Thoughts From The NAB Show

I was privileged to be able to go to the National Association of Broadcasting (NAB) Show this week and after walking nearly 5 miles through the exhibitor floors, there are a few things that I found interesting:

Digital SLR’s
The world of production is definitely going the way of the digital SLR for shooting videos. There were tons of accessories by a multitude of vendors designed around using the new HD SLR format cameras including steady-cams, shoulder mounts, viewfinder eyepieces, audio capturing devices for SLR, and new & improved solid state cards. I had purchased a SLR camera for the church to use for video productions, but wasn’t sure that it was the right approach for the future of video production, but my decision was certainly confirmed at the show.

3D Is The Near-Future
All of the major vendors such as Panasonic, Canon, Sony, and JVC are producing cameras and TV’s capable of recording and displaying video in 3D. I’m not the biggest fan of 3D video – it just doesn’t do much for me to enhance the viewing experience – but the sheer number of companies that are pushing the technology indicates that it is hear to stay. It looks like all of us who produce video in one form or another need to prepare for a major shift in how we approach shooting, editing, and exporting video.

Adobe CS5 Is Worth The Upgrade
I was also able to watch a presentation by Adobe on the new CS5 software set to release in the next few weeks. I’ve had access to CS4, but have mostly stuck with CS3 over the past couple of years. I didn’t feel like the improvements in CS4 were worth the jump, but I certainly plan on upgrading to CS5. The new features, which have been readily reported across the web, are certainly worth the time it will take me to adjust to the new interface. Count me in, Adobe!

Overall, my first trip to the show was a bit overwhelming, but it was great to get to see the latest trends in broadcasting and to chat with some vendors and fellow producers about the future of our trade.