HDVideoPro by Neil Matsumoto

In a landmark year for production and post-production gear, 2011 will most likely be remembered for the tragic events in Northern Japan. Although minor compared to the devastation and loss of life, all the major camera manufacturers (Sony, Canon, Panasonic, etc.) were greatly affected by the disaster leaving factories badly damaged, which disrupted production and distribution for the entire year.

Having said that, we still saw a number of digital cameras announced in 2010, such as the ARRI ALEXA, RED EPIC, and Sony F3; dominate the production field in 2011. Combining this with a bumpy economy, we’re seeing Kodak quickly approaching bankruptcy and Aaton, ARRI, and Panavision ceasing to build motion picture cameras.

Even with the Japan disaster, 2011 still introduced some amazing digital camera systems, as well as placing a mark on the inevitable end of motion picture film – a medium that has captured the greatest art form for the last 120 years. I, for one, love film and will greatly miss it. But if we can apply Moore’s law of an integrated circuit doubling every two years to digital production, post-production and exhibition technology, it’s not a stretch to say we’ll be fine.

The Top 10 Products of 2011

Here is my list of the ten best products announced in 2011. These ten will most likely have a big impact in 2012 as well. read more...