Anybody see today's announcement from Sharp? They claim to have created a 1/4" ccd (for use in cell phone still cameras) that can capture 1144 X 880 images at 7.5 frames per second -- 5 frames per second at 2 lux. Production is said to begin in October. They have also developed a chip "featuring macro functions" that enables close-up photography. Don't know what the chip has to do with focusing range, but that's what they say.

Marco, do you have a link?
This sounds interesting, but when they are talking about Lux rating, what's their lens?
Also, 5fps is a pretty slow speed. I think many cameras have slow shutter mode with even better lix rating. For instance GL2 claims 0.3-0.4Lux in that mode.

Here it is.

http://www.sharpsma.com/sma/pressroom/press.htm?newsid=75

The CCD is intended for still photos in cell phones. To me what's interesting about it is that its HD. If Sharp can create a CCD that can do HD video (even if it is crappy 5 fps) for cell phones -- which are basically disposable products -- can you imagine what Sony and Canon must have in the works?

Marko, thanks for the link.
This sensor looks interesting indeed. Their lens is pretty slow, just f2.8. Win f1.4 lens they could go down to 0.5Lux probably with slow shutter. However, I believe the image quality criteria on camera-phone market are quite different.
By the way, Sharp and Sanyo together own 80% of Japanese market of camera-phone sensors, while Sony yet have to dent it. I'm not aware of Canon sensors for video or camera-phone applications though.
As for macro mode, they are offering a module, consisting of CCD, image processor and lens. Their lens probably has something for macro focusing.

An unfortunate risk associated with covering war. Too bad. Hopefully he died while "doing what he loved".

http://www.filmandvideomagazine.com/2003/09_sep/news/cw_blackmag_uncomphd.htm

This is revolutionary news

Sadly, this is bound to be a repeating occurence.

http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1443%20

Would be interesting to see how this technology holds up against plasma screens.

I saw a 20-inch Panasonic LCD television at Sam's Club yesterday. Image quality was impressive and the viewing angle was surprisingly wide.

Also, according to the power supply, it draws about 60 watts of power, about half that of a similar-sized conventional CRT television.

Too bad it was nearly $1000.

Dean Sensui
Base Two Productions

Just wanted to let you know that the latest issue of the Videoguys Insider E-newsletter just went out. It is a great way to stay on top of all the latest technology and promotions in the industry.

Check it out - http://www.videoguys.com/Insider_Vol3_Issue5.html - and Subscribe today!!

Gary

I got a promo email today introducing Sony Sound Forge 7.0 today... I wondered if they were going to keep the Sonic Foundry brand name after the buyout, but apparently not. I suppose the next incarnation of Vegas will be the same.

Los Angeles, CA. (Sept 24, 2003)--A two-day hands-on Shoot & Edit intensive workshop is slated for October 11-12 at the Berkeley Hall School, 16000 W. Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049.

A complete hands-on weekend dedicated to the production & post-production methods of creating a short film. Attendees learn Camerawork, Lighting, Sound and Directorial tips all using the latest production tools and digital technology. Learn by doing all this under the guidance of top Hollywood professionals like writer-director-visual effects supervisor Robert Grasmere, Arriflex gaffer John Gresch, Matthews key grip Bob Kalesh, director of photography Geoff Zimmerman, and sound recordist Tom Staninis.

Sunday is all about hands on post-production. Attendees sit at individual computers and along with Apple Certified Instructor Jeffery Morse, learn to edit the previous days footage using iMovie3 and Final Cut Pro 4. Attendees lean cool edit tricks plus how to prepare content for multi-media release using Sorenson Squeeze.

The course fee is $349

Call for more info (805) 640-7122 or visit www.DVCamps.com

I think it's Sony Vegas already.