Product Highlights
* 12.1Mp Live MOS Sensor
* 3.0" Touch LCD
* Venus Engine FHD
* Micro Four Thirds Lens Mount
* 100-6400 ISO
* iA & iA+
* Creative Modes
* Built-In Pop-Up Flash
* 1920 x 1080/60i HD Video Recording
* Optical Image Stabilization
More GF3 cameras hit the shelves and are available now over at B&H (click here).
There's probably at least 10 different ND Filters around the studio, most of them being a type of 'Variable ND' or 'Fader Filter'. They are just so handy at getting the right exposure. Some of these filters use glass that will cast a purplish color, some more than others. Besides being able to confirm through reviewing your videos, here's another way we found. It's hard to see much difference by just holding it up to the light, and for some reason using the reflective surface from a Macbook works pretty well. As you can see two of the four don't have any color cast even when we played around and dialed them to different ND stops. The other two always have this color cast even when dialing them up or down.
Keep in mind that this does not solely apply to 'Variable' filters, but a color cast can appear in static ND filters too. For static ND filters, it would be very obvious and won't require you to flip them around. So I know you're wondering, which two had the color cast? Polaroid ND Filters
Caleb over at DSLRVideoShooter.com, reviews one of the ePhoto 600 LED Video panels, and seems pretty happy with them. I agree that they could have done a better job with the power cords because if you have your lights fairly high, they are dangling at the barrel connector. I'm in the habit of tying my cables to the Yoke to prevent stress on the connector. I guess using batteries would solve that problem. [Thanks for the shot out Caleb]
I've got a 3pc set of the 900 LED panels, which I chose specifically because it has a bit more power than the 600s, but still has the battery mount option. They are also not too big so that I can pack them in a roller travel carry on luggage. If you have no plans for a battery mount, the 1200's will give you the most amount of power. I'll be honest to say I don't really have a proper bag, and these lights get bumped around quite a bit. They have been in constant use lately for the last few weeks and are still operating perfectly.
New in that lineup of LED panels is a '1200 Bi-Color' (color changing) version, but keep in mind that's only 600 LED's actually going full power in either Daylight or Tungsten temperatures. While they are back in stock, you can find them on Amazon available for Prime - Click Here.
Dimmable LED Video Light Panels
Don't forget that there are some bags available to make them easier to travel with. Not so much protection from dropping, but keeps the buttons, switches, and barndoors from getting snagged. Those baggies can be found on Amazon (click here).
LED Video Light Bags
Serious note here. Last time I posted this article about a compatible Manfrotto Quick Release adapter on the cheap, it sold out around the world. Yes this includes Europe as well. The hype died down when prices went upwards and the item was rarely in stock. You can say that the stars are aligned once again, because not only are they listed as 'in stock', but there's also a nice little discount going on too making it a great buy again. Perfect to stay compatible with your Manfrotto tripods, these QR adapters are great for your new Jibs/Cranes, Sliders, Steadicams, etc. Before they run out of stock again (I'm positive they will be out of stock again), you might want to check out the current price and inventory (below).
Quick Release Adapter + Plate (not Manfrotto branded)
If you're just in need of the plate itself, they have that available too (again not stating Manfrotto Compatible)
Sliding Plate (not Manfrotto branded)
If you've seen a post I did a while back on a double Light and Sound bracket, there's now one available for half the price. Perfect for mounting a Shotgun to one side and an LED light on the other. Or heck, why not mount two LED lights. A simple way of mounting several accessories without getting into DSLR Cages. With the hot shoe adapter built in it can be quickly mounted to your camera, or to a light stand using the available 1/4 x 20 thread under the shoe. Now available via Amazon (click here
A quick look around the budget Fotga Follow Focus. This was another one shared on this blog just a few weeks back which has a 'riser' design to make sure it can always hit the lens gear. Sometimes using smaller diameter lenses or tall Battery grips will render some FF's useless. This is not a reversible gear, but of course if can still be mounted either left or right. Definitely looks like quality stuff, not cheap plastic. A great option next to the other FF's on the market. I can't tell if the crank whip notch is standard (a minor issue with RJ's follow focus). A bit of lash like most FF's in this range, but not too shabby for the price. For just a bit more, there's an option for a 'quick release' version in case you're using MatteBoxes and such. [Thanks Eirik]
Jared Abrams from WideOpenCamera gives us a sneak peek at Jag35's new Headquarters and their new motion control slider. Jag35 has been pumping out quite a bit of gear in the last few months including their inexpensive electronic and wireless follow focus systems. Find more about their products over at Jag35.com.
Good point brought up in the comment section about the SmallHD DP4 EVF 'not' having a lens cap to cover the glass. This could be tragic if you happen to leave it out in the sun. Since the SmallHD EVF uses standard 46mm threaded filters, the solution should be as simple as a basic lens cap available pretty much everywhere: Lens Cap for SmallHD Diopter
If you want one fast, there are a variety available on Amazon including some with Leica and Panasonic logos. They use the same 46mm size on many of their lenses (click here)
To make sure you prevent losing it and have it handy at all times, grab a set of very inexpensive lens cap keeper leashes (also good for your other lens caps) found below.
Lens Cap Keepers
Originally sold out on the announcement date, the Olympus E-P3 Micro Four Thirds camera are now available.
Olympus PEN E-P3 12.3 MP Micro Four Thirds Camera w/ 17mm Lens - Black
