Photography Gadgets

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power-arm-led-video-light

Someone asked me the other day about getting a bit more height on the Z96 DSLR LED Video light. I had a bit of insight on this item, but it wasn't available until 'now'. (Literally just now!). This is called the 'Power Arm' and it's a variable friction adjustable arm made out of Aluminum. Comes with a Shoe mount, but can be broken down to accept standard 1/4x20 threaded insert. If you look at the image with the hand, it's a decent size even folded up. Other images show off carrying the Z96 LED video light, so it's gotta be able to carry some weight. I have two in the mail which should arrive any day now, and hopefully get the hands on review of this new item. The reason I ordered two is because the images show some mounting options which looks like I can combine them together to gain quite a bit of distance. If combining these arms works out, it would be a good fit along with the Manfrotto 386B Nano Clamp.

manfrotto-mini-clamp
Manfrotto Nano Clamp

This could prove to be a popular articulating arm that we'll see more of to carry those new EVF remote LCD Viewfinders, or something as simple as positioning your portable audio recorder further from the camera reducing that all annoying 'handling' noise. Similar accessories like this arm are discontinued everywhere, but i'm guessing their $150+ dollar price didn't make them very popular. I should have mine in soon to do some weight lifting tests, but you can only find these here: Aluminum Variable Friction Adjustable Power Arm

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dual-mount-flash-bracket-macro-photography

After posting a video comparing the Zoom H1 to Tascam DR-08 seen here: http://cheesycam.com/tascam-dr-08-vs-zoom-h1-continued/, I got a few questions about the unusual bracket I had on the video. Even though i'm not done with the items for it, i'll answer those questions now. I received it in the mail working on a twin flash Macro rig for a friend. Considering twin flash Macro kits like the Canon MT-24EX Macro Twin Lite Ringlite Flash runs for almost $700 dollars, this is a cheaper way of getting a twin light setup.

dual-mount-macro-flash-flexible-arm

Why not just use a Ring Light Adapter like the 'O Flash'? The O-Flash provides nice even lighting, but still has a somewhat flat look. Using a twin light setup, each light can be modified at different distances from the macro subject, different angles, and even separate power settings for a more dimensional look. The metal lower bracket i'm still trying to figure out, but looks like it's been cut similar to a quick release plate. Which one it will fit, i'm still not sure. The flexible arms are actually pretty beefy. They won't hold up a large Canon 580 EX II speedlite, but has enough strength to carry a low profile flash. In order to remotely fire these flashes, it will be setup with the cheap Yongnuo RF-602 wireless triggers. The ball mount + cold shoes can also be removed and you'll be left with a standard 1/4 x 20 threaded end on the flexible arm. This is how I was able to mount the Zoom H1 at the end of one.

Having the dual flash setup will also be interesting for use as an event rig. Should provide a wider area of flash without giving off the usual flat look. I'll have more information once this it built out a little bit more, but you can find this bracket here: Twin Flexible Arm Macro Flash Bracket

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savage-vinyl-backdrops

With my new studio in place, i'm upgrading some of the seamless backdrops from paper to the new Vinyl material. Seamless paper backdrops are pretty common for studio use, but paper drops are extremely fragile. Once they get creased, pick up dirt, or even tear, it's time to cut off a section. Eventually after a bit of use, you'll need to replace the entire roll. Cloth backdrops are more durable, can be washed, but harder to get that infinity look due to the wrinkles and creases.

Savage Backdrops, who I use as my paper drops are now creating a new set of Seamless Vinyl Backdrops in at least the standard basic colors White, Black, and Gray. For those who want to get into Chroma Key 'Green Screen', there's one available for that. The Vinyl material and backing prevents wrinkles, has a matte finish for no glares, seamless all the way through, and can be cleaned with a damp sponge. When purchasing online over a retail store, prices are comparable to paper rolls. You can the backdrops available over at B&H: Savage Seamless Vinyl Backdrops in White, Black, Gray, and Chroma Green.

backdrop-stand
In order to hold these rolls in place, you'll need to grab yourself a cheap Studio Photo Backdrop Stand set.

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sony-nex-vg10
Sony NEX-VG10 Interchangeable Lens Camcorder

Apparently the Sony NEX-VG10 is now available here, but how many people knew about this? When Sony first announced this interchangeable lens Camcorder (not DSLR), it caused quite a stir. Shortly after it was drowned out by all the news from upcoming Photokina. Panasonic also had better specs on the upcoming AG-AF101 which would be a direct competitor against this new Sony NEX-VG10. It's got many similar DSLR features with manual controls over shutter, iris, and still takes 14MP images. The microphone and audio is said to process much better than current DSLR's, but I don't think this is considered the 'game changer'. There's a full review over at B&H's Insights: https://video.bhinsights.com/content/hands-review-sony-nex-vg10.html if you care to know more.

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717ah-fluid-head

When it comes to throwing a spare fluid head onto your DIY slider, Spidertrax Dolly, or other DIY tools, there's nothing with the quality and price as the 717AH Video Fluid Head. When I first found this cheap video fluid head it worked perfectly for my little projects. You can find my little over view video here: http://cheesycam.com/hidden-treasure-awesome-video-fluid-head-717ah/

Within just 4 hours of my post the entire inventory was sold out, and has been for months. Other vendors of this head were charging quite the premium, and at that cost you've got alot of other options for Video Fluid heads. So if you're looking for a decent sub $80 dollar fluid head to throw onto some of your DIY projects, check out the 717AH Video Fluid Head which I anticipate will be again out of stock within hours of this post.

