Ok, i'm behind the times and finally all the emails about joining Facebook has convinced me to setup a profile. I'm sure 99% of you are on there already, so you can connect with me here: Cheesycam Facebook Profile
DSLR Shoulder RIG – DIY Base Deal
Basic Sumo Rig
Ok, it's not all DIY, but the company 'Shape' is slashing their base Shoulder Support used for their 'Sumo' configuration. The basic Sumo configuration (above) which is a shoulder support, counter weight, and handles will run you $459. The simple dimple shoulder 'base' (below) itself normally runs you $199.
Shape Shoulder Rig Support Grip
Right now (limited time), Shape has slashed the price of this base foundation in an eBay auction to 'a third' or it's normal price. Hey even on my best day at Home Depot, I don't think I can make something as pretty for that price. Next jump on over to the B&H website where you can grab that pretty little padded 4lb. counterweight for just $69 bucks, and you're good with a very professional looking solid foundation to DIY on. All you're missing is a set of handles, which shouldn't be too hard to craft up.
Shape 4lb. Padded Counterweight for Sumo
Here's the link to the base shoulder rig auction: Shape Shoulder Rig Support Grip
Here's the link to the counter weight: Shape Padded Counterweight
DIY Follow Focus from Fishing Gear
DIY DSLR follow focus systems are just one of those fun projects we try and tackle, and at the same time keep it simple and under a few bucks. One of the hardest parts to tackle is the ergonomics of controlling the lens with a 90 degree transmission of some sort. Thanks to a tip from dslrdiy.co.uk for pointing out this interesting DSLR follow focus setup with a basic fishing reel from Vimeo member Kemal Güven Erakbaş. Come to think of it, fishing reels are probably one of the most refined 90 degree transmissions. Smooth bearings can crank pounds of tension with ease, can be fairly quite, and speed crank included! Long focus pulls can be done with ease. Some big manufacturer out there needs to reverse engineer this crank into an entirely new Follow Focus transmission.
You hear the operator throwing out some queues on what item is quickly being focused on and it seems to work smooth and fast. Since you're listening to the audio from his camera, you'll notice there isn't much noise from the fishing reel. I guess he didn't set the drag, LOL. Yes it does look quite odd, but with some effort, there's probably more ways to break the molds of these fishing reels down further, or possibly just adding wheels and gears if you're going for a different look. It's definitely a clear path a cheap DIY follow focus system which already lives in the corner of your garage.
Obviously something you're not going to be shopping for at the Camera stores, so cheapest bet probably lies over at eBay. I'm not an expert fisherman, but i'm assuming any decent reel with the switch off will have a reversible option. There's some closeout prices over at eBay for a bunch of Quantum Reels found here: Quantum Fishing Reels at Closeout Prices
Zoom H1 vs. Tascam DR-08 (update)
I've been using the Zoom H1 and Tascam DR-08 as 'body packs' instead of using a Wireless setup. I'm still using the old Audio Technica ATR-3350 Lavalier Microphone
Unfortunately, possibly a Tascam Firmware issue, the Tascam DR-08 could not see the 8GB microSD card. Only the Zoom H1 was able to see and utilize the full 8GB providing 4 times more recording time. You never know how long it's going to take for an event to get started, or how long until it's over, so I just felt safer with the unit that can house the larger microSD card. Here's another tip that's a bit related. Regular batteries don't stand a fair chance with today's electronics. I hear many people complaining about how fast a battery grip with AA's, LED lights, or an Audio Recorder can run down batteries very quickly. I push the Eneloop batteries not only because they are rechargeable, but because they DO hold 4 times more capacity than a regular battery. If you want to use your Zoom H1 as a body pack, give it a fighting chance and put some quality batteries in.
Buy Zoom H1 via Amazon
Buy Zoom H1 via BHPHOTOVIDEO
Buy Zoom H1 via eBay
Buy Sanyo Eneloop Power Pack Kit via BHPHOTOVIDEO
Buy Sanyo Eneloop via Amazon
Better platform for Camera Sliders
Wow, we've got some really creative people out there. I'm shooting an event today (which i'm supposed to be doing right now), but I really had to take time out and share this idea. Evan Burns sent me an email about trying to solve unstable footing for his camera slider. Of course the first thing that comes to mind is to use multiple tripods or lightstands, but he's got a better idea. Taking a tip from my recent SpiderTrax Dolly DIY with a pair of sawhorses, Evan stumbles on to a really great 'cheap single sawhorse' with individual adjustable legs. The entire unit collapses into a single rail. He's using a few clamps to keep things together, but i'm thinking go for it and just permanently bolt that bad body down. The slider works even when the sawhorse is collapsed which I think makes for a great DIY platform for ground use. Good job Evan, thanks for making me late today too! Check out the video above, here's the link to the unit: Heavy Duty Steel Adjustable Saw Horse
click image for pricing
If you don't already have a slider, this is based on IGUS linear guide rails. IGUS has been so popular with camera sliders, they are now providing several kits in different sizes to make this DIY camera slider much easier to build. Here's the link: IGUS Camera Slider Kits
Variable ND Filters – Fader Filters
Genus Variable ND Filter
I've collected quite a few lenses (and cameras) in the last year, and it's about time to grab more Variable ND filters instead of swapping them and sharing them during the workflow. Variable ND filters or 'Fader Filters' are Neutral Density filters used to block out light for better exposure. You will find ND filters built in to professional video cameras, but DSLR's lack this and it's an important filter to use when shooting video. Especially if you're trying to achieve a more film like look with your camera, this will help control your shutter speed on bright days. Variable ND filters are great because they are adjustable to perform like several different ND filters wrapped up in one, but if you've got time to add and swap you can use standard ND filters too. There's three big names that come to mind when shopping for these filters which are Singh-Ray most expensive, Genus, and LightCraft Workshop. Here's what you should think about when shopping for your Variable ND Fader Filter.
