The new CAME-TV CAME-MINI2 Gimbal seems to be getting very positive reviews, but the one issue people may have had to worry about was internal wires tangling up on the Roll motor. So to prevent this problem, CAME-TV has updated the MINI2 with a special Roll motor clamp.
Some of you who may have received the gimbal recently may already have this, but for others who received earlier units this video is for you. So here's a little demo on how to install the Roll motor clamp on the CAME-MINI2.
If you use your MINI2 gimbal in inverted mode, you may have to play with the final position of your roll motor clamp so that you still have some degree of rotation. I found that placing it on the side of the motor works pretty good for using the gimbal in both under slung and inverted modes. For more information about CAME-TV's latest tool-less adjustment mini gimbal, check out the product page where there's a few CAME-MINI2 videos (here).
Smallest, lightest GoPro yet.
50% smaller and 40% lighter than other HERO4 cameras,1 HERO4 Session is the most wearable and mountable GoPro ever. With a sleek, versatile design, it’s at home anywhere—from the surf to the snow, to hanging with friends.
Professional video quality.
HERO4 Session delivers stunning video quality. Capture high-resolution 1440p30 and 1080p60 video that’s sharp and lifelike. High frame rate 720p100 video enables exceptionally smooth slow-motion playback of your best moments.
Durable + waterproof.
HERO4 Session is rugged and waterproof to 33’ (10m), eliminating the need for a separate housing. Its convenient, ready-to-go design makes it easy to get out the door quickly to capture and enjoy your session.
Protune™ for video.
Protune unlocks the camera’s full potential, delivering minimally compressed, cinema-caliber video optimized for professional productions.
Better Deals than Black Friday? Amazon wants to overshadow this popular shopping event with it's own 'Amazon Prime Day' slated for July 15th (one day only). Unfortunately it's only available to Amazon Prime Members (which I am already), but you can always sign up prior to the event. Peep this snippet from an Amazon Press Release that was just posted today.
Amazon Press Release:
On the eve of Amazon’s 20th birthday, the company introduces Prime Day, a global shopping event, with more deals than Black Friday, exclusively for Prime members.
“Prime Day is a one-day only event filled with more deals than Black Friday, exclusively for Prime members around the globe. Members tell us every day how much they love Prime and we will keep making it better,” said Greg Greeley, Vice President Amazon Prime. “If you’re not already a Prime member, you’ll want to join so you don’t miss out on one of the biggest deals extravaganzas in the world.”
Prime Day: More Deals than Black Friday exclusively for Prime Members
Prime Day is a global shopping event, offering more deals than Black Friday, exclusively for Prime members. On Wednesday, July 15 new and existing members will be able to shop thousands of Lightning Deals, Deals of the Day, and will receive unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping. Members will find deals starting at midnight PDT, with new deals starting throughout the day, as often as every ten minutes. Not a Prime member? Try Prime today and get immediate access to deals on July 15.
Prime members can find deals on products across categories including electronics, toys, video games, movies, clothing, patio, lawn and garden, sports and outdoor items and more. Members will enjoy deals on items perfect for summer adventures, their to-do list, family road trips, back to school supplies, and everyday essentials. Prime members can shop on any device, including smartphones and tablets and enjoy deals anytime, and anywhere. For more information about this event visit: amazon.com/primeday.
If you've recently purchased, planning to purchase, or possibly just have access to certain Varavon products, you could enter the Varavon Review Event and possibly receive a complimentary gift.
All you need to do is leave a video review (3 minutes or less) and submit that video to [email protected]. Video reviews must specifically be about either the BirdyCam2, TiltJib T1/T2/T3/T4, or any of the ARMORII Cages for the 5DMK3 / 7DMK2 / NX1 / A7s. So if you have these products, or have access to a friend's equipment, you can email your (3 minute or less) Review Video or a link to a URL with the video, and this event runs between Between July 1st, 2015 - July 30th, 2015.
More details on the banner image below along with available prizes offered for selected winners.
Just arrived in the mail! My new Panasonic DMC-G7 4K Camera + FREE SHIPPING + FREE Audio Technica AT8024 Shotgun Mic (a $249.00 Value!). This is one of the most affordable 4K internal Video recording cameras available, especially if you're looking for an ILC (interchangeable lens camera). The kit comes standard with a lens so you're ready to shoot out of the box. Total hookup in my eyes., limited time (found here).
A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to test drive the Varavon Wirecam. The Wirecam is a Cable Cam system that flies a camera over a rope tied between two points. Although the affordability and use of drones are increasing for aerial imaging, there are still many instances in which a Drone would either not work, would be illegal, unsafe, or would be just a noisy nuisance.
