The MCS (Master Cinema Series) style rigs may not be in everyone's budget, but here's an informative video on different shoulder rig configurations from Letus.
Capa DSLR Cage adds Handles Base Rod Mount
Anyone using the inexpensive Capa DSLR Cage yet? Shortly after first release, they added a base 15mm Rod mount to be used with a Follow Focus system, and now they're adding free handles to make hand holding a bit easier making your shots just a bit more steadier. Hopefully these removable handles will be standard issue going forward.
Canon 70-200mm F/2.8L IS II – Deal?
Missed the 70-200mm F/2.8L IS II deal? Fear not, there might be another chance for you to get this lens at the lowest prices this year.
If you search Adorama.com for the Canon 70-200mm F/2.8L IS II (latest version), you'll find a nice $300 dollar instant rebate available. You can check out the normal price listing (here).
If you click through the Adorama banner below, the exact same SKU product number changes the price and knocks off a total of $425 dollars off the MSRP price. Not sure how long this will last, but it's here for the time being.
Click banner for Canon 70-200mm F/2.8L IS II Discount
DIY Motorized IGUS Slider
A look at how Vimeo member David Sawyer motorized his IGUS slider - results found below. It's possible to take some of these ideas and use them with a variety of different sliders on the market. Great job on this [Thanks David].
GH2 Firmware Higher Video Bitrate
Panasonic released a firmware update for the GH2 camera earlier today with some improvements, one of the features being an option for higher video bitrate (quality). Still nothing as impressive as the firmware hacks out there, but if you're a bit weary on third party stuff, and happened to jump on the current GH2 deal at B&H, the new firmware is a good start. Found here https://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/fts/dl/gh2.html
323 Replica Mini Quick Release Adapter
Ed shares this 323 style mini quick release adapter find. This small version states to be a replica based on the Manfrotto 323 mini quick release adapter (found here), but comes in at less than half the price.
This mini black 323 replica made mostly of Aluminum-alloy could be a cheap solution for getting your cameras in and out of cages, jibs, sliders, etc. [Thanks Ed]. The adapter specs state it has a 3/8" threaded hole, but can be stepped down using a 3/8-1/4 reducer bushing.
[Update] Here's a review that shows the auction details were improperly listed. http://cheesycam.com/323-style-mini-quick-release-fail/. Might want to to contact the seller if you grabbed a few about this to see how you can resolve the problem.
You can find these 323 Replicas following the link (click here).
323 Replica Style Mini Quick Release Adapter
Fuji X10, Rokinon Fisheye, Olympus 45mm
Available again, the fast moving Fuji X10 is currently in stock
Fuji X10 Digital Camera
A few other popular items you might have been eyeballing are also available.
Rokinon 7.5mm Fisheye lens for Micro Four Thirds
DIY Cable Cam Prototype Test
I learned my lesson since the first time we tested this thing out. This time we're testing her out without a camera mounted. The new wireless system solved the previous problem of us losing control (interference). A few more parts were changed out and the Pan / Tilt head was added. It's a bit of a Frankenstein project right now, but once we figure out where everything fits best, and get everything fine tuned, it will be redesigned again, and have a new body. Time to take her out to the park today. Coyote Point may be our first destination..
DIY Motorized JuicedLink Slider
Awesome DIY motorized JuicedLink slider from Vimeo member Gary Bagelman. Not much on the details of the parts used, but i'm sure we'll be hearing from him soon. Gary has updated his video details to list the parts used to create his motorized version. I attempted the same using some inexpensive parts (all found here), but I didn't take the time to make it robust enough for vertical slides. Mine was mainly based on double sided tape and the cheapest servo available.
Gary claims that his setup can pull his JL slider vertically with no problems using a cog style belt driven pulley. [Thanks Gary]. I would love to see some examples of this. The great thing about the JuicedLink slider kit is that you can make your roller bearing as long or as short as you want. You can always swap rails depending on your requirements. With a smooth roller bearing slider + slow speed motor, you're able to achieve some very consistent slides on a budget. You can find some additional information about the JuicedLink DIY sliders (click here).
JuicedLink DIY Slider Kit