come true for any filmmaker. The extra battery grip accommodates additional batteries, effectively extending the camera's life during shoots.

3. Ergonomic Design: The grip is designed to complement the R5C's form factor. It feels natural in your hands, whether you're shooting in landscape or portrait mode, ensuring comfort and reducing fatigue.

4. Enhanced Control: With the grip attached, accessing controls and buttons when shooting in portrait mode becomes easier, making for a more intuitive filming experience.

Steady Images: The Heart of Filmmaking Steadiness in footage is not just a technical need; it's a storytelling tool. Shaky footage can distract from the narrative, while stable footage keeps the viewer immersed in the story. The combination of the Canon R5C and its battery grip ensures that every frame is as steady as possible, thereby enhancing the overall quality of the video.

Conclusion The Canon R5C, particularly with the added battery grip, is a powerhouse for filmmakers who value mobility, versatility, and quality. Whether you're shooting a documentary, a fashion film, or just exploring creative videography, this setup promises not only ease of use but also high-quality, steady footage that can elevate your filmmaking to new heights.

Final Thoughts Embrace the Canon R5C and its battery grip for your next project and experience firsthand the difference it makes in handheld, portrait-mode filmmaking. The future of video is here, and it's in your hands – steady, powerful, and ready to capture the world in motion.

The right sounds for the right job

Creating the right sounds for the right job is essential in filmmaking. I can use Midi, a sequencer, or a synthesiser if I can't play it. The ability to capture sounds and put them on the organ opens up new worlds of sounds and music.

 

Jetpack Boost Score

 Updating the Jetpack boost score on a Website. I make no changes, but run the Website score a few times. The scores vary from 34 to 61. Perhaps this is just a random number generator!

Steinberg UR22C

 Having accidentally dropped our XLR to USB interface, we need a replacement. Maybe this Steinberg UR22C will do the job. It has all the features we need, and hopefully it will be of a good enough quality to cope with our modest needs.

Instamic waterproof microphone

 Just purchased an @Instamic waterproof microphone. We can go out in all weather with waterproof cameras, but the microphones are always a problem. This Stereo Bluetooth waterproof microphone may solve the problem. We will see as we take it for a test run in the rain.

UTSC Elections

 Paul getting elected to the Upper Thames Sailing Club Committee with responsibility for the Clubs IT. and walking along the Thames as high currents stop sailing.

Sailing today

 I was going sailing today but for some random reason I decided that no I wouldn't.