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NAB 2014, we stop in at the Big Balance booth. This company (at this time) is only focused on and entire product line of hand held gimbal stabilizers supporting a range from Smart Phones, Compact Cameras, Mirrorless Cameras, DSLR, and more.

Many gimbal versions from Big Balance include a thumb stick to actively tilt the camera, and some with remote control capabilities when the gimbals are used in distance from the operator. You can find more additional information about these products at the BigBalance.com website (here).

BlackMagic Pocket Gimbal Stabilizer Big BalanceBRENT-MUSTANG-SMALLBROWN-BEAR-580X320-PRODUCT-SHOT1
Big Balance Hand Held Stabilizer Gimbals

NAB 2014 Coverage Sponsors

Camera Motion Research Came_80x80banner Varavon fvlighting

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Most options for motion controlled sliders with automatic panning and fixed point shooting require battery power and the possibility of noisy motors. Kessler's Parallax on the other hand is a completely mechanical system that offers the same functionality of auto panning and fixed point tracking without worrying about carrying extra batteries or the introduction of noise.

The new Kessler Parallax system is available to work with almost every Kessler Slider (inquire before ordering). If you want to step up from manual operation, Kessler has also introduced the new UniDrive system. Combined with the Parallax you'll have continuous auto-looping fully automatic panning and fixed point shooting (not to mention advanced Time Lapse features). More information at KesslerCrane.com

Kessler Parallax for Kessler Sliders
Kessler Parallax System - Auto Panning Fixed Point Tracking for Kessler Sliders

NAB 2014 Coverage Sponsors

Camera Motion Research Came_80x80banner Varavon fvlighting

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Typically when you want slow motion from a DSLR / Mirrorless camera you shoot in 60fps and conform it down to your 24p/30p project. It's a bit different with the new GH4 and as someone who doesn't read user manuals, selecting these new framerates on the GH4 was just a little confusing so I thought i'd share this video.

By choosing 96fps VFR will give you 25% playback on your 24p Recording Frame Rate for slow motion. Choosing 2fps VFR will give you 1200% playback on your 24p Recording Frame Rate to simulate fast motion. Fast motion is a great option. Instead of doing interval Time Lapse images that have to be stitched in post, the GH4 will save the entire sequence into a single video file. Very fun feature that opens up more creative shooting options when you're out and about. Stay tuned for more GH4 tips.

Slow Motion GH4 Variable Frame Rate Option 96 fps

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The ability to shoot 4K has made the GH4 camera very popular, but also overshadows many of the other great reasons to buy a GH4. One of the stand out features is it's ability to shoot 96fps at full 1080p. The GearAddix Team immediately finds ways to abuse test this new feature.

The GH4 Camera is shipping now and you can find them available via B&H (click here).

Panasonic GH4 order stock inventory
find-price-button Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4

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Yes, many users have already received the new Panasonic GH4 4K Mirrorless Camera, proof that pre-ordered cameras are shipping now. Also many retailers are carrying them in stock. My GH4 cameras have already arrived this morning, and if you want something now you can get it from Adorama (Click Here).

Panasonic GH4 order stock inventory
find-price-button Panasonic DMC-GH4 Body Only, Black - with 4K Video Recording

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NAB Show 2014, Rodney from Dracast gives us an early look at a more affordable and durable new LED light fixture designed to replace popular CFL Lighting fixtures still used in photo/video today.

The Dracast T1000 (pending name) uses dimmable strips of LEDs within the tubing and is available in both single color Daylight or adjustable Bi-Color tungsten-daylight. Additionally you can purchase the Bi-Color Fixture and replace the tubes with single color for greater light output. Definitely a solid alternative to more expensive KinoFlo type lighting that many of us still have to rent, and easier to transport without dealing with fragile CFL lamps.

Dracast LED CFL Light Bank Video Lighting Bi-Color Single Daylight
Dracast Dimmable Bi-Color 3/6 LED Tube Light Bank Video Lighting

The video shows a 3 LED Light Bank 2ft. model, but according to Dracast they are also making these new lights available in 3/6 LED Light Banks in 2 ft. fixtures, 3/6 LED Light banks in 4 ft. fixtures, and 3/6 LED Light Banks in 6 ft. fixtures.

Compared to the high end True Match® CFL lamps used in similar fixtures, replacement Dracast High CRI LED Tubes will be half the price. More information about the T1000 LED Light Banks will be available at Dracast website (click here).

Dracast NAB 2014 LED Video Lighting CFL Light Bank Killer
Dracast Dimmable Bi-Color 3/6 LED Tube Light Bank Video Lighting

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NAB 2014, Brian shares more information on the latest Induro 75mm Hi Hat and Benro S8 Video Fluid Head that now offers variable drag on both Pan and Tilt for more control over your fluid head when you want the movement to operate very loose to very firm.

