- 12
- 39 061
Alex Botton
Canada
Приєднався 23 кві 2013
A filmmaker working as a camera operator and hoping to give back to the community which helped to teach me so much. Talking about film-making, cinematography, lighting, film photography, and the industries that surround these practices.
BLACKMAGIC PYXIS - a cinematographer’s camera?
In this video, I dive into the Blackmagic Pyxis, a groundbreaking 6K cinema camera that offers exceptional image quality at an affordable price. As a long-time Blackmagic user, I compare the Pyxis with the Blackmagic Pocket 6K and discuss its unique features, including its full-frame sensor, modular design, and dynamic range. Whether you're a cinematographer, filmmaker, or camera operator, this review covers everything from camera form factor to rigging and stabilizing techniques. If you're an indie filmmaker on a budget or looking to step up your production game, hopefully, something here will help you decide when buying your new camera. I hope you enjoy this Blackmagic Pyxis review and filmmaking tips.
Special thanks:
Of Two Lands www.youtube.com/@UCiV2Mb8werF80JqwBuZwqhg
____________________________________
📷 To license photography go to: www.stills.com/artists/alex-botton/131
🎥 To license video footage go to: artlist.io/stock-footage/artist/alex-botton/481
🎶 To license audio go to: www.musicbed.com/songs
📸 Instagram: 35still
🖥 Website: www.alexbotton.com/
Special thanks:
Of Two Lands www.youtube.com/@UCiV2Mb8werF80JqwBuZwqhg
____________________________________
📷 To license photography go to: www.stills.com/artists/alex-botton/131
🎥 To license video footage go to: artlist.io/stock-footage/artist/alex-botton/481
🎶 To license audio go to: www.musicbed.com/songs
📸 Instagram: 35still
🖥 Website: www.alexbotton.com/
Переглядів: 1 890
Відео
10 tips for shooting 35mm film
Переглядів 4,5 тис.14 днів тому
Here are 10 Things that I wish I had known when I first started shooting 35mm film. Hey everyone! I’m Alex Botton. I'm a 36-year-old cinematographer, and I'm passionate about sharing my love for 35mm film photography. In this video, I'll take you through some essential tips I wish I had known when I first started. I’m here to help you navigate the exciting-and sometimes overwhelming-world of 35...
Develop and scan 35mm film at home - USING BEER!?
Переглядів 2 тис.4 місяці тому
This week I share my experience creating a black and white 35mm film developer using BEER as the the developer substrate, and I show you how easy it is to develop black and white film at home! // I’ve developed a lot of black and white film but until entering this photo competition years ago, I had never used BEER as a developer! In this video I take you through what you need to make your own b...
Easy 2-light setup for documentaries and YouTube
Переглядів 8255 місяців тому
🎥 Today we’re talking about a simple lighting setup to enhance your interviews, documentaries, or UA-cam videos with professional lighting. In this video, I'll show you an outline of my favorite go-to lighting setup for a talking head interview frame. You can take and use this easy lighting setup for: Documentaries UA-cam videos Educational content Interviews Online content Branding videos Kick...
Fujifilm X100VI - Everyone's New Favorite Camera
Переглядів 11 тис.10 місяців тому
📸 It turns out that all the rumors were true and this new camera has finally dropped. So if you’re curious about upgrading from a Fujifilm X100V to a Fujifilm X100VI, then hopefully this video might help you make a decision. Or maybe you missed the boat on the X100V and want to see if it’d be worth spending the extra cash on the new X100VI? I’m not here to tell you what the right choice is for ...
How to light a short documentary film on a budget | BTS BREAKDOWN
Переглядів 2 тис.11 місяців тому
Welcome to a behind the scenes peek of my short documentary film, “Before I Made It”. We're diving into the nitty-gritty of how to light scenes for a documentary on a tight budget, using only gear that we owned or borrowed from friends - which can often feel very run-and-gun during filming. 📺 Watch the documentary here: ua-cam.com/video/eDlqmYtFq5g/v-deo.htmlsi=B2MH2xw5KTDcamTu This short doc w...
