Photography Gadgets

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LCD Timer Battery grips aren't new, but there are some new ones showing up on the market for the Canon 7D, Canon 5D Mark II, and Canon 550D / T2i, and even newer Nikon DSLR's also. The LCD in the battery grip provides settings for (Intervalomter) Time Lapse functions. It's quite handy to have the Timer Remote feature already in the camera, for those spontaneous timelapse moments. There does appear to be some limitations to the internal timer functions, but if you're spontaneous, I doub't you'll want to spend a few hours with your camera in one spot. Here's some additional specs:

  • LCD screen (back ground light) with Date/ time/ stopwatch function.
  • Standard vertical shutter button with on/off switch on the grip and infrared remote sensor.
  • Built-in storage compartment for Canon 5D Mark II battery door and tripod mounting thread.
  • Holds one or two Li-Ion batteries, you don't need to take the grip off.
  • Functions as a timer remote and can be programmed to function as an interval met
  • Design for group, macro, long exposures, continuous, motion shooting, etc.
  • Energy saving design, can be use for long time
  • Shutter Lag (MAX : 99h 59m 59s), Exposure Length (MAX: 99h 59m 59s), Shooting Circulation (MAX: 99 times)

    • These battery grips sure do look a lot 'fancier' than the the standard grip, and contains all the basic features of the regular grips, but there still might some limitations to the internal Timelapse (Intervalometer) features. If you want to dish out a few more dollars though, you can have something that stands out from the regular grips. Check out the line of LCD battery grips with built in Time Lapse Remote Function.

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    Cheesycam reader MJM just dropped a bomb on me. I've listed some information on the aftermarket battery grips and batteries on this blog before, but i've been hearing that the prices have gone up since. MJM sends a comment about a seller who's got the aftermarket grips as low as $65.95 just grip, or $89.95 which comes with 4 batteries too. That's a great deal right now especially with the demand still growing quickly on the 550D / T2i. I've done my usual (gut) inspection about the seller whos received 100% feedback and seems to push 100's of items daily. That's a tough job keeping eBay buyers happy, so this one looks totally legit. Grab 'em now while it's still decently priced for the 4 battery package.


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    Another Bomb dropped was the Amazon grip with 2 batteries for approx $60 dollars + $4.99 shipping. Supposedly they might be shipping this guy out of New Jersey so the wait might be shorter. Check it out below.

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    DSLRUniversity.com just posted a nice review showcasing the Think Tank Airport Security v2.0 rolling camera bag. If you're shopping for a new travel bag that will keep your gear organized, safe, and used for Carry On to an airliner, check out the review. I think I paid $500 for a Tamrac years ago, i'm so glad to see these prices coming down with much better quality too. You can find the prices for the Think Tank Airport Security v2.0 rolling Camera bag by clicking here.

    You can find more information on DSLR Video Equipment reviews and tips at DSLRUniversity.com

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    Update: You can now buy the LCDVF 3/2 from BHPHOTOVIDEO.com.
    Grab yourself the LCDVF 3/2 from BHPHOTOVIDEO.com

    There's word on the streets that the new LCDVF for the Canon 550D / T2i will begin shipping soon to distributors. The original LCDVF for most 3" LCD's did not fit exactly on the new LCD design from Canon. I haven't heard of anything else different about magnification, diopters, or mounting options, so I expect it to be very similar in design, just a bit wider. The original LCDVF's for most Canon, Nikon, and other cameras with a standard 3" LCD can still be bought here.

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    If you were as caught up in Canon HDSLR world as I have been, you might have missed the hacks going on with the Panasonic GH1 HDSLR . Originally introduced with very low bit rate video quality, I didn't think it had a chance to compete with the Canon 5D Mark II. Others believed in the unit and created hacks on the firmware. Apparently the hardware is capable of much more, with a recent hack that puts the video capture bitrate over the Canon 5D Mark II. I'm not going to get into details, but I'm betting Panasonic is staying quiet allowing 'others' to develop freely for them while they sit back and learn some new tricks. They are probably right on top of all these firmware hacks, testing it out, taking in a thing or two, and planning on releasing a killer HDSLR soon thanks to some clever DSLR video hackers. Check out the original article for more information.

    With this recent firmware hack (there are a few caveats), you can grab a GH1 for less than a Canon 7D and capture Video bitrate higher than the Canon 5D Mark II. Check out the pricing on the Panasonic GH1 over at BHPHOTOVideo.com.

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    The above video and Reference to original article here: https://www.eoshd.com/content/250-50Mbit-1080p-MJPEG-on-the-Panasonic-GH1

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    Not quite sure what this guy is, but I found it while doing my daily cruises on eBay. It looks like it's on an estate auction which means it's something that isn't made any longer. It's a camera support system that folds up and is adjustable through a weird telescoping method. Pretty cool, but I wouldn't pay that auction price. Check out the auction here (unless it's already expired by the time you read this).

