These are some great deals on popular audio recorders. If you don't already have a few, the Zoom H1 is still my favorite pocketable recorder. The Tascam DR-40 is also a popular portable recorder with great reviews and offers up XLR inputs with Phantom Power when working with professional mics. If you don't already own an audio recorder, these are some of the most commonly used ones with DSLR Video. Check it out - deals end Saturday night.
dslr video
Zoom H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder (Silver) - $30 off. Sale price $69.99. An easy-to-use, versatile stereo digital audio recorder that fits into the palm of your hand. 
Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder (Bronze) - $70 off. Sale price $109. Professional level features and flexibility in a compact and durable design that's ideal for use in the field. 
Sony PCM-M10 Portable Audio Recorder. $60 off. Sale price $189. Compact digital audio recorder that packs a wealth of features into a rugged design. 3 colors and kits on sale. 
Marantz PMD661 MKII Professional Portable Flash Field Recorder $220 off. Sale price $379. A professional stereo field recorder that offers recording, playback, editing and security features in a handheld package. 
Tascam DR-70D 4-Channel Audio Recorder & Rode NTG2 Condenser Shotgun Mic Bundle $250 off. Sale price $499. Designed as an audio recording solution for filmmakers. Dual built-in omnidirectional microphones and is capable of recording up to 4 tracks simultaneously. It has tripod mounts on both the top and bottom of the unit and can be mounted above or below your DSLR or video camera as well as on a follow-focus cage. Comes with 8 accessories. 
Dracast 2015 Special Holiday Savings
Dracast (primarily known for their high end Light Panels) has a variety of products available for sale on their website. You'll find anything from Boom Stands for under $25 dollars, to BackDrop Stands for $29 dollars, LED Light Fixtures, Camera Backpacks as low as $10 dollars, Tripods, CFL Lighting kits starting at just $29 dollars, and even the 717 Fluid Head for just $19 dollars.
Some items like their 500 LED panel for $99 bucks are already sold out which would have been a steal, but definitely take a look to see what else they have going on right now (Website LINK).
Instant Savings Plus 10% Rewards Back at B&H with Select Canon Nikon Camera Gear
Just in case any of you were already planning to to purchase a Nikon or Canon camera anytime soon, you may want to take a look at this list of select camera gear over at B&H first. Not only does some of this equipment have instant savings of up to $700 OFF, but you also get 10% rewards back on your purchase (in the form of a B&H gift card). That deal sounds pretty darn good, especially for those who already planned to grab one of these camera bodies from the list.
Check out the B&H Instant Savings + 10% Rewards Limited Time DEAL Page (here).
Sony PXW-FS5 XDCAM Super 35 Camera System (In Stock)
Here's one of the latest videos for Sony's PXW-FS5 XDCAM Super 35 Camera System. Not quite the image quality you would get from the more expensive FS7, but still an exciting new camera that offers many features in a small and lightweight form factor. Features like XLR Audio Inputs, built in Variable ND Filter, and Clear Image Zoom (faux servo zoom), make it feel closer to an actual video camera while the small size should still appeal to those who like the DSLR form factor.
Internally at 4K you're getting 8bit 420 (Sony A7sII and A7rII is also 8bit 420), but at 1080HD you can get 10bit 422 which is much better quality. Hopefully they'll update this and allow RAW recording output to use an external recorder. A benefit is that it does allow the use of affordable SDXC Cards for recording media which is a big plus if you shoot hours of footage. Basically, if you've been happy shooting with a Sony A7s, A7sII, or A7RII the FS5 is an excellent step up. The super slow motion without crop, built in ND filters, XLR audio inputs, and better battery system are worth the upgrade from an A7 body for many.
The Sony PXW-FS5 XDCAM Super 35 Camera System is available now and in stock via B&H.
