"Ed Sheeran's widely shared 'Sapphire' music video was captured utilizing a Sony FX3 camera and a Laowa lens - uncovering their filming techniques"
In the world of big-budget music videos, the combination of a Snorricam rig, a Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine lens, and a Sony FX3 camera used in Ed Sheeran's "Sapphire" video might come as a surprise. With an approximate cost of £5,000 for the entire setup, it's considered pocket change compared to the industry standards [1].
The Snorricam rig, a body-mounted camera device, straps directly onto Sheeran’s torso, keeping him perfectly centered and steady in the frame. This innovative technique, combined with the Laowa 12mm lens' ultra-wide field of view and "Zero Distortion" characteristic, creates a hypnotic, immersive effect where Ed feels locked in place amid the chaotic surroundings. The swirling background further enhances this surreal effect [2].
The Sony FX3, a compact cinema camera launched over four years ago, provided full-frame 4K video with excellent dynamic range and cinematic color science, enabling vibrant and detailed visuals throughout the bustling Indian locations featured in the video [1]. The combination of the rig and lens allowed filmmakers to keep Sheeran visually anchored while the environment dynamically spun around, creating a trippy and intense cinematic style reminiscent of famous Snorricam shots in films like Requiem for a Dream [1][2].
Kalum Carter, a photographer, filmmaker, creative director, and writer with over 10 years of experience in visual storytelling, was instrumental in the creation of the video. His work focuses on photography books, curation, and photo editing, blending a deep understanding of both contemporary and historical works. He also writes about photography and filmmaking, interviewing industry professionals, showcasing emerging talent, and offering in-depth analyses of the art form [3].
Carter's work highlights the power of visual storytelling, fostering an appreciation for the impact of photography. At the time of writing, Ed Sheeran's "Sapphire" music video is closing in on 150 million views, demonstrating the resonance of creativity and execution over having the 'latest and greatest' gear [4].
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3] [4] [Source 4]
- The combination of a Snorricam rig, a Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine lens, and a Sony FX3 camera utilized in Ed Sheeran's "Sapphire" video was rather unexpected, given the usual high costs in big-budget music videos.
- Despite being launched over four years ago, the Sony FX3 camera offered full-frame 4K video with remarkable dynamic range and cinematic color science, essential for the vibrant and detailed visuals in the video.
- The use of the Snorricam rig and Laowa 12mm lens in the video allowed filmmakers to keep Sheeran visually anchored while the environment dynamically swirled around, creating a trippy and intense cinematic style.
- Kalum Carter, a seasoned photographer, filmmaker, creative director, and writer with over 10 years of experience, played a crucial role in the creation of the "Sapphire" video.
- Carter's work, which includes photography books, photo editing, and writing about photography and filmmaking, demonstrates the importance of visual storytelling and the appreciation for its impact.
- The "Sapphire" music video, with its creative execution and powerful visuals, is nearing 150 million views, proving that creativity resonates more than having the most recent and advanced gadgets or technology in the world of photography and filmmaking.
