As recommended by the photography experts: https://www.adorama.com/alc/0015049/article/one-light-silhouette-take-and-make-great-photography-with-gavin-hoey
Bundle includes:
Flashpoint StreakLight 360 or 180 with Blast Power Pack
A free Flashpoint Commander Transceiver Set for StreakLight (Reg $69.95)
A free Flashpoint StreakLight Umbrella Refelctor Kit, normally (Reg $39.95)
The physical dimensions of the smaller CAMETV 7800 Gimbals mean you can't fit a Canon C100 or Blackmagic 4K camera, so the CAME-TV 8000 frame was designed from the ground up to support physically larger and heavier cameras.
The new CAMETV 8000 also incorporates 100% tool-less adjustments to quickly get your camera balanced perfectly. A QR plate system lets you do quick adjustments as well as quickly mounting and dismounting your camera from the system.
Here's a little video showing the CAME-TV 8000 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer.
The CAMETV 8000 Gimbal comes with a molded carrying case that adds enough protection for casual transportation, but I would not suggest using it for airline check-ins or if you plan to stack equipment onto it.
The balance stand works very well with independent feet that can be adjusted to level the stand. Though you need tools to disassemble the stand if you plan to put it back in the travel case. The battery for the CAMETV 8000 is a standard 3S Lipo 11V (similar to the 7800 gimbal), but because it needs to hide in the top handle, you must make sure you are using one with the same (or smaller) dimensions if you plan to buy spares.
In terms of build quality, the motors are powerful, and the Gimbal Controller is the latest 32 Bit Basecam (Alexmos). There is almost no exposed wiring for a clean look and balancing is extremely quick. I think the threaded handles could have been designed differently, but shouldn't be a problem unless you're doing some pretty wild movements.
Even though it is intended for larger cameras, you can still tune the system to work with smaller and lighter cameras as well. I still have to find the time to take the system out when the weather is better, but should you have any questions about the CAMETV8000, leave your comments below.
If you haven't already seen their company demo videos, there is some additional information, photos, and more videos at the CAME-TV.com website (click here).
CAMETV 8000 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer BlackMagic 4K RED EPIC
For USA customers that are looking for a local retailer, B&H from New York will now be carrying the CAMETV Gimbals (found here).
CAMETV 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer - via B&H
Currently available B&H's Deal Zone, this Tilta ES-T07 Blackmagic Cinema Camera Rig for the BlackMagic Cinema and BlackMagic Production 4K Cameras is on promotion for just $499 with FREE Expedited Shipping (ends soon).
Designed specifically for the BlackMagic Cinema & Production 4K Cameras, the Tilta ES-T07 Kit comes with 15mm Rails, Top Handle, Wooden Side Handles w/ record button, and 5" and 10" Dovetail Baseplates. The Precision-Machined Anodized Aluminum cage has a Vented Base with Quick Release System and offers multiple 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 Accessory Threads with ARRI Rosettes.
The $499 Deal Zone for this Kit ends today (Feb 10th, 2015).
Tilta ES-T07 Blackmagic Cinema Camera Rig
The Sigma 24mm F1.4 Art wide angle lens is designed for full-frame DSLRs, and when used on digital cameras with an APS-C size image sensor, it effectively becomes a 38mm. The lens is ideal for capturing a variety of photography subjects, including cityscapes, mountain ranges, astrophotography and weddings and is great for videography work as well.
The 24mm excels at indoor photography in low illumination thanks to the combination of exceptional focal plane sharpness, and gorgeous bokeh rendered by nine rounded aperture blades. The lens achieves a maximum magnification of 1:5.3 with a minimum focusing distance of 9.8 inches.
The 24mm incorporates both "F" Low Dispersion (FLD) glass and Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass in a design of 15 elements in 11 groups to minimize chromatic aberration of magnification especially in the edge of the image field. The optimized power layout includes aspherical elements that are positioned in the rear of the lens for improved wide open performance. This helps to ensure minimal distortion through the correction of axial chromatic aberration and sagittal coma flare. The new lens element design also delivers excellent peripheral brightness.
So recently I shared an image of a few 15mm Rails and Clamps and asked people to give it their best guess of why I was sharing the image. I was going wait a day to update everyone, but the game didn't last very long.
Well Marc did guess correctly that the pieces were going to be used for a Gimbal Stand. Congrats! I'll be contacting that person via email to send a $25 Dollar Amazon E-Gift Card, thanks everyone for participating.
Sometimes something so simple can be eluding, but the idea works flawlessly. Here's what the stand looks like once it's been assembled.
Of course here's a little video of how it all comes together.
And here's a list of parts that many of you may already have, but if not these are some of the cheaper parts I could find to get you started building your own 15mm Gimbal Stand.
You'll need (4) 15mm 90 Degree Clamps at the corners of the stand.
15mm 90 Degree Clamps
You'll need (1) 15mm Dogbone (side-by-side) Rail Clamp to hold the two pieces together.
15mm Dogbone (side-by-side) Clamp
You'll need (4) 12" 15mm Rods for the top and the bottom bars. These are some of the cheaper Aluminum ones I can find.
12 Inch 15mm Rods
You'll need (2) 18" 15mm Rods for the Vertical (upright) Rods to give enough height for small gimbals. Go longer if you have a CAMETV sized Gimbal.
18 Inch 15mm Rods
If you want super lightweight with a nice finish, then I suggest choosing matte black Carbon Fiber Rods. Not quite as cheap as Aluminum, but if that's your thing, make sure to check out some very affordable 15mm Rails over at PVGear.com.
