SI-2K: Slow Motion Footage

Continuing our exploration of the Silicon Imaging SI-2K, we'll take a look at some slow-motion footage of a water splash that has been recorded by Louis Silverstein. In this instance, the footage was recorded at 150 frames per second (300 FPS with interpolation) and is being played at 24P.


SI2k Slow-Mo Test from Louis Silverstein on Vimeo.

SI-2K: Low Light Performance Test

Here we have another video clip from the survey files of the Silicon Imaging SI-2K, the camera most famous for being Danny Boyle's choice of recording medium for Slumdog Millionaire.

In this instance, Louis Silverstein has set up the SI-2K with only a 75W bulb (bounced off a wall) as the light source. This provides a makeshift test of the camera's low light performance. The additional camera settings for this test were ISO:400 and 2k@24P.


Low Light SI-2k from Louis Silverstein on Vimeo.

SI-2K: Initial Setup Video

You may be familiar with the Silicon Imaging SI-2K, the little piece of equipment that Danny Boyle used to create his critically beloved sleeper hit Slumdog Millionaire.

For those considering purchase and/or rental of the camera, or just simply interested in comparing ergonomics and ease of use between cameras, the following is a video provided by WorleyWorks, illustrating the out-of-the-box initial setup of the SI-2K.


Initial Setup SI2k from WorleyWorks on Vimeo.

Slumdog Millionaire and the SI-2K

Director Danny Boyle (28 Days Later, Trainspotting) has always been at the forefront of maximizing his storytelling ability with the innovative use of less-than-cutting edge technologies. He has been wowing the world with theater-worthy productions utilizing equipment that is almost exclusively reserved for the "straight to video horror" market and TV reality shows.

His latest success story is the critically acclaimed Slumdog Millionaire, a masterpiece that was put together using the Silicon Imaging SI-2K camera. Chalking up a victory for the CMOS side of the camera debate, this piece of equipment features a single 16mm CMOS sensor.

The camera is presently positioned in the $22,000 range (rough estimate, with price including both the head and recording unit). One can purchase the head only ($13,000 or so) and record directly to computer with the appropriate setup, but that is a matter for another post.

This latest coup by Mr. Boyle is significant in that he has garnered 10 Oscar nominations for a digitally recorded film. This is undoubtedly a trailblazing feat for the independent filmmaker, who is now seeing firsthand that talent and skill plus a digital camera can lead to the very pinnacle of filmmaking achievement.

Canon XHA1: A User's First Day with the Camera

The following video is simply a decent example of what people are doing with the Canon XHA1 directly out of the box, on the first day. The filmmaker here (Nathan McClendon) did a little bit of research and downloaded Steven Dempsey's VIVIDRGB preset (wisely avoiding the Canon factory settings) but beyond that, did not benefit from any accessories such as a depth of field adapter, steadicam, dolly or such. The end result? Just some pretty good images for someone's first day with the camera.


Xha1 First Day from Nathan McClendon on Vimeo.

"Dangerous Women" with Ellen Sandweiss: Episode 1

I mentioned previously that a new web series called "Dangerous Women" featuring the three actresses from the original "Evil Dead" film was in the works. The 1981 Sam Raimi film starred Ellen Sandweiss, Betsy Baker and Sarah York, and the three have now reunited for the StrikeTV web series. I am particularly interested in watching how the web model for content production (particularly with respect to drama) evolves.

You are now put on notice that EPISODE 1 of "Dangerous Women" is online.

"Dangerous Women" starring Ellen Sandweiss

In another example of how made-for-the-web programming is developing as a prolific and commercially viable form of programming - though the profit model has yet to fully mature - we have the initial trailer for the upcoming web series "Dangerous Women."

The series stars horror scream queen Ellen Sandweiss, most famous for her work in the initial "Evil Dead" movie, directed by Sam Raimi (the "Spiderman" series of films). She has also gone on to a fairly prolific DVD horror film career.

At present, there is no embeddable version of the trailer. However, it can be easily viewed on Facebook video by visiting the following link: DANGEROUS WOMEN TRAILER.

Enjoy!