If you're in the market for that Canon 70-200mm F/2.8 IS II (the latest version), there's currently a $300 dollar discount floating around. What you might not know is that there is another link that actually shows you a different price of $400 dollars off. They've listed the deal to expire on Jan 7th, and here's the link (click here)
Canon 70-200mm F/2.8 $400 dollar discount
A quick look at the new Cinema Skater Video dolly that can support larger size cameras. On the dolly you'll see the huge Manfrotto 501HDV fluid head. There is no possible way this head would mount up on the smaller Pico Flex Dolly, so if you're looking for a dolly to support something like a Sony FS100, Panasonic AF100, or even a RED Scarlet here's an option.
Above: Sony EX1 on Cinema Skater
Thrown on the fluid head is a Canon 5D Mark II, and the Swivi LCD (for low angle shooting). This was a quick test run as we plan on throwing on the much larger and heavier Sony EX1 on it tomorrow. Build quality is A++ on this Cinema Skater, all metal, and smooth bearings/wheels. Available from eBay (click here)
Cinema Three Wheel Skater Dolly for Large Cameras
You can also find the Cinema Dolly via Amazon (click here)
Cinema Skater Dolly
If you love to shoot outdoors on bright sunny days with a shallow DOF, you'll need to get yourself an ND (neutral density) Filter. The ND filter will cut down the amount of light that comes in through the lens so that you can tame that shutter speed, and use a wide aperture without blowing out the image. Still confused? Olivia has a short video that explains how shutter can change the look of your video here: https://vimeo.com/25851113.
There are static ND filters in various sizes and densities, and then there are Variable ND filters. The convenience of a Variable type ND filter is you can simply dial in how much light you need to block out. Variable ND filters are a two piece glass filter design. Rotate the outer glass, and it will increase/decrease the amount of light passing through.
One important thing to know is that you will get different results from different Variable ND filters on the market. Because the filters are using two pieces of polarizing glass, you could suffer from color cast (reddish/purplish), also color shifting (color temp changes as you rotate the filter), and more importantly Softness of image. The more expensive ones don't suffer as much with these problems, but they can be out of reach for most hobbyist. Of course, I use what I can afford, because in some situations I feel anything is better than nothing. If you're a stickler on quality, or invested thousands of dollars on that Zeiss and Canon 'L series' glass, I think you'll want to try to maintain the best image possible by using something of higher caliber.
Shown throughout this article is the latest 77mm LCW Digi Pro HD, which on the outer end terminates to a larger 82mm. This step up from 77mm-82mm design prevents obstruction when used on wider lenses. Packaged well, the LCW Digi Pro HD comes with it's own padded case and an 82mm Lens cap if you choose to leave the filter on during storage. To ensure the filter does not accidentally rotate during use and changing exposure, there's a locking pin to hold position.
Light Craft Workshop was one of the first companies to really hit the DSLR Video market with a quality Variable ND filter about 3 years ago. Since then, they've improved with an Ultra Mark II version, and now has released a much more improved Fader ND Digi Pro HD. The Digi Pro HD filter was first released in a 4x4 filter used in Matte Boxes, and has now been adapted to this variable threaded filter.
I was lucky enough to have this sent over from LCW [Thanks Guys], and will be taking it out for some use. There's no question in my mind that it will provide top quality results, and i'll try to provide some still images at different focal lengths for you all. The new Digi Pro HD filter was just announced a few days ago, and may not yet be available, but you can see all their announcements at their website here: https://LightCraftWorkshop.com. As this Digi Pro HD is not a replacement for some of their other Variable ND products, you can find those products and prices already available at their official store via eBay (click here).
Light Craft Workshop Variable ND & CPL Filters
B&H published a few articles in their Learning Library around popular gear in 2011. Check out a few of their articles that get in-depth with Fast Glass, Voice-Over equipment, Shotgun Microphones, On camera monitors, and Portable Audio Recorders. These articles are great reading materials for a more in depth look at at tips, tricks, and technical information.
Several people jumped on the Canon 7D deal and it sold out fast. Others weren't so lucky. I woke up today, to see that it is once again being offered via the Daily Deal. I know a bunch of people were able to take advantage of this deal, including some of my close friends, so if you received one from the last round feel free to leave some comments to the skeptics. Listed as Brand New (not refurbished). Is this grey market stuff? Nope, the auction (like the last one) shows that it includes the US Warranty registration card. Check it following the link (here).
Canon EOS 7D DSLR (Body)
YouTube member Sunny01 shares a a simple DIY roller bearing slider most people can build out. A few T-shaped joining brackets on each side, some carefully spaced bearings on top and bottom allow the carrier to ride over the PVC pipes. If PVC isn't your thing, there's no reason you can't redesign around some lightweight copper piping. [Thanks Sunny]. Judging from the build and how it maintains itself on the rails, you'll need a minimum of 12 skate bearings. Normally these bearings come in packs of 8.
YouTube member TheJoeDigital shares a video review with a look at some of the new designs from the Lanparte DSLR rigs. The video above shows the Follow Focus with two hard stops, a new clever swing open cage design, and variable position handles with geared locks. They also make Matte Boxes and other accessories.
I picked up one of the shoulder pads a while back to replace the not-so-comfy Gini silicone pad on one of my rigs. As seen in the video above from Vimeo member brandpartners, the shoulder pad from Lanparte I picked up has a much more contoured soft pad and rails on top to mount other accessories or a V-Mount battery pinch solution (which they also make). The V-mount battery dock provides various voltage out to power different accessories, but also includes an HDMI splitter to send video to a second monitor. You can check out more of their gear following the link (here).
Lanparte DSLR Rigs, MatteBoxes, Follow Focus
At first glance, I thought 'wow, that's a pretty good price for a Redrock Running Man Nano Rig'. Turns out it's not an RR Rig, but another micro shooter style stabilizer. It's not exactly the same design, but you can see some resemblance to the RR Nano rig (found here)
While the RR i'm sure is heavily built around metal, metal, and more metal, this micro rig will probably yield much more plastic. Definitely not as cheap as the Magic DSLR Shooter Rig
DSLR Micro Rig with Pelican Padded Case
The battery powered Meike FC100 LED Ring Light can function as both a continuos light, or be switched to photography flash mode. If you're planning to use the flash mode on the light, it would be a good idea to get the one listed for your camera make / model. These lights are a good way to shoot Macro photo or video to have shadowless images with close-up products. The video above from YouTube member DioxCorp, shows this Meike FC100 is also capable of flat even continuous lighting to act as a fill light in short distances.
