The Letus or OConnor: Which Matte Box Is Better?

If you are in the market for an affordably priced, lightweight matte box, chances are that you have taken a look at the Letus Matte Box and the OConnor Matte box. Both matte boxes are similarly priced and built, which can make the choice difficult. Fortunately for you, I've shot a feature film with the O-Box, and many commercials with the LTMB. Here are my recommendations based off of my real world, long-term use of each of these products.

Two Small Accessories With A Big Impact

Okay, I admit I must be a little OCD when I am getting excited about camera accessories that reduce camera clutter. But with the shrinking size of all cameras (especially with DSLR's) it seems that cameras have gotten more convoluted and cumbersome than ever. The new battery plate and top handle from Letus seek to alleviate the mess that comes from these ergonomically challenged cameras. Read on for details on how they will benefit your camera rig ...

Working With The MCS System

I have had an opportunity to work with the Master Cinema Series system for several months now in real production environments, and I have to say that I have been pleasantly surprised by the system. It really does take an un-ergonomic camera like the 7D or 5D and make it more friendly to use in production life. What I really appreciate about the system is that it is camera agnostic - to date, I have used the MCS with the Epic, C300, FS100, 5D, 7D, AF100, and GH2. It is from these experiences that I offer the following tips to help get even more out of the system ...

Experimenting with the Helix

[HIGHLY RECOMMEND WATCHING IN FULL SCREEN]
Be sure to check out the Helix from Letus - a revolutionary new product that opens up new creative possibilities to lower budget level productions. (Yes, the pun is intended. :) ) The Helix is being launched at NAB 2012 - you can check it out for yourself at their booth C12449. If you are at NAB this year, be sure to stop by and say hi, as I'll be around hanging out with the Letus team. More about my experience below ....

Music Video: Enric Sifa "I Wanna See You Tonight"

From the album "The Other Side Of Me"

Title: "I Wanna See You Tonight"

Artist: Enric Sifa

www.enricsifa.com

Shot on the Canon C300 using a prototype of the HELIX from Letus.

Lenses: Zeiss CP.2's

Letus Color Temp & ND Fader Test

[HIGHLY RECOMMEND WATCHING IN FULL SCREEN] The video above contains sample footage along with my thoughts on the Letus Color Temp & ND Fader. Don't have time to watch the video? Below is a quick summary of what I found.

Master Cinema Series Lunch Party Wrap Up

The digital revolution is just now starting to come into its' own. If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you must have been living under a rock somewhere. Welcome back to civilization! This is the next erra of filmmaking - one which is being shaped by digital cinematography. Like it or not, digital capture devices are changing the way stories are told, and even shaping what stories can be told.