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Technology Trends: Talamas staff members talk about what’s trending in digital production equipment
Written by Casey Stirling | Posted by: Anonymous
Every year, digital production technology improves, and 2014 has been no exception. NewEnglandFilm.com spoke with some of the staff at Talamas to find out what’s new in production technology and what’s coming next.
Larger sensor cameras
Talamas products in audio, video, and communication include featured brands such as Canon, Sony, Zeiss, Cooke, and Angénieux. “We have seen a shift from the traditional 2/3′ ENG style cameras to the larger image sensor cameras,” explains Ted Driscoll, Senior Rental Account Manager at Talamas.
This preference has led to the current popularity of products like the Canon C300 and Sony F5 and F55, cameras that “allow for a shallow depth of field look (see Canon 5D) and can accommodate a wide range of lenses, from variable fixed focal length EF Lenses to cine zooms,” a trend that Driscoll says has “become the rage.”
Hand-held gimbal camera stabilizers
The use of hand-held gimbal camera stabilizers is also on the rise at Talamas and in the industry at large, according to Staff Engineer Anthony Bottaro.
“Manufacturers seem to be working feverishly to develop lower cost and ‘smarter’ products with easy setup that can be controlled by one operator with minimal training,” he explains, and as a result, products such as the MOVI M10 and the DJI Ronin now complete with Steadicams. Staying up-to-date with industry trends, Bottaro says, “Talamas has added some of these products to its rental inventory and has technicians who can give tutorials to operators using them for the first time.”
Arri Amira digital cinema camera
The staff is particularly excited about one of its newest products, the Arri Amira digital cinema camera, admired for its adaptability.
“It is a versatile documentary-style camera that combines exceptional image quality with a cost effective and efficient workflow,” says Driscoll, who praises its “ergonomic design optimized for single-operator use and extended shoulder-mounted operation… It is suitable for a great variety of production types, from reportage and corporate films to TV drama and low-budget movies.”
4K codecs and LED
Looking towards the future, Driscoll predicts that with “the industry driven need for 4K, we will be seeing more and more cameras that will record in 4K utilizing a variety of codecs as well as RAW.” He highlights LED in particular: “I think we are just beginning to tap into the advantages of LED in the world of lighting. LED offers versatility and low power consumption alternatives that are now becoming the norm in production lighting.”
Talamas has also moved further into production in recent years, including commercials, digital cinema, and reality television. Driscoll describes this as a “natural progression” as the company has been steadily renting video equipment, “expand[ing] inventory to include all areas of digital cinema.” Products include large image sensor cameras, lenses, lighting, and grip. Driscoll adds that Talamas also has a larger selection of midrange cameras and wireless audio bag packages, especially useful for reality productions.
About Talamas
Located in Newton, Massachusetts, Talamas specializes in audio and video equipment sales and rentals for the Boston area and beyond. Founded in 1979 by CEO Dave Talamas, the company has stayed up to date with changing technologies and constantly strives to provide the best possible tools and services to its loyal customers. At both its physical location and on its website, Talamas offers a wide range of equipment to buy or rent. Products in audio, video, and communication include featured brands such as Canon, Sony, Zeiss, Cooke, and Angénieux.
On the production side, Talamas has provided video and audio gear for WGBH’s This Old House for 31 years, as well as for Old Harbor Productions’ Blue Cross Blue Shield campaign, Firecracker Films, and 44 Blue Productions (which produces A&E’s Wahlburgers). Driscoll notes their involvement with the Emmy-nominated Discovery Channel show Alaska: The Last Frontier: “We supply all the production equipment – cameras, wireless audio, lighting and grip, communications.”
The company has also moved further into production in recent years, including commercials, digital cinema, and reality television. Driscoll describes this as a “natural progression” as the company has been steadily renting video equipment, “expand[ing] inventory to include all areas of digital cinema.” Explains Dave Talamas, “We have literally spent millions of dollars in the last several years growing our inventory especially in digital cinema.” Products include large image sensor cameras, lenses, lighting, and grip. Driscoll adds that Talamas also has a larger selection of midrange cameras and wireless audio bag packages, especially useful for reality productions.
Talamas is a valuable resource for the New England film community that provides equipment and resources on small and large scales, what Driscoll describes as “a one stop shop for local productions of all kinds.” He explains that the company’s goal is to “assess the needs of our clients and utilize every resource available to ensure that the production will run smoothly and come in on budget,” no matter the size. “We strive to stay on technology’s cutting edge.”
