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w96-led-lightw96-led

Thanks to a tip from Dave here's something of interest. Still all new to me, but apparently it's advertising as an 'upgrade' to the uber popular Z96 LED Video light. There has been rumor for sometime that there was an upgrade due to a few minor bugs. Mainly flickering at low battery levels and a poor ball head mount. Sure the original Z96 had F&V pasted on it, but was that just brand stamping on a no name LED light? In any case, here's an introduction to the 'W96' LED video light. [Thanks Dave]

BTW, here's a fun bit showing use of the Z96 among other LED lights. http://cheesycam.com/cheap-500-led-1000-led-and-z96-lights-in-use/

Almost dead on specs from weight to power draw and power output. Now coming in black (instead of grey) the W96 has basically the same form factor, magnetic snap on filters, uses similar battery types, and of course stackable. The big questions are, is this a real upgrade? If not, how does it match up to the real thing? One advantage that it does have is much lower pricing (right now). Then again, that's exactly where the original Z96 price started too before inflation. Check it out following the link (click here).

Z96-Upgrade
find-price-button Z96 Upgrade Dimmable LED Video Light W96

[Update on this Particular LED Video Light] http://cheesycam.com/z96-upgrade-more-like-down-grade/

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It looks similar to the Konova and Varavon, but hardly up to the same standards. The bearings are adjustable. I've seen these Smallism sliders before, but they were always expecting way too much. Seems like they know where they stand and have finally brought prices down below Konova. Although the feet/legs aren't anything to brag about, it is an actual roller bearing slider if you want to stray from the IGUS rails.

Konova Slider
You can find Konova's roller bearing track slider (click here).

smallism-slider
You can find the Smallism slider at auction (click here).

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smallhd-dp4Zacuto EVF

Now that the SmallHD DP4 and Zacuto EVF have made electronic viewfinders for DSLRs (somewhat) affordable, you'll see some popularity around straight inline shoulder rigs. Popular DSLR rigs used an offset to place the entire camera in front of the operator. Although DSLRs are light weight, once you add a few items like recorders, lights, microphones, and follow focuses, you're managing a few pounds over the hands. Pretty tiring and less stable.

RedRock Shoulder Rig
Redrock Cinema with offset LCD Monitor

Like conventional video cameras, the straight inline rigs align all of the heavy weight over the shoulder (better on your back) and less outwards over the hands. Only the EVF needs to be positioned in front of the operators eye. Straight inline DSLR shoulder rigs + an EVF can help you towards building a more balanced, stable rig, not to mention overall lighter on the hands. If you're not looking into an expensive EVF, you can still offset an inexpensive small LCD monitor (as seen above).

Express35 rigScreen shot 2011-07-17 at 11.00.08 AM
visit-button Express35 Straight Rig and Event Rig

Instead of dropping a few grand with a Redrock config, there's a few similar rigs you might want to look into over at Express35. These straight inline shoulder rigs are bundled with a comfortable contoured shoulder pad and counterweight. These are well designed for EVF or small LCD monitor use. (seen above). You can find those rigs at the site (click here). If all you're looking for is a DSLR baseplate, Tripod Mount, and a basic rail set for your Follow Focus, there's also a weekend sale on the basic rail set going on right now too found here.

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Click Elite backpack standClick Elite Clip Stand

Did you know some at some places it's prohibited to use a tripod? At the same time, those places 'will allow' use of a Monopod. I wonder if the same rules apply to a Click Elite backpack with built in Camera Stand? Click Elite, best known for their camera back packs with built in camera stands are on sale at a whopping 50% off for a limited time on select models. Personally for small bags, I prefer my LowePro setup. Anything heavier, and i'm into a roller bag. But if you've been eyeballing some of the Click Elite multifunctional bags and backpacks, but were less than flattered by their high prices, this could be a small window of opportunity following this link (click here).

click elite bags
find-price-button Click Elite Bags Backpacks

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Steadicam Glidecam
click image for available Steadicam Glidecam gear

Droppin' dollars into Glidecam gear is quite an investment if you're not familiar with how one works. In fact, you might even find that 'flying' a camera is not something you're quite into. If you already own one, maybe your thinking about testing out the arm brace or Vest system? Don't forget that you can save a ton of cash when you rent gear, and the lineup of products available is growing over at Borrow Lenses. One piece of advise is to rent something as early as you can and get some practice in. You don't want to be figuring out how things work 'the day of'. If you're satisfied with the tools, it gives you a better idea on what to invest in.

borrow lenses
click image for a variety of Video gear rentals

The BL company takes your order and ships it 'NetFlix' style along with very simple return instructions when you're done. From RedRock shoulder rigs, to LED Ring lights, to Phillip Bloom's Pocket Dolly, and Glidecam vest systems. There's much to check out at the ever growing site (click here).

borrow-lenses-rent-camera-lens
visit-button Click to Rent Gear from BorrowLenses.com

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steadicam-vest-type

Testing out some new gear here. Purposely a very poor image with badges erased. The vest and arm are very impressive, but we'll see how the actual stabilizer performs. It's not a Steadicam or Glidecam brand name. Unless you can tell which one this is by the image, i'll have a review on this item up in time..

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Panasonic GF3
find-price-button Panasonic Micro Four Thirds GF3

If you've been following all the tests and reviews with the GF3, it's a solid camera and will be the smallest Micro Four Thirds camera on the market. The PreOrder doors have been open for a few days now, and expect these to be hard to find after it's release (Panasonic has some slow manufacturing). Find the information at the storefront (click here).

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Convert Sony Panasonic MTS files
Convert MTS GH2 HX9 DSC-HX9 GH3

A question came in about converting MTS files. MTS files can be generated by popular cameras like the Panasonic GH2 or my new Sony HX9. I've tried just about everything, and then I decided to just look into the App Store. Here you'll find a free application called Smart Converter. This thing not only rocks because it's completely free, but it's lightning fast. A 30 second MTS clip can be converted in literally 1 second. Yeah that's fast. Only problem is that you need to grab it from the Apple App Store, no program installations (for older MAC OS without App Store).

Not only is this good for MTS file conversion, but pretty much everything else you throw at it too. It maintained my Sony DSC-HX9 footage with no visible compression or significant change in file size. You can also use it to convert Audio files too. I had to use this to hand off some MTS files to a friend who edits in Final Cut Pro. Come to think of it, since I don't edit in Final Cut Pro, I haven't tried this on Canon DSLR files. I'll have to try that out in a bit, might work great too. Find it below.

Smart Converter App Store