Available via eBay for $79.99 found here: 717AH Video Fluid Head
717ah-fluid-head

Or available via Amazon for $74.99 found here: 717AH Video Fluid Head

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sanyo-xx-battery

Thanks to a tip in the readers comments, it looks like Sanyo's not completely happy with it's existing Eneloop Battery performance, as they decided to announce a new longer lasting rechargeable battery due end of year. They are announcing these batteries as the XX or Double X. One more X and it's possible it would have been banned in the USA or placed in the adult section for only adults to purchase. They will be rated at 2500 mah, an extra 500 from the standard Eneloop. Doesn't sound like much when talking about a single battery, but most LED video lights are using 5-6 batteries. Multiply that extra 500mah each and you've added quite a bit more run time. You can find their press release information here: https://eu.sanyo.com/portal/News-Releases/2010/20-September-2010/

Standard rechargeable batteries worked great right after you pull them from the charging station, but a week later they would pretty much be drained. Unlike other rechargeable batteries, the Eneloop can hold a charge for up to one year. These rechargeable batteries are the only thing powering my house from all my flashes, portable audio recorders, LED lights, TV remotes, Wii, Xbox, wireless speakers, lights on the Bikes for night riding, etc. etc. With the handy C and D adapter cases those same AA rechargeables can be used in many other items. You just can't go wrong with these things. The initial investment into Eneloops sounds expensive, but if you use them as much as I do, you'll make up for it in a week. Now I haven't had any problems with run time on my Eneloops so i'm not sure if i'm ready to upgrade to the Double X. For those of you who haven't looked into this tech, cheaper than Amazon, cheaper than eBay, you can find the Sanyo Eneloop power pack kit over at B&H.

sanyo-eneloop-power-pack-kit
Sanyo eneloop Power Pack Starter Kit

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canon60D-now-shipping

Damn, i've been catching Twitter pics and news clips about the Canon 60D in stock and shipping all day today. It's still a very rare find, but I managed to check out a few of my 'secret fishing holes' and it should drop in on Tuesday. Yeah, I tried to get it in earlier, but Jewish holiday they say.

Check out an early review @ https://nicolesyblog.com/2010/09/16/hands-on-with-the-canon-60d-first-impressions/ who shows off some of the in-camera filters. I think the 'Toy Camera' filter looked pretty good, and would be tons of fun in a Timelapse project. Curious if they stuck with the same Intervalometer as the T2i.

So i'm excited to see how this thing sizes up against it's 'older' siblings. I have another big event out of state that i'll be dragging this thing to, so I stocked up on the 32GB Transcend SDHC Class 10 Cards which is a deal right now.

Sandisk-8GB-MicroSDI also noticed that the Zoom H1 and Tascam DR-08 only come with 2GB microSD cards. At the highest bitrate, i'm getting short of one hour total record time. If this this is going to be useful in a Catholic ceremony it's gotta run at least half a day! I managed to find some Sandisk 8GB microSD Cards for fairly cheap. With 8GB at the highest 96/24 I should be able to get close to 4 hours of total record time.

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yongnuo-st-e2

Ok, I don't know how I missed this, but it's here. There was talk that about this mytholigical unit said to harness the power to control savage Speedlites. For Canon they call it the ST-E2, for Yongnuo they call it....well...the ST-E2. Yeah go figure. Do a search on ST-E2 on this blog and you'll find it's something I use all the time. The fact that this new Yongnuo ST-E2 Speedlite Trigger unit is only half the price and said to provide the same (if not better) performance is very very cool. There was a review I read online somewhere about these units and it was pretty mind blowing. If I find it again, i'll update this post.

yongnuo-st-e2-transmitteryonguo-st-e2-canon-flash-trigger

If you're looking to firing your Canon flashes off camera, maintain communications, and support High Speed Sync this is what strobists all over Flickr are or will be talking about. If you ever plan on going Radio Popper PX wireless, this would be the base for it. One of the best features is simply just the AA batteries for power source. The Canon ST-E2 uses some specialty battery I can only find in the Adult Video and Toy store around my area. Just kidding, I just frequent there so it's a convenient stop on the way home. Just kidding again!!! (Am I?).Ok, maybe some of the readers don't really care what i'm talking about, but for geeks like me this is a huge deal for a fine piece of infrared, TTL transmitting, group power ratio managing, high speed sync gear. Whew...I need a smoke..just kidding I don't smoke. But if I did smoke, I think I would need one...

P.S. Does it work with Yongnuo Flashes? Me no think so, but i'm trying to figure that out for sure. My guess is Yongnuo has a new flash in the Pipeline that's going to be made for this, which should also mix and match and hopefully play nicely with other Canon Speedlites. That's going to be some serious..serious competition for Canon Gear. Here's the link: Yongnuo ST-E2 Infrared Trigger for Canon Speedlites

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bg-e8-battery-grip-t2i

Thanks to a tip from 'c n', these uber cheap battery grips orignally posted in this article: http://cheesycam.com/unusual-new-battery-grips-for-550d-t2i/ seem to have a slight upgrade. Originally the unit was super cheap, mainly because it still used very old battery types from the T1i. Now these sub $35.00 550D Battery grips are using the proper LE-E8 battery fit, and appears to have a slight cosmetic upgrade too. Maybe threw out the old junk and now selling an entirely new product. Either way, it's the standard model now, but looks like they kept the pricing at under $35.00 bucks (no batteries). You can find more information by clicking here: BATTERY GRIP FOR CANON EOS 550D /Rebel T2i SLR BG-E8

bg-e8-battery-grip-t2i
Shop for Aftermarket 550D Battery Grip

[Update] If the link above doesn't return any results, they sold out very quickly. Here's an updated link shared by a few readers.
Battery Grip for Canon 550D T2i with Batteries