DJI Black Friday Deals Phantom 3 and Inspire 1 Pro
One of the most popular items on everyone's wish list is 'drones'. DJI is offering discounts on their Phantom 3 Quadcopters and accessories. They are also giving away 1 FREE OSMO every day for anyone who purchases a DJI Inspire1 Quadcopter during their 5 day Black Friday Sales Event will qualify. Check out the official DJI Black Friday Sales Event Page (link)
DJI Black Friday Sales Event win FREE OSMOPreorder SLR Magic 50mm F/1.1 Cine Prime Lens for Sony E Mount
One of the hottest lenses right now for anyone switching over to the Sony is the newly announced SLR Magic 50mm F/1.1 Cine Prime Lens. It's said to be shipping in about two weeks for just $349. Covers Full-Frame Sensors with a geared Focus and clickless Iris Ring. F/1.1 is a pretty wide aperture and this also lens sports a 13 blade iris. Canon's 50mm F/1.4 I believe only has an 8 blade iris.
Every video shooters bag should have a good solid 50mm, and this one is far better for video use than an autofocus lens from Canon or Sony. Even cheaper (and most likely better designed) than a Rokinon 50mm. This looks like a winner in my book, but unfortunately only available in Sony E-Mount. Preorder now (link).
SLR Magic 50mm F/1.1 Cine Prime Lens for Sony E Mount
DIY 3D Printed Filter Clamp for Cinema Prime Lenses WonderPana Filter Holder
As you know most high end Cinema Prime lenses don't offer threads for screw on filters. Whether it be a BlackMagic Design Production 4K
Since we're working with the XEEN Cinema Primes
The 114mm is a common size shared by Canon CN-E Cinema Lenses and even Zeiss CP.2 Cinema Lenses (and many others), so this little adapter will work on those lenses as well. The design can also be modified to clamp other filters to Ultra Wide or Fisheye lenses that can't accept front threaded filters. (I need to make one for my Rokinon Fisheye). If you're wondering how it actually clamps, there's a small 2" slit right that separates the clamp are from the filter holder. This allows the clamp to compress a few millimeters - enough to clamp very tightly.
Anyhow it's an idea I wanted to share as I'm sure there are many instances in which this lightweight filter clamp holder could be very advantageous. Here's some additional photos of our 3D Printed Filter Clamp Holder.
For normal lenses with filter threads, I suggest using these simple Swing Away ND Filter Holders.
Swing Away Lens Filter Holder for ND Filters CPL
Rokinon 135mm T2.2 Cine DS Lens Sale
The Rokinon 135mm Cine DS Lens is currently on sale with B&H for about -$150 less than you'll find from most other retailers (sale ends in two days). Since i've been shooting mostly with the Rokinon XEEN Cinema Primes, i've been looking to add this lens to my kit until XEEN has more options.
A 135mm is a very popular focal length choice for portraiture. Unlike the Canon EF 135mm (autofocus), the Rokinon Cine DS lenses are better suited for those who shoot mainly video as it offers longer focus throws and easier to adapt to other camera bodies since it has a manual de-clicked aperture.
Sale is available for Canon EF, Nikon, or Sony E Mount lenses and ends in two days. Check it out (here).
Rokinon Cine DS 135mm T2.2 Lens
9.Solutions Innovative Support Rigging Products Finally Available
Earlier this year at NAB2015, I interviewed a company called 9.Solutions (nine dot solutions) regarding their innovative designs for rigging hardware for mounting, holding, clamping, or supporting various different kinds of equipment. Unfortunately the company didn't quite have their website ready, so the interview was not published. But now that things are in place with their new website, I'm happy to finally share this old interview video.
Here's a couple of their company videos demonstrating how some of their innovative clamps and quick mounts work. Far better than your basic super clamps.
Aside from these cleverly designed rigging hardware products, 9.Solutions pricing is affordable when compared to other options in the market. The Double Python Clamps are perfect for creating simple structures with existing stands, cheap pipes from your hardware store, or basic wood planks. Clamp it to a basic light stand to create a boom arm, hold flags, diffusers, or to put up a scrim.
The 3/8" Rods + Gags can be be used to add reinforcement components to a rig or to attach additional Pump Cups for supporting car mounts. Or to be used with mini flags and mini scrims for close up table top and product shots. The use cases are endless.
Example of two 3/8" rods, coupler, and Mini Python clamp to create a small boom arm for your Rode VideoMic Pro
If you've ever had to rig up anything, I highly suggest you take a look at all their goodies. Most of the products seen in the interview video are available now (link below).
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