• 15 Comments

•

I've lined my bag up with the Transcend 32GB SDHC Class 10 media cards because it was both cheap and reliable. I've had no issues and placed a few re-orders since. For many others it's important to go with a brand name like Sandisk or Lexar. Now with Lexar's Class 10 SDHC card (you need minimum Class 6 for video on DSLRs) coming in at just $1.00-$2.00 dollars above the Transcend version, it's almost a no brainer on which way to to.

I personally consider Lexar a better brand than Sandisk, and Sandisk is still pricing theirs almost twice the Lexar brand. Why couldn't they have done this sooner? Compact flash cards of similar speeds, not such a good deal (yet). Though the 5D Mark II or 7D users can't take advantage, this is great news for many high end video cameras, and all the latest small cameras coming out. You can check out the pricing on Lexar Class 10 SDHC cards following the link (click here).

Lexar 16GB SDHCLexar 32GB SDHC
find-price-button Lexar Class 10 Platinum II SDHC Media

• 17 Comments

•

Vimeo member Brad Justinen shares a DIY motorized roller dolly and use a Meade motorized Telescope head for some smooth pan/tilt action. You'll see how all this comes together in the video, and more information on the parts used at the video description. Many of these parts can be found cheaper used via eBay found below.

Traxxas Remote
find-price-button Traxxas Transmitter and Receiver For Servo Control

Meade Milapse
find-price-button Meade Telescope Milapse Motion Pan Tilt

servo
find-price-button Parallax Continuous Rotation Servo

• 20 Comments

•

Fotga has released an impressive budget follow focus, and if you're the type who's against 'cross branding', now they are starting to leak out a Standard set of rails to match. The basic rail set is needed to mount the FF, and should normally come with a camera mounting plate and a tripod plate (under the rail set). It's industry standard 15mm with 60mm apart, with metal knobs (not plastic) and also come with a lens support clamp (adds Long lens support when using an FF).

fotga-railsfotga-rails2

For a bit more Fotga has another set that includes a (proprietary) Quick release system. Looks like they are working towards a full shoulder rig, which doesn't seem to be available just yet. Not extremely competitive with pricing, but compared to what we were seeing just a year ago it's a welcome option.

fotga-quick-release
find-price-button Fotga Standard Rail Set Optional Quick Release

• 6 Comments

•

Now that Apple has announced upgrades to it's MacBook Air lineup, the previous models have dropped in price significantly. I'm personally using the (older) top of the line model 11.6" version, because it's easy to travel with and mainly for just emails and internet browsing. I tried an iPad, but the limited browser and lack of keyboard made it impossible as a mobile blogger. Having USB ports allows me to download and backup from my Compact cameras.

Do you need the latest model? Even with upgraded horsepower, I don't see myself using these systems for photo or video editing, it's just too small. My version is now discounted about $350 dollars from when I purchased it (not too long ago). So if you're looking for a solid travel system with the longest battery life, and instant on, these older MacBook Air systems are the bees knees..

MacBook Air
find-price-button MacBook Air Laptops

• 25 Comments

•

Small LCD monitors are the rage these days. Ruige's 5" TL-S500HD monitor has a few features that aid specifically Canon DSLRs. Most Canon cameras will change resolution when going into record mode, and you also lose your zoom focus ability. The Ruige does not drop resolution when going into record mode (you get to use the full screen), and you can zoom in (with optional Ruige Zoom trigger) while you're recording. Helpful to get accurate focus while the camera is rolling. Also available is a unique HDMI lock to prevent the cable from slipping off - a common problem. Since HDMI can carry audio, you are able to monitor audio through the Ruige headphone port. Also comes with focus peaking (another aid to help focus).


Ruige 5"
find-price-button Ruige 5" TL-S500HD HDMI LCD Monitor

•

I'm not much of a printer guy, but here's a couple of instant rebate deals that can knock a few Benjamins off a Canon DSLR body purchase which includes stuff like T2i, T3i, 60D, etc. You'll find the qualifying and mail in rebate information following the links.

PIXMA Pro9000 Mark II Inkjet Printer — Total Savings $500

Pro9000 Printer

Purchase the PIXMA Pro9000 Mark II Inkjet Printerfor $449.95 and get an Instant Rebate of $100. Add to that a $200 American Express Reward® Card. We’re not finished yet! Purchase a qualifying Canon DSLR and get an additional $200 on the American Express Reward® Card! (click here).

PIXMA Pro9500 Mark II Inkjet Printer — Total Savings $600

Screen shot 2011-07-29 at 10.46.10 AM

Purchase the PIXMA Pro9500 Mark II Inkjet Printer for $719.95 and get an Instant Rebate of $100. Add to that a $300 American Express Reward® Card. If you purchase a qualifying Canon DSLR, you’ll get an additional $200 on the American Express Reward® Card. (Click Here).

• 3 Comments

•

There's some big fans of PVC who read this blog, and the common choice of coloring is through a rattle and shake spray can. We all know it doesn't hold up very well over time. Many plain white extension cords are also covered with PVC, and Make: has created this short video tutorial on how to color dye PVC based on the article found here: https://makeprojects.com/Project/Cable-Dyeing/750/1

Now, go out and get colorful with your rigs, or maybe just go with the cliche all black..

• 1 Comment

•

This ends up being a huge time saver for me as I was going to run through some of the Zacuto EVF menu options. Here's a nice run through the menu on how to scale just about any video input type with the Zacuto EVF. I'll try to run through the SmallHD DP4 menu, which also has great scaling options, but for stored custom fuctions, and camera profiles the DP4 is not as elaborate as this Zacuto EVF menu. Different packages for the Z-EVF start around $640 (click here).

zacuto-EVF
find-price-button Zacuto EVF Electronic ViewFinders


zacuto-EVF-300x151
find-price-button Zacuto Z-EVF View Finder