Peter writes in and shares a find on a strange new LED video light [Thanks Peter]. The DL-DV1300 Video light works on 6 high power LEDs and claims it has the same output as a typical 300 LED video light. This new DL-DV1300 video light is dimmable, comes with a typical diffuser, tungsten colored filter, and powers from the common Sony NPF battery type (charger and battery included). A web search shows the DV1300 LED light listing in retail stores for over $130, but here they are available for just over $50 dollars via eBay (Click Here).
DL-DV1300 High Power LED Video Light Sony NPF Battery + Charger
Here's a cheaper 3.5" HDMI EVF you will probably be hearing more about from Seetec. The magnifying loupe attaches and detaches similar to the SmallHD DP4, but that's pretty much where all the similarities end. Kicapi Productions has a video demonstrating some of the features [Thanks Kicapi Productions].
So hopefully the video above answers any questions about the EVF as you begin hearing about it from other blogs and forums. It's definitely not as high quality or as full featured as the other brands, but it comes in at about half the price. Kicapi Productions has the Scope 3.5" EVF already available to Malaysian/Asian countries at https://www.kicapi.com.
One good thing about the new Black Magic Cinema Camera is that it can support IS (Image Stabilization) in Canon EF mount lenses. One not-so-good thing is the smaller sensor that will need additional attention for wide angle video. With these two things considered, the first lens that came to mind is the Canon 17-55mm F/2.8 with IS. This lens receives excellent reviews (not for Full Frame cameras) but will run you almost $1200 dollars (as seen here).
Canon 17-55mm F/2.8 IS Lens
After doing a bit more research, i've come across the Sigma 17-70mm F/2.8-F/4 with Optical Anti-Shake Technology (image stabilization). It's not quite as nice as the Canon 17-55mm because it can't maintain the F/2.8 aperture, but it does have a bit more reach and i'm typically stopping down the aperture to an F/4 anyways. The Sigma receives an almost full 5 Star rating with reviews, and is currently On Sale at just $299 for the next 15 days.
Anyone with a cropped sensor Canon DSLR such as a T3i, T4i, 60D, 7D, Black Magic Cinema camera, or even Sony FS100 / FS700 shooters may really want to take a look at this lens. Even if you just consider this a constant F/4 aperture, a 17-70mm Image Stabilized lens for $299 is not a bad deal. Check out the sale via B&H (click here).
The latest buzz (no pun intended) for Flying GoPro cameras is the new DJI Phantom Quadcopter designed specifically to mount the GoPro Hero cameras. Unlike the more complicated copter systems out there, the DJI Phantom comes in a fully assembled complete kit (found here) where you just need to mount your GoPro (or other light cameras) and you are literally ready to start flying.
Even though it looks like a toy, it's a pretty advanced little copter. Check out a few highlights about the new DJI Phantom GoPro QuadCopter:
Phantom has an integrated flight dynamics system, the Naza-M + GPS multi-rotor autopilot system, as well as the dedicated remote controller and receiver. The proven stability of the Naza-M autopilot system allows you to easily achieve great flight performance.
With the built-in Naza-M autopilot system plus a GPS module, the Phantom has GPS Attitude and Attitude Control Mode. Pilots can switch between the two modes to achieve a particular flight experience.
Phantom also has the Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC) function of the Naza-M autopilot system.
Phantom also has the failsafe function of the Naza-M autopilot system. This means when the communication between the Main Controller and the transmitter is disconnected, the outputs of all command sticks from controller will go to the center position. If the GPS signal is good enough, the system will automatically trigger Return To Home and landing safely.
DJI Phantom GoPro Hero3 Flight
The DJI Phantom Quadcopter was announced several weeks ago, but only on a Pre-Order status. They are now showing In Stock status ready to ship. You can find additional photos, videos, and specifications following the link via eBay (click here).
The DJI Phantom Quadcopter Ready-to-Fly kits are also available via Amazon (click here)
DJI Phantom QuadCopter for GoPro Video Cameras - Amazon
Don't forget that the latest GoPro Hero3 (white, silver, and black editions) are smaller, lighter, offers more features, and higher video quality than previous GoPro cameras. Should be a killer match up with the DJI Phantom. You can get more information about GoPro's latest Hero3 from the official Official GoPro® Store.
Above is a Demo Reel from DynamicPerception.com, a company that offers motorized motion control sliders primarily used for Time-Lapse Photography. The latest product added to their line is the Stage One slider (found here). Unlike most sliders that have to be purchased as a set length, the Stage One slider can be broken down to 21" sections that will allow you to fit the equipment into standard Airline Carry-on sized luggage when traveling.
Dynamic Perception shipped over the Stage One Motorized Slider kit with an MX2 Controller, and without checking the online documentation, I was able to dive in, assemble, and figure out the basic functions. If you follow their extensive online support documentation and instructional videos, I feel anyone should be able to tackle this piece of equipment.
