dslr video

• 11 Comments

•

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 inch winbook full usb sbgc software
find-price-button 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).

DYS Bluetooth Module Alexmos SBGC
find-price-button 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.

Connect Bluetooth Module Alexmos SBGC Gimbal Tiyaga CameTV Varavon
Wiring up Bluetooth Module to Alexmos SBGC Gimbal Controller

• 1 Comment

•

Lowepro X50 Roller Bag

MSRP $269, knock off an instant -$170 OFF and you're left with a discounted $99 Dollar Price. The Lowepro Pro Roller Attache X50 Case kit can be separated into two separate bags or just used as one padded roller. The small roller can be emptied to hold clothes, and a padded insert can hold a camera body + lens with two additional lenses and room to spare for a laptop computer.

I purchased this bag when it was on a similar sale a few years ago, and love it for travels. The internal case can be removed and attaches securely above the main case when rolling around. Currently there is a huge huge discount dropping the price down to just $99 bucks via B&H (click here).

LowePro X50 Roller Bag KitX50 LowePro Roller BagX50 Roller Bag
find-price-button LowePro X50 Attache Padded Camera Roller Bag

• 6 Comments

•

You just can't seem to get too far these days without a solid lavalier microphone. The Aspen Mics are proven to offer quality sound, versatile to use with your Camera | Smartphone | or Portable recorder, and already affordably priced, but who can say no to a good discount.

For the next 72 Hours Only get 35% OFF AspenMic Stereo, Mono, or Stereo Smartphone TRRS lav kits. You'll get the best prices (each) when you opt in for one of the already discounted bundles. Must use Coupon Code: 35OffAspen during your checkout. -Enjoy! https://aspenmics.com

AspenMics Aspen Mic Lav Lavalier Microphones
find-price-button AspenMics Lavalier Microphone Kits

• 28 Comments

•

The following video is an example of how I choose to configure the different profiles available when using the Alexmos Basecam 32 Bit Gimbal Controller. This is not unique to the Tiyaga MIni Gimbal i'm using, as you can apply the same techniques to your CAMETV 32 Bit Gimbals or Varavon Birdycam Stabilizer.

With the Joystick installed, I can remain static and allow the gimbal to perform Pan or Tilt moves much like a tripod with a fluid head. Or I can enable 'Follow Mode' to which I control the Pitch and Tilt simply by maneuvering the handles. One profile allows me to disable follow mode completely so that I can track a subject straight on without drifting. I'm also able to calibrate the entire gimbal on location without the need of software by reserving Profile 4 & 5. My long press option is reserved for Inverting the Gimbal Frame which can be handy when I want to place the handles below the camera and when not using a monitor.

Here's a rundown of the different profile settings i'm using.
Profile 1: Follow Mode ON Pitch + Yaw
Profile 2: Follow Mode ON Yaw | Pitch OFF
Profile 3: Follow Mode OFF Pitch + Yaw
Profile 4: Calibrate ACC (sensors)
Profile 5: Calibrate Gyros
Long Press: Invert Gimbal Frame

• 7 Comments

•

With cameras dropping in size with sensors smaller than your typical full frame from a Canon DSLR, shooters looking for a fast wide lens like Tokina's 11-16mm F/2.8. It's been one of my favorite lenses to use on the BlackMagic 2.5K, BlackMagic 4K, BMPCC, and even Sony's A7s. A must have lens in my book. Now Tokina has taken this lens a step further offering more focal range in the new 11-20mm while still maintaining F/2.8 across. The new lens has been announced for pre-order today and available for pre-order now (here).

Tokina 11-20mm F28
find-price-button Tokina 11-20mm F/2.8 Lens Canon + Nikon

•

A product video overview from YouTube member HDSLRnow showing the changes on the new Kamerar MK II Slider Dolly. The new roller bearing design allows for smooth tracking compared to the original version that used dry friction bearings (similar to IGUS rails).

The single rail allows you to easily mount to a single tripod. Three different Kamerar versions are now available with the new MK II design up to a 47" length slider found at Kamerar.com or at PNCGear.com (click here).

Kamerar Video Sliders
find-price-button Kamerar Mark II Video Sliders and Slider Dolly

Follow HDSLRnow via Twitter

• 19 Comments

•

Whether you're doing portraits or at times shooting green screen video on location, a quick portable backdrop system is a convenient tool to keep around. Here's a look at the PXB Portable Background System from Studio Assets that uses a patented method of framing up an 8x8 muslin backdrop.

As mentioned, it requires special 8x8 muslin backdrops that have pocketed corners for the rods to fit and are available in the most common colors. Of course I can't imagine that it would be difficult to sew up your own if you really had to. You can find the PXB Portable Background System over at SeaPortDigital.com (found here).

PXB 8x8 Backdrop Stand
find-price-button Studio Assets PXB PORTABLE BACKGROUND SYSTEM


• 22 Comments

•

Inverted mode on a gimbal comes in very handy, but it may not be ideal when using cameras with an HDMI Recorder or Monitor. Here's some tips on how I've modified the handles around Tiyaga DIY Mini Gimbal Frame to achieve the same benefits of lowered handles below the camera and built a setup that requires no Gimbal Stand for placement or balancing of the system.

A photo posted by Emm (@mrcheesycam) on

A photo posted by Emm (@mrcheesycam) on


• 23 Comments

•

I didn't really have anything interesting to shoot today, but I just thought I would throw up a quick sample from the latest 3-Axis Mini Gimbal I put together using the Tiyaga kit. Just in case anyone was wondering if it actually works, here's a straight 2 minute+ uncut video sample (no image or post stabilization) right out of the camera.

The great thing about working with a lightweight stabilizer is that you can pretty much shoot all day with little fatigue. Since I was walking around indoors, my favorite ultra-wide angle setup is with my GH4 and Rokinon 7.5mm Fisheye lens. I shoot in 4K then de-fish the footage (using this plugin) down to 1080p.

tiyaga minigimbal frame kitminigimbal
find-price-button MiniGimbal 'Tiyaga' 3-Axis DIY Gimbal Frame Kit for Small Cameras

Rokinon Fisheye MFT Micro four thirds fish eye lens cheesycam GH4 defish lens
find-price-button Rokinon 7.5mm Fisheye Lens for MFT Cameras