Before I Made It | Short Documentary
Переглядів 274Рік тому
This micro documentary will be followed shortly by a breakdown video that includes: how we made this, what was involved, and how we can learn and grow as filmmakers, based on this process. We made this short documentary for $0 as a personal project. The goal was to truly show our unique style of filmmaking and storytelling using limited resources. Before I Made It was an exercise in making some...
'Title Fight': a 16mm film short film
Переглядів 569Рік тому
An aspiring pro boxer's plans are derailed but he takes solace in all the lessons he learned along the way. Shot on 16mm film: Kodak 250D (7207) and Kodak 500T (7219) Produced by Carlo Alcos, Alex Botton, and Jesse Pineiro Scripted/voiceover by, and featuring, Jesse Pineiro Directed by Carlo Alcos and Alex Botton DoP / Colourist: Alex Botton Editor/Sound Recordist, Designer, Mixer: Carlo Alcos ...
Shooting 16mm Film on Krasnogorsk-3: Process & Tips
Переглядів 15 тис.Рік тому
Welcome to a deep dive into our 16mm short film: "Title Fight". In this video, I'm taking you through the entire process of shooting a 16mm film on the Krasnogorsk-3, all the way from concept to creation - to a final reflection on what I could do better next time. This video is an opportunity to critically analyze my own work and also provide some essential tips and tricks for anyone who might ...
Nice one, Alex. I think I’ll pick one up too… support Aussie all the way. Cheers 🎉
This is a really solid video looking forward to more. Subbed!
@@eddie_g hell yeah thanks Eddie! Appreciate it 🙏
This is awesome! what lens used in the footage I see in this video?
Amen! I've had my Pyxis for just over a month now, and I adore it very, very much! Paired it with a Blazar Remus 50mm T2, and wow! I never thought I would be getting images like I have from something that lives in my damn house. Everything that you've noted as your aspirations absolutely checks out in my experience. I'll add that the ethernet port adds A LOT of workflow flexibility, especially when we all get more comfortable with the REST API calls you can make to the camera for quite a lot of functions. My only gripe is I wish the Pyxis monitor wasn't delayed! I might have to snag a cheaper Portkeys with Bluetooth to make do... or do a 'double rig' with my existing monitor and my iphone plugged into the viewfinder USB-C for controlling via the Blackmagic Camera app (It uses the livestreaming engine in the Pyxis and there is a considerable delay thanks to buffering... otherwise it would have been a brilliant monitoring and control solution!), but peering into the side screen to adjust everything isn't the most intuitive when you're really in the moment. Also, I live in East Van. Hiiii!
@@MrPixelWizard hey thanks for the comment! Appreciate your thoughts. I haven’t dove into the Rest API stuff but good points!
Great video Alex! How the new Sekonic treating you? Just so you know, I have a Pyxis in town here so, if you need some hands-on time, I'm your huckleberry. :)
P.S. I also have the 31mm and 58mm Dulens APO Mini Primes w/ vintage coating that are my go-to lenses for this camera. Flo hasn't gotten his hands on the Dulens for testing yet, so maybe you could give them a whirl and see what you think of them.
@@gregnewland2651 hey Greg! Great to hear from you! Thanks for the offer that’s super kind of you, I’ll for sure take you up on that offer. The Sekonic is great as expected! I haven’t used those lenses yet either so I definitely would love to have a play some time that’s super kind of you to offer! Hope you’re well mate we should grab a coffee sometime ☕️ 🎥
@@alex-botton Absolutely mate. I'll DM you and we'll sort it. Great work on this video, and you're spot on with all of your observations and assumptions. You'll see. BTW, sensor cropping to Super 35 gives dramatically better rolling shutter performance so there are work arounds, but it still won't compete with a global shutter (obviously). Talk soon!