Unlike most Drones that could only fly for about 20 minutes, the Varavon Wirecam could go for hours at a time. Not to mention if you wanted to fly a larger camera than just a GoPro, you'd need a fairly large Drone. In our example we were able to fly a DJI Ronin-M + GH4 + 12mm Rokinon Lens + Radian Wireless Video System. Now that we've made our point that Drones can't solve everything, here's a quick montage video (below) of us setting up and operating the system.
Operating the Varavon Wirecam was extremely simple to operate as it only moves either left or right and the entire system weighs only about 7lbs (without camera). Of course this is not a tool you should show up with without some type of practice setting it up. You'll want to get a few hours in getting familiar with tying down the line, mounting your camera system, and any other accessories.
Setting up Varavon Wirecam Cable-Cam System
The most difficult part about working with the system is finding a good place to attach the rope. Our warehouse project had plently of steel beams, but out in an open area is where you'll need to be creative. When attaching the Rope, you should brush up on your knot tying skills, carry a set of ratcheting tie downs, and I highly suggest using a Manual Come-Along to pull the braided rope tight. These will make life much easier, and you'll find that with a brand new braided rope, the braids will tighten and eventually produce enough slack that you would have to re-adjust 2-3 times before it starts settling in.
You can mount a camera directly under the Wirecam, but a gimbal will help to stabilize the horizon. And If you're using a gimbal like the DJI Ronin-M that comes with a remote, you'll also be able to control Pan + Tilt as the Wirecam flies.
Of course in order to frame a shot, you'll want to stream the video feed back from the camera. In our setup, we used the Camera Motion Research Radian Pro System. So as one operator controlled the Wirecam, a second operator controlled Pan + Tilt on the DJI Ronin-M Gimbal, and both operators shared a monitor.
The Varavon Wirecam is a great option for high flying aerials when a drone system just won't cut it. I could see this cable-cam system being used heavily in sports on the sidelines of a field, lap pool, motocross track, or other events in which the camera needs to constantly repeat a forward / back or left /right tracking shot.
CAME-TV is probably best known for offering affordable gimbal systems, but they sell just about anything from LED Lights, to Video Rig accessories. A short while ago, I shared a video about a CAME-TV Cage for the Sony A7s, and to follow up i'm giving an overview of three other CAME-TV cages for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, Panasonic GH4, and Canon DSLR.
Towards the end, there's a look at the CAMETV 15mm Rails, Shoulder Pad, Front Handles, Follow Focus, Lens Support, MatteBox, and V-Mount Power Adapter.
With the exception of the large Canon DSLR Cage, the other cages for the A7s, GH4, and BMPCC are custom 'form fitted'. This means there is very little size difference from the camera body itself making it easy to pack away.
Once you have your camera in these form-fitted cages, there's no reason you'll ever need to take them out. Removing the top handle and 15mm base adapter is a quick knob (no tools). You can add a QR plate directly to the cage without the base adapter if you want to run minimally.
Each cage also comes with an HDMI pinch, which is one of the most important tools to have if using an external HDMI monitor. It will prevent accidental disconnections and may even save your camera's HDMI port from possible damage.
Below are a few direct links to some of the products shown in the video (above). These are just a few bits of equipment that is offered, but besides the CAME-TV branded equipment, you'll also find other familiar top brand names such as Tilta, F&V, MOVCAM, LanParte, and more found at https://CAME-TV.com
One of the most popular Gimbal Stabilizers announced at NAB 2015 was the smaller DJI Ronin-M. Though the system is about half the size of the original Ronin, there are still quite a bit of accessories that you need to travel with, so many owners will want a solid case.
Unlike the original Ronin, the Ronin-M does not come standard with it's own case and despite the excellent build quality, there are many fragile parts to the Ronin-M including exposed wires and a fragile remote that you want to transport in a hard case (not soft).
So here's one Hard Case we opted to use for our DJI Ronin-M kit, as it meets carry-on size requirements when flying, and is custom designed to neatly carry every single part including a spare battery.
Of course if you want to save some cash, and want to try and modify one for yourself, you can always start with just the basic Pelican iM2600 case with Foam (found here).
Adorama has just announced that they are already shipping the new Panasonic DMC-G7. This is a great camera for those looking to dive into 4K Video on a budget as it shares many similarities from the more expensive GH4, or as an excellent B-Cam if you're already working with the GH4. If you're working with Canon lenses, you can still grab the Metabones XL Speed Booster EF to MFT Adapter which will offer more advantages in low lighting and wider FOV.
In fact, the DMC-G7 is about half the price of Panasonic's GH4 and even comes with either a 14-42mm or 14-140mm lens as part of the standard kit.
CAME-TV CAME-MINI2 (v2 Tool-Less) 3-Axis Mini Gimbal Stabilizer
Varavon Wirecam Remote Control Wireless Cable-Cam System
, and I highly suggest using a 
and even comes with either a 14-42mm or 14-140mm lens as part of the standard kit. 
