03Sep B&H Photo Video Pre-Orders
Pre-order for Nikon D3100
I’ve not known B&H Photo and Video (possibly the largest Camera retailer in the US) to be big on Pre-orders. Normally it’s a waiting game trying to check the website periodically for when that hot new item lands in stock. Things are slowly changing with hot item pre-orders becoming more and more popular, and it appears B&H is already on the move.
First up, the Nikon D3100. The new Nikon D3100 is priced well below even the Canon T2i and it’s the long awaited 1080HD 24fps capable DSLR Nikon users have been waiting for. If you want to get a jump on this item, B&H is now taking those pre-orders. In fact many of the new lenses and kits for this Nikon D3100 DSLR are up for pre-order. Second up, all the new Apple products. Not sure how you navigate through the website for the new Apple products, but here’s the direct link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/New-from-Apple/ci/15638/N/4291059475
Apple Pre-orders at B&H
I personally don’t always associate laptops and computers with B&H, but let’s not forget the wide array of professional products that are available through their retail website. They cover everything from audio, video, lighting, hard drives, computers, video capture cards, and more. You might think you can grab every Apple product direct from Apple, but here’s a tip. When I get the jump on gear while it’s sold out everywhere else, I don’t normally go direct. In fact, when I first purchased the T2i (without pre-ordering), I found it in stock at a Computer Store website. Same technique I used on a few other sold out items. Sorry guys, I’m not letting that secret fishing hole out, just in case I need to get a jump on other items. LOL. So if you’re lining up at Apple for some of the new gear, you might just get it faster over at B&H.
03Sep Sanyo’s new Pocket Audio Recorder – Sleek
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It appears we’re a bit blessed state side, as Marthin Nayoan is unable to get a decent deal on the Zoom H1 Portable Digital Audio Recorder. Instead Marthin is opting for Sanyo’s new sexy Portable Audio recorder labeled the PCM ICR-XPS01MF (who’s going to remember that name?). There’s been plenty of pocket recorders in the past, but none with the audio quality of the Zoom H1’s X/Y stereo mic and especially not for the $99 dollar price.
The new Sanyo PCM ICR-XPS01MF is not going to compete with the Zoom H1’s price, in fact it’s about three times the price. Hopefully the really sleek compact design might help break this into market. A few specs are 3 hrs recording with a 2GB microSD, and yes it has a line in. I believe it’s highest quality audio recording beats the Zoom H1’s marginally. My intentions were to use the Zoom H1 as a body pack with the ATR3350 Lav microphone to replace a wireless setup. The Zoom H1 does work nicely for this, but definitely not as sleek in the pocket as this new Sanyo. Unfortunately as we are blessed with the Zoom H1, we might be cursed with the Sanyo Xacti PCM ICR-XPS01MF. The Sanyo Xacti is not as easily found in our major website retailers in the US, but as with everything, available via eBay coming over seas. I’m hoping Marthin will give us a good review once it’s in his hands. Here’s the link with more techincal specs on the new Sanyo Xacti Portable Digital Audio Recorder PCM ICR-XPS01MF.
03Sep Sima Double L Bracket upgrade
New and Improved DIY DSLR Rig!! from Tony Carretti on Vimeo.
Tony Carretti submitted a video clip showcasing his Double L bracket Camera Stabilizer setup with a Flowpod base. Didn’t sound like he was very content, so he’s drummed up something new flipping the L brackets sidways into a design much more modular for his style of shooting. He does mention that his brackets are of plastic or fiberglass? Weird, mine is all metal and I have the ones show in this article: http://cheesycam.com/new-new-new-stuff-to-review/. I’m curious if there’s different ones available? Thanks Tony.
Sima Video Bracket with Handle + 2 Accessory Mounts
03Sep ATR3350 Lav Test on HG10
Freeway microphone test: Rode VideoMic vs Audio Technica ATR-3350 (with a bonus Z96 test) from Cody Kitaura on Vimeo.
