Photography Gadgets

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In this video I show my cheap Wireless Remotes: http://cheesycam.com/wireless-shutter-remote-wired-shutter-remote-for-canon/

In this video I show my cheap Intervalometer / Timer Remote: http://cheesycam.com/canon-t2i-550d-timer-remote-timelapse/

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I can't remember posting a remote like this, but here's one that combines the best of both worlds into a Wireless shutter remote and Wireless Intervalometer. For those who will ask, I don't think this remote can activate video mode. It is adding more batteries to the mix of things, but specs say that the CR2 battery lasts at least 400 hours of standby and the AAA will go 4 years on standby. It does of course mesh a few of my favorite reasons for packing remotes into the bag while saving some space. The brand Pixel was probably best known in the DSLR world for it's wireless Live View Remote LCD's. Price is more than a set of plain wireless triggers or a single intervalometer, but if you add up the dual functionality, it's priced about right. Another bag saving design is that these remotes use a modular Tether from receiver to camera. By purchasing the correct tether cord, you can use the same remotes with multiple camera models from different Canon's, Nikon's, Leica, Samsung, Olympus, and even some point and shoots. Here's the link to the Pixel Wireless Shutter Remote with Intervalometer Feature.

Some additional Information:
Supporting the function of single, continuous, delay shoot and the setting of the related parameter for timing plan shooting.
Delay mode is available to set delay time with number of shooting.
Delayed time can between 1 sec to 59 sec
Timer planning mode can be set the time between 0sec to 99hr 59min 59sec.
Number of shooting can be 1 to 9999 shoots and unlimited shooting.
Using free worldwide FSK 2.4GHz frequency system to improve the reliability and stability.
The socket from the transmitter is able to send out control signal directly.
User can control the various functions by the shutter connecting cable.

Specification:
Type: FSK 2.4GHz wireless control system
Transmission distance: 80 meters or above
Channel : 99 channels ,as well as ALL
Transmitter Standby time: more than 4 years (using the AAA battery)
The receiver standby time: 400 hours (using the CR-2 lithium battery)
Dimensions: Transmitter: 149 x 49.5 x 24 mm (W x H x D)
Receiver: 63 x 38 x 31 mm

Product Introduction
1.  TW-282 is using FSK 2.4GHz frequency channel, 99 specific channels and 1 universal channel.
2.  Operating distance range is 80M or above.
3.  The display is protected by coating ; it’s not easy to get scratch.
4.  LCD is showing “channel” , “battery life” and “function mode” .
5.  Compatible to Canon, Nikon, Pantex, Samsung, Panasonic, Lecia DSLR cameras .
6.  Support single shoot, continuous shoot, long exposure; also it is available to set the number of shots and delay time shot; you can set your shooting plan.
7.  Transmitter uses 3V CR-2 lithium battery, stand-by time is up to 400 hours or above.
8.  Receiver is using plug style socket for shutter release output, just insert the corresponding cable and connect with the camera

TW-282 Support the camera as below:

TW-282/DC0
————————————————————————————————
Nikon: D3X、D3、D700、D300、D300s、D200、D2Xs、D2Hs、D2X、 D2H、D1H、D1X、D1;N90s、F5、F6、F100、F90、F90X;
Fujifilm: S5 Pro、S3 Pro;
Kodak: DCS-14n

TW-282/DC1
————————————————————————————————
Nikon: DSLR D80, D70s

TW-282/DC2
————————————————————————————————
Nikon:DSLR D90、D5000

TW-282/N3
————————————————————————————————
Canon:EOS 50D、40D、30D、20D、10D、7D、5D、5D Mark II、1Ds MarkIII、1D Mark III、1D Mark II N、1Ds Mark II、1D MarkII、1Ds、1D、1V、EOS 3、D2000.

TW-282/E3
————————————————————————————————
Canon: EOS 1000D、550D、450D、400D、350D、300D;
Pentax:*istD、*istDL、 *istDs、 *ist、*istDL2、K100D、K110D、K10D、K200、 K20D;
Samsung:GX 1L、GX 1S、GX-10、GX-20;
Contax: 645、N1、NX、N Digital.

TW-282/RS1
——————————————————-
Panasonic:MC-FZ50、DMC-FZ50K、DMC-FZ50S、DMCFZ30、DMC-FZ30K、DMC-FZ30S、DMC-FZ20、DMCFZ20K、DMC-FZ20S、LC-1、L1、L-10、G1;
Leica:DIGILUX 2、DIGILUX 3

TW-282/S1
————————————————————————————————
SONY:DSLR α900,α850, α700, α550, α500,α350, α300, α200, α100.
Konica Minolta: DIMAGE α2, α1,9,7Hi,7i,7,5,4,3,DYNAX 7D,5D.

TW-282/UC1
————————————————————————————————
Olympus:E520、E420、E510、E410、SP-570 UZ、SP-560 UZ、SP-550 UZ、SP-510 UZ.

