Memphis-based Media Source Relies on Fujinon Lenses

When Media Source made the leap to HD in April 2008, the Memphis-based video production company purchased the Fujinon HA16x6.3 BERM HD lens from FUJIFILM Optical Devices to use with its primary HD cameras: the P2-based Panasonic AJ-HPX3000 and the Panasonic AJ-HDX900 tape-based DVCPRO HD camera.

With a production schedule filled with corporate and industrial videos, as well as local commercials and broadcast news shoots, Media Source uses its Fujinon HD lens constantly.

“What convinced me to purchase the HA16x6.3 BERM HD lens was a collection of online reviews by DPs worldwide who had used the lens,” says Joe Incardona, president of Media Source. “The consensus was that for smaller HD production houses such as mine, this lens would give you the most bang for the buck. That’s because it’s like having two lenses in one – it’s a wide enough lens for great wide angle shots, and it’s a good everyday lens that’s long enough to move in on close-ups.”

Incardona pairs the HPX3000 camera with the HA16x6.3 BERM lens for all production projects for which they also handle in-house postproduction. Media Source also uses the lens in its studio for greenscreen shoots, as well as for a monthly newsmagazine show for Memphis Light Gas & Water, the public utility company in Memphis.

When Media Source is booked for a location shoot for an out-of-town producer or broadcast network program such as 60 Minutes, the Fujinon HD lens is used with the HDX900 camera, so they can hand off HD tapes to the producer at the end of the shoot.

“Recently, we used this configuration for a week of shooting for an episode of Unsung, the music documentary series,” Incardona said, “and for an exclusive interview with Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher that appears on the Blu-ray DVD release of The Blind Side.”

The HA16x6.3 BERM lens is very fast for an ENG field camera lens, according to Incardona. “With it wide open to f1.7, and using our daylight-color temperature lighting, we can achieve a beautiful shallow depth of field,” he added. The 2X extender has also enabled the team to get some unique landscape/outdoor shots, which was a major factor during a three-day shoot in Hawaii for a series of HD stock footage location shoots for Embassy Suites Hotels.

To see Incardona describe his selection of a Fujinon HD lens, click here.