Depending on where you shop, the Genus and LightCraft might be very close in price, but the Singh-Ray is the most expensive by an additional $200+ dollars. Some things to keep in mind when choosing a Variable ND are the quality of the glass used, color temperature change, and vignetting when mounted. These three brands have really good reviews, but I haven't tested them side by side to do a full pixel by pixel comparison.
Singh-Ray Variable ND Filter
Quality of Glass: For video use on wide lenses, you may not immediately notice a difference, but when using some type of magnified lens (macro and some zooms) you could find loss of sharpness. Especially if used in high megapixel photography, there will definitely be a difference. This is because you are adding an additional 2 pieces of polarized glass over your lens, and the quality of those 2 pieces will affect final image.
Color Temperature Change: Without getting too technical, as you turn the filter it changes the amount of light that is allowed through. Some of these filters could have slight color changes which means you will have to correct your color balance each time. It could be very marginal and even done in post without most people noticing.
Vignetting: The newer versions of these Variable ND filters are built over sized to prevent vignetting. LightCraft calls this their 'Mark II' and Singh-Ray calls this their 'Thin Mount'. So a 77mm lens will end up having something like an 82mm Filter at the tip. This means you will lose the ability to place your stock lens cap and also use of any stock lens hoods. These filters are great for controlling exposure, but shading the front of the lens with a hood or matte box is just as important to maintain contrast and color. Keep in mind about those extra items you'll still need to shop for. If you use the older versions, you should be fine with the lens cap, but most likely not the hood unless you're using an aftermarket mount like the ones in this article: http://cheesycam.com/hoods-covers-caps-and-pouches/. I would definitely think about going with the newer filters with the larger glass, but just beware if you think you've found a cheaper deal, it might be the older version.
List of Variable ND's at eBay:Variable Neutral Density Filters
List of Variable ND's at BHPhotoVideo: Variable Neutral Density Filters
List of Variable ND's at Amazon: Variable Neutral Density Filters
If you're just experimenting with ND variable filters, there's also a DIY article I posted here where you can make your own. Of course you'll probably suffer some softness, color changes, and vignetting, but for less than $10 dollars it's a great project to jump into. Here's the DIY Link: http://cheesycam.com/diy-fader-nd-variable-nd-filter/
If you're not ready for Variable ND filters, at least grab a set of basic ND filters. Having more than one will allow you to stack them to block more light, or unstack them to allow more light. Just be careful of that vignetting. Click here for a list of Standard Neutral Density Filters.
#####New Product Alert####
Quick Note: There is a new brand of these Variable ND filters showing up online for 'HALF' the price. This is the first time i'm seeing them online, but it looks exactly like one of the brands above. If anyone has tried these, send in some demo videos. I'm going to give a try on one of these to see how it works out. Here's the link: New 'Cheaper' Variable ND Filters
click image for pricing
DIY DSLR Rig / Dolly – Packs up Small
Thanks to Thomas for sending in a very interesting DIY DSLR Rig. The entire rig was built by his father to be super light, super modular, and even adds a few wheels for some dolly style tracking. Everything packs up into a small bag, DIY follow focus included. There's a bit more information and a bunch more photos following the link to his blog. https://www.punto14.net/blog/2010/10/03/say-hallo-to-octopussy%C2%AE/
[Thanks Thomas]
DIY Apple Canon T2i Charger
This one goes out to Kay for submitting this great little tip. As small as it might be, this one really rocks in my book! The Canon LP-E6 chargers have a nice little flip out plug to go directly into the wall. This means 5D Mark II, 7D, and 60D chargers pack up nice and tidy. What about T2i owners? Stuck with a charger that needs a cord to plug in? Kay dropped this on me this morning showing me how the T2i charger can be neatly packed away by using a simple Apple adapter - No cables required. Thanks Kay you rock on this one, leave some comments if you think this is a helpful tip. If you guys don't happen to have the Apple adapter, there's a ton over at eBay for less than a cup of Java (Click Here).
Apple AC Wall Adapter
Also available via Amazon for $3 bucks + Free Prime Shipping (Click Here).
Apple AC Wall Adapter
E-Image Linear Rail Camera Slider
I don't know if I missed this, or this just showed up. Looks like E-Image is adding more products to their attack on the DSLR market. Here's what looks to be like a very effective camera slider using seperate linear guide rails. The carrier for the camera looks quite familiar to the 'guys in yellow and black'. This setup looks like they want to go long, calling it a video track kit.
The end plates require that you use two tripods to use this 'video track kit', and this design doesn't appear to be a solid setup for plain floor use. It's quite possible to make different ends with feet and legs to further make this a more versatile product, we'll just have to wait and see where they are going with this. For now you can try to keep up with the new products here: https://www.eimagevideo.com/enproductSeries.asp?fl=183