Meeting Preview: Demystifying the Technology of Still and Video Cameras with Mark Weiss and Andrew Woodruff.
Date: Tuesday, June 6th, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Danbury Hospital Auditorium
About two years ago I bought a “good camera”, the kind of camera I’ve always wanted. Since then I’ve been reading about all the wondrous things it can do, but somehow, I’m no closer to producing the kind of results I expected. If this sounds familiar, our June meeting may be your salvation.
Andy Woodruff
Mark Weiss
Returning DACS presenter, Mark Weiss, and our own Andy Woodruff will explain the underlying technology of modern cameras. If we understand what all the terms actually mean, the specifications will make more sense. Learning a little about how the technology works, it follows that we are not only more likely to buy the appropriate camera or video recorder, but also get better results when we use them. In their talk, Mark and Andy will explain some of the more interesting terms used in specifications of both still and video cameras, all in language we can understand. The presentation is geared to take an interested novice to an understanding of mysterious camera concepts like:
- RAW & DNG files
- Debayering
- Chroma subsampling, such as 4-2-2
- Formats such as UHD and 4K
- Video codecs and video containers
- NLE Editing
- 709 and Rec. 2020 color spaces
- Video levels and IRE units
- 18% grey reference point
- SLog and color grading
In the process, they will explain some common misconceptions about camera specifications. Are more mega-pixels really better?
While cameras have become more automated, some things will never change – like the laws of optics. How does the aperture setting control depth of field? How does the “millimeters” of a lens determine how much you see in a picture?
As part of their presentation, they will show us some mid-level and high-level still and video cameras.
Mark Weiss owns two businesses, “MW HD Professional Video Productions” and “Amplifier Experts”. The first specializes in high-quality sound and video recording of musical performances, while Amplifier Experts repairs and upgrades vintage and current audio amplifiers.
Andy Woodruff has an MS in electrical engineering from Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute and an ScB in physics from Brown University. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Connecticut and other states. His experience includes turbine engine instrumentation, downhole oilfield instrumentation, and medical devices, but what he really does is play and teach the cello.
DACS General Meetings are free and open to the public. Members and prior attendees are encouraged to extend invitations to anyone interested in this topic.
DACS holds its general meetings at Danbury Hospital, most often in the Creasy Auditorium, but occasionally in the Robilotti Conference Center across the hall from the auditorium. There is plenty of free parking in the Rizzo guest parking garage adjacent to the auditorium.
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