Vimeo member MIchel takes a chance on that odd flex DSLR rig that's been on just about everywhere lately. If you can get over the light blue and black Mortal Kombat theme, the rig converts into a few different positions to provide stable shots, and the one he has setup as a double shoulder support looks pretty functional. Setting it up in that fashion would definitely reduce the amount of camera roll. As mentioned in the video the 1/4 x 20 threaded ends could allow use of counter balance weights. When this was first brought to my attention the prices were pretty low. Not sure if demand is driving prices, but it seems to have inflated quite a bit. [Thanks MIchel]
Zeiss SLR Lens Set with Waterproof Case
Attractive offer for filmmakers and photographers
The five Carl Zeiss SLR-lenses come in a special waterproof and robust case. Special inlays ensures that each lens fits perfectly inside the suitcase and protects the lenses from shock and vibration. The SLR Lens Set is IP67 waterproofed.
Zeiss makes special lenses dedicated to Video, and even though this isn't their Cinema Compact Prime lenses, there are still many shooters who use these particular lenses for video. Usually bundles like this will shave a bit off from buying them individually. This set comes with a nice fancy case, but adding them up doesn't seem like a 'killer deal', but puts a little back in your pocket. Will be available in May, price will be around $6k for the set, and will include the following. (I've linked the lenses so you can see what they run individually). Now if only Canon could hook us up with a discounted set of L Glass...
Distagon T* 2,8/21 ZE (Canon EF-Mount)
Distagon T* 2/28 ZE (Canon EF-Mount)
Distagon T* 2/35 ZE (Canon EF-Mount)
Planar T* 1,4/50 ZE (Canon EF-Mount)
Planar T* 1,4/85 ZE (Canon EF-Mount)
Tascam DR-05 Size vs Zoom H1 & H4n
(Left to Right) Zoom H1, Tascam DR-05, Zoom H4n
If anyone cares, here's the relative size of the Tascam DR-05 in between the Zoom H1 (left) and Zoom H4n (right). It's priced the same as the Zoom H1 and also lacks any XLR inputs. Although it's a bit larger than the Zoom H1, the Tascam DR-05 is just a better build overall. It has some decent weight to it too, so it doesn't feel very fragile. It's got many more features in the menu which is easy to navigate and obviously sounds great. The tripod mount in the rear has a metal insert (not plastic like H1), and i've had the same alkaline (the ones that came with) batteries in there for over a week now. So it doesn't drain over night like some odd Zoom H1 issues.
It's not as full featured as a Zoom H4n, but for the same price as an H1 it's a solid portable recorder. The Zoom H1 is still much lighter and smaller, and for those who are looking for a recorder to throw in someone's pocket with a LAV mic, it's still the way to go. By the way, if you're looking for an H4n the best deal was on the Manufacturer Refurb items. The first seller sold out, but there's one more seller with a few left. I've updated the link here: http://cheesycam.com/zoom-h4n-factory-refurbished-portable-recorder/
Cheap 500 LED, 1000 LED, and Z96 Lights in Use
Sure there's a ton of posts on this blog all about cheap gear, but it's been hard for me to show them in use. (Sorry guys, if you only knew what I do outside of this blog.) But i'm trying harder to do better, and you probably noticed that i've been working more closely with some friends to show more of how these things work out and samples of what can be achieved. Here's another piece put together by the guys to showcase how adding small lights can set the mood or tone in a scene. This small little sample piece is called 'The Boss'.
A single 500 LED Video Light Panel was set for the rim light behind 'The Boss', a Z96 was taped into a cheap reflector to throw the cliche downward spotlight, and a few Z96's were adding rim lights to the victim. Why not use all the latest LED panels that I just purchased? Well that's a different set of lights for about twice the budget. These will work just fine for someone looking to get into basic LED Video Lights. There will be another video piece shot with the new 900 LED panels that I have pretty soon, hang tight. For now, I thought it would be a good way to show that these lights are still great products including the little Z96 LED lights. The 1000 LED Video Light was used outdoors to add light through small windows on the garage, and then mainly for the scene in the end to purposely cast shadows.
Nikon D5100 DSLR w/ more Video
Nikon announces the D5100 and from the pricing and specs, it should be going head to head with the T3i market. [Thanks Andrew] It's rocking 16MP against the T3i's 18MP, but in today's world those sizes don't matter. It's possibly Nikon will have better low light handling by sticking to this smaller size chip.
The D5100 includes a Vari-Angle LCD, External Mic input, 4fps burst photography, and finally some additional frame rates for video. Well maybe not so important frame rates as they've managed to start adding in 30fps to their 1080 recordings, but still nothing at 60fps. We'll see if future higher end Nikon models will have that ability. Of course the camera will have 'Full Time Auto and Manual Exposure' in movie mode. Nikon is still including full time 'Auto Focus' during movie recording as well.
