KMOV Studios chooses PIX-E5
Published: WORLD
CHINA: Stone Johnston, co-founder of global production company KMOV Studios, has purchased a Video Devices PIX-E5 recording monitor to support his work. Living in Beijing and mainly working on documentaries, Mr Johnston explains that his busy schedule, including large amounts of travel through extreme hot and cold environments, means that his equipment must be ‘tough and dependable’.
‘I had been debating whether or not to buy a competitor’s product for almost a year,’ explained Mr Johnston. ‘I really didn’t like the size, build quality and integration of the cheap-looking SSD docks sticking out the back. I read about the PIX-E5 and was lucky enough to be able to reserve one. I usually let everybody else try products out first and then decide based on the various feedback that shows up online. But the PIX-E5 size and design seemed like a perfect fit, solving all the things that were keeping me from purchasing another monitor. I went ahead and made the purchase, and have been happy ever since.’
Mr Johnston incorporates the unit into his lightweight Sony, Canon and Blackmagic Design camera rigs, usually mounted right on top of the camera or somewhere on a cage. Audio is very important in his documentary work and he will often run an extra mic into the PIX-E5. When he shoots with a gimbal, he mounts a Røde VideoMic Pro on top of the PIX-E5.
‘There was a one-day shoot with one character that involved improvised running through a city in south China,’ he explained. ‘I was chasing him through back alleys, jumping over and off of things, avoiding people and making sure I didn't run into anything. I did the whole shoot with the Sony a7S on a single handheld gimbal with the PIX-E5 fixed to the base of the handle, and attached with a ribbon HDMI cable. If I ran into a wall or dropped the rig, I knew the PIX-E5 would probably hold up better than any of the other equipment.
‘I use the PIX-E5 all the time,’ the photographer concluded. ‘I always use it for interviews where I need to make sure the colour, focus, lighting and audio are all perfect. It's also great for macro studio shots where I'm doing detailed stock footage. I can play with lighting and different elements, while having the screen in any angle to keep working fluidly. And of course, I like being able to add it to the camera at any time for quick shots. The PIX-E5 is more affordable, durable and stable than its competitors. It is a strong tool and I really love it.’