Camera News and Jared Rabb on Filming Nirvana

The hosts discuss Chris’s difficulty choosing a camera for his personal trip to Japan and suggest showing his travel photographs on a future podcast.

Jordan asks for ways to cut costs before Christmas. The hosts talk about DIY maintenance, grocery planning, eating out, and the sacrifices involved in raising children.

The episode’s sponsor segment covers CFexpress Type-A cards, a Thunderbolt 5 dock and card reader, and ProGrade’s Refresh Pro software.

The hosts describe Pixel Meter’s camera and lens comparison tool, scores, user reviews, and ad-free access through Petapixel membership.

The hosts examine WANDRD’s new strap attachments and discuss neck, wrist, and single-point straps, along with how carrying preferences depend on the photographer and their equipment.

The hosts discuss the smaller Camp Snap camera, what was removed to reduce its size, and its price compared with the larger model.

The hosts discuss expected Nikon ZR firmware improvements, including fixes for recording-assist issues and shadow flicker, and note that open-gate recording remains a desired feature.

The hosts discuss Canon EOS Cinema firmware features such as color matching and slow-and-quick recording with audio. They also consider Canon’s newly announced intervalometer and hot-shoe microphone.

The hosts discuss the lens’s uses for architecture and landscape photography, its fast aperture and image circle, and the limited range of tilt-shift options.

The hosts discuss new wide-angle Aurora lenses, including their possible uses for landscapes and night photography and their availability in L mount.

The sponsor segment introduces video indexing in Excire Photo 2027, describing local AI-based search for clips and moments within video files.

Jordan introduces cinematographer Jared Rabb, who discusses his background in documentary editing and cinematography, his early work with Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol, and how the small team shares creative responsibilities and develops the story together.

Rabb explains that the team tested several camera options before choosing a camcorder that could run for long periods, zoom widely, and be operated quickly and discreetly in public. He also describes the production’s scrappy working style.

Rabb describes how the show’s snap zooms developed and why he treats spontaneous camera choices as part of its style. He discusses the difficult zoom range required for *BlackBerry* and argues that story should guide camera decisions rather than image quality alone.

Rabb explains the 16mm opening sequence as a way to show Toronto through a nostalgic, affectionate perspective. The conversation considers how film texture can evoke memory and why that sequence remained in the final film.

Rabb discusses using vintage Panasonic cameras and P2 cards for a sequence, including the difficulty of transferring the footage and his appreciation for the cameras’ distinct image and editing workflow.

Rabb describes adding hidden, adjustable bi-color LED strips to the RV to balance its interior with the bright exterior, and mentions lighting used in an apartment scene.

Rabb explains how camera distance, long lenses, foreground elements, and layered backgrounds helped shape the office scenes in *BlackBerry*. He also discusses the large zoom setup and support needed for it.

Rabb mentions a newly completed first block of principal photography on a Toronto-set film made with much of the *BlackBerry* crew. Jordan and Rabb close by discussing their cinematography connections.

The hosts talk about household maintenance, Chris’s preparations for Japan, and Jordan watching Rabb’s work. They also mention Petapixel videos and projects that listeners can watch.

Chris and Jordan respond to a listener asking which three lenses Chris would choose for an OM-1 Mark II, discussing general-purpose, wide-angle, portrait, and wildlife options.

The hosts answer Stefan’s question about Sony’s compact camera, microphone, and stabilization ecosystem. They discuss Sony’s audio and video products and the opportunity for other manufacturers to offer more integrated solutions.

The hosts explain that low-light comparisons between full frame, APS-C, and Micro Four Thirds depend on resolution, image output, and how far the image will be enlarged or cropped. They also discuss noise-reduction software.

The hosts respond to Quang’s request for more photography adventures beyond gear reviews, mention recent and upcoming projects, and describe how Petapixel memberships help support some of them.

The hosts advise Quang on recording music from a distance, suggesting a soundboard feed when available or separate recorders placed near instruments, with audio synchronized in editing.

The hosts respond to Ward’s report of battery warnings and camera failure in very low temperatures. They discuss camera operating limits, anecdotal cold-weather performance, and letting a cold camera warm gradually to avoid condensation.

Chris recommends the Nikon 24–120mm as a sharper, versatile option for Neil’s Z6 II and says it should remain useful if he later upgrades his camera.

The hosts discuss a watch inspired by Rolleiflex twin-lens reflex cameras and use it to revisit their interest in digital TLR cameras.

The hosts announce that Jason Vong will fill in for Chris and close the episode.