I think the PYXIS, for its price, punches way above its cost. Personally, I think rolling shutter is an overrated issue. In most cases, I only see it when I look for it. Plus, when I film I don't whip the camera left to right like a crackhead. With the BM cameras, the gyro data removes most of the rolling shutter effects based on the examples I've seen from other user examples. With proper planning, and skill, I think you can avoid a lot of instances where rolling shutter might be an issue. Currently, I film with the LUMIX S5ii, which I think is fantastic. If I do consider picking up the PYXIS, I'll already have lenses for it. Anyway, great video.
Totally agree! I don't see rolling shutter as a dealbreaker either, especially with the gyro data. But I do notice it and the main reason it’s a concern is that it changes the way I operate a camera just a little bit. I do believe that a camera is a tool but when that tool has no drawbacks it can really open up how you use it. But there’s no do all camera and for the money the Pyxis is damn close!!
Also if I had all the money I’d buy an s5ii as a travel camera 100%. I used one for a project I shot in Europe for Royal enfield motorcycles last year and loved it!
You sold me on buying one. As a New Zealander I totally agree with you on supporting an Aussie company. Do you think future firmware updates will allow for 4K 100/120p?
Hello down in NZ! My brother just moved there. Honestly the hardware is there for that but who’s to say, I never know what the companies motivations for having or not having codecs are haha. But it seems like they want people to stay on BRAw for the moment, however BM have worked out some deals with Apple and so that might change things in the future? 🤷🏻♂️🤞🏼
@@alex-botton I'm a New Zealander living in Europe so not quite down under but my heart for the sun and sea remains there. If only they could open up the slow motion options in BRAW then it would be perfect for alot of peoples needs at this time!
@ oh haha copy that! Must be nice, that’s the dream! 👍
Pyxis and full frame. Same image and they both look like arri
@@michialharris1850 yeah they can do! 🤯
Yes.
@@kadeemcreates haha yeah 👍
Footage from the camera looks great, like every blackmagic camera at this point. And I’d probably buy one if blackmagic brought back ProRes as an option. I tried making the BM12K work for over a year, and while BRAW is certainly powerful, a BRAW only camera just isn’t versatile enough across different types of work to be a camera to own.
@@TheJ_G yeah that’s actually a really good point and something I didn’t address. Thanks for the feedback I appreciate it 🙏🙏🙏
That's it, I'm selling the Raptor. Nah honestly, I was originally looking into the Ursa range hoping for something newer to fill that gap that the Pyxis has before I got into the Red ecosystem, can't beat the bang for buck you get. Although, second-hand market right now you can get a low hours Helium for 10k AUD. Which is insane, was still 40k for one of them back in 2021/22.
@@bensanfordmedia yeah the used camera market has some crazy deals right now that’s for sure !! The helium’s are great but they definitely require a team to use them. But that’s to be expected. You could still get 3 Pyxis for the price of a helium 😉😜
@@alex-botton Haha maybe only 2 Pyxis but that's a fully built helium I'm talking. Data rate, battery usage, and overall weight are definitely a deterrent, Pyxis does look very nice. No doubt Black Magic is making big moves. It's cheaper than an R5c and miles better.
@ yeah wow that’s crazy production value for that price hey.
Another banger vid! ❤ I now know 100% more about the black magic pyxis than I did before
@@gregnapier haha killer! Tell them Alex sent you when you go buy one 🤣
Great video as always Alex! Have fun with the pyxis. Also nice filters at 0:57 :)
@@tuckerkanderson ah thanks for the reminders! I’ll put a link up when I’m back from set tonight 🙏
@@alex-botton Haha not why I was saying that but thanks!! Just being supportive/joking at the same time :)
@@tuckerkanderson haha no no I know brother - I’m just trying to do the same! 😇
Great video mate! Love the approach and reasoning. Thanks also for all the plugs haha :)
@@OfTwoLands of course mate! Keen to get working together again soon hopefully 🙏
Thanks for posting! Bought a x100v after watching this! Loving it already!
