If you didn't already catch it, here's a cool video from Vimeo member Real Pictures showing you how to make your own explosions with a DIY Air Canon. No instructions on making the air canon, but you can throw those questions over at the video page (here). [Thanks Dave]
Cheaper Accessory Quick Release Adapter
In a previous post, I was looking for feedback on a decent quick release adapter for accessories. There were only a few options, but the better options were easily over the $50 dollar mark. Here i've decided to order the Mag system from Trek Tech. The base has a standard 1/4-20 thread and sits flat (flush) on any base. The mounting plate (attaches to your accessory) is available in different densities so that you can have a fairly strong bond, or one that is incredibly strong. Another type of adapter they offer is the Ball Head MagMount Star with safety latch
  Trek Tech MagMount Star
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 Trek Tech MagMount Star - Pro
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Before we start diving in, I know a few people will ask about how safe magnets are around digital equipment. I've looked in to this and they don't have the same effect on LCD screens and flash media storage. Old CRT monitors used a magnetic field which could be interrupted with a simple magnet. LCD screens don't work that way. Compact flash and Smart Media cards (solid state) also are not affected by magnets like this. It's a very safe system. Especially once you've mounted the plates to the base, the magnetic field is almost completely blocked. The ball head adapter even comes with it's own cover so that the safety latch isn't left swinging around when not in use. Comments and feedback are still open if you find something better as a QR system for small accessories.
Light weight mount, Heavy weight mount, Ball Head Star MagMount
I'm extremely impressed with the size, strength, and build on these little adapters. It's about the size of a quarter and of course all solid metal. I'll definitely be adding more to my rigs for times when I need to build, reconfigure, or break down quickly. Considering the options for the smallest quick release systems available for accessories, this is the one i've found to be the best bang for the buck. Here's the kicker though, which i'm still trying to get more information on. The smaller kit seen below (comes with quarter size base + 1 light duty plate + 1 heavy duty plate) are no longer listed on the Trek Tech website. The Ball Head style mounts are still available, but some of the older items are listed as discontinued. No record if the small kit will still be in production. I've put in a few more orders for myself as I've found these to be the the smallest, fastest, and most convenient QRs I could find. I was able to contact a few eBay sellers that says they have quite a few of the 'Complete Kit' available right now following the link (click here).
Trek Tech Mag System Quick Release Base Mount Adapter
DSLR Accessory Quick Release Mounts
Felix asked me this question a while back, and i've been looking around during my spare time to see if there's some alternatives. Today i'm posting to get some feedback on what you guys might know about Quick Release adapters for accessories. The basic idea is to use a very small quick release adapter on items like a Zoom H4n, LED Video Light, Microphone, or other small accessory. Instead of having to screw the item into a cage or rig, you just mount and go. Setting up and breaking down should be quick and easy.
There's some high end ones from Cinelock that run about $80 dollars (below). The Cine Lock cinematic quick release mounting bracket for fast non-thread mounting and removal speeds up set-up and break-down with simple two-piece design. I wanted to see what you guys might already know (or be using). I have a fairly inexpensive one (not Cine Lock) that i'm testing out today, and it looks like a winner which i'll be sharing in a video review in a few hours. Leave your comments.
160 LED Video Light – $0.01?
Carlos writes in and shares a 160 LED Video light listing that shows up as $0.01 (one cent) + $6.99 shipping
160 LED Video Light Dimmable
[Update] Sold out in less than a minute. LOL.
DSLR Flycam Nano Body Vest Stabilizer
Is it me or is this something new from Flycam? I don't remember seeing something exactly like this before in their product line. It's a new body vest support for those Flycam DSLR Stabilizers. It doesn't look like your typical spring loaded isoelastic stabilizer arm, so it may not be used for walking or running shots. It looks like it's just a system to help carry the weight, like the Body Pod system available from Glidecam (found here)
(Above) Typical 'Body Pod' type stabilizer support
The new Flycam Body Vest / Stabilizer Arm can be adjusted up/down, left/right, and angled in just about any fashion you can think of. The different joints in the arm can be locked in place, but I wonder if it can still be used and redirect some of that weight if it's left fairly loose.
So far it's only available as a combo with a Flycam, but it doesn't look extremely complicated if it's a DIY build you're looking to tackle. Found below (click here)
Flycam DSLR Nano Body Vest Stabilizer
Hahnel DSLR Mini Shotgun Microphone
Adrian writes in and asks if anyone has information on this new Hahnel MK100 DSLR Mini Shotgun Microphone? One interesting spec listed is the (-10db / 0db / +20dB) switches. Hahnel makes other camera related accessories including tripod heads, wireless triggers, wireless Live View video kits, and now this new microphone. A few other listed specs below.
Sensitivity switchable for long / short distances (-10db / 0db / +20dB)
Decibel Booster (DB) & reducer
Rubber Shock Mount system. To improve handling and mechanical noise
Low cut filter to reduce wind noise
Foam sock wind shield Included
Main dial switch for ON/OFF/LOW CUT
Polar Pattern: Super Cardioid
DC 3V operation. 2xAAA battery
Output connector: 3.5mm jack
More specs and images on these little shock mounted DSLR Shotgun microphones can be found on both ebay and amazon below.
(2)pc 500 LED Video Light Kit with Stands
Thanks to ceevisionzfilms for pointing this out on Twitter. It's a set of two dimmable 500 LED video lights + Light Stands shipping from a USA seller. Divide all the pieces up and this 2 piece LED light kit is a pretty nice deal. If you know of better pricing for an LED light kit, leave comments. You can check out this deal following the link (click here).
(2)pc Dimmable 500 LED Video Light Kit w/ Stands
[Update] Shared through the comments, here's another link that might be a few dollars cheaper too: https://www.ebay.com/2x-Lighting-Stand-2x-500-LED/230683764?pt=LH_&hash=item352e7f5
Gini Drops New DSLR Cage – 1
Gini New DSLR Cage-1 15mm Rod Adjustable Frame
[Updated] New images added shown with Camera and Rod config
Gini is going mad and seems to be adding more and more to his line up of products. Today a new 'Cage-1' is being auctioned, with a ridiculous amount of threaded accessory ports [Thanks Jim]. If you know anything about machine work, more threaded taps means higher production costs. You can see there's still a cut out for battery access under the cage. Notice how top and bottom stage are the same? Can be used in different orientations depending on camera model. Everyone has been very impressed with Gini quality products, and a cage was definitely long over due.
Instead of a solid block frame, he's gone with a cheese-plate style top and bottom plate with 15mm rods on the sides, giving you virtually unlimited height for cameras that are short like a GH2, or tall like a 1D Mark IV or cameras with Battery Grips. The 15mm rods can obviously accept 90 degree clamps so you can build on it like any normal rig. Remove one rod and you've got room for your swing away LCDs (60D, T3i, GH2). I say replace the rods with custom sized carbon rods if you're rocking a lightweight setup. Check out some additional specs and images over at the site (click here).
Gini New DSLR Cage-1 15mm Rod Adjustable Frame
Canon 7D DSLR Body Huge Discount – Daily Deal
Canon 7D (body) just popped up on Daily Deals this morning - NEW CONDITION. It's almost $400 dollars cheaper than anywhere else online. It's going to move fast for sure. Cheaper than what you could find one in 'used condition'. Listed as NEW with 1-Year Canon U.S.A. Warranty (not Grey Market). Advertised by eBay themselves, and ranked as Top Seller. With eBay and Paypal protection, it sounds like a solid deal to me. Check it out following the link (click here).
Canon 7D DSLR Body - Daily Deal