Another 1st: The Arri Alexa comes to Central Ohio!

Another 1st:
The Arri Alexa comes to Central Ohio!

I have never seen an avalanche of cameras like the one I have witnessed this year.  At Ohio HD Video we have added 9 new cameras to the inventory since the beginning of the year! From the  Panasonic’s AF-100,  Sony’s new PMW F3 CineAlta, Sony  FS100 and now the cherry on the top the Arri ALEXA.  Once again Ohio HD Video is proud to bring the most relevant gear in our industry to our local market.  The Arri ALEXA is becoming the most widely accepted camera used to acquire high-end digital images for commercials and features.  In addition to it’s amazing image quality, we are most excited about it’s potential to streamline the post-production workflow.  The ALEXA has three main post paths: Shoot to Edit (ProRes), Uncompressed HD and Uncompressed RAW. Each has its virtues and each is well supported today.


Perhaps most compelling for our market is its ability to shoot to SXS cards using two slots internal to the camera.  ALEXA calls it a Shoot to Edit workflow, which in the language of ARRI means finished video already compiled into a codec that can be loaded directly into an edit system for post. Currently, ALEXA uses ProRes in both 422 and 444 varieties. In compression quality, it is second only to master-level formats such as HDCAM SR. ProRes is a native format for Apple’s Final Cut Pro and can now also be used natively on the latest version of Avid Media Composer.

ALEXA records ProRes onto Sony SxS cards, the same compact and reliable media Sony uses for its XDCAM EX cameras. A 32GB SxS Pro card can hold about 20 minutes of ProRes 422 or 15 minutes of ProRes 4444.  Recording in ProRes, ALEXA is a compact and self-contained camera. The SxS cards can move directly from the camera to an edit system, and post work can begin immediately with no capturing or recompression.  This can cut hours from your post workflow and make the ALEXA a very affordable option for your next shoot.  Call us to arrange a time when we can show you all that this impressive camera has to offer or check out the Arri ALEXA web resources to learn more.  You can also check out Andy Shipsides, Able Cine blog on an ALEXA/FCP workflow.

Fast, Lightweight Zooms!

Fast, Lightweight Zooms!

Angenieux Optimo DP: In a ongoing effort to bring great glass to our market we have added two new premium Angenieux lenses.  The first is the Optimo DP 16-42.  The Optimo DP 16-42 with an aperture of T2.8 is a lightweight and compact PL mount zoom lens and delivers the superior zoom optics, functionality and ergonomics that DP’s demand.  The Optimo DP 30-80 has an aperture of T2.8 and brings the very best of film to the new world of large format digital production.  These lenses compliment each other very well.

Seasons Greetings from Ohio HD!

   Building a Full Service Rental in Central Ohio: Three years ago when we added the RED One to our inventory I was unaware that we were taking the first steps on a path to becoming the first full service camera rental house in central Ohio.  Today with much support from the local production community we are well on our way to providing that much needed resource right here in Columbus.  Our goal has been and will continue to be to bring the latest production gear into market and back it up with technical knowledge and educational support.  This year we added 14 new cameras to our inventory including the much-coveted Arri Alexa, Sony's F3, FS-100 and F800 XDCam optical disc camera. We were also proud to make Casey Hunter the full time rental equipment manager at Ohio HD Video & Cine this year.  For those those of you who have had the chance to work with Casey, either on the set or in our shop, it's easy to recognize his commitment to excellence.  Casey and I strive to make sure our gear is tested before each rental to ensure every shoot is free of costly technical issues and delays.

           This year we will continue to invest in new gear, so the tools you need to create top notch content for your clients is always well maintained and available close to home.  We will also continue our education and work with other members of the community to make sure there are trained resources in the market who know how to get the most out of these new technologies.  In addition the open house events we have had this past year, we are looking to develop hands-on workshops and bring in experts from other markets to gain from their experience.

          I would like to personally thank you for all of your support in the past.  We love hearing your feedback and we look forward to serving your camera, lensing, and technical needs in 2012 and beyond.

Scott Handel

Founder

Ohio HD Video & Cine