Aaron mentioned he received the Yongnuo 560 Flash for off camera use, and threw up a demo video. From the information in the video, i'm pretty impressed. This YN-560 version doesn't support TTL, but when using my Yongnuo RF-602 triggers, I'm using my flashes all manually anyways. I can see event photographers using these either on light stands or clamped around the ceiling to get some extra light into a dim lit event. Especially since they are fairly cheap, I wouldn't be as worried about damage or theft leaving them around. I'm totally paranoid just throwing my Canon 580 EX II's in places that seem 'untrustworthy'. I guess I found my backup solution. Thanks Aaron, for the demo on these inexpensive Yongnuo YN-560 flashes.
Photography Gadgets
Deal – Transcend 32GB Class 10 SDHC with Card Reader
Transcend 32GB Class 10 SDHC Kit - Amazon
I'm in search to fill the card slots in the Canon 60D on order. For those who swear by the affordable Transcend SDHC cards, i'm surprised that SDHC cards have really dropped in price. Considering every new camera announced is practically using this format, and Nikon's new D7000 has dual slots, there would be some demand inflating prices. I've been looking at other options, but wow the Sandisk brand is going for more than twice the price!
I have to admit that i'm sold on those Transcend 32GB Compact flash cards I received. They are now standard issue in my cameras and have had absolutely no issues offering fast dump times through my Belkin card reader. So I think i'll take my chances. Available at BHPHOTOVideo and Amazon, these Transcend 32GB Class 10 SDHC Cards should be a hot seller after Photokina. I think i'll try these for the new Canon 60D I have on order.
If you're not feeling the Card Reader kit, you can save a few more dollars for just the card itself over at BHPhotoVideo.com
Switronix PowerBase 70 Battery Pack
The Swintronix Powerbase 70 Battery Pack is back in stock again. Supposedly 6 times longer run time than a single Canon LP-E6 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery, it is designed with two optional power ports for powering up other compatible accessories. Yeah I know, Swintronix Powerbase is old news right? Not really, since this battery pack is designed for use with the Canon 5D Mark II & Canon 7D which shares it's battery type with the Canon EOS 60D. Get where i'm going with this? Theoretically it should have absolutely no problems powering up the new Canon 60D camera, and with it's mounting capabilities can double up to be used as that rear weight on your new shoulder rig. Double function means lighter run and gun rig since you don't need to add on that extra battery grip + extra rig weight. Soon as the Canon 60D DSLR starts shipping, expect these power packs to sell out just as quickly. The charger for the packs are sold seperately which might be a good thing. You can purchase several battery packs without having to incur costs of having multiple chargers.
Switronix PowerBase Battery Pack Canon EOS 5D Mk II & 7D Pricing
Caster wheels for Light Stands
Not sure how many of you are already working with Light Stands, but i've been working on my studio slowly and one of the things i've been trying to build is a rolling platform for the many different light stands I have. Because I use sand bags to prevent the lights from toppling over, it's a bit awkward to move them to a new spot. Calumet has some rolling stands but they are BuKu bucks.
Calumet Rolling Light Stand $249.00
My first idea was to sand bag the stands over furniture dollies. Most dollies that I found were wide enough were quite expensive though. Recently I just found exactly what I needed! These Caster Wheels for Studio Light Stands are perfect. They simply slide on and bolt on over the feet of light stands. Not too bad for the $10 dollars each price but the convenience for me outweighs the cost and it keeps a small footprint in the studio. The listing shows an image of 1, but they come in a quantity of 3. Just thought i'd share. Find them here: Slip on Caster Wheels for Studio Light Stands
Nikon D7000 vs. Canon 60D
The end of 2010 is an exciting time with all these manufacturers introducing new cameras. There's a whirlwind of features Nikon is throwing down in their new Nikon D7000 DSLR. The new Nikon D3100 Digital SLR was also announced which should make some Nikon shooters happy stepping things up to 1080p video. The Nikon D3100, we say, is paired up against the T2i market. This new Nikon D7000 is the more advanced model that will be competing against Canon 60D shoppers. It's about $100 dollars over the Canon 60D, but here's some of the new Nikon D7000 features. Coming in at 16 megapixels, the D7000 can shoot 1080p or 720p. Nothing special there. Options for 24frames per second and 30fps video. That's pretty standard these days.