TW-282/CB1
————————————————————————————————
Olympus:E1、E3、E10、E20、E30

wireless-timer-remotes
Wireless Shutter Remote with Intervalometer Features

1 Comment

express35-run-gun-duo
Above: Express35 Duo setup

The Express35 Duo Rig Configuration became wildly popular when ENDmedia shared their video review found here: http://cheesycam.com/express35-fig-rig-config-endmedia/. The video really showed that this setup proved to be really a lightweight, functional, tiny footprint stabilizer. The Duo setup was great, but if you're looking for that solid third point in stabilization, Express35 has now released a killer DSLR stabilizer 'Trio' setup.

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Above: New Express35.com DSLR Rig : Trio

The new 'foot' or 'pad' accessory added to the Duo setup can act as a shoulder rest or moved slightly for a chest pad. This adds a bit more to cost, but a whole lot more in functionality by adding that all important third point of contact. Most DSLR rig setups are built around a single design and don't easily function when broken apart. The nice feature about this configuration is that for the smallest footprint, the third point can be removed and the rig still functions as an excellent DSLR Stabilizer. Very nice modular thinking here. You might not find this new configuration on the website, so here's the direct link https://express35.com/run-n-gun-trio.

As usual you may want to drop Express35.com a comment that you found the information here. It never hurts..

8 Comments

nikon-d3100
Pre-order for Nikon D3100

I've not known B&H Photo and Video (possibly the largest Camera retailer in the US) to be big on Pre-orders. Normally it's a waiting game trying to check the website periodically for when that hot new item lands in stock. Things are slowly changing with hot item pre-orders becoming more and more popular, and it appears B&H is already on the move.

First up, the Nikon D3100. The new Nikon D3100 is priced well below even the Canon T2i and it's the long awaited 1080HD 24fps capable DSLR Nikon users have been waiting for. If you want to get a jump on this item, B&H is now taking those pre-orders. In fact many of the new lenses and kits for this Nikon D3100 DSLR are up for pre-order. Second up, all the new Apple products. Not sure how you navigate through the website for the new Apple products, but here's the direct link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/New-from-Apple/ci/15638/N/4291059475

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Apple Pre-orders at B&H

I personally don't always associate laptops and computers with B&H, but let's not forget the wide array of professional products that are available through their retail website. They cover everything from audio, video, lighting, hard drives, computers, video capture cards, and more. You might think you can grab every Apple product direct from Apple, but here's a tip. When I get the jump on gear while it's sold out everywhere else, I don't normally go direct. In fact, when I first purchased the T2i (without pre-ordering), I found it in stock at a Computer Store website. Same technique I used on a few other sold out items. Sorry guys, I'm not letting that secret fishing hole out, just in case I need to get a jump on other items. LOL. So if you're lining up at Apple for some of the new gear, you might just get it faster over at B&H.

6 Comments

Kevin Clarkson shows what's in the box and what to expect if you happen upon a Lilliput 669GL HDMI LCD monitor. This version requires an external battery pack, and not like the version shown here with an internal battery pack: http://cheesycam.com/7-hdmi-lcd-w-internal-battery/. Luckily there are combo deals that include everything you need to get the LCD setup with your DSLR found here: http://cheesycam.com/new-7-lilliput-2010-battery-shoe-mount/

new-7-inch-lilliput-combo
Lilliput 7″ + Battery + Shoe Combo Deal

Kevin also shows his recent purchase for a small portable lightweight HorusBennu 988X Travel Tripod. It's not a video type tripod, but can definitely hold your accessories or be used for a lightweight photography setup. I've been using my travel tripod with a Canon 5D Mark II + battery grip + Sigma 50-500mm right now, so these little guys can definitely carry weight. I'm out here in Maui, Hawaii and I can tell you there's nothing like having a good travel tripod with you at all times. Especially with the hook available on this 988X, you can hang your camera bag to load it up for more stability. Mine is a smaller Velbon purchased years ago, but I can't imagine I paid under $100 dollars at the time. The 988X Travel tripod runs less than $50 dollars, with an LX-2T mini ball head goes up to $89 bucks.

988X-lx-2t

[Thanks Kevin]

3 Comments

ipod-touch-hd-recording

ipod-touch-video-conferencing

When the iPhone 4 was released there were fan boys galore. Photo shoots done completely on the iPhone, iPhone music videos, and iPhone short films. More new gear was released such as the OWLE, microphone add-ons for making it a cool portable audio recorder, and iPhone Handheld Steadicam Stabilizer like the Hague.

blue-microphone-mikey-ipod

There's no doubt that there will be new gear developed in the near future to support the ever growing features of this gadget. For those who envied the iPhone 4 with HD video recording in a tiny portable device, Apple's new iPod touch (4th Generation) NEWEST MODEL comes with HD Video recording capabilities, a new high resolution lcd touch screen, and video conferencing over WiFi. This should also come with some type of iMovie for iPod video editing software. A cool little device without the contracts and service fees. Should be shipping in the next 3 weeks, available from the Apple store [via Amazon].

