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Zoom is upgrading the H2 with a new H2n. The black finish and retro condenser microphone styling is a big plus for my taste, but it's neither pocketable nor does it have all the features of the H4n.

zoom-h2n

I'm not sure how something like this would fit the Video Maker's toolbox with all the other Zoom options out there (no XLR inputs), but Zoom has been geared more towards musicians. It might be a handy thing to have for Video makers that record live concerts and provide a better sound than the Zoom H1. Not yet available, but there's some additional information and sexy photos following the link.

zoom-h2-1zoom-h2n-2

FEATURES
:Five built-in mic capsules provide Mid-Side (MS) stereo, 90° X/Y stereo, 2-channel and 4-channel recording modes
:Records in WAV up to 24-bit/96kHz and MP3 up to 320kbps
:Newly designed user interface
:Additional functions include Lo-cut Filter, Compressor/Limiter, Auto Gain, Pre-Rec, Auto-Rec, Tuner, Metronome, Variable Speed Playback, Key Control, A-B Repeat, File :Dividing, Normalize, MP3 Post-Encode, Marker and Surround Mixer
:Data recovery function protects against unexpected recording errors
:Over 20 hours of operation using two standard AA batteries
:Operates on battery, AC or USB bus power
:1.8-inch backlit LCD display with 128 x 64 resolution
:Analog-type Mic Gain wheel
:Built-in reference speaker
:High-speed USB 2.0 card reader function
:1/8-inch Mic/Line Input and Phones/Line Output stereo phone jacks
:Accommodates up to 32GB SDHC memory cards
:Includes Steinberg WaveLab LE 7 editing software, 2GB SD memory card and two AA batteries
:Optional accessory package (APH-2n) includes remote control with extension cable, windscreen, AC adapter (USB type), USB cable, adjustable tripod stand, padded-shell case and a mic clip adapter.

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Here's a clever way to get a semi-permanent CarrySpeed Vfinder view finder to mount to your camera. The LCD glass protector was an old trick to permanently glue a sticky frame or even the DSLR LCD view finder itself, but they aren't available in all camera models. If you don't have this protector available for your camera model, this DIY mounting solution could work for you. Here Aron from TrinityFXMG.com takes just the eyepiece portion and fastens it to the VFinder. I'm sure you guys can figure it out from the thorough video tutorial. [Thanks Aron].

Glass LCD Screen Protector
find-price-button Glass LCD Protectors for Canon, Nikon, Sony


vfinder
find-price-button New LCD View Finder for Canon T2i, 5D Mark II, 7D and other 3″ LCD’s

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This time around the Deal of the Day is the Canon EOS Rebel T3i
(not T3). The bundle comes with 3 lenses, which is the kit 18-55mm IS, a Canon EF 55-200mm, and the most popular lens for entry level shooters, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II. Also included is a 16GB Sandisk Ultra SDHC card, Zeikos cleaning kit, and DigPro DSLR bag. You can find this Deal of the Day (click here).

Canon T3i Bundle
find-price-button Canon T3i Deal of the Day Bundle

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Earlier this year JuicedLink showed off an inexpensive roller bearing prototype slider design at NAB2011 with Olivia. Here's another video showing a bit more information. Sold with just a trollery and rail clamps, you'll be able to assemble your own slider at any length you choose. For longer runs another trolley block with roller bearings on each side keep the rails in position. The whole design is focused on keeping the costs down as much as possible. No word yet on pricing and availability, but other information can be found over at the JuicedLink blog.

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Gotta give credit where credit is due. According to Wikipedia, a Rube Goldberg machine, device, or apparatus is a deliberately over-engineered machine that performs a very simple task in a very complex fashion, usually including a chain reaction. The expression is named after American cartoonist and inventor Rube Goldberg. Here's a very clever photography 'gear' themed Rube Goldberg. Be prepared for about 4 minutes of video via YouTube member 2dPhotography.

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EVF-Snap-Zacuto
find-price-button Zacuto EVF Snap Viewfinder

Zacuto's got one of the sweetest EVFs (electronic viewfinders) available on the market. You could buy the 3" HDMI EVF alone which will save you a few hundred dollars, but of course, what good is the EVF if you don't have the Z-Finder Loupe to match? Having to invest in a Z-Finder loupe will run the bill up several more hundreds of dollars. According to Cheesycam reader Ray, another popular ViewFinder works fine.

Many people who couldn't afford the real Z-Finder opted in for the Seagull. If you already own the Seagull ViewFinder, they fit perfectly onto Zacuto Frames. One benefit from this clever tip is that you could buy these Z-FRM frames for about $5.00 dollars to use as as spare frames with your Seagull, or if you need to add a frame to another camera. Another benefit of course is that it should mount directly to Zacuto's HDMI EVF either 'Snap' or 'Flip' versions, saving you a few hundred dollars. I'm pretty sure the more popular VF Prime DSLR LCD falls into this same category too. [Thanks Ray]

You can find these view finders under a few different names like 'VF Prime' or Seagull View Finder. Can be found on eBay here: (click here)

Or also Available on Amazon here:
VF Prime
find-price-button VF Prime DSLR Camera LCD Viewfinder for 3" LCD

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I know there's a good amount of new DSLR shooters who haven't invested in ND filters yet, so here's a good example of the difference it can make to improve your DSLR video. To properly exposure on your DSLR you'll primarily be changing either Aperture or Shutter Speed. Since the majority of people love to shoot with a shallow depth of field (wide open aperture), changing the shutter speed is the only other option in bright days. This is where you could really compromise the video quality (unless you're going for that fast shutter look specifically). Get invested into some ND (neutral density) filters to cut down on the light so you can maintain that 'double framerate' rule.

To maintain the sharpest image possible, a single piece of ND glass is your best bet. The problem is that you need to have 1 filter for every sized lens, and you'll also need different densities according to the lighting. If you want to save time in swapping densities, you could get into Variable or Fader ND filters. These are adjustable filters that change densities as you rotate them giving you up to 9 stops in one single filter. Just be careful about the uber cheap ones. Here's a good article about those Variables http://cheesycam.com/variable-nd-filters-fader-filters/.

Here's a variable that i've been using with good results, but price has gone up a bit: http://cheesycam.com/nature-fader-nd-variable-neutral-density-filters/

Single Density ND Filter
find-price-button Single Density ND FIlters ND2, ND4, ND6, ND8

nature-fader-ND-filters
find-price-button Adjustable Variable Density Fader ND Filters

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Mike from Sweden sends in a couple of his DIY DSLR Rig photos. Made from wood, Ikea Cutting Board, Bike Handles, and the steel parts are Ikea kitchen handles. Folds down a bit for traveling, Pretty sweet DIY [Thanks Mike]

ikea-cutting-boarddiy-shoulder-rig

Jess Paul builds a DIY shoulder rig 'around' a Tripod base. Not only acting as a counterweight of sorts, but a proper stand when he needs to set the rig down to get into tripod mode. This might be an unusual setup for some, but necessity is the mother of invention. This seems to be a good solution for the fast paced work that he does. [Thanks Jess Paul]

PVC Shoulder RigJess Paul Tripod Shoulder Rig

YouTube member vapingmonkey puts together a lengthy video on how to make a DIY PVC shoulder rig with a top handle. [Thanks CJ]

Paul writes in and shares his DIY Zoom H4n mount to a Boom Pole. Handy to have the audio recorder in sight while booming for sound. Link to Instructables Here. [Thanks Paul]

Zoom Boom Pole