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Here's an overview of the new Switronix PocketBase power solution for the BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera that runs from common and affordable Canon LP-E6 batteries.

Though it is functional and probably the most affordable off-the-shelf power solution for the BMPC (currently), I can't say that it has all it's bells & whistles in place. The LP-E6 batteries don't have an actual lock, which might be a concern when running around with a BMPC in hand.

In order to get to your SD Card, you'll need to get the camera off the PocketBase by first removing the left side battery to access the unusual thumb screw. I think anyone using this will quickly add some type of QR system. If all of this is too cumbersome, at least the entire PocketBase can be relocated a short distance from the BMPC with the provided long cable.

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find-price-button Switronix PocketBase for BlackMagic Pocket Camera

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3 Three Axis Brushless Gimbal Camera Stabilizer Motor Controller
Greg writes in and shares this newly listed item [thanks Greg]. It's yet another three axis brushless motor gimbal camera stabilizer. I know there's been a few comments about other systems online, and some I think are already up and running. I myself haven't had the time to spend on these types of systems, but the specs on this product state that the gimbal has already been micro adjusted, the system is ready-to-run, supports decent sized cameras like the 5D / D800, and comes complete with the brushless gimbal controllers (BGC) for just under $700 bucks.


brushless camera stabilizer gimbal kitbrushless gimbal ready to runcheap brushless gimbal stabilizer for video camera
sku_100083_5sku_100083_13sku_100083_3find-price-button 3 Axis Brushless Gimbal Camera Stabilizer

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Here's a bit of early information on a new product soon to be released by Aputure. Typically if you want professional overlays in a monitor, you'll have to pay good money for it. This new Aputure V-Converter HDMI Extra Scope will take an HDMI signal input and output to another HDMI display with additional features such as Peak Focus Assist / False Color / Zebras / 70 or 100 IRE Zebra Markings / and Brightness Histograms.

Aputure HDMI V-Converter (2 of 10) Aputure HDMI V-Converter (3 of 10)

Product Description:
Turn basic monitor into professional monitoring
Create your own exciting professional monitoring with V-Converter, and turn low cost basic monitor into one with advanced functions such as PEAK, Zebra marking, False color, Histogram, audio meter, etc. You can also easily add new software updates for new functions via USB in the future.

Big screen HDMI monitoring
When you are working with HDMI video input, you can use V-Converter to convert the incredible functions into big screen televisions or video projectors. Enjoy pleasure of big professional monitoring with unbelievable ease, and check every fine detail precisely.

Amazing editing solution
V-Converter has standard tech monitoring software inside which accurately check brightness, focus, and audio while editing. Imagine the flexibility of being able to reduce much space of editing computer and escape from different projects.

Precision audio metering
You can check 3 colored audio dynamic range with two bright audio level meters on the monitor. Audio bar shows levels in green, yellow and red. View audio scope quickly and directly. Prompt & Precise focus assist V-Converter features PEAK and Highlight focus assist functions. Double functions are perfect to ensure an advantage with correct exposure in the field.

Intensity extreme exposure quality
Gives you 3 functions to gain unmatched exposure quality including False color, Zebra marking and Histogram. Check exposure in ease even with small LCD screen or in bright sunlight.

Amazing HDMI view monitoring
V-Converter is compatible with wide range of HDMI signal input, supports up to 1080p 60FPS signal and converts signal to 720p output. Take V-Converter wherever you need to work, it will let you truly enjoy super monitoring resolution.

Aputure V-Converter

The new Aputure V-Converter can take any cheap display, or maybe your 60" HDMI television from home and turn it into a monitoring solution in the studio. Sounds like a fun product that can add big value to outdated or even cheap displays. The V-Converter specs state it will be manufactured by aircraft grade aluminum with a built in Lithium-iOn rechargeable battery. Stay tuned for more updates on this product.