The Induro Hi Hat comes with a 75mm Half Bowl adapter which allows you to use any standard flat base Fluid Head. Of course if you are already using a 75mm half bowl head (such as the Benro S8), you can mount this directly to the Induro Hi Hat tripod.

I've been using the 100mm Induro Hi Hat for over a year, (see it in this video) and it's been one of my favorite tools when working with products over tables, but for me personally this new 75mm version at half the weight is probably more suitable. As mentioned in the video, there is currently a rebate on this item found over at B&H (click here).

Induro Hi Hat Tripod
find-price-button Induro DR Hi-Hat Tripod Set (75mm Bowl)

The Benro S8 Pro Video Fluid Head is also currently offered with a rebate bringing the price down to just $199 (found here).

Benro S8 Fluid Drag Video Head

That's a competitive price for a video fluid head which can support over 17 pounds (great for supporting sliders), has a built in counter balance, offers Variable Drag on both Pan & Tilt - and yes still compatible with your common Manfrotto 501PL plates. Find this rebate offer via B&H (click here)

Benro S8 Video Fluid Head Pan Tilt Variable Drag Benro S8 Video Fluid Head Tripod rebate Benro S8 Fluid Head manfrotto compatible
find-price-button Benro S8 Pro Video Fluid Head and Tripod Kits

NAB 2014 Coverage Sponsors

Camera Motion Research Came_80x80banner Varavon fvlighting

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NAB 2014 Varavon continued to display the Wirecam (cable cam) designed to remotely fly cameras across a suspended wire at speeds of over 18mph. They have been showing this product for at least a year still improving on the design. Further camera stabilization and movement can be performed by adding a gimbal stabilizing camera mount.

Varavon Wirecam Cable Cam REmote Gimbal Stabilizer
find-price-buttonVaravon Wirecam [Cable Cam] Video Camera System with Gimbal Platform

For me one of the more exciting products coming out of Varavon this year is the new 'Birdy Gimbal Stabilizer'. They promise to deliver this 3 Axis active camera stabilizer ready to run for approximately $2K.

Sure we've literally seen dozens of new gimbals this past year, but Varavon has refined their build by adding 'fine tuning knobs' to their platform for amazingly simple and accurate balancing of your camera. I can't tell you how much value this feature adds when working with these types of tools.

Varavon Birdy Cam 3 Axis Gimbal Stabilizer Varavon Birdy Cam Gimbal Stabilizer

Over on the Birdy Cam product page they are also showing off an optional Wireless HD Video Transmitter and how the handles are specifically sized to fit many Stabilizer Support vests to help carry the weight for longer periods. Additional photos and videos about the Varavon Birdy Cam Gimbal Stabilizer can be found at the website (click here).

Birdy Cam Varavon Gimbal Stabilizer Varavon Wireless HD Video transmitter Birdy Cam Gimbal Stabilizer Vest Support
Varavon Birdy Cam Gimbal Packing List
find-price-button Varavon Birdy Cam 3 Axis Active Video Camera Gimbal Stabilizer

NAB 2014 Coverage Sponsors

Camera Motion Research Came_80x80banner Varavon fvlighting

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NAB 2014 Rich from Camera Motion Research offers a tour on the iFootage Shark Video Slider. The intertia generated from the weighted flywheel spins as you move the slider and requires for a gradual smooth start / stop.

The iFootage Shark Slider has all of the professional feature sets including adjustable legs / feet, smooth carbon rails, extendable rails, adjustable bearings, and is unique with the counterweight flywheel.

As of this writing Camera Motion Research is the only US retailer carrying the iFootage Shark Video Slider kit sold with an extension rails (for longer runs), and optional flywheel for added inertia. The iFootage Shark Video Slider product is already available and can be found at https://CamotionLLC.com (click here)

sharkshark2
shark3shark6
find-price-button Camera Motion Reasearch - iFootage Shark Video Slider Kit

If the iFootage Shark Video Slider was not impressive enough on it's own, the iFootage team had their own NAB booth showing off a new prototype programmable 2-Axis Motion Control Pan / Tilt Head addition for the Shark Video Slider. Each axis is capable of rotating a full 360 degrees. Combined with the slider the complete kit will offer full 3 Axis programmable motion control.

I'm not sure if you can tell, but the microphone wasn't far from the head unit. The unit is fairly silent even as it tracked across for real time video use. Aside from offering very advanced time-lapse photography features that can be programmed into a wireless remote, the head can be programmed for auto panning to keep a subject in frame. Stay tuned about this product.

iFootage Motion Control Head Timelapse Video Slider Shark DSLR

NAB 2014 Coverage Sponsors

Camera Motion Research Came_80x80banner Varavon fvlighting