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    HongKong-Rig (4)
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    If you thought those 'Gini Rigs' coming out of Korea were cheap, check out the new rigs showing up on eBay coming out of Hong Kong. Gini Rigs started inflating prices, I'm thinking to meet demands once they became popular. Made from CNC'd machined aluminum, black matte finish, 90 degree rod clamps, adjustable handles, and all standard 15mm so you can mix and match them to even RedRock and Zacuto. These puppies are going for cheap right now, but we'll see how long those prices stick around before it becomes popular. Check out the Hong Kong Should Mount Rigs following this link.

    [UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE] I received a Gini Rig and reviewed it here: http://cheesycam.com/the-gini-rig-arrives-from-korea
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    [Updated] Full Gini Rig Photo Gallery and Review

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    I'm always asked what equipment I choose to bring when I travel on vacation. I might have placed some of these items in random articles on this blog, but here i'll list out my favorite Vacation travel gear that I can't seem to go without. Often i'll title this collection as my 'Personal Travel Setup' or at times 'Here honey, you can use this to bring to your friends party' equipment list. Keep in mind it's a balance of getting quality footage without risking expensive equipment getting lost or damaged.

    First up a super light weight camera that does both awesome photos + awesome video the Canon EOS 550D or T2i. It's the cheapest SLR I own which makes it perfect for traveling (in case I get jacked!). The hybrid photo camera + HD video means I'm only carrying one piece of gear for all those captured memories.

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    Second piece of travel gear, (you've heard my praises on this lens), the Tamron 18-270mm with VC. Yes it's wide for this cropped camera, it zooms out to a crazy 270mm, and it has Image Stabilization too. When they are on sale, you can grab them just about $520 dollars (it's on sale now). Being able to shoot wide and super zoom with image stabilization all in one lens, it's the perfect travel buddy. And for the price, I can afford to get jacked with it too. (don't jack me if you see me, it's hypothetical)

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    Media card choice (thanks readers) would be the Transcend 32GB SDHC Class 6 card. I posted about this asking what everyone's opinions were, and they all had very good reviews. So for vacation wise, this is an item you can get several of. The Class 6 is fast enough for RAW photos and Videos. I can stock up soooo many of these cheap cards and not have to carry a laptop out to the jungle for dumping data. Just bring several of these since they run fairly cheap.

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    Next up is a Variable ND filter. There's hype about the LCW Fader ND's and i'm not sure if they are the best, but i'm using the Genus brand from BHPHOTOVIDEO. With the 1/4000ths shutter speed on the T2i sometimes it's very very very bright out on a beach. This bad boy helps me stop down light to keep my shutter in check, and also to do Flash sync in photography. As you know Flash only syncs at approx 1/200ths, so if you need that fill light for better exposure, you gotta have an ND. Cutting out the light is also perfect to get my Video shutter speed to where the pros shoot at - 1/50th-1/60th. If your'e doing any type of landscape photography, this will help you capture motion in the ocean or streaming waterfalls by allowing your shutter to remain open longer on bright sunny days. Since it's a Variable ND filter, you can adjust different exposures without carrying multiple ND's. Something every Photographer and Videographer should carry and a very important tool.

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    I'm not a fan of the OEM straps, they just aren't that comfortable. I was sold on the Black Rapids R-Straps when I saw how smooth they worked, and how professional they look. The Strap also doubles as a bag to carry your phone, extra batteries, media cards, and more. It's like having a backpack on a strap and the camera just glides along instead of 'binding' everywhere. Those pockets built into the strap are perfect when you're rocking the beach in speedos. Just kidding, I don't wear speedos. It's much better to go naked to prevent tan lines.

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    Gotta have flash! Most people think flash is strictly used indoors, low light, or at night. In fact many professionals use Flash outdoors on bright sunny days to balance lighting. If you take the time to understand flash, you'll get much better lighting in with your subjects. My choice obviously is the OEM Canon 580 EX II. It's fast, powerful, pretty weather sealed, and can be used off camera with an ST-E2 transmitter. Firing the flash off to the side normally gives a better look instead of flat on your subject. This is completely an optional piece of equipment when used in the 'Here honey, you can use this to bring to your friends party' equipment list. You might want to just let 'em use the built in flash.

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    Tripods on Vacation. Depending where you go, you might want those beautiful night scenes with long exposure shots, timelapse photography, steady Video clips, or maybe just set the camera on timer to get a shot of yourself (in speedos). My personal favorite is an old Velbon travel tripod. Sorry I don't think they sell it anymore, but you can check out a line of Travel tripods following this link. Travel tripods have to be super light and fold up super short so you don't mind bringing it around. If you try and get the biggest and the baddest, i've found you'll tend to use it alot less. Grab yourself a light weight one, and you'll find yourself using it more often.

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    Now if I must have a bag with me, the Lowepro Fastpack is my choice. I actually have 2 of these bags. It can fit a full DSLR + Battery Pack + Big Lens in the bottom area, is quickly accessible, and has several other pockets for my Flash, ST-E2 transmitter, cards, strap, ND Filter, yadda yadda yadda. Now this model doesn't have a Tripod strap, but I use the Mesh pocket off to the side to hold my tripod and a bit of Velcro tie down at the top to keep it all in place. When i'm traveling (without a tripod) it doesn't have that umm..how do we say... 'Hey I got me some camera gear inside of this Backpack!' kinda look. I like it pretty sleek, portable, and discreet.

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