It is designed to be used with stands and offers a 5/8" light stand mount, 3/8" mount, or 1/4" tripod mounts. The Stage One does not come with legs or feet, so you'll need to keep it elevated slightly to operate. I'm hoping they will offer some type of adjustable legs, similar to what the Konova or Varavon sliders offer. It's very well crafted and designed to to readily accept optional accessories for more advanced use. The basic (non-motorized) kit comes with (4) 21" rails that can be assembled into a 42" slider (additional rails can be purchased to extend the slider further).
I have plans to take this kit out to CES Las Vegas in January, so hopefully I can have some interesting footage to share soon after the trip. Even if you're not ready to tackle Time-Lapse just yet, I suggest taking a look at some of the informational video tutorials covering How to shoot HDR Timelapse, setting up Shoot-move-Shoot (InterLeave), Time-lapse video post processing, Time Remapping, and more. There's also amazing Time-Lapse Video examples submitted by customers to help inspire your next time-lapse project over at DynamicPerception.com.
Some videos show unboxing, but here i'm planning to 'Re-Box' Canon's first mirrorless camera, the EOS-M. I'm sure there will be some comments about how I didn't really spend enough time to learn the camera, but I honestly don't see the point. Maybe if this were considered an entry level camera, i'd think twice but Canon wants to charge $800 dollars for this camera. At that price, I expect it to be at the same level as other mirrorless cameras such as the Olympus OM-D, DMC-GH3, or Sony Alpha NEX.
I feel like the mirrorless market is something many professionals are taking seriously, and after so many years of refinement from Panasonic, Olympus, and Sony, I can't understand what Canon was trying to do here. Sure there's an adapter to use the massive lineup of HUGE professional EF lenses onto the EOS-M, but why? That not only defeats the purpose of the small form factor, there is also nothing very special about the quality coming out of this camera.
In my opinion, there is just not enough to love on the Canon EOS-M mirrorless to justify the price and not enough accessories or lenses available (at this time). You're better off grabbing a Canon T3i for about $460 dollars than to spend $800 on something that lacks so much compared to what we're seeing from other companies. That's my rant, what's your opinion on this camera?
One of the big purchases you'll need to make for the new Black Magic Cinema camera is a solid state drive. I opted for the 120GB Sandisk SSD to start out, but quickly realized I need more to support the RAW video mode. The Sandisk 480GB is a great option and currently lists for $345 Amazon (seen here). It's a drive that I think most people will end up buying if they are shooting with the BMCC.
This Sandisk 480GB is one of the SSD Drives recommended in the Black Magic Cinema Camera Manual, so if you're thinking about the BMCC, this drive is currently on sale for $300 dollars for the next 8 hours. Check it out via eBay (click here).
Sandisk 480GB SSD Solid State Drive for Black Magic Cinema
Here are a few great still photo examples with the 18" Diva Ring Light in use from YouTube member Lorenzo Pickett. From what I understand the only lights used were two (DIY) 4ft. CFL banks on each side and the 18" Diva Ring Light placed center. Towards the end of the video he shows some great examples captured by this simple lighting setup. [Thanks Lorenzo]
The catch lights in the 18" Diva Ring Light are effective because of the large diameter and distance to the subject. This can be used for Video as well. Smaller ring lights will only be seen as a small dot. Here's another great video example of this Diva Ring Light in use shared through the comments from Eliu Cornielle.
Here's another very interesting BTS video showing how the Diva Ring light was used by Badmash Factory Productions [thanks seem]
The new version of the 18" Diva Ring lights are now dimmable as the earlier models had only a simple ON/OFF switch. The new Diva Ring Light kit comes with a 5,600K Lamp (daylight), 3,200K Lamp (tungsten balance), AC Power Cord, and a Padded Carry Case. You can find more image samples, information, and kit prices for the 18" Diva Ring Lightvia eBay (Click Here).
As popular as the Canon 5D Mark III has been, there are only a handful of LCD ViewFinders made specifically for the camera. If you're an owner, this might be something you've looked into. So here's a look at Varavon's latest MultiFinder UNI / LCD View Finder. There are older versions of the Multifinder that are very specific to each camera, but the new UNI (i'm guessing for universal) has adjustments on the base and on the View Finder itself which allow it to work with a wider range of camera bodies. Below is an unboxing video that i've done and how it fits on the Canon 5D Mark III camera body.
The unique feature on the Varavon Multifinder products is it's ability to achieve low angle shots by use of specially aligned mirrors. The optics can be removed if you only need to use it as a simple sunshade, and the quick release system makes it easy to remove the entire view finder. The MultiFinder UNI runs for $295 is currently on sale for the holidays at $236 at their website (click here)
DL-DV1300 High Power LED Video Light Sony NPF Battery + Charger
. It's a drive that I think most people will end up buying if they are shooting with the BMCC.
