The BlackMagic Design Cinema Camera was announced in April 2012 (last year) and is still on backorder with every retail store. There are quite a few consistently listed to auction via eBay, but just be prepared to pay a bit more than the $2995 suggested retail price. Check out the listings via eBay (click here).
The tests basically show variable output combined with varying shutter speeds to tests against flickering. Details state that no flickering was detected, and the YN-300 LED Video light can be found via eBay (Click Here)
The GH3 has been a tough little camera to find at normal retail price. I've been thinking about a second camera body, and when I saw a deal listed under retail price, I just had to jump in on it. I've been really putting the GH3 to work lately, and it will be nice to have a second camera angle that can match up easily in post. These cameras have been backordered and out of stock at retailers, but not impossible to find. The ones that are available are marked up or on auctions via eBay (click here).
Here's a very simple and clean DIY counterweight solution to add onto your 15mm Video Rigs. This tip comes from Jason and he shows us how a Balance Weight typically used on telescopes will clamp nicely to any 15mm Rail. [Thanks Jason]. He's using a Meade 1422 counterweight, but i'm guessing there are other versions that may work as well. Check out the products via eBay (click here).
Unlike many portable jibs, the new Varavon Tilt Jibs can actually tilt the camera when performing vertical movements to keep your subject in frame. This all accounts to a slightly heavier setup than the other Carbon Fiber Mini Cranes shown recently (here), but the Varavon Tilt Jib is strong enough and long enough to support Motorized Pan / Tilt heads like the one I showed off earlier this week (seen here).
The Varavon Tilt Jib is available in a variety of sizes from 3.3ft-12.5ft, and currently the T3 version (9.5ft) is discounted down to $299 for preorders. Not a bad deal at this price. Check out more information following the banner (below)
Years ago Intuit released a belt driven remote follow focus system (seen in video above). The product looked like an excellent idea, but the retail price listed for $3,999 US (seen here). Needless to say it didn't exactly fly off the shelves.
Opteka has revised this basic idea and now offers an FFR-900 Motorized Belt Driven Follow Focus System. The FFR-900 doesn't just offer one, but two motors that clamp to 15mm rails to control both focus and zoom on your DSLR lens. Rocker switches to control the motors are mounted to 15mm hand grips, and sensitivity (i'm guessing speed) of the system can be adjusted in a rear controller. The motorized FF is powered through standard Canon LP-E6 batteries (batteries and charger included).
Opteka FFR-900 Rocker Switch Handles & Main Controller
From what I can tell, the motors can be controlled by the main controller, and the rocker switched handles don't need to be plugged in. This could be a handy solution for Steadicam work, but keep in mind that it's basic forward and reverse DC motors. This will work if you're moving around and your focus points continuously change, but unlike a real motorized follow focus system, you can't program multiple focus points in and jump back and forth which is ideal for stationary tripod shots.
If you've wished that your current Dslr Video Mattebox had that swing away feature like most high end MatteBoxes, here's an interesting new piece of kit that could come in handy. The LanParte 15mm Swing Away Rod Clamp features a hinged design that can swing a Matte Box or other 15mm accessory away from the front of your rig for quick lens changes or easier access to your filter trays. Not a cheap solution, as it will run close to $38 US dollars (plus shipping), but some people need the convenience. Check it out via eBay (click here).
Your basic Jib / Crane will give you smooth vertical (up/down) movements. With a pan head placed under the crane, you will combine both horizontal (left/right) and vertical movements. Attach a video head to the end of the crane and you'll be able to maintain a subject in frame even when the crane is panning horizontally similar to a track dolly or slider. That's quite a bit of options for a crane, but once you've added a motorized pan/tilt head, it will open up amazing camera movements that are otherwise impossible to achieve through any other tool.
Last week we decided to mount up the Servo City MPT1100-SS Pan & Tilt System to one of our jibs. We were able to capture smooth overhead rotating shots down to low tilt movements. The speed of the motorized Pan/Tilt system can be adjusted through the joystick, and the rotation of the motors can be reversed to the joystick movements to suit your preference. The unit can be mounted right side up, or underslung (which I prefer). It can mount to jibs with a bowl adapter or standard 1/4-20 mounts.
We will be using this new setup for an upcoming project, but as with any tool it does take quite a bit of practice. The MT1100-SS is much smoother than it appears in our first practice video (above). The system weighs only 2 pounds and can support up to a 6 pound payload. For around $649 the kit comes with everything you need to start performing motorized Pan / Tilt movements on your jib and more information about this head can be found at the ServoCity.com MPT1100-SS Pan & Tilt system over at the product page (Click Here).
ServoCity.com MPT1100-SS Pan & Tilt System
For jibs smaller than 4ft. I don't really suggest adding an entire motorized pan/tilt setup. You will probably get best results working with at least an 8ft. or longer jib setup. For larger heavier camera equipment, you will need a stronger system than the MPT-1100SS and instead look towards the PT-2100 (found here). There is also a good number of long jib/cranes available and a small variety of motorized pan/tilt products available via eBay (click here).
Now that Edelkrone's SliderPLUS has been available for some time, what's the general consensus for those who have it in their hands? Worth every penny? Most reactions about the announcement of the SliderPLUS were very positive around the new innovative slider, but the short length had some people second guessing. Now that there is a longer SliderPLUSXL Version that adds about 1 feet of extra motion, is this enough to change a few minds? Love to hear the comments.
BlackMagic Design Cinema Camera In Stock
