Video inspiration resources

In the digital age of video, there are more videos being created and shared with the world than ever before. According to Wyzowl, about 3.7 million videos are uploaded to YouTube every day, averaging at around 271,330 hours of videos. That's a lot of videos, so much so it makes you wonder if there are any new ideas left. However, while there's a massive number of videos uploaded every day, there are always new ideas to be thought of. In fact, the digital age has brought us more content to draw inspiration from than ever before. There are plenty of resources for video inspiration out there for you to use.

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Blazing Fast USB4 NVMe Portable SSD for Video Professionals

Video professionals know that offloading massive RAW, 8K, or VFX-heavy files demands more than just a large drive. You need speed, efficient thermals, and broad compatibility that will not bottleneck your workflow. The OWC Express 1M2 80G delivers with real-world throughput exceeding 6,000 MB/s when paired with USB4/80Gb/s or Thunderbolt 5 hosts. Its passive, deep-finned aluminum heatsink keeps performance rock solid during long exports or previews without noisy fans or external power. Available as a build-your-own module for 2280 or 2242 NVMe drives or as a ready-to-run prebuilt unit, it works seamlessly with Macs, PCs, iPad Pros, Chromebooks, and Surface devices. Whether you are a DIT, colorist, working on set, or editing in the studio, the Express 1M2 80G provides desktop-class performance in a portable form.

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Today's top stories

AI "actor" Tilly Norwood has sparked outrage in Hollywood after production studio Particle6 introduced her as the industry's next big star. With more than 36,000 Instagram followers and a debut role in a comedy sketch, Norwood is already courting agency interest through Particle6's new AI talent studio, Xicoia. But SAG-AFTRA and actors, including Luca Guadagnino, Mara Wilson and Reed Morano, blasted the move as a threat to human performers, calling it "the end of the industry as we know it." The union stressed that Tilly is "not an actor" but a character built on stolen performances, while Particle6 founder Eline Van der Velden defended her as art meant to spark conversation. The controversy comes just two years after Hollywood strikes over AI protections.
OpenAI unveiled Sora 2, its next-gen audio and video generator, along with a new invite-only social app called Sora, designed as a TikTok-style platform where users can share AI-generated videos of themselves and friends. Sora 2 improves realism by better following the laws of physics and introduces "cameos," letting people upload verified likenesses to drop into scenes and even share access with friends. The iOS app launches free in the U.S. and Canada with parental controls built in, while monetization will come later through extra video generation during high demand.
Sony announced the IMX927, a stacked, backside-illuminated CMOS sensor boasting 105 megapixels and the ability to shoot at 100 frames per second with a global shutter. While built for industrial applications like precision inspections and machine vision, the sensor demonstrates Sony's cutting-edge pixel structure and Pregius S shutter technology, which could eventually trickle down to consumer cameras. Measuring 39.7 mm diagonally, the square-format sensor captures 10,272 x 10,272-pixel images and supports multiple binning modes for flexibility in speed and sensitivity. It also offers both monochrome and Bayer versions, operates in 8-, 10- and 12-bit depths, and uses a newly developed ceramic package with standardized connectors for easier integration. Although unlikely to hit consumer gear in its current form, the IMX927 showcases Sony's ability to push both resolution and speed without sacrificing low noise or distortion.
Sony revealed the FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS, a premium full-frame macro lens that delivers up to 1.4x magnification on its own and an impressive 2.8x with a teleconverter. Built with 17 elements in 13 groups, including XA and ED glass, the lens promises sharp, detailed images with minimal aberrations, while its Nano AR II coating cuts down on flare and ghosting. Autofocus is driven by dual XD linear motors for faster, quieter and more accurate focusing, with support for subject tracking up to 120 fps. Macro shooters will appreciate the close 0.26 m focusing distance, fluorine-coated front element and robust weather sealing. The lens also packs image stabilization, a focus clutch, limiter switches, customizable buttons, and an aperture ring with click and lock controls, all in a 646 g body.
DJI has pushed back against a U.S. court ruling that keeps it on the Department of Defense's list of Chinese military companies, insisting it isn't controlled by China's government and has no military ties. The company noted that while it technically lost its lawsuit, the judge rejected most of the Pentagon's claims, agreeing there's no evidence DJI is owned by the Chinese Communist Party or linked to military enterprises. However, the court also ruled the DoD has broad discretion to keep DJI on the list if it believes the company could contribute to "military-civil fusion." In a blog post, DJI said it remains focused on building safe, innovative drone technology for creators, businesses, and public safety groups worldwide, while evaluating next steps to respond to the decision.

Lessons from the field

Fujifilm GFX100RF: A large-format dream for art photography

The Fujifilm GFX100RF large format fixed-lens camera offers a unique image-capturing experience that will draw some people in while pushing others away. We took it out for a spin to see how it would perform in the field, with a special emphasis on the camera's video features.

Read on to find out how it went and whether or not the Fujifilm GFX100RF is worth the investment. Read more.

Creator Handbook: YouTube revises misinformation policy and considers reinstating banned creators

YouTube's parent company, Alphabet, has confirmed that some creators previously banned for violations of COVID-19 and 2020 election misinformation rules will be allowed to seek reinstatement. The company says the change is part of a broader revision of moderation policy. Read more.

The Hitchcock Zoom — its history and how to achieve it

First seen in Hitchcock's masterpiece, "Vertigo" (1958), the Hitchcock Zoom is a very powerful tool that videographers can use in their films. Let's take a look at its history and how you can practice it yourself.

The Hitchcock Zoom is also called the dolly zoom, or zolly. However, it was nicknamed the Hitchcock Zoom because he was both the creator of it and the master of using the technique. While the zoom itself can be hard to pull off, if you have the knowledge and the right equipment, you can achieve it. Read more.