If you care, this Nikon D7000 has Full time Auto focus in video mode and 39 point AF system. Like more expensive Nikons this one is rockin' dual SDHC/SDXC card slots, 6fps shooting up to 100 images, a new longer lasting battery, and a Magnesium alloy body. Whoa. There's quite a bit of features that the 60D lacks. The 60D can shoot almost as fast and doesn't have a magnesium alloy body. (60D had a slight upgrade adding some weather proofing though).
The Nikon D7000 doesn't appear to move into Variable Angle LCD (swivel) territory. The Canon 60D also has 60fps frame rates which I hear is hard to live without these days, and Nikon doesn't seem to have this option. No full time auto focus on the 60D like the D7000 has, but most of us wouldn't use it. Canon doesn't go with Dual card slots, but does come in 2 megapixels more in resolution. The Canon 60D also carries the new infrared trigger to fire flashes remotely, which I don't see an option for in the D7000. The Canon 60D might be better in low light from the ISO specs, but we'll just have to wait and see. It's a tough call with pros and cons for each one, but keep in mind that DSLR bodies always change, and your real investment is going to be in your lenses and other accessories. Sooner or later you'll have to make your DSLR bed and lay in it....lay in it for quite a while..
If anybody cares about why I shoot Canon, here's my story. Decades ago (it wasn't really that long) I shot with Canon, Nikon, Fuji (which was a nikon body and Fuji chip), Olympus, and Kodak DSLR's. Canon, year after year, and to this day (my opinion) has been the 'leader' in DSLR technology. There's controversy about this, and you might say they don't make the best glass, or produce the best images, but they've always had the best balance in latest features, pricing, and quality. I can always change bodies, but it's hard to change everything else. It's why I stuck with Canon a long time ago. Today it seems like a whole new ballgame with the switch to video and kinda feels like what it did over 10 years ago. It's a new market of shooters, and who's going to end up the leader? So for the newbies who aren't quite invested, looks like you've GOt some CAreful thiNking to dO Now. (<--subliminal message embedded)
Nikon D7000 Pricing
Canon EOS 60D Pricing
Canon SX30 IS Review
I purchased a Canon Powershot SX210 IS camera because I was impressed with the amount of Zoom, Image Stabilization, and 720HD video capable features. Although this is a different range of camera, Canon just announced the new SX30 IS, 14 Megapixel Point and Shoot camera with an incredible 35x Optical Zoom (not digital). Looks like i'll be upgrading my Point and Shoot soon enough! This range in 35mm terms is 24-840mm using the Ultrasonic motors from the EOS cameras. With that type of range, other features include their famous Image Stabilization and 720 HD video with stereo sound.
This sounds like it has all the bells and whistles one might need. Another feature is the articulating LCD screen which should come in handy for both photos and video use. It's an interesting camera that's almost DSLR like similar to that recent Canon G12 announcement. Could this steal some of that Canon G12 thunder? Of course the G12 does have a hot shoe. Oops, I guess this little camera has a hot shoe too. Well Canon now has several new cameras including the Canon 60D recently announced which are not yet available for purchase. With so many different options they've pretty much covered any gaps in what buyers could think they might need in a single camera. Don't think that it's over though, we still haven't heard the big big news from Photokina scheduled at the end of this month.
More information about these cameras can be found with the links below.
Purchase Canon Powershot SX30 IS
Letus Drops new Videos – Hawk VF QR Plate
Available at BHPHOTOVIDEO.com:
Letus35 Talon K2
Letus35 Letus Hawk DSLR Viewfinder
Just about an hour ago, Letus drops in some new videos showcasing their solution for a Quick release adapter for the Letus Hawk VF. This new solution should be shipping later this month. Letus has always been associated with some very serious gear - check out the video above, who knew these guys were 'not so serious' with a great sense of humor?
