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Here's a simple product that just makes life a little more simpler. The FlareDinkum Compact or Pro Lens Flag provides a simple solution for lens shade without having to carry around a large mattebox or when using ND filters and Various Lenses. There is a 1/4-20 female thread under the hotshoe mount if you want to mount it to some other area on your rig.

Cheesycam Dinkum Flag GH3

I've also used it in situations where i'm trying to keep a bit of rain off the front of my lens. The Dinkum Systems FlareDinkum is available in a variety of sizes from small to large, and this video shows the Compact version for smaller DSLR style cameras. You can find the FlareDinkum via Amazon (Click Here).

Dinkum Lens Shade21WRnMtJNqL._AA160_
find-price-button Dinkum Systems FlareDinkum COMPACT and PRO Lens Shade

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I pretty much hang in the small DSLR video camera side of things, but I am often asked for a good Steadicam Vest type system that can be used for larger cameras such as the Sony FS700 or RED Scarlet / EPIC. ProCinemaTools has a video review about a steadicam system that many RED Users have been discussing on the forums called the Laing M-02 Laing M-02 Camera Support Vest Stabilizer Kit.

The video mentions the Laing M-02 Camera Support Vest Stabilizer Kit is rockin' a 22 pound RED Scarlet setup with rails and a MatteBox over the top. The top stage can also mount the camera at a tilted angle (up/down) for more creative shots while still being balanced. It's designed to work with an LCD monitor up front on the lower sled, and the Gimbal can be adjusted up and down the telescoping post. If you're looking to fly some big cameras, this is being called a high quality affordable system. You can find the Laing Stabilizer Vest Kit via eBay (Click Here).

Laing Vest Steadicam Sony FS100 RED Epic Scarlet FS700Laing Steadicam Vest Sony FS700Procinematools Steadicam Laing M-02 RED Scarlet
find-price-button Laing Camera Support M-02 Stabilizer Vest Kit - via eBay

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In the middle of setting up lights, I thought I would share this little tip how to modify the beam angle on a basic on-camera LED light. Creating a spot light is handy when you really want to narrow the light beam for a rim light or hair light on a subject. So here's an inexpensive way to change your small off camera LED into a more focused spot light using SpeedLight Gids (found here).

Varying thickness and density of the different honeycomb grids control the spread and feathering of the spotlight. These grids can be attached by simple velcro to any small LED light, and can be an effective way to control spill when working with colored gels so you can get creative with your accent lighting. These grids can often be found for around $5 dollars and up via eBay (click here).

grid honeycomb flash light spot light speedlighthoneycomb grid flash speedlight
find-price-button HoneyComb Grid Light Modifier

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There's a number of companies putting out large sensor point and shoot cameras, and now there's the Nikon A. The new Nikon A has a large APS-C sized sensor that pretty much matches up with what you'll find in a professional Nikon D7000 DSLR. It's not quite the magic you'll find in a full frame Sony RX1 which retails for $2800, but the Nikon A is targeting the retail price of $1,000.

I'm sure there's a number of people that would be excited about this camera, but I took a look at some of the specs to see if it could replace any of the cameras i'm currently using. Having a large sensor is nice, but for me personally, it falls short in some areas. It has a limited shutter of 1/2000ths, so I can't see myself using this in place of my DSLR. It has only a fixed 18mm F/2.8 lens (equiv 28mm), which I feel is a bit too wide for portraits. It may be a fun camera for random street photography, but at a $1K price point, I don't see myself using this for anything else.

The new Nikon Coolpix A is available in Black and Silver, and is already available for pre-order. What do you guys think about the new Nikon Coolpix A? Any ideas of how this camera can fit into your lifestyle or work outside of all the other options available on the market? Sail or Fail? Take a look at more of the specs in the product page via B&HPhotoVideo (Click Here).