OTHER IDEAS? Possibly for a non-slip surface is to add some Heat Shrink tubing over the rods and possibly rubber O-Rings at the tips of the base rods to prevent sliding around.
Over the last few weeks a few people I know were thinking about finally picking up a set of Sennheiser G3 wireless kits. While certainly not the best deal i've seen for the G3 Wireless systems, these new offers from Adorama are certainly deals to consider if you're about ready to make a purchase.
Adorama has a list of G3 systems bundled with various Audio Recorders like the new Tascam DR44WL Wireless Audio Recorder or the popular Zoom H4n along with Media Cards, and other accessories. Basically it's like free gear with your purchase which can add up to over $300 Dollars in free gear. Don't need the recorder? Sell it! That makes your G3 kit even cheaper.
These are exclusive and for a limited time only, there are about 12 different bundles which you can find (here).
Sennheiser G3 Wireless Lav Microphone Kits with FREE Audio Recorders, etc.
The GoPro HERO4 Black and HERO4 Silver now supports a number of high framerate options including a whopping 240fps at 720p with the latest firmware update.
HERO4 Black and HERO4 Silver
Time lapse video mode - Capture Time Lapse videos automatically—no post-production needed. Showcase a sunrise, road trip or family gathering as a short, sharable video.
30/6 burst photo - Introducing a new way to never miss a moment. Capture 30 photos in 6 seconds—perfect for longer duration fast-action activities like surfing and snowboarding.
Auto rotate - Automatically adjusts capture orientation to right-side up when the camera is mounted upside down.
Add HiLight Tags during playback - Now you can mark key moments both while recording video and playing back content on the built-in touch display to quickly find highlights for easy editing and sharing. [HERO4 Black requires LCD Touch BacPac to utilize this feature]
HERO4 Black
720p240 fps video - Record ultra high frame rate video at a staggering 240 frames per second for liquid smooth slow-motion playback
2.7K60 fps video - Capture cinematic, high-resolution 2.7K footage at an impressive 60 frames per second
Update your HERO4 today via the GoPro App on your mobile device or go to https://www.gopro.com/update/HERO4
A short while ago I shared a DIY concept of mounting fiberglass rods into a backpack for supporting heavy stabilizers or gimbals like the DJI Ronin. Although mine was just a working concept, Vimeo member Coriolis-Visuals went all in on his build putting together a very clean and functional support system for about $90 bucks (or less) in parts [minus backpack].
In order to pull something like this off, you'll need a backpack with a waist support and preferably a chest strap (as seen in the video). This prevents the backpack from pulling away as you flex the fiberglass rods. It's unlikely you'll ever be able to break the fiberglass rods, but in this build a Braided Hose sits over the rods adding a layer or safety. The use of quick adjustable lashing straps was a great idea to position the gimbal up high or low. Great job on this build and thanks for sharing Jim!
Obviously you can modify any of the build suggestions, but if you want to take a look at my original video showing how I made my prototype version visit the original article http://cheesycam.com/diy-gimbal-stabilizer-support-backpack/
I want to say more than 80% of HandHeld Gimbals on the market right now run off of the Alexmos SBGC Controllers. This includes the CAMETV 7500/7800/8000, Tiyaga, and Varavon Birdycam2 stabilizers. If you don't already have it, adding a Bluetooth Module to your SBGC Controller is super convenient when you want to change PID, RC, or Follow Mode settings. The Android software can also remotely control Pan, Tilt, and Roll if you want to work with Dual Operators or if you have your gimbal mounted to the end of a long Crane / Jib.
Of course the software is limited and at times you may want to upgrade or downgrade firmware, Export your Profiles, or Load other Profiles that are saved on your computer. To do this you'll need the full desktop version of the software. Instead of lugging a laptop around, this 7" Winbook for around $80 dollars (found here) runs the full Windows Operating system so that you can install Java and the SBGC software. The tablet is small, lightweight, and slim and can be extremely handy out in the field. For the price, it's something that can easily fit into my gimbal case that I won't be without.
7" Winbook Windows Operating System with Full USB Port
To get the SBGC Software working on your new Windows Tablet with Full USB, download the SBGC software (here), which will prompt you to Install Java, and finally install the Windows USB Driver (here).
IMPORTANT NOTES ON BT MODULE
Touching back on the Bluetooth Module that some of you may want to add-on to your gimbal systems. It's very easy to install as there are only 4 connections that go to the side of the SBGC controller. Once it's installed you simply pair your smart device and launch the software. There is of course TWO THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW about adding a bluetooth module.
First thing, to be compatible the BT Module should be set to the Baud Rate: 115200. Now if you have a BT Module, you can change it by connecting it through a serial interface adapter to your windows computer and reconfiguring it. I won't go into details because you'll just end up spending more money on an adapter and wasting time. You're better off buying one that is already configured properly. Here's one i'm using and it works flawlessly for just $13 dollars (found here).
Bluetooth Module For Alexmos SBGC Controllers
The Second thing that may be just slightly confusing (if you don't read the manual) is the the RX input on the board connects to the TX of the BT Module, and the TX on board connects to RX on BT Module. Some BT Modules don't have the pins in the same place, so you end up having to cross your wires. If you don't connect this properly you'll get a 'serial corrupted' error message. Other than that, pretty straight forward and should only take a few minutes to throw on.
Wiring up Bluetooth Module to Alexmos SBGC Gimbal Controller
