A company called Red One started by Jim Jannard, the founder of Oakley (the sunglass company), has created a digital video camera (http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/red-one-camera-169222.php) that has a massive 24.4 x 13.7mm sensor. With a sensor that big it basically duplicates the depth of field and selective focus characteristics of film cameras. Steve Jackson, director of the Lord of the Rings, recently demonstrated the camera’s power by filming a short film using it.
Red One is bringing the camera to market at a price point ($17,500) that should make digital filming at a super duper high definition (better than current HDTV’s are capable of) very common. Instead of renting a $250,000 film camera, now you can buy a digital camera with equivalent capabilities for less then the cost of most cars.
This tracks a natural evolution of technology in film production that is removing many of the hurdles of creating a tremendously professional work yourself. With youtube, Joost, Netflix, the Xbox360, and iTunes transforming distribution, the entertainment industry is in for a set of significant changes.
Having access to or being the talent that can put together a compelling story, direct, and act remains a significant barrier to entry, of course. But even more people should now have a shot.
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