Well if there are any questions about whether the BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera pre-orders are actually shipping, here's the order I placed on the first day they became available. I've also caught several Tweets of others who have already received their item as well. I was lucky to have spent some time with camera to be well prepared for these new shipments, so it will be easy for me to get started shooting as soon as I unbox these bad boys... Or maybe I should just give one of them away??
The Cinevate Duzi had been announced a few weeks ago with nothing more than specs and a few images. Here's a recent video showcasing the more affordable Cinevate Duzi Video Slider.
More information about the Cinevate Duzi slider can be found at the product page: https://cinevate.com/duzi.
Cinevate Duzi Lightweight Portable Video Slider
Today Sony has released an innovative idea that merges a complete camera system into two different lens bodies. Controlling the QX10 or QX100 is done through your smart phone.
The QX10 and QX100 may deserve the term innovative, but that might only be used to describe design. Every aspect of the QX10 and QX100 is working backwards from what Sony has praised themselves for previously.
When Sony designed the NEX-7 they highlighted the fact that they've added more buttons and dials and an improved EVF electronic view finder. The new QX10 and QDX100 relies on a touch screen smartphone and a laggy display. Not to mention lag time when initiating the shutter to fire. Lagging displays played a major part with the slow adoption of mirrorless cameras. Some display like that of Fuji's EVF almost appear as if you're looking through the mirror of a DSLR camera, not an LCD screen.
The Sony RX100 and RX100 Mark II have been praised to bring a high quality sensor into a very pocketable camera. While the new QX10 and QX100 have sensors similar to the RX100, it can only be as comfortable as sticking a cup in your pants.
I think it's only fitting to share this next video from The Onion that spoofs such backwards innovation.
With a price tag of $499 and useless without a decent smartphone, the QX10 and QX100 brings image quality that can already be captured in a cheaper and more pocketable point and shoot system, and the only innovation they bring is to promote glorified 'selfies'.
Still, if you want more information on the QX10 and QX100 they are already available for pre-order via B&H (here).
Sony QX10 and QX100 Smart Lens Cameras
Typically most shooters enjoy working with Prime Lenses (fixed focal length lenses that don't zoom) due to their wide apertures and sharper image quality. Although there are literally dozens of choices for prime lenses, the list drops to a smaller number for prime lenses that offer the highly sought after 'Image Stabilization' feature.
So if you're a Canon user looking for a good image stabilized lens, here's a few recently released Canon EF prime lenses with IS. Besides just Canon cameras, keep in mind that Image Stabilization with these EF Prime lenses are also supported with the BlackMagic Cinema Camera EF Mount. These are also a native EF mount (not EF-S) so they are designed to cover both APS-C and full frame sensors like those found on the EOS 5D bodies.
 Canon 24mm F/2.8 USM IS |
 Canon 28mm F/2.8 USM IS |
 Canon 35mm USM IS |
If you didn't catch some of the recent announcements, here's a quick run-down on a few great Sponsored Product Giveaways currently going on. These are officially sponsored by brand names such as Dynamic Perception, the DVEStore, Varavon, Benro, P&C, and many more.
One of the most exciting and generous contributions this week is from Dynamic Perception who is currently offering up a tricked-out Stage One Motorized Slider Bundle!. This is an upgraded kit which includes (2) 20" carbon fiber extensions, upgraded with the Quick Change Motor System, 2 swappable DC motors, and a real-time video controller the AT2. The AT2 controller makes this motorized system very intuitive to use as opposed to programming a module for timelapse.
 |
Stage One Motorized Slider Bundle A complete Stage One Motorized Slider Bundle ( including 2 20" carbon fiber extensions) upgraded with the Quick Change Motor System, 2 swappable DC motors and the real-time video controller the AT2. It's a pretty tricked out setup sure to make any time-lapser very happy. Simply add camera, support and creativity; The Stage One Complete bundle adds to our other bundles and includes the rest of the ingredients to start shooting. (Continue Reading..) |
Reference Links:
https://dynamicperception.com/products/stage-one-complete-motorized-slider-bundle
https://dynamicperception.com/products/quick-change-system-1-motor-bundle
https://dynamicperception.com/products/at2-motion-controller
Other current and upcoming Sponsored Product Giveaways include a Varavon Multifinder-Uni, BlackMagic Design Intensity Pro from the DVEStore, a Fhugen GH3 Cage via P&C, a Benro Video Monopod with S4 Video Head, a Slidecam 9000 Camera Slider, and a K-Tek KE110cc Audio Boom Pole with internal XLR cable.