Ok back to the new gear, the video below shows off the Letus Hawk VF Quick Release solution. This thing rocks. I like this alot and it's going to make using the Hawk VF much more versatile for Hybrid shooters of video and photography. This is going to be standard issue from here on out with the Hawk View Finders and compatible with all previous Letus Hawk VF's. Check in with Letus, inquire about a possible Free Upgrade for LetusDirect.com customers and solutions for previous customers who purchased before this release. Mention this blog and maybe they'll throw in some of those cool stickers. LOL
Check out the newest Aluminum version in the video below too. Wicked cool.
Color Changing Variable Color Temperature LED Video Light – Review
Video Link: https://vimeo.com/14952361
What's all the buzz about these Color changing LED Video lights? It's not the technology, that's old news. It's the price that's stirring things up amongst mobile video shooters. I posted this article a short while back: http://cheesycam.com/latest-led-color-changing-video-light/. Since then, there's been responses and questions about these fancy LED video light panels. One of the highlights of Canon's DSLR video is that it does well with ambient lighting. These light panels make sense for adding a bit of fill light and mixing it in quickly. Well, I was finally able to get my hands on the panel and here's a quick overview of what it is, how it works, and price comparisons on some other items in market.
Color Changing Variable Temperature 1000 LED Video Light
First let's talk tech. The technology isn't new and it's not difficult for any other company to replicate. It is pretty cool though and quick to get it set up and get it closely mixed in with your ambient lighting. I would say this is great for location interviews to add some additional fill light. By using two different color LED's (half tungsten and half daylight) you can mix the color by controlling the power output of each set. You'll see this in the end of my little video. I'm not going to say one is better than the other, and you should contact the manufacturer of each product to find out more information, but here's the current technology being sold today by a few different companies.
Ikan uses this technique of mixing LED colors in a product they call the Ikan Multi-K Variable Color Temperature LED Light selling for $489.95.
Lowel has a portable color changing LED video light called the Lowel Blender LED sold for $629.95.
The most expensive solution. Litepanels uses this method in what they call their 1x1 Bi-Color Variable Color Temperature LED Flood Light selling for $2,545.00.
1000 LED DIMMABLE COLOR CHANGING Video Light Panel shown with Canon 7D
This particular panel has 1000 LED's so bigger than the Lowel and Ikan lights, and possibly about the same size as the LitePanel. As you can see from my photo above with the Canon 7D on top, I think I can get two of these into an Airport Carry On sized roller bag, should one choose not to have it 'Checked in'. The build quality feels exactly the same as the LED's shown in my earliest video here: http://cheesycam.com/latest-led-video-lights-for-dslr-video/. It's completely squared, there's no real Portrait or Landscape rotation on this item. So quite odd that you can relocate the mount to any side.
The overall light output is dimmable, but also has the added color temperature changing feature built in. Although it's labeled as a 1000 LED panel, if you are using one complete spectrum of color only half of the LED's will be illuminated. So far this is the cheapest Color Changing Dimmable 1000 LED Video Light panel
Available via eBay (below)
Color Temperature Changing Dimmable LED Video Light Panel
Available via Amazon (below)
1000 LED Photography Video Light Panel 0% - 100% DIMMABLE COLOR CHANGING 3500K- 6000K TEMP
Mail Bag – Monday ( Oh Damn! )
Whoa!! It's on on on. Mail bag box Monday includes two very exciting boxes that combined is one awesome rig. Been waiting on this one for a while, too bad I didn't have it a few weeks earlier for my Hawaii trip.
I'm not only thinking just Photography. I didn't get to dive in completely but it's variable speed might be used to create the smoothest, slowest, and most consistent video slide ever. It's definitely a great looking, solid built, light weight tool. I opted in for just 4 feet since I was a bit worried about the weight, but thinking I should have gone for something a bit larger. It's in a bunch of pieces that need some assembly, so i'll drag it back to the lair this evening and see if I'm smart enough to get this thing rockin'. I can't wait to see some of the results from it's use.
If you're still wondering what i'm talking about, the image below will be your first clue. The only thing this rig is missing is the Cooler full of Beer and Portable BBQ grill which I assume is standard issue when out shooting. Luckily I have a few of those items available. By the way, it's still in Beta so it's not ready to be shipped. Having said that anyone down to spend a few hours possibly this week / weekend testing this bad boy out?
Click Image to View Video