I'll be the first one to admit that I'm not fond of Hotel Room Service when i'm away and the room is full of loose camera equipment. You can easily place a lock on a roller bag, but what do you do if you're just traveling with a backpack?
In any situation you may have to leave your camera bag or backpack behind, Chris writes in and shares with us this Anti-Theft product from PacSafe
PacSafe Anti-Theft Bag Lock and BackPack Protector
If you're looking for a DIY Project to tackle, check out the RotoRig by YouTube member KrotoFlik. This DIY telescoping jib is based on a couple of very inexpensive Targus MP6710 Monopods held in place with ground clamps found at your local hardware store. Details are in the video and a parts list available in the video description (here).
It's a pretty cool design to use two monopods, but be weary about how much weight you should attempt to operate with these monopods. They aren't exactly designed to be operated sideways. If you're looking for a lightweight portable telescoping mini jib /crane, don't forget the new versions that have been released recently (found here)
I've received a few questions about the RAW format of the BlackMagic Design Cinema Camera, so I thought i'd do a short video. The RAW setting of the BlackMagic Design Cinema Camera does not shoot video - it shoots RAW pictures. Each picture equals a single frame, so if you're shooting 24p then it will capture 24 individual RAW photos per second. If you're shooting at 30fps, it will capture 30 individual RAW photo per second.
Even though the DNG format is open source, not all DNG files are created equal. This is the reason why you can't import the BMCC DNG directly into Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro X (until they've found a way to support the BMCC DNG version). So if you're not ready for Davinci Resolve, or maybe your computer just can't handle Davinci, one solution for basic color grading / correcting the BMCC RAW files is by using Adobe Lightroom.
Adobe Lightroom can import all of the BMCC DNG files and take advantage of the full dynamic range. Once you've performed your basic color grades or color corrections, you can export the images to JPEG (or tiff). One thing I may not have mentioned in the video is that you would change the export settings to 1920 pixels for the long edge if you want to fit a 1080p HD video project.
The final step is to import your image sequence into an editor like Final Cut Pro X or Adobe Premiere, sync up the Audio file, and export to your favorite video format. The BlackMagic Design Cinema Camera will be available in Micro Four Thirds mount and is currently available for Canon EF Mount (both found here)
BlackMagic Design Cinema Camera
Here's an interesting video that Nitsan has shared to help smooth out your video slider movements. By using the Konova Slider with Crank Handle Kit (seen here), a weight is added in place of the Crank Arm. The momentum of the spinning weight prevents jerky movements or harsh stop/starts. As mentioned in the video, it's best to use a balanced weight. Another modification was to flip the belt pulley backwards so that it's operating on the smooth side. Great little tip, and it makes a bit of sense. Let me know if you guys try this out and leave some comments below.
Konova Sliders and the Crank Handle Kit can both be found on the product page (here)
Konova Sliders, Upgrade Legs, and Crank System
Just a few weeks ago this 3.5" HDMI LCD EVF was posted on this blog, and now that a few other resellers are carrying the item it looks like it's dropped down a bit more in price starting at $239 (or make an offer).
It's not the greatest EVF on the market and lacks many features of higher end models, but If you would like to see a video showing some of the features on this particular EVF, you can reference the original post (here). More of these 3.5" HDMI LCD Electronic Viewfinders are available via eBay (click here)
3.5" HDMI LCD Electronic View Finder
Let me start by saying I do own a Steadicam Merlin Vest and the Glidecam HD4000 stabilizer. These are two high quality pieces of gear that will give excellent results, but total over $2100+ US dollars. If you can afford this combination, you won't be disappointed with the results.
For those who can't afford such equipment, I have had the opportunity to try several different more affordable vest systems and posted a video about this (below) along with an Arm/Vest I recommend for budget shooters.
So If you are a budget filmmaker, this more affordable Vest/Arm with Stabilizer Combination that can work just as well as some of the more expensive kits out there. The dual ISO arm vest is easy to get in and out of, easy to adjust to fit, and the arm has a quick release system and can be found bundled with the Wieldy Carbon Fiber Stabilizer (Wieldy review found here). Below is a sample video of the Dual ISO Arm and Vest with Wieldy Stabilizer flying a BlackMagic Cinema Camera.
Even with the additional weight of the BMCC, the stabilizer works great. This has been one of the best alternative Vest/Stabilizer bundles i've used that can deliver results similar to my $2100+ US dollar setup, and the kit is often found for around $800. You can find this Dual Arm Vest + Stabilizer via eBay (click here)
Video Camera Steadycam Dual Arm Stabilizer Load Vest
The vest is very helpful for longer video shots, but is not required. You can always purchase the vest at a later time and just start with the Wieldy Carbon Fiber hand held stabilizer. I have additional information and sample video footage shot with a Wieldy (found here). So if you are just looking for the Hand Held stabilizer, that can be found via eBay (Click Here).
Wieldy DV Pro Iron Triangle Stabilizer
Varavon is a company that offers a variety of different DSLR Video products from LCD ViewFinders, Shoulder Rigs, Video Cages, and of course well known for their Video Sliders. This time they have released various Tilt Jib systems labeled the T1, T2, T3, and T4
(model number dependent on size).
The T1 is the smallest mini jib at just 3.2 feet and the T4 version is the largest model stretching to 12.4 feet. The new Varavon Tilt Jibs offer a tilt head which is controlled by a cable system and tilting your video fluid. Judging from the photos, this isn't going to be a lightweight system compared to the other Carbon Fiber Cranes (seen here), but not many small jibs offer the Tilt Head option like the Varavon product.
You can check out additional photos and information can be found via eBay (click here)
Varavon T1 T2 T3 T4 Tilt Jib Systems
If you think your GH3 camera needs and LCD View Finder, here's how Scott Pendleton modified the Carry Speed VF-3 LCD View Finder to fit [Thanks Scott]. Typically the GH3 body is too short, so you'll need to have the GH3 Battery Grip to start.
The next problem is that the GH3 battery grip relocates the tripod mount to the right (not centered). This causes a problem for the VF-3 not being able to shift far enough to the left to line up properly. Scott then grinded the alignment plate and drilled a new hole that will allow the Loupe to align properly. You can figure it out from the images below but keep in mind this will definitely void any product warranty.
Click any of the images (above) for a larger view. You can find the Carry Speed VF-3 LCD View finder at the CarrySpeed.com website (here).
Carry Speed VF-3 DSLR LCD View Finder with Quick Release
And if you're wondering what Eye Cushion Scott is using on the Carry Speed VF-3, it is specifically the Blue Star Oval Long (not oval large) found via B&H below
Blue Star Eye Cushion Oval Long for Carry Speed VF-3.
The Panasonic GH3 camera has had it's long delays and is still unavailable from big retailers. If you've had your heart set on picking up this camera, right now there is a new small inventory available from USA sellers via eBay but they are moving fast (found here).
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 Camera - In Stock