 |
MULTI-FINDER UNI The Varavon Multi Finder LCD Uni Viewfinder is a multi-functional viewfinder designed to better utilize the LCD monitor of a DSLR when shooting HD video. It provides a universal mounting plate, the LCD viewer and a loupe with eyecup that combine to create an adjustable yet stable viewing system compatible with numerous DSLRs. (Continue Reading..) |
 |
Blackmagic Design Intensity Pro Want to view your project out to an HD monitor? Want to capture an HD video? Add the incredible quality of HDMI and component IO (Input / Output) to your computer. Simply. Easily. Affoardibly. The Intensity Pro is with out a doubt the best value in HD capture cards in the known universe. (Continue Reading..) |
 |
FHUGEN HONU CAGE - {GH3} The Honu Cage - {GH-3} is designed to wrap around the GH-3 camera body as closely as possible while locking into it by fastening to the bottom of the camera and on the top via the HotShoe Lock™. This double fastening system ensures a rock steady mount of the camera even under demanding situations such as using a follow focus. (Continue Reading..) |
 |
Benro Aluminum Monopod with S4 Head For the pro on the go nothing provides solid support, flexibility and portability like a Monopod. The BENRO A48TBS4 pairs a matched S4 Video Head with the A48TB Video Monopod with 3-Leg Folding Base and Travel Case. Each Benro Video Monopod Kit is based on an eighth-generation design of single leg tubes and twist leg lock mechanisms. (Continue Reading..) |
 |
Varavon Slidecam S900 The Varavon Slidecam S 900 is a camera slider that supports up to 42 pounds. The track is 3 feet long and just under 2 inches wide. The slider can be used for horizontal and sloped tracking and dolly shots, or with available support, you can configure the slider track vertically to get a crane effect. (Continue Reading..) |
 |
K-Tek KE110cc Boom Pole The K-Tek KE-110CC Avalon Series Aluminum Boompole provides a moderately priced, lightweight boompole solution for ENG, EFP and other field recording applications. Its sturdy aluminum design is tough enough to endure the rigors of road use while remaining lightweight and travel worthy. (Continue Reading..) |
Here's a look at the new Motion9 folding DSLR Rig. The https://www.ihmedia.co.kr company sent this review unit over for me to take a closer look at, and so we put together a short video of how this Motion9 Folding Shoulder Rig unfolds from a form factor about the size of a large battery grip.
At first glance the Motion9 Folding Rig looks like an interesting concept, but since several additional parts outside of the main body are needed to complete the assembly, it's technically it's not as compact as you think. I'll admit that it's well made, and it doesn't feel cheap. The entire system is based on machined metal with a nice anodized black coating.
I can see that the main focus of the product was to design something ultra-portable for travel, but there were just too many issues that would make it cumbersome for fast paced shooting. First off, even with practice, transforming the rig can take several minutes and breaking down after a shoot can take just as long. There are too many small screws and thumb knobs that I can already tell will easily get lost during a small production.
The Motion9 VDSLR Compact Folding Rig will add mass and stabilize your shots, but because of it's limited adjustments it didn't feel quite balanced for me personally. The system is not based on industry standards, so forget about expanding with aftermarket accessories such as a replacement shoulder pad or perhaps a different top handle. The only areas that are standard are the short 15mm rails.
I'll give them credit for not simply copying another idea and working towards a totally unique design, but I personally don't think it's a very practical system. Especially with a price tag of over $400 dollars, there are just too many other options for a compact rig, or options to simply build your own from standard 15mm clamps and rails. What do you guys think about this? What's your feedback on this product?
More photos and info about the Motion9 Folding DSLR Rig can be found on ebay (here).
Motion9 DSLR Folding Rig - Compact Portable Rig Stabilizer
Today B&H has dedicated another page to just Nikon rebates. Dozens of products from DSLR Camera Bodies, Flashes, and Lenses qualify for instant rebates. The more you buy, the more you save - so bundling items will yield additional discounts. If you're in the mood for Nikon, check out what's going on over at the Nikon Rebate Page (here)
Nikon Instant Rebates DSLR Camera Bodies, Flashes, Lenses
Now that more people have received the BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera, there are dozens (if not hundreds) of comments and questions about solutions for poor battery performance.
At the time, I had just a few days to work with the camera and needed to come up with a quick solution, so I ran over to the electronics store and fashioned up a DIY adapter cable to work with my Tekkeon MP3450i batteries (love these things).
I wasn't quite sure how long each battery would last, but during a full day of shooting I only needed one battery (and it wasn't even drained at the end of the day). I'm not saying this is a perfect solution, but it's one that I had to work with and can guarantee it does work quite well while we're still waiting for other affordable solutions from companies.
Click Images for Larger View
Here are a few images on how I created a cable with a female connector to one side, and the correct male barrel on the other. This charges the battery inside of the BMPCC as well as powers it. The next time I have a chance, i'll actually do a full test on actual run time.
Planning on purchasing a BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera? Or maybe you decided to go with a Panasonic GH3, or the new Panasonic GX7. These cameras (especially the Pocket Cinema Camera) have quite a crop so I suggest looking into some wide lenses.
Here's a deal on a lens that I highly recommend for such cameras with a crop - The Rokinon 7.5mm Fisheye. Typically this lens will run for $299 dollars and you can see that here (via Amazon) and also here (via B&H).
Right now for the next few days the Bower branded (same exact lens) 7.5mm Fisheye Lens is just $199 + 4% Rewards saving you more than a cool hundred bucks. Deal ends in a few days.
Bower 7.5mm Fisheye Lens for Micro Four Thirds BlackMagic Pocket Cinema / GH3
