The Zoom H4n Portable Audio Recorder
Padded Bass Case – Light Stands
DIYPhotgraphy.net has a really cool article about using a Padded Bass Case to pack up your light stands. These are long very well padded cases that can hold a few light stands as well as other small items. They have straps and some can be worn with a sling or back pack style. These padded Bass guitar travel cases some around $20 dollars or really really padded high quality for about $80 dollars and up to 47" inches long (That's still cheaper than Photography labeled bags). Most 10' foot light stands can collapse to about 39" inches so you'd have room to spare. These long padded travel bags should be good with other long items you might be traveling with like Monopods and Tripods too, and also makes you look like a Rock Star....(or traveling Guitar Hero geek)..
Also some nice non-shaped ones available via eBay:
Low Profile Quick Release Adapter
Someone asked about a quick release adapter that would work best moving from a Flycam Nano over to some other different rigs. If you're not using a Fluid head like the Manfrotto 701HDV, then there's no reason you need to stick with the Manfrotto Compatible QR Adapter. The best low profile quick release adapter would be the Manfrotto 394
. This low profile wide plate is a perfect fit for DSLR's and also doesn't use the twisty little side knobs which makes it perfect for mounting on wide flat surfaces like non Manfrotto Fluid heads, Steadicams, Glidecams, Camera Cranes / Jibs, Sliders, DSLR Cages, and Shoulder Mounts. Yeah sometimes those little twisty knobs off to the side are annoying..
DIY DSLR Grip Shifter Follow Focus
An interesting start to a DIY DSLR shoulder rig inspired by the twist handle shift method. This time YouTube member geedubya101 uses a grip shifter from a bike and runs the firm cable to the lens. Another piece being used is a rotating flash bracket to add a side handle and some extra mounting options for accessories. Everything you need to know is all in the video, and it looks like it will be a cool little shoulder support when it's all done.
Spider Steady – Multi Config Camera Rig
Looks like a few new eBay sellers have picked up this unusual camera support item and now there's some promotional videos online. Folds up, folds out, with extremely large (too large?) handles that can configured into different style stabilizers such as a Shoulder rig, Fig Rig, DSLR Cage. Doesn't look like it can be positioned to get a DSLR with view finder loupe offset properly, but functions as a basic shoulder support with an external monitor attached. Above is the most recent video ad promoting this product labeling it as the 'Spider Steady'. Pricing is still less than desirable....
DIY Conduit Camera Slider
DIY slider video from Vimeo member Lolo Two. Here's a clever way to take some very inexpensive conduit tubing, a coupler, and with a basic set of tools, come up with a very sturdy camera slider. The coupler works out great since it's designed to fit perfectly around the EMT conduit tubing and also has some easy mounting points for the carriage. The video is pretty thorough on what it takes to get things together, but there's also a parts list following the video link. It's a simple DIY, and I believe that you all 'Con Du It' too... [Thanks Lolo Two]
Apple iPad 2 – On Sale Today
Apple's new iPad 2 goes on sale later this evening. Still coming in at about the same price as the first generation, but this time with a ton of new upgrades. Faster processor, faster graphics, front and rear facing cameras, thinner, lighter, and all with the same 10 hour battery life.
Canon Refurbished Discounts
A brand new Canon 5D Mark II will still run you about $2500 dollars retail on any website. A used Canon 5D Mark II Body over on eBay will still run you over $2100 dollars and that's not knowing it's true condition. Canon right now is running some specials on their Refurbished Equipment website with a 10% off Promotional Code bringing down the Canon 5D Mark II (refurbished) bodies to $1799. Yeah that's a pretty sweet deal for a full frame body with excellent low light capabilities. Sure it's a refurb, but it's coming from Canon with a 90 Day warranty.
If you're looking to pick up used equipment, I think these official Canon refurb units are still a safer bet than going for a used version off the auction site. Aside from the 5D Mark II, there's 7D's, T2i's, 60D's, and a bunch of lenses including L series refurbished. Promotional Code is fam211 and the link is here.
DIY SpiderTrax Rotating Dolly
Vimeo member Switch Flick uses pieces from a Flycam Nano to make a DIY Spidertrax Rotating Dolly. Axles are a bit long on this first version, but it looks pretty legit with attention to details down to the bolts (much like I used in my setup). Of course, this is all assuming you've already dished out a bit of change for the Nano.
If you're not familiar with the Flycam Nano, another video was recently shot using a Canon 5D Mark II + 17-40mm F/4L + Rode Video Mic. That's quite a bit of weight, but Vimeo member Spencer Turley managed to pull off some great footage while doing some charitable work out in Tuvalu. Found here: https://www.vimeo.com/20742652
Flycam Nano Video Camera Stabilizer
If you're not familiar with Rotating Dollies, you can see how the Konova Dolly (cloned after my own design) was used in this video: http://cheesycam.com/test-drive-spidertrax-clone-korean-dolly/