@@alisondooley7421 amazing! You’re going to love it. One of my favorite cameras of all time
Nice one homie. Maybe one day for me...i do miss that whole process and excitement (and disappointment) of waiting for a roll to get developed.
Eyyy thanks Carlo!! Hope you're well mate. That roll that I dev and scanned for you years ago was a banger!
Awesome video Al! I really really loved this one ❤
@@madebyams thanks Ams!! Thanks for the kind words :) keen to make more like this for sure !!👍
Thanks for the video. It was extremely well done and very informative. How has the Yashica T4-zoom worked-out for you? I recently purchased one and haven't had a chance to put a roll through it. I'm curious to get your take on it, or maybe you could even make a video on using point and shoot cameras.
@@PerryUlmer honestly the t-zoom is one of my favorite cameras I’ve ever owned!!! I almost always use it on its widest focal length, when it’s zoomed in it closes down the iris and becomes very unstable unless it’s on a tripod. But the lens is tack sharp, it has a really (imo) pleasant vignette, and is small enough to take anywhere. I do have a video coming up where I feature it heavily! Ps hp5 rated at 1600iso is the sweet spot for this camera 😉
16mm film look so gorgeous 🔥😍
It really is! Thanks man ❤
Wow dude great video! I just bought my first point and shoot and some film to start and I'm very nervous, your video was very helpful and you just got a brand new subscriber.
Obrigado @nyckthefox! Thanks for the kind words, and welcome to the film community :) Keep it simple and shoot a lot; you'll be stoked!
I would add also .. get used to one focal length :) and somehow in doubt about expired film, color yes it's a waste of time / money, BW can be rewarding :)
Thanks for the comment! Yes thats a great addition! One lens to start for sure. I hear you on the color, but I still stand by it - I just got some black and white back that was expired that sucked haha.
Great video Alex, so beautifully made in all aspects!
Thanks Ben, keeping my eyes out for your stuff too! 😉
Excellent content as always!!
Cheers essjay, glad you enjoyed it! 🙏
Bought an old ussr camera so just gonna see what happens, wont expect much but, be a nice change and experience, not bothered about the money anyways it comes and goes so, a developed roll is worth it for the change, as is the camera even if its crap i'll keep it as a souvenir thing
Sounds awesome! Check the light seals on those old cameras, really cheap and efficient fix!
Great advice. I heartily agree with #3; it’s a fool’s errand.
Haha yeah I think so. It’s crazy what some people are charging for expired film these days too!
Always have a camera with you! I have learned to be ready, if I go to the gas station, I have a camera on me. Because you never know when that something will catch your eye…
@@marshalltravis3217 🤦🏻♂️ Yep! Well there’s the opener for version 2 haha.
🙏
@@dusty_lalik cheers dusty 😇
I'll be shooting on film in 2025. I haven't shot film as my main medium for 10+ years. I'm excited to get back into it. My wallet is not lol.
@@jg_jgjg awesome! Hope this video helped in some way. Keep it simple, shoot lots.
I never knew I wanted to shoot film until this smooth talking savant showed me light. And how to manipulate that light for excellent results :). Sweet video Alex!!!!
@@goso.cookware haha thanks GOSO team! Appreciate it a lot 🙏🙏
Loved this one, mate!! Well done, informative and as always super nicely shot with beautiful photography! Nice to see some images from our time in the Alps too and of course myself and my grandpa haha :)
@@OfTwoLands thank you bro 🥰 means a lot. Yeah it’s really nice putting these videos together for that reason too, little trip down memory lane. I guess that’s film haha!
Excellent Alex! Sexy visuals on the video itself, and and stunning 35mm images also thrown up on screen. Id swap #10 and #3 in terms of importance (expired film can be awesome)
@@leotownsend aww thanks Leo!! Appreciate it a lot man. Yeah I agree with you, that’s a good point I probably should’ve noted that they weren’t in any particular order. Expired film can sometimes have a cool look for sure, but other times it just straight f*^%ing sucks haha. I’ve been burned enough to just avoid it altogether and try different experimental film stocks / dev techniques if I want something different. Thanks for the support man🙏❤️
@ i think I got lucky with the only ones I tried exp 2005. But my brother is starting shootings film and I always tell him to organise his stuff, both scans and negs as it can get ugly quickly. Great ‘tent tho loving it and HNY!
