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This time I took my Canon S100 out on a few different Painter Poles with the Palo Alto adapter. One pole is around 16' fully extended, and then I wanted to test out my 30' (30 feet) Unger Pole. These are video examples, but ideally it would be best suited for still photography.

There's some additional information about the Palo Alto adapters in my previous article: http://cheesycam.com/pc-palo-alto-adapter-available/. In the video below i'm using my Unger 9'-30' Telescoping Pole found here: https://goo.gl/m5Ha8. There is also no image stabilization done in post, so you can imagine the improvement if I had.

The Palo Alto adapter was something I wanted to make for my own hobbies, but ended up making a small quantity available which sold out in a single day. The next small batch wasn't available until 9 months later (just last week) and again sold out in less than three days. It's such a niche market, that we are still only running them off in small quantities, but they should be available again, so check it out to see if it's something you'd be interested in playing with. You can find the Palo Alto adapters available at https://PhotographyandCinema.com (click here).

IMG_3476IMG_3483IMG_3503
find-price-button Palo Alto Paint Pole Adapter from PhotographyandCinema.com

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Here's a (fairly lengthy) look at the Gini Rigs GH2 cage that provides all the cut outs to view controls and still have access to different ports around the camera. It looks like it's cut out to allow the LCD to still swing out also. No doubt it's high quality stuff, but there's been mixed complaints about the threading used on these cages as they may not be 1/4x20 accessible, but looking through the top area of the cage there seems to be different sized holes and threads. Maybe the new cages are supporting 1/4x20?

Still waiting to hear back from YouTube member feha1000 about that question, or if anyone else can chime in about a recent Gini Cage purchase. [Update] Here's the reply:

About 20 1/4" threads are on the top plate only the res M5 threads , and yes they work well with friction arms

Find more information on the Gini GH2 cage and other rigs following the link via eBay (click here).

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find-price-button Gini Panasonic GH2 Video Cage

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Sigma-NEX-30mm (4 of 5)

Just got this in today so we'll see how it performs. Seems to be a fairly popular lens due to it's backorder status on most websites. Part of the appeal when shooting with the Sony NEX-7 is it's compact size. I wanted an autofocus prime lens and decided to go with the Sigma 30mm F/2.8. Smaller and shorter profile than using an older lens with an adapter in between, and much more lightweight to make the Sony NEX-7 more pocketable for my casual use.

Sigma-NEX-30mm (5 of 5)

Sigma also offers this tiny lens for a Micro Four Thirds mount and might be easier to pull focus on than some of those Panasonic lenses that seem to rotate forever. It's a decent prime autofocus F/2.8 lens for about $199, check it out at B&H.

Sigma-30mm-F2.8 Sigma-NEX-30mm (1 of 5)
find-price-button Sigma 30mm F/2.8 Prime for Sony E-Mount

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Just a few weeks ago, I posted something called the HandiZoom that aimed to provide a handheld electronic zoom for DSLR lenses. The problem most people saw was that when shooting DSLR video, the lenses don't Auto Focus (at least for Canon) so as you zoom in, you'll need to chase focus. YouTube member madboardfun decided to solve that problem by taking a Nintendo Wii controller and making a DIY arduino based electric Focus & Zoom that can be programmed to synchronize the focus point. Basically it stays focused on the subject while it automatically zooms in. Very cool DIY project. [Thanks Guy]

DIY Wii DSLR Focus Zoom Synchronize Controller

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This camera was quite a buzz around NAB2012, but it comes in at a starting price of $7999. The camera they say is 4K capable, but won't get the feature unlocked until a firmware release later this year. For now it's outputting 1080, but throws in some built in ND Filters. Nice touch. This camera should appeal to those who were almost considering the C300 at double the price, but at least they have the hopes of 4K output. Any current FS100 shooters thinking about the upgrade or maybe replace your A cam? Available for PreOrder today via B&H (click here).

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find-price-button Sony FS700 Super 35 Camcorder

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If you're looking for more range in your lenses, there's a minor instant rebate discount available for Sigma's 70-200mm F/2.8 lens with OS (optical stabilization). I'm not going to dive into hyperfocal distance lingo, but there's a certain look that you get when zoomed out to 200mm and opened up to F/2.8, over a 24mm lens at f/2.8.

Image stabilization is fairly important on these long lenses and if you wanted to check out Canon's 70-200mm version, that will run you about $2300 dollars. Sigma's 70-200mm F/2.8 with OS is a nice alternative lens option and will only run you $1299 right now

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find-price-button Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 via Amazon

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find-price-button Sigma 70-200mm F/2.8 via BHPhotoVideo

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For those who wanted a better look at the Flycam Armbrace, here's a quick little show and tell. The Flycam Armbrace
is used to help carry some of the weight of a stabilizer off the wrist. Glidecam also sells a Forearm Brace (seen here), but it's bit more expensive and looks like it will only fit on the Glidecam due to the larger OD on the post.

One common question is 'Does the Flycam Armbrace work with the Glidecam?'. The answer is 'YES' the Flycam Armbrace does work with BOTH the Flycam and Glidecam HD1000, HD2000, and HD4000 stabilizers. It uses a smaller OD on top and steps to a larger OD for the bottom of the post (as seen in the video). Coincidence? You be the judge. Using an arm brace will help relieve some weight from the wrist, but keep in mind that it will not solve the weight carried from the Bicep and the stabilizer will still be just as heavy. The Flycam Forearm Arm brace can be found via eBay (click here).

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find-price-button Flycam Forearm Arm Brace for Flycam and Glidecam HD Stabilizer

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Genus-Xeme-Pocket-Rig

Unclear on this right now, but check out these folding Pocket Rigs that are showing up online. The unit folds up to about the size of a standard battery grip, and folds out to provide chest plate, and two 15mm rails for getting a follow focus mounted. They are showing up as GeniusXeme rigs and i'm wondering if these are just rebranded Edelkrone pocket rigs. These were a big hit just a few weeks ago at NAB2012 along with two new Follow Focus systems.

[Update] Edelkrone writes in and states that the rig below is a counterfeit and has not been authorized to manufacture or sell such rig. Obviously they will be contacting that company to have the product removed. You can find the original Pocket Rig from Edelkrone at https://Edelkrone.com.

Genius-Xeme-RigGeniusxeme-pocket-rig
find-price-button Small 15mm Rig Folding Stabilizer via eBay