[Update] There's a better deal that just showed up for only $2599 (here).
The Canon 5D Mark III is currently on special offer promotions from major retailers down to just $2975 (as seen here)
Canon 5D Mark III (Body) Discount
BlackMagic Cinema Camera BMCC Shipping
Above is one of the most popular BlackMagic Cinema Camera examples from OneRiver Media comparing the BMCC to the popular 5D Mark III. In the last few weeks it appears BlackMagic has ironed out production issues on it's long overdue Cinema Camera and has been shipping out the BMCC. The first Cinema Camera shipping has the Canon EF mount followed up by a Micro Four Thirds mount Cinema Camera to be released a few months after. I'm just curious as to how many people have ordered this camera?
Panasonic GH3 Photos from Academy of Science San Francisco
I was hanging out at the San Francisco Academy of Sciences earlier today and was lucky to have the new Panasonic GH3
Here's a few video samples from that trip under low lighting and all hand held with typically high ISO settings.
Here's the gear below that was used:
Just Added (2) 8″ 15mm Extension Rails
PhotographyandCinema.com has just added a pair of 8" Industry Standard 15mm Extension rails (rods) for $28.99 + Free shipping (domestic USA). The rails have both Male and Female threads so that they can be assembled to virtually any length for supporting additional accessories, longer lenses, or if you need the extra room for Matte boxes. These will match up perfectly to your Gearbox GB-2 or Prime Shoulder Rig.
There are plenty of options for rails on the market, and I advise you to shop around, but for a pair of 8" 15mm rails with both Male and Female threads these prices are pretty darn good. Check it out at PhotographyandCinema.com (click here).
P&C 15mm Extension Rails with Male / Female Threads
Tightening up the Kamerar Follow Focus
Out of the box Lainol commented about how much play there was to his new Kamerar Follow Focus. The amount of play he mentioned seemed too excessive, so I asked him to check the small allen bolt that holds the knob in place to make sure it was tightened down. After tightening up the screw, this solved his problem and Lainol generously created a video reference on how this procedure is done for us [Thanks Lainol].
Once you remove the marking disc on the FF, you can find a small hole that leads to a #1 allen screw. Tighten the sucker down, and you should be good to go. If you come across what might feel like play on the Kamerar Follow Focus, check to make sure it isn't just the knob sitting loose.
Canon T2i with 18-55mm Lens Kit $299
Over the years we've seen some amazing video from this camera, especially once it's 'unlocked' with the Magic Lantern firmware. Even if you're above and beyond the T2i as a video maker, it still makes for an awesome first time DSLR gift for budding photographers. Amazon sells this combo for over $600 (seen here)
Kyle writes in and shares a nice discount for the Canon T2i with the 18-55mm Kit Lens for just $299 [thanks Kyle]. The problem for most of us is that this particular deal is only available 'In Store' at your local Frys retailer. You can the deal listing at the Frys.com webpage (Click here).
Edelkrone 2ft Slider that Slides more than 2ft?
Edelkrone has claimed to have 'Reinvented the Slider'. From what i'm seeing, I would agree. This time around it looks like they've conjured up a 2 ft slider that slides longer than 2 ft. Or is it a 1ft slider that slides 2 ft? As most dual rail sliders require two stands, the Slider Plus only requires one tripod.
Starting your video from one end of common sliders will often show your rails in view, but with Edelkrone's unique retracting design, the rails move with the camera. Starting at $499, you can find more information about Edelkrone's latest release at the Slider Plus product page (Click Here)
Edelkrone Slider Plus Retractable 2ft Slider.
R-300 LED Ring Light Skin Tones
The new F&V R-300 LED Ring Light is a very capable light to be used both on or off camera. I've performed some basic comparisons of output and spread versus much more expensive and larger panels (seen here).
This time, it's a test on what it looks like with skin tones. In the beginning of this video, only the R-300 LED Ring Lights were used and the cameras were locked in at a manual 5600K. The image may be slightly warm, but it's an example of what it can look like when locked in with the 5600K setting.
The comparison to the popular 600 Led Video Light
Without a trained eye, there may not be a significant difference in the video, but the true benefit of course is the cheaper price of the R-300, smaller and lighter form factor, and the ability to power with inexpensive Sony NPF batteries (instead of expensive V-mount). This is a highly recommended set of lights for lightweight travelers. You can find the R-300 LED Ring lights via F&V product page (Click Here).
R-300 LED Video Ring Light
XMAS Sale on XMiniCam (not Skyler MiniCam)
[Update on Article] This appears to be a copy of the original Skyler MiniCam and not the original Skyler MiniCam.
Typically the Skyler MiniCam stabilizers can be found for approximately $520-$540 shipped (as found here). There's one seller posting a unit that is a copy of the Skyler product and lists as an XMiniCam for just $399 shipped. The listing mentions that only 5 would be sold at this price, or until the end of December. You can find that listing via eBay (Click Here).
Skyler MiniCam XMiniCam Video Stabilizer