So the big news over the last week was that GoPro had bought CineForm and now we know why, the 3D combining & editing of two GoPro camera movies. The software is a free download too - what will that mean for Neo?
++ We urge you to watch the GoPro 3D Hero highlight reel on Youtube as we cannot embed. It is pretty amazing ++
One of our staff writers has a GoPro on his ski helmet when he goes skiing, he's going to have to rush out and buy another one along with the 3D kit now! We don't like just cutting and pasting here, but to keep the integrity of the news we will publish the press release in full:
The 3D HERO System has an industry-first modular design that enables consumers to combine two 1080p HD HERO cameras to form a single 1080p 3D camera, the world’s smallest and least expensive one at that. Waterproof to 180 feet, the 3D HERO System can be worn on the body, mounted on gear and vehicles, and used as a handheld camera. A dual-camera, polycarbonate, waterproof housing holds the two cameras together and a synchronization cable plugs into the back of each camera, enabling them to function as a single camera. A single shutter button controls both cameras.
“The 3D HERO System is exciting for a lot of reasons, one of them being that it’s not just a 3D camera. It’s really several cameras in one, depending on how the consumer wants to use it,” says Nicholas Woodman, GoPro’s founder and CEO. “That you can take two GoPro cameras that you would normally use independently and combined them to form a new type of camera, a 3D camera…that’s extremely cool. GoPro is excited to be the first company to build a camera this versatile.”
“In addition to being a top selling consumer camera, the HD HERO camera is used by more professional production crews in the broadcast and film industry than any other camera in its class,” adds Woodman. “We expect the 3D HERO System to further establish the HD HERO as one of the most versatile cameras in the world.”
The 3D HERO System housing is only 5 inches (130mm) in length and 2.5 inches high (62mm) and is compatible with existing GoPro mounting accessories.
The 3D HERO System includes:
• 3D HERO Waterproof Housing
• 3D HERO Synchronization Cable
• Skeleton Door (allows for optimal sound capture in dry environments)
• 3 Pairs of 3D Anaglyph (Red/Blue) Glasses
• Helmet Front Mount
• 2 Flat and 2 Curved Adhesive Mounts
• Free Download: GoPro CineForm Studio 3D editing software
GoPro’s 1080p HD HERO cameras are not included with the 3D HERO System and are sold separately, starting at $259.99 per camera.
GoPro CineForm Studio™: 3D Content Creation Made Easy
Included as a free software download from gopro.com, GoPro’s CineForm Studio software makes it easy to create, watch and share your 3D photos and videos. Mac and PC compatible, CineForm Studio combines the 2D photos and videos captured with the 3D HERO System and converts them into 3D H.264 files that you can watch on your computer, online at YouTube, and on your 2D or 3D television at home.
Announced on March 30, GoPro acquired CineForm, a leading video compression software company famous in the film and broadcast industry for their high quality compression and editing applications. GoPro’s CineForm Studio software is a direct extension of CineForm’s award winning professional applications and puts the power of Hollywood-caliber 2D and 3D editing in the hands of consumers.
Professional Options for Professional Content Creators: GoPro Cineform Codec
GoPro’s professional customers will appreciate that in addition to being able to export YouTube friendly H.264 video files, CineForm Studio can also export video files using the GoPro CineForm codec. The GoPro CineForm codec is a professional quality video codec that allows for lossless 2D and 3D video editing in a variety of leading editing programs such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer, and Sony Vegas, as well as Apple iMovie and Windows Movie Maker. Used by Hollywood pros to create films such as Oscar winner Slumdog Millionaire, the GoPro CineForm codec is included as a part of the free CineForm Studio download from gopro.com.
GoPro 3D Center: The How, What, and Rad of 3D Content Creation
To help consumers understand how much fun it is to capture and create 3D content, GoPro has developed an online information resource – GoPro 3D Center. (link removed as it requires a login) This online resource features written and video tutorials about 3D in general, how to capture incredible content with the 3D HERO System as well as how to view your 3D content on your laptop, online at YouTube, and on 2D or 3D TVs. Complete product specifications, instructions and system requirements can also be found in the GoPro 3D Center at http://www.gopro.com/3d-overview
“The 3D HERO System democratizes professional quality 3D content capture, making it affordable and easy for anyone to create engaging 3D movies. We’re excited to watch our customers GoPro in 3D and we believe the 3D HERO System will help spur the proliferation of 3D content, helping the 3D movement as a whole,” concluded Woodman.
I am the Editor-in-Chief of FCP.co and have run the website since its inception ten years ago.
I have also worked as a broadcast and corporate editor for over 30 years, starting on one inch tape, working through many formats, right up to today's NLEs.
Under the name Idustrial Revolution, I have written and sold plugins for Final Cut Pro for 13 years.
I was made a Freeman of Lichfield through The Worshipful Company of Smiths (established 1601). Though I haven't yet tried to herd a flock of sheep through the city centre!
Current Editing
2020 has been busy, the beginning of the year was finishing off a new property series (cut on FCP) for Channel 4 called The Great House Giveaway. I also designed and built the majority of the graphics as Motion templates. It has been a great success and the shows grabbed more viewers in the 4pm weekday slot than any previous strand. It has been recommissioned by C4 for 60 episodes, including prime-time versions and five themed programmes. The shows have also been nominated for a 2021 BAFTA.
Although both were postponed to later in the year, I worked again on ITV's coverage of the Tour de France and La Vuelta. 2020 was my 25th year of editing the TdF and my 20th year as lead editor. The Tour was the first broadcast show to adopt FCPX working for multiple editors on shared storage.
BBC's Snooker has played a big part in my life, I've been editing tournament coverage since 1997. I'm proud to be part of a very creative team that has pioneered many new ideas and workflows that are now industry standard in sports' production. This is currently an Adobe Premiere edit.
Covid cancelled some of the regular corporate events that I edit such as trade shows & events. I was lucky however to edit, from home, on projects for Amazon Kindle, Amazon Black Friday, Mastercard and very proud to have helped local charitable trust Kendall & Wall secure lottery funding.
As for software, my weapon of choice is Final Cut Pro and Motion, but I also have a good knowledge and broadcast credits with Adobe Premiere Pro, MOGRT design and Photoshop.
Plugin Design & Development
I'm the creative force behind Idustrial Revolution, one of the oldest Final Cut Pro plugin developers. It hosts a range of commercial and free plugins on the site. One free plugin was downloaded over a thousand times within 24 hours of release.
I also take on custom work, whether it is adapting an existing plugin for a special use or designing new plugins for clients from scratch. Having a good knowledge of editing allows me to build-in flexibility and more importantly, usability.
FCP.co
Now in its 10th year and 4th redesign, running FCP.co has given me knowledge on how to run a large CMS- you are currently reading my bio from the database! Although it sounds corny, I am pretty well up on social media trends & techniques, especially in the video sector. The recent Covid restrictions has enabled live FCP.co shows online. This involves managing a Zoom Webinar through Restream.io to YouTube and Facebook.
The Future
I'm always open to new ideas and opportunities, so please get in touch at editor (at) fcp.co. I've judged film competitions, presented workflow techniques to international audiences and come up with ideas for TV shows and software programs!