Using iPad Air for film making?

[JacePhoto]

I just saw the promo video on mac.com. http://www.apple.com/your-verse/

They promoted this NYC film maker Josh Apter, as a person who uses iPad for his documentary.

I found more info here:
1) [video]http://www.macvoices.com/wordpress/macvoices-13103-nab-josh-apter-turns-your-ipad-into-a-serious-video-tool-with-the-padcaster/[/video]
2) [video]http://thepadcaster.com[/video]

Any one has any comments/ insights/ sharing?

 

[kandinsky]

Looks like there's an increasing number of products with an adapter that allows one to use a 35mm adapter, this one targeted at the iPad. Check out the other thread that Deunamist posted.

Quick thoughts:
- Looks useful for simple single-camera stuff that doesn't need much grading, e.g., for the web, podcasts, videoblogs, home videos, BTS videos etc.
- Idea of being able to shoot, edit, distribute from one device is quite neat.
- Cool that it can do double duty as a cage for regular cameras.

- Obvious issues:
- the lack of manual controls on the ipad
- iPad seems to be pretty bulky, gonna stick out in a crowd.
- Think the form factor makes the weight distribution unbalanced, by the time you add accessories, becomes top-heavy.
- Likely need 3rd party apps for expanded features
- 3rd party 35mm adapter required

Looked through a couple of reviews for info on the ipad air's default video quality, since apple doesn't really list stuff like recorded bitrate under tech specs.

Video: 1080p / 30fps / 17Mbps / H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High@L4.1 over High@L4.0
Audio: Mono, 64Kbps, 44.1kHz

Via:
http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_ipad_air-review-1010p8.php
http://www.gsmarena.com/ipad_air_vs_galaxy_note_101_2014-review-1016p9.php

This review, The Padcaster and How to Use It Plus Apps that Transform It in to a Mobile Studio by Joe Herman, suggests a couple of apps that may be helpful:

Shooting with Filmic Pro 2
When shooting with the Padcaster and an iPad, there are a few apps that will enhance your filmmaking experience. The first one you’ll want to get is Filmic Pro 2, a powerful app that brings advanced controls to the iPad’s camera. To start with, it allows you to shoot at different frame rates, including 24p, 25p, 30p and 60p. There are also effects such as SloMo, Super Slomo, 2x speed, 6x speed and a dedicated time-lapse option (see Figure 4).

Filmic Pro 2 also features a 4x digital zoom with eight variable speeds, manual zoom controls and a zoom status bar. A nice touch is that you can set three key frames for easy zooming with one click to set points (one-third, halfway or two-thirds along the way).

However, the most useful features of Filmic Pro 2 have got to be its ability to control the image with four focus and exposure modes and its ability to set the white balance. The app also allows for mono and stereo audio metering, four video encoding options and various widescreen resolutions. Find out more at http://filmicpro.com.

https://www.editorsguild.com/Magazine.cfm?ArticleID=1176

 

[Bamboopictures]

Just a thought: Hobbyist usually kit out certain cameras because these "cult" cameras can produce the best video in their price range. Case in point: HV20, 5D mk2. This is done inspite of poor ergonomics and extra costs. If there were better alternatives for similar investments, accessory companies like Letus, RedRock or Zacuto would not exist. For what Apple is charging, I don't believe the ipad or iphone fit into that category of cameras.
A "cult" camera usually have these attributes:
- A first to offer certain essential feature
- Much, much cheaper than the next best camera that offers the same core functionality
- Expandability eg. audio I/O, coldshoe, hackable firmware.
- Full manual control.

 

[kandinsky]

Yeah, agreed.

The ipad/iphone angle is probably for those who are attracted by the novelty/practicality of having a whole 'package' in one device, and very willing to compromise on a little bit of everything else (video quality, editing options, etc) in order to have that. Presumably, another aspect of the attraction might be that products like these allow them to adapt a device they already own for other uses.

 

[Deunamist]

Me.. I wouldn't jump on it, unless it was like a challenge by somebody. Personally I already find iPad photographers annoying as f***, I'm not sure how I'd feel about using an iPad for video.

 

[JacePhoto]

I think what's good about this iPad air is it's probably a tool you already have it with you. It's lightweight. It has a BiG SCREEN! Haha

I think it's more for video blogging. Haha

 

[pettypoh]

Me.. I wouldn't jump on it, unless it was like a challenge by somebody. Personally I already find iPad photographers annoying as f***, I'm not sure how I'd feel about using an iPad for video.

the best quote i got from someone using ipad for photos "the screen so big and sharp, photos taken sure very good mah ..."

 

[Deunamist]

the best quote i got from someone using ipad for photos "the screen so big and sharp, photos taken sure very good mah ..."

HAHAHAHA.. typical layman mindset.. well whatever makes them happy la, as long as they are considerate enough to frame, snap and go.