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In this article, Keiko (of GearAddix) has helped put together a short video review of the new Rokinon 300mm F/6.3 Mirror Lens for micro-four thirds camera systems [Thanks Keiko]. If you're looking for that long zoom on a budget, this new mirror lens from Rokinon is a great option, and yes it will work on a BlackMagic Pocket Cinema camera as well.

Unlike traditional glass element lenses, the incoming light is reflected by a main mirror on the back towards a secondary mirror (located in the front), and back again towards the camera's sensor. By folding the light, these lenses can offer incredible distance while staying very compact and especially very lightweight.

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Unfortunately this design also has a few disadvantages such as aperture control. This Rokinon 300mm mirror lens has a fixed F/6.3. This is the reason why an ND filter was required on an especially bright day. I guess that's not too much of a problem, as many DSLR shooters tend to carry ND filters nowadays.

B+W Static ND Filter Mirror Lens
find-price-button B+W Static ND Filter
Tip: At this distance static ND filters are best to retain sharpness

Also, sharpness and contrast are typically just mediocre with mirror lenses, but i'm very surprised at how much this new Rokinon 300mm mirror lens retains. They've done a great job creating a very compact MFT lens that still retains sharpness, detail, color, and contrast.

Another prominent tell-tale sign of a Mirror Lens is an odd donut-like effect (white rings) that show up on out-of-focus highlights. While lenses with an aperture blade are capable of producing perfectly round highlights, Mirror lenses will create a round donut-like out of focus highlight as seen in the image below.

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For a stylized effect there are groups who find this aesthetically interesting, when used with portraits (see example photos here).

Due to it's fixed aperture of F/6.3 optimal conditions are preferred (lots of light), and keep in mind these lenses do not offer image stabilization. Still, maybe not so much of a problem as many of today's M43 cameras are starting to add Image Stabilization at the sensor level.

Mirror lenses have been around for years, and are available in focal lengths past 1600mm. The most expensive of which still falls under just $300 bucks. That's a pretty amazing price for the distance you get, but obviously you have to consider if those mirror-lens 'differences' work for you. Find a few options below.

cheesycam mirror lens review demo video sample Rokinonrokinon-300mmRokinon Mirror Lens Canon NikonRokinon mirror lens reviewRokinon Mirror Lenses for Canon Nikon M43 mFT
find-price-button Variety of Rokinon Mirror Lenses - via eBay

So now that you've checked out this video review, and some of the other mirror lens image samples (found here), what do you guys think about Rokinon's latest 300mm F/6.3 Mirror Lens for Micro Four Thirds? Leave your comments below.

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Here's a few more chances to win a few products as well as an offer for an Instant Discount from great sponsors with Swivex.com. View each product for additional details and qualifications.

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Macro Extension Tubes from Aputure

Don’t want to shell out all the cash for a dedicated macro lens? Get the Aputure Macro Tube Set and use them with your current Canon EF & EF-S lenses. They will enable you to focus closely, retaining TTL and AF, opening an entire new world of photographic possibilities. Three different extension tubes (13mm, 21mm, 31mm) give you a range of options. You can use them either individually, or in combination with one another, for 7 different possibilities.

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MultiFinder for Nikon D800 - Varavon

The Varavon Multi Finder for D800 is a multi-functional viewfinder designed to better utilize the LCD monitor of the Nikon D800 when shooting HD video. It provides a mounting plate, the LCD viewer and a loupe with eyecup that combine to create an adjustable yet stable viewing system.

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Instant Discount - CAME Vest System

The Laing Stabilizer Vest can be adjusted to fit taller or smaller frames, and the Arm is mounted to a quick release socket block. Velcro straps adjust the vest very nicely and buckles are used to climb in and out of the vest. The X-15 ISO Arm can easily be dialed to support a light setup such as a Canon 5D Mark II + Sigma 20mm lens and can also be dialed up to support heavier camera setups such as the BlackMagic Cinema Camera or heavier.

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When i'm traveling with a stabilizer, my goal is always to travel as light as possible while still being able to pull off long smooth dolly-like shots at my destination. Here's a closer look at the new XCAM Sabre Mini Video Stabilizer that I think addresses those two main points for me.

Off the top of my head, I don't know too many mini stabilizers that offer so many details, while still being able to fit in a travel pouch. The Carbon Fiber Post adds a nice aesthetic and sheds some weight as opposed to the previous version. The larger diameter post is also easier to handle when steering (flying with two hands), but you'll see in the video many times i'm just working with one hand.

The top stage offers a quick release for fast setup and breakdown, and to dial in your center of balance with fine tuning knobs for both left/right and forward/back adjustments. Outside of that, the adjustable Gimbal along the Carbon Fiber post and telescoping lower sled add another dimension to getting perfect balance with different types of cameras.

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Telescoping Sled Supports Heavier Camera Systems

Build quality is very nice and if you're not a fan of the blue anodized finish, the XCAM Sabre is also available in all Black. You can find additional information about the XCAM Sabre at the web listing (found here).

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find-price-button 2013 Version XCAM Sabre Mini Telescoping Stabilizer

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When you set your camera up on a Crane and start adding weights, it's a real pain to move that thing around. Unless it's on wheels. The same goes for heavy lighting equipment.

There's a couple of top heavy light stands in the studio loaded up with a set of lights, and to prevent them from falling over i've got a couple of sandbags over the bottom. Once the sandbags are in place, it becomes annoying having to move them around, so I opted to upgrade the stands with these Wheeled Caster Adapters. These little casters simply fit on the ends on any light stand and tighten in place.

Lightstand Casters (3 of 3)

These casters aren't cheap at about $12/each wheel, but they sure do make moving heavy stands around much easier regardless of how many sandbags you're using. It's also much safer moving this type of equipment around (for the crew and for the gear). If you're in the same pickle, I highly recommend looking into these things.

Lightstand Casters (1 of 3)

Lightstand Casters (2 of 3)

I opted for an inexpensive set since I don't move the stands very often, but there are dozens of different options via Amazon (found here).

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find-price-button Light Stand Wheeled Casters

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Here's a couple of handy products to help make shooting easier with the new BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera. First up is a new external power solution from Switronix called the PocketBase.

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The PocketBase allows you to power the camera up to 5hrs with two LP-E6 type batteries, while simultaneously charging the removable internal battery. By keeping the internal battery inside the Pocket Camera during operation, you can then hotswap the attached LP-E6 batteries within the PocketBase for continuous camera operation. The Switronix PocketBase is available now (found here).

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find-price-button Switronix PocketBase for BlackMagic Pocket Camera

Next product is a must have when working outdoors or when attempting to pull focus from the little LCD Screen of the BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera. The new Kamerar MagView is an affordable LCD ViewFinder solution that attaches to the back of many different cameras. One model will fit the BMPC specifically and shares many of the same high quality features found in the Kamerar QV-1 LCD View Finder. Should be available this month, estimated price under $50 US.

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Kamerar MagView LCD View Finder

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So GoPro has recently announced a new HERO3+ Black Edition Camera and the main questions are "how much of a difference is the new camera?", and "is it worth the upgrade?" Physically, the camera is basically the same with the exception of the new housing. This means the new HERO3+ camera will still work with previous accessories that you might already own.


YouTube member GearAddix

I'd have to say most everyone was already very happy with the image from the original HERO3, but somehow GoPro managed to deliver even better quality from the new HERO3+. Audio was also greatly improved in the new HERO3+, and the video below shows some of these examples.


YouTube member GearAddix

If you don't currently own a GoPro, the new HERO3+ Black Edition is the camera to get. For those who already own the Gopro HERO3, judging from this very basic side by side HERO3 vs HERO3+ image quality and audio test, do you guys think these differences are worth the upgrade?

[UPDATE March 14th, 2014]
GoPro Releases new Firmware for Hero3+ Black - more Manual Controls.

gopro hero3 plus blackgopro hero3 vs hero3 plus white
find-price-button GoPro Hero3+ Black / Silver

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Shipping Now - Purchase the new GoPro HERO3+ Black Edition