Pro tips! Cant agree more (and im a film rookie). Also recognized a bunch of your stills locations. ;) thanks for the vid - hope you are good Al!
@@addisonrickaby4993 haha yeah you did, a lot of them shot in the Tamarack days! Thanks for the comment bro 🤙
I started shooting film around last year and it has been great. For some reason, I like that I have to wait to get my film developed and scanned. It somehow makes it rewarding. Thanks for the fantastic content! I’m diving into 16mm motion picture film and came across your work while researching the K3. Cheers!
@@ashishashen oh thank you for the kind words! Yeah totally agree, I often develop my own film too and often that mean leaving it for months at a time (sometimes longer). It’s always a joy to see what is on the rolls when they’re developed up!! Makes me care more about the compositions when I’m taking them too.
great tips dawg! Love seeing your work and learning from your long lived experience in the film world. I've been neglecting my cameras for too long. I should probably give them some love and attention more often. Stoked to get into 16mm film too! Gonna have to rewatch your video on that topic.
@@alex-boke thanks brother! Not sure there’s much I can teach you tho, you very well know what you’re doing haha. Should collab on one one time!
Good stuff Alex 🤙
@@bohdandoval9621 thanks Bohdan, appreciate it buddy 🙏
Great video Alex, makes me want to bust out my film camera again haha. :)
@@benjiarm5189 thanks Ben. Do it! It’s so rewarding 😎🤙
Can't wait to watch!
@@bramhobuti9118 be my guest 🙏
You must of got this serviced cause these are clean asf
The K3 you mean? I bought it from Max - @K3SUPER16 on Instagram, he services all his machines before the go out!
Really well done ! Would love to see more of these videos !
Awesome! Thanks the the positive feedback 🎉 more on the way for sure
Amazing piece of art !
Thanks so much! Appreciate it a lot 🙏
Terrific video. Great shots, great use of colour without it looking inauthentic or fictitious for a doco. I agree with you on the laundry scene, but I think it's because just the small change would make it one of contenders for hero shot; it's almost perfect. Love the audio and the music, and the quality of his voice. 8:46 Out of interest why did you pick the daylight stock? Wouldn't it have benefited from 500T or were you aiming to max the contrast values? Also is the fuzzyness (not the lack of res or sharpness or focus) just from the telecine? I don't think its the camera, I'm just wondering why the grain is not discernable? Kind of misses the textural grit that the narrative has. Great video, sorry for the exhaustive comment. Thanks mate 🤙
Really helpful video thanks a lot 😊 Your film is also great ⭐
Sick short film btw!
Love it!
Eyyyy! Thanks Rocket! Hope you’re well mate ❤
Just tried this and it works great! Tastes weird afterwards though...
@@grey.7828 haha, tastes vintage 😂
Or just use caffenol! It actually works as well as any developer
Nice one Alex! I'm wondering why beer chemically works instead of any other liquid though?? Could you develop using a coke or cider or margarita? hah
@@bohdandoval9621 thanks Bohdan! Appreciate it bro. Honestly I’m not sure I need to do some research but it’s something to do with the pH levels - the ash and vid C do most of the work so you probably could use another substrate of some kind. try it and let me know! 😉
I kept testing the beer, but couldn't quite find out if it was good and ran out. Maybe my next roll of expired TriX will get the beer treatment.
@@MWSJoey super weird… that has happened to me before, and it’s good that you were thorough with it. Grab another 6 pack and start again - but you have to be sure so make sure they’re good! 😂🙏 cheers 🍻
this got me good at 1:50, nice juan Alex
@@alex-boke 😆 👌❤️
Thanks for making film photo fun and not snobby
@@MrMilou97 I hope it came across like that! Film is for everyone!! :)