12 Comments

canon-lp-e6-batteries
click image

I'm pretty happy Canon continued to support the LP-E6 battery with many of their camera models. It helps to be able to keep things uniform. I've had about 6 aftermarket LP-E6 batteries that i've been using for my Canon 5D Mark II & 7D shown in this video here: http://cheesycam.com/canon-5d-mark-ii-7d-cheap-china-batteries/. I'm a big fan of these batteries and have used them for quite a while without a hiccup. The problem was that when these were first released, they didn't have the option to show battery life on the camera due to a special information chip. It's about time I grabbed some additional batteries and if i'm not mistaken the new Canon 60D on order will also be using the LP-E6 battery type. Now that i'm in the market for some extra batteries, these newer LP-E6 aftermarket batteries are already chipped properly to show battery life with the Canon DSLR's. Here's the link to the proper LP-E6 aftermarket batteries that should read proper battery life with your Canon DSLR's. Canon 5D Mark II & 7D batteries chipped to show Battery Life.

Opteka has been a fairly reliable name in the DSLR community providing cheap alternatives, so if you're an Amazon shopper here's a chipped Opteka LP-E6 2400mAh Ultra High Capacity Li-ion Battery Pack for the Canon EOS 7D & 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera (Fully Compatible)

4 Comments

IMG_9768-2
original view Sigma 50-500mm on Canon 7D

IMG_9768
cropped from original view

It's pretty late, the moon was out so I decided to test out the Sigma 50-500mm. To get a bit further out, I threw it onto the Canon 7D and took advantage of the crop factor. These JPEG images have been resized and sharpened a bit in Lightroom. I'm still waiting to bring this out to catch some surf shots.

sigma-50-500mm
Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens

IMG_8468
Canon 7D + Canon 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6

I was able to bring out the Canon 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 on the Canon 7D and grabbed some really nice closeup shots of a turtle swimming in the bay - while I was on a cliff above. Yeah that's quite a bit of zoom, the lens is very sharp and very fast. Click any of these images to get a little bigger view of the image.

IMG_5571
Turtle swimming

Also (below) here's more zoomed in and zoomed out comparisons shot from the Canon 7D + canon 100-400mm. The bottom image is not a crop. Taking advantage of the crop on the Canon 7D, that's how close you can get. All images were hand held and stayed pretty sharp with IS turned on.

IMG_5350
Above: Pulled in to 100mm on Canon 7D

IMG_5353
Above: Pushed out to 400mm on Canon 7D

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Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Autofocus Lens

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shoe-mount-zoom-h1
click image to find shoe mounts

Random post. This blog is sometimes used for me to keep tabs on the random things that run in my head. So while i'm out here in Maui on vacation i'm pretty sure i'll forget this little idea. Redrock Micro makes a cool handle that uses the hotshoe on top of the DSLR. For the Canon 5D Mark II & 7D, the hotshoe can be used with a handle, because the body is designed with a beefy magnesium frame. The cheap shoe mounts that I recently blogged about would make a great starting point for my new DIY top handle, and combined with the Double L bracket stabilizer Idea would make a complete lightweight solution that's easily broken down. It's so handy to have a top handle with your DSLR.

By the way, I've been using the Sima L brackets I received with my GoPro HD + Modified GoPro Underwater Housing by EyeOfMine together in the ocean. The Sima L bracket has nothing I can see that will be affected by the water, and I give it a decent rinse when i'm done. Definitely a great underwater stabilizer too. I've also been using the other one with my Canon SX210 IS, and it's like a match made in heaven. The Canon SX210 IS has built in optical stabilization and a crazy zoom. The extra handle off to the side gives me a more comfortable hold to take super steady video footage even in complete low light. I think i've used this Point and Shoot more than my other cameras on this trip, safe to say I overpacked.

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Flycam Nano test run from kaydawgy on Vimeo.

There's quite a few things I find that can be useful with the DSLR community, but haven't had the chance to test it out myself. Vimeo member kayDawgy checked out the FlyCam Nano stabilizer article I posted and decided to test it out. The design looks pretty familiar copying the Glidecam setup, and with the right experience looks like it can pull off some really nice stabilizer footage. Unfortunately, there was little information and even less 'good' video samples of the unit's ability. I think things worked out quite well, and personally this is the best video so far done with the Flycam Nano. It might not be perfect, but from my own experience, it's quite difficult to shoot with a stabilizer chasing a running subject around 2-3 ft. tall. LOL

From the tags of the video, looks like kaydawgy used a Canon 550D / T2i and Tokina 11-16mm lens, which is a killer combination on any stabilizer. I especially love how wide this lens is on the Canon 550D / T2i without having much barrel distortion around the edges. Sometimes that barrel distortion is not so flattering with people. If you have any further questions, you may want to give kaydawgy a comment at the video link here. https://vimeo.com/14534884

dslr video  camera stabilizer
find-price-button The Flycam Nano

tokina-11-16mm
find-price-button Tokina 11-16MM F/2.8 ATX 116 Lens for Canon EOS AF Digital - Tokina ATX116PRODXC