On the photography side there's a ton of built in Filters and Effects, but also built in HDR photography mode. Something Sony seems to do with every camera, and Canon DSLR's lack. They aren't stopping there. They are also creating accessories for movie making like their ME-1 stereo microphone. Nikon's new D5100 is priced right even against all the new competition. The cult like Photography following for Nikon glass can give this camera some penetration into the DSLR video market. The one problem Nikon has is availability. Every new release is extremely slow to become available and by the time you find it, there's already something new. Let's see how this one plays out. More in depth specs can be found on the Nikon page.
Should be available in May according to the link below.
Nikon D5100 16MP DSLR
DSLR.Bot Features for DSLR
An inexpensive little application with not just 'cool', but very functional features to power up that Canon DSLR. DSLR.Bot is a highly recommended application download if you already have one of these supported iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad devices. The ability to DIY an infrared trigger and extend range with a simple stereo cable makes it even more practical to use. To keep consistency with the IR trigger (if you choose to purchase one from DSLRBot.com) it comes with a supplied velcro band that simply holds the IR trigger onto the side of the lens. The next time i'm going out to TimeLapse or try my hand at HDR, this little application is going with me. You can find it on iTunes through the link below.
Find DSLR.Bot on iTunes for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad
For more information on all the features, tips, and DIY tutorials on the IR trigger - check out DSLRBot.com.
DIY Tilt Shift Photography
Not just moments ago, I posted an article about Lensbaby's new Sweet 35 lens for their Optic Swap system. If you're looking for a cheaper way to get into some make-shift tilt-shift photography, here's that popular DIY Tilt Shift Photography Tutorial from Make Magazine. On Flickr it's also coined as the 'plunger cam'. Nothing like real $2000 dollar TS lenses, but you'd be surprised at some of the images that have been snapped using this technique. If you don't want to use a cheap plunger, more professional versions of this has been made with Volkswagen CV Joint Axle Boots.
Transmission CV Joint Axle Boots
Obviously you'll lose all camera to lens communication, so this DIY is best used with Manual focus and manual aperture lenses. Since it's just a floating lens on a rubber bellows it's not so important which camera mount you choose. You can find a bunch of old manual lenses under $10 dollars to start to having fun with this project over on eBay.
DIY DSLR Cage on Auction
DSLR Cage Rigs on eBayHere's an interesting DIY DSLR Cage that appeared on auction. It's like a camera caddie meets rotating flash bracket type layout. From the description it's a one off piece, but a very cool setup of handles, base, and accessory mounting points. There's a bit of a back story in the auction details if you want to check it out. It's too bad this thing never flew into production, if the price was right I think it would have done well. This looks like it could have easily stepped in where Varavon's DSLR Armor is trying to take place. Either way, if you're a DIY'er time to take a close peek at this design to spark some creativity. Unless it's sold, you can find it here.
1650 watt 6 Bank Fluorescent Video Light Panels
Yeah I know, almost 10 months later and here I am with only the 'second' post for this 1650 watt Fluorescent Lighting kit. Why did it take so long? Well, they pretty much fell off the map after I posted about them in this old article http://cheesycam.com/1650-watt-6-bank-photo-video-lighting/. There were some smaller units available, but the 6 bank had some production issues I guess. So there was no use to posting any more information on what I thought would be a discontinued item. I'm not going to get into the specs on these, since you can find it back in the original article, but basically each Flo Tube is about 55 watts. They use a reliable italian brand bulb (here we are 10 months later) that to this day still haven't failed me - not one.
Single 6 Bank Panel
1650 Watt 6 Bank Fluorescent Photo Video Light Panels
Now I use mine quite a bit in the studio, but they have some weight and fragility to them. The panels are solid metal and heavy plastic construction, it's the bulbs that could be more fragile. Not my favorite lights to travel with, but definitely one of my favorite lights to use. The light is very broad and very soft. No need for softboxes or light diffusion for these, they come out pretty flat, cover a large area, with no hot spots. Very little heat makes them great for still photography next to subjects even though they are continuous lights. Dimming is done through a series of switches that turn off a few bulbs at a time. So why consider these over LED panels? Well for starters, you could walk away with 2 of these 1650 watt 6 Bank panels + light stands for about the same price as a 'single' 1200 LED panel. These panels provide a wider area of coverage and several times more light output. So now that they are back online and available, I thought it would be good to show a quality of light sample that a single 1650 watt panel puts out. In this video the guys set it up to shoot through an indoor window in this Chess playing scene.
Double 6 Bank Light Panel Available on Amazon:
1650 Watt 6 Bank Fluorescent Photo Video Light Panels
