These are the cameras I use for video production: Blackmagic Design and Panasonic cameras. I also use JVC video cameras, but they are not pictured here.
Shown here on the left is a Panasonic AG-AF101E with Panasonic 100-300mm lens. In the middle is a Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K with B4 lens adapter, and Canon Broadcast Lens. On the right is a Panasonic GH5 with Panasonic 12-35mm lens, with VideoRODE shotgun mic. which is my favorite run-and-gun video camera.
Panasonic AG-AF101E with 100-300mm lens, Blackmagic Design Video Assist 3G Monitor Recorder.
Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, Fotodiox B4 lens adapter, Canon Broadcast Lens.
Who would like to meet on Monday evenings for Tech Talk Topics? Meetings are free until I need to monetize them. Topics will include computers and operating systems, deivices, audio and video production, live streaming and websites..
My new favorite video switcher just came in. I watched the Blackmagic ATEM Mini Extreme ISO product announcement with some interest, but didn’t think it was for me. I have been checking out the possibilities of this upgrade, and decided that it was time to jump on board. I am glad that I did!
Comparing this new switcher with the ATEM Mini Pro. The Blackmagic ATEM Mini Extreme ISO cost is slightly over twice as much, at $1295. Is it worth it? I say a big fat yes! There are so many new features, some surprises and some requests listened to in the new model.
Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro – I paid $595 for a switcher/video encoder with 4 inputs, and 1 recording track.
Blackmagic ATEM Mini Extreme ISO – I paid $1295 for a switcher/video encoder with 8 inputs, and 9 recording tracks. It features 201 buttons, SuperSource and many digital video features inherited from more expensive models.
Pictured here is the ATEM Mini Extreme ISO on a laptop stand, with a Feelworld 15 inch broadcast display, and Elgato Stream Deck. I am using the HP 22 inch display for the Program View. I use the Feelworld display for the Multi View.
I was an early adopter of the Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro, and am happy to see this newer product expand the limitations of the earlier models. In addition to the two Audio Inputs, there is the long-awaited Headphone Output jack. There are two USB-C ports, which allows using one as a webcam signal, and the other to record to SSD.
Hey Blackmagic Design, could you add a power switch? I use this type of in-line cable switch, but it doesn’t lock. It holds pretty snuggly and is very convenient.
I just had a new eye examination from an optometrist a couple of weeks ago. I ordered new glasses, and just received them. For the first time, I triedTransitions® Light Intelligent Lenses™. They take about ten seconds to transition to their clear or tinted look.
This is also the first time that I have tried these Puma eyeglass frames. They are plastic, but have the kind of nose bridge that supports the glasses better, so that then don’t slide down. Usually I have only seen wire frame glasses with that nose bridge support feature. The last few plastic frames I have had, don’t have the nose bridge, and had to be pushed up closer to my eyes sometimes.
I am still fine-tuning my home desktop for live stream production. On the left, a Mac mini M1 with 4K Samsung 28 inch monitor. In the middle, an iMac Intel Core i9 with 5K display is my main computer. An Apple TV 4K is also part of the mix. These three inputs, and a video camera are plugged into the Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro video switcher Smallrig frame.
The video cameras I use are Panasonic and Blackmagic gear. Each camera can also be a camera input, the Mac mini with a Logitech HD webcam, or the iMac with the built-in webcam. There is lighting, and a green screen behind me.
I have an SSD drive plugged in the ATEM Mini Pro USB-C port to be able to record the Program View at any time. I also have the Blackmagic Video Assist that can record ProRes quality, when I switch from MultiView to Program View. For some projects, I record speakers in a Skype or Zoom meeting, then edit the footage for the project. For other live meetings, I can switch live speakers, PowerPoint presentations, recorded movies, graphics and audio for a well-rounded program.
The computers, Apple TV and ATEM Mini Pro are all connected to a Netgear Gigabit 8-port Ethernet switch, and an Apple Airport Time Capsule. Sometimes I use an iPhone and iPad Pro on the network, and as potential audio or video inputs to the switcher, or to control the camera.
Audio is handled by a Bose Solo 5 soundbar, or Behringer Eurorack audio mixer and Radio Shack PA Amplifier. I route all ATEM Mini Pro audio inputs through the Behringer Eurorack audio mixer. I route all ATEM Mini Pro audio outputs to an HDMI Converter Toslink SPDIF + 3.5mm AUX Stereo Audio, then out to the Bose Solo 5 soundbar and Sony headphones.