Nikon CoolPix A Point Shoot APS-CNikon Coolpix A APS-C Point Shoot
find-price-button Nikon Coolpix A APS-C Sensor Compact Camera

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Here's another digital slate for use with the Apple iPad. Looks pretty straight forward to use, and there's a nice feature to send an email of your scene. Right now it's listed for just $1.99 through the App Store. For more information or questions about the product you can visit them at https://tizaslate.com.

tizadslrslate
TIZA DLSR Slate for iPad

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The Milk Diffusion filter is one of the most common add-ons people will purcahase along with the new F&V R-300 LED Ring light. Now they've added the Milk Diffusion Filter option for their popular on camera Z96 LED Video light. I still see people rockin' the Z96s so this will be a great addition to your kits over the standard diffuser. Check it out at the product page (Click Here)

Z96 LED Video Light Milk Filter Diffusion
find-price-button F&V New Milk Diffusion Filter for Z96 LED Video Lights.

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Satechi has introduced a wireless Remote for DSLR Cameras. The Smart Trigger is a fully functional wireless timer remote designed to be controlled from your iPhone or iPad. Use the Smart Trigger app to control your DSLR camera with three unique shooting modes.

Regular Shot
This mode allows your smart phone to act as a wireless shutter. Touch the shutter control button to capture a picture - perfect for including the photographer in group shots!

Manual Shot
Manual Shot allows you to take long exposures while in bulb mode. This mode includes a switch that will lock the shutter open; use Manual Shot for photographic techniques like star trails and light painting.

Timed Shot
Timed Shot mode turns your iPhone or iPad into an intervalometer. Fine-tune your timer settings and use this mode to perform advanced photography techniques like time-lapses.

The Satechi Smart Trigger can be found via Amazon (Click Here)
Satechi BlueTooth Smart Trigger
find-price-button Satechi Bluetooth Wireless Timer Remote For DSLR

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Here's a fun little video a few friends of mine came up with to showcase basic dynamic camera movements using one of those new Carbon Fiber Mini Cranes (a.k.a Micro Video Jibs). This version breaks down into two pieces to about 30" inches, but can telescope to a full 6.5' Feet long.

In this video you can see that the crane was not used at full extension. Unlike a fixed length crane, these telescoping versions are handy when the project doesn't require as much travel, or if you're in tight spaces. It also helps to use it at shorter lengths so you can work with less counterweights. You can find these Carbon Fiber Mini Video Jibs following the link via eBay (Click Here).

Carbon Fiber Crane-Mini-Jib
find-price-button Carbon Fiber Telescoping Mini Video Crane/Jib


WideOpenCamera.com Overview of Avaiator

The next product i'll be working with is the new Aviator Travel Jib (seen above) which is a one piece (not two) design, and collapses to an amazing 24"! It can still be telescoped out to a full 6' Feet and comes with a fluid base installed. This not only saves you money from buying a strong video head, but it also means you don't need to pack a bulky video head for panning. You really have to see it in person to appreciate the convenience of traveling with this little jib. The Aviator also has bearings at each pivot point for smoother vertical operation. The one piece design allows you to setup very quickly and break down just as fast.

Nice Industries Aviator JibAviator Travel Jib Crane Mini
find-price-button The Aviator Travel Jib

I liked everything about the Aviator, but at a $500+ dollar price tag (seen here), I feel it will really target those who specifically need the convenience of traveling with a high quality uber-compact crane. If your goal is to get smooth Jib footage, of course that can be achieved by many different and less expensive products. If you are looking for a mini crane that is easy to travel with, can be set up quickly, and folds down to just 24" inches this may be the only current option. I will publish a video using the Aviator pretty soon. The Aviator is available in Mag Alloy or a lightweight Carbon Fiber version. More about the Aviator Jib can be found via Amazon (click here)

Avaiator JibAviator Travel Jib
find-price-button The Aviator Travel Jib

Live Feed Mini Jibs Available Now - via eBay

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If you're still on the hunt for the GH3 camera, it's still out of stock on Amazon, out of stock at Samy's, and still on back order status with B&H Photo Video. [Update] GH3 Cameras are now in stock via B&H Photo Video today. LINK: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/892456-REG/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_GH3_Mirrorless_Digital.html.

Panasonic GH3 Camera
find-price-button Panasonic GH3 Camera Body (Black) - via B&H Photo Video

The GH3 camera bodies are also listed for regular retail price (not marked up) via eBay (click here).

Panasonic GH3 Camera
find-price-button Panasonic GH3 Camera Body (Black) - via eBay