In July 2023, the GSCA Innovations Committee conducted a test to show the strengths of six higher-than-6K-resolution cameras to show filmmakers how each performs in challenging situations. Under the direction of GSCA Innovations Committee Co-Chair Michael Daut and with renowned cinematographer James Neihouse, ASC, serving as director of photography using a wide variety of cameras, lenses, shooting situations, and locations, this test will provide invaluable information to filmmakers as they decide which equipment to use for different types of shoots. This is a follow-up to [...]

The Background A keystone of the Giant Screen Cinema Association’s (GSCA) strategic plan is to build a pipeline of quality educational and entertaining content. To fulfill that plan, GSCA, through its Technical Committee, has conducted a number of tests in the past four years to help filmmakers capture the best images possible for the giant screen. It started in 2014 with two iterations of Bring Back Our Wide Shots (BBOWS), with the main goal of testing whether images from the latest 4K digital cameras could [...]

Led by Pawel Achtel ACS of the Innovations Committee and shot by a team of ACS cinematographers, we evaluate the performance of the following state-of-the-art cameras: RED Monstro 8K, ARRI LF, Blackmagic Design 12K, Canon R5, Achtel 9x7. We see each camera’s performance in dynamic range tests, rolling shutter tests, zone charts, resolution charts, and real-world shooting locations. In part two of this session, at a future time when we meet in person, we will see the footage compared back-to-back on the giant screen. The [...]

In this breakthrough session, we will look at the capabilities and use cases for flying camera rigs of all shapes and sizes, from the most compact and lightweight drones to large drones that can lift full-size digital cameras, to complete helicopter rigs. We will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each category of aerial cinematography gear and identify ideal use cases for each type of rig. With this information you will have a better understanding of which tool to fly that will give you the [...]

In this breakthrough session, we will look at the capabilities and use cases for flying camera rigs of all shapes and sizes, from the most compact and lightweight drones to large drones that can lift full-size digital cameras, to complete helicopter rigs. We will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each category of aerial cinematography gear and identify ideal use cases for each type of rig. With this information you will have a better understanding of which tool to fly that will give you the [...]

In this follow up to the Helicopters and Drones session from GSCA's 2021 Virtual Conference, we go in person on the giant screen and look at footage taken from a variety of drones, cameras, and helicopters. We will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each category of aerial cinematography gear and identify ideal use cases for each type of rig. With this information you will have a better understanding of which tool to fly that will give you the best results for the type of [...]

We look at footage taken from a variety of drones, cameras, and helicopters. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each category of aerial cinematography gear and identify ideal use cases for each type of rig. With this information you will have a better understanding of which tool to fly that will give you the best results for the type of shot you are planning to capture. This was presented at the GSCA 2022 International Conference in Chattanooga in September 2022 and is an update [...]

The advancement of new stabilized gimbal systems has opened a new level of aerial filming, from heights up to 50,000 feet and speeds of 500 mph. Aerial DP Peter Degerfeldt showcases some examples of how this is possible and what benefits a production can have using this unique tool. Buckle up—there will some G forces! Presented by Peter Degerfeldt, Blue Sky Aerial and Specialist Filming, at the Innovations Session during the GSCA 2022 International Conference in Chattanooga.