Ok, in all fairness this may not have all been perfect tests, but the final result in using a LAV microphone in this type of situation shows how effective it can be, so i’m going mainly off that result. So before other people start commenting on this video, i’ll blog a little bit.
First test. The HG10 may have had some type of AGC turned on as I can hear the audio fluctuate up and down. If it were on, of course that may not have been a proper test, but a busy highway in the background is no place to use in camera microphone. So let’s not look too closely at that first part of the review.
Second test. The Rode VideoMic was placed over the camera, and it’s possible it could have performed ‘a little’ better if the AGC was turned on. Since the highway was behind the subject, placing the Shotgun over the camera towards the noise also would not be a proper test. It would easily pick up the noise in the background. Shotgun microphones like this would be best used on a Boom Pole off axis and possibly just pointing down onto the subject from overhead. Obviously we don’t always have a second hand with us, or a boom pole handy, so let’s not look too closely at test #2.
Third test. This is a good example. It’s highly possible the AGC might still have been enabled on the camera, and may have been able to fine tune sound without AGC, but you really see the difference in using a LAV microphone in a very loud and noisy situation. I wish I had these in my pocket when I shot in a nightclub trying to do an interview with two people. The background music was soo loud it was really hard to isolate the subjects from the background noise. For even better sound you can give your subject a quality hand held microphone. For those times you may want the microphone to be discreet, for $20 dollars, the ATR3350 can get you closer to the audio you want to use in your final project. So big thanks to Cody for just taking time out on the side of a busy highway and running some basic audio tests late night for everyone to consider. Thanks Cody!
click image to purchase Audio-Technica ATR3350
02Sep DIY DSLR microphone Windscreen
OK, maybe i’m the only one, but this may not be the most flattering looking accessory to add to your DSLR, but you can’t argue it’s functionality. If you caught my little DSLR video demo with the IndieHardware stabilizer where I walked outside in a breezy parking lot, you can hear the wind going crazy from the internal microphone. That video is found here: http://cheesycam.com/first-attempt-indiehardware-stabilizer/
DIY DSLR Microphone Windscreen
Koji Honda shows us how his little DIY DSLR Faux Fur windscreen is put together and goes on and off fairly easy. You can find the step by step image gallery for this DIY DSLR Microphone Windscreen on his Flickr account.
If you’re the type that relies on that internal microphone audio to be as clean as can be, possibly to mix in a bit of ambient audio, then you may want to look into something like this. This is also a very helpful tutorial on the materials that can help you build other windscreens, possibly a blimp for a large shotgun. If your plans are small, the only drawback with this DIY is that you may need to purchase Faux Fur and Foam in a larger than needed quantity. Since you may end up buying 20 times more material than you need, Koji also has his little Windscreen for sale found here: DIY DSLR Microphone Windscreen
An excellent tip through the comments, was clean audio from your camera would make things much easier when syncing in post using PluralEyes software. Good example of why you could use good audio from your camera.
02Sep Lilliput 669GL LCD + Travel Tripod 988X + LX-2T
Kevin Clarkson shows what’s in the box and what to expect if you happen upon a Lilliput 669GL HDMI LCD monitor. This version requires an external battery pack, and not like the version shown here with an internal battery pack: http://cheesycam.com/7-hdmi-lcd-w-internal-battery/. Luckily there are combo deals that include everything you need to get the LCD setup with your DSLR found here: http://cheesycam.com/new-7-lilliput-2010-battery-shoe-mount/
Lilliput 7″ + Battery + Shoe Combo Deal
Kevin also shows his recent purchase for a small portable lightweight HorusBennu 988X Travel Tripod. It’s not a video type tripod, but can definitely hold your accessories or be used for a lightweight photography setup. I’ve been using my travel tripod with a Canon 5D Mark II + battery grip + Sigma 50-500mm right now, so these little guys can definitely carry weight. I’m out here in Maui, Hawaii and I can tell you there’s nothing like having a good travel tripod with you at all times. Especially with the hook available on this 988X, you can hang your camera bag to load it up for more stability. Mine is a smaller Velbon purchased years ago, but I can’t imagine I paid under $100 dollars at the time. The 988X Travel tripod runs less than $50 dollars, with an LX-2T mini ball head goes up to $89 bucks.
[Thanks Kevin]
02Sep Camera Stabilizer from Turkey
Lensse Camera Stabilizers
Not long ago I posted the Gizmo Camera stabilizer that was shipping from Turkey found in this article http://cheesycam.com/diy-steadicam-gizmo-merlin-design/. Just browsing for something else, I happened to run into the Lensse Camera Stabilizer, also coming from Turkey. Not to say it’s anything super different in design compared to the Hague or IndieHardware Stabilizer, but normally i’m documenting different options on this website. How did I miss this? Appears sales have been going on for at least four months, the handle appears to be the same design that don’t have the same range as a Tiffen Steadicam Merlin
Above: The MidPro has a handle that slides forward or back to fine tune weight distribution.
Looks well built, price depends on the model but comes in between the Hague MMC and Indiehardware Stabilizer. This one comes in black unlike the Indiehardware, but who knows how much weight it’s ‘really’ going to balance. The handle looks much more comfortable though. Nothing more to say, i’m sure it works the same as the other similar designs. Scratch another camera stabilizer off the list. Here’s the link to the Lensse Camera Stabilizers.
Indiehardware Stabilizer
Hague MMC
02Sep Two DIY’s for a Birthday
Brian Williams runs a non profit called think http://ThinkKindness.org which produces a documentary and several videos throughout the year. As a birthday present for Brian, brother Nick was inspired by the Cheesycam blog and finished building out two DIY DSLR rigs. The first is the Cheesycam inspired fig rig, with aluminum mountain bike handle extensions rather than the top handle. The second is the ever popular Plug Wire Clams Rig by Johan. To save a few clips during the transition to the handles, Nick used 90 degree L brackets from Home Depot. Hopefully this will help Brian with additional stabilization when working with his inspirational videos for http://ThinkKindness.org. Happy Birthday Brian, enjoy the rigs.
01Sep iPod Touch HD Video & Video Conferencing
When the iPhone 4 was released there were fan boys galore. Photo shoots done completely on the iPhone, iPhone music videos, and iPhone short films. More new gear was released such as the OWLE, microphone add-ons for making it a cool portable audio recorder, and iPhone Handheld Steadicam Stabilizer like the Hague.
There’s no doubt that there will be new gear developed in the near future to support the ever growing features of this gadget. For those who envied the iPhone 4 with HD video recording in a tiny portable device, Apple’s new iPod touch (4th Generation) NEWEST MODEL
01Sep LP-E6 Aftermarket Batteries
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I’m pretty happy Canon continued to support the LP-E6 battery with many of their camera models. It helps to be able to keep things uniform. I’ve had about 6 aftermarket LP-E6 batteries that i’ve been using for my Canon 5D Mark II & 7D shown in this video here: http://cheesycam.com/canon-5d-mark-ii-7d-cheap-china-batteries/. I’m a big fan of these batteries and have used them for quite a while without a hiccup. The problem was that when these were first released, they didn’t have the option to show battery life on the camera due to a special information chip. It’s about time I grabbed some additional batteries and if i’m not mistaken the new Canon 60D on order will also be using the LP-E6 battery type. Now that i’m in the market for some extra batteries, these newer LP-E6 aftermarket batteries are already chipped properly to show battery life with the Canon DSLR’s. Here’s the link to the proper LP-E6 aftermarket batteries that should read proper battery life with your Canon DSLR’s. Canon 5D Mark II & 7D batteries chipped to show Battery Life.
Opteka has been a fairly reliable name in the DSLR community providing cheap alternatives, so if you’re an Amazon shopper here’s a chipped Opteka LP-E6 2400mAh Ultra High Capacity Li-ion Battery Pack for the Canon EOS 7D & 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera (Fully Compatible)
01Sep Remote Electronic Viewfinders
A few months ago I posted an article about where I thought the new