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Canon-T3i-600D

As if there isn't enough cameras in Canon's lineup, they recently just announced the T3i or 600D. Looks very close to the Canon 60D sticking with the Vari-angle LCD screen and i'm sure taking in a few other similarities. Some new tricks with in camera processing of photos and videos, upgrades to EOS utilities and Zoom Browsers, but technical specs within the core processor don't surpass the 60D. Don't expect this camera to bring any better image quality.

There is a new Zoom feature that can zoom in 3-10x while maintaining HD video output. Hey that's pretty cool, and can take advantage of shorter lenses. I'm sure there will be some added softness to the effect. Another step up from the T2i is manual audio levels and built in flash trigger. Guess what though, this 600D goes back to the LP-E8 battery unlike the 60D which uses the LP-E6. Sorry guys, no headphone out monitoring added to this DSLR (what's up Canon?).

For those who really wanted the swivel LCD, but could not afford the 60D prices, this T3i would be the answer. And to throw in even more confusion, Canon's released a T3 camera (not T3i). This almost seems to be the replacement for a T1i. The T3 is an even lower entry level DSLR, a bit slower in photo fps, lower megapixels, smaller LCD (no swivel), and only 720 capable.

The prices of these new Canon cameras are coming in low so i'm assuming this will discontinue sales of the T2i completely (unless they are willing to do a huge price drop). If it's true then expect remaining T2i inventories to drop prices even lower in the coming weeks. Canon sure has been moving pretty quickly through the lower end of consumer cameras, let's hope they come out with a replacement for some of the top end soon!

Canon-T3i-600D
find-price-button Canon T3i & T3 DSLR Cameras

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Someone commented the other day about the Konova slider not being available and another person questioning if it will arrive. I'm not sure how long they were offline, but they seem to be back again and they are definitely shipping. Here's another recent unboxing and short video clip samples from Vimeo member NetMedia. Instead of using a Fluid video head, he's gone with a 3 way photography head. Although panning while sliding could be tricky, you can achieve some crazy camera angles with this type of head. NetMedia seems to be pretty happy with it. Of course they do sell such a thing as a 3 way fluid head, which works well for panning small cameras.
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find-price-button Konova video Camera Rolling Bearing DSLR Slider

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YouTube member TheAussieInLA puts together his DIY version of the SpiderTrax rotational dolly and gets some pretty cool results. Looks like some basic skateboard trucks, skate wheels, and flat steel. [Thanks Alex]

The original version sold at PhotographyandCinema.com is no longer available, but if you're not the DIY type the next best version for the cheapest price is made through Konova. The Konova rotational dolly is well built with an anodized plating and a few fancy graphics. Although they opted to use roller blade type wheels, they flipped the axles upside down and shaved them flat, bringing it closer to the ground for low shots. You can find them following the link below.

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find-price-button Konova Rotational Video Camera Skater Dolly

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Some people have commented about flickering from a Z96 LED video light. This has to do with battery voltage, especially when the batteries run low. I've had plenty of success with my Eneloops and haven't noticed any flickering until they drain out. This time YouTube member Luca throws together a battery and flicker test with the Z96 using a Sony battery. Results look pretty good, and the price for batteries + charger is not too shabby. [Thanks Luca].

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find-price-button (2) Sony Batteries Plus Charger for Z96

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If you've picked up the Konova Slider and looking for a cheap way to mount your camera directly (no fluid head) this 3/8" to 1/4" male thread adapter is exactly what you need. The Konova only comes with a 3/8" stud and if you can't get around to a heavy duty fluid head, this could suffice temporarily. The only problem I can see though is being able to position the camera angle.

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find-price-button 3/8" Female to 1/4" Male thread Adapter

If angle is of importance and you're not the type to do much panning while sliding, the Opteka is a pretty heavy duty ball head on the cheap. Unlike tiny ball heads, this one shouldn't have the same problems with vibration.


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find-price-button Opteka TH40 Magnesium Alloy Ball Head with Quick Release Plate for Tripods and Monopods

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YouTube member dalecampbellextras shows that a large mechanical kitchen timer can rotate more than just a small GoPro camera. Here he's showing use with a Canon DSLR and the timer still seems to rotate pretty well. I notice that in the video, there's talk about Center of Balance. If you've already picked up a Macro Rail Slider this could help center the weight. These mechanical timers are great for DIY panning rigs, but with a bit of string i'm guessing it can pull a camera across the Konova slider (no batteries required). [Thanks Dale]

Dale has some links to the products through his YouTube video, for eBay and Amazon the closest thing I could find similar would be the Large Kitchen Timers.
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find-price-button Large Mechanical Kitchen Timer

The traditional Egg Timer has always been used as a Panning Rig, but curious if anyone has taken that Rotisserie motor and used it for this same purpose?

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The Apple iPhone 4 quickly took to video hobbyists with shorts and music videos being completely shot on the device. This time YouTube member Kyle Roberts shoots an entire music video on a Nokia N8. Aside from the N8 itself, there's some serious Tripods and Sliders going on in this BTS video. There's also some DIY gear involved to work with the small form factor of the device. Sure it might just be another cell phone music video but it's been shot, edited, and uploaded which is more than what most people can do with even the fanciest of gear. It's all for the love and the fun, and it's a way to get out and shoot - No excuses. You can catch the final color graded and edited music video at the end of the BTS clip. [Thanks Kyle]

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Vimeo member Rod Guajardo puts up a simple one light test with the Yongnuo 135. I know some people have been asking for a real skin tone example of how this light performs. As far as coverage of light, it does a good job for a talking head interview type shot. Would be great to see one more light as a fill, and maybe one for a rim light in this type of setup. I think it could work considering these are about half the price of a Z96.

So not sure if it's my eyes, or of it's my screen, but do you think there's hint of green? It could be quite possible as green is a common cast from LED lighting. Even on the popular 126 and 500 LED light panels, people have been finding that adding a 1/8 minus green gel seems to balance it out perfectly. Not sure if that's the case in this video, but i'll see if I can grab some gels and experiment with mine. [Thanks Rod]

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find-price-button 1/8 Minus Green Color Gels

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find-price-button Yongnuo 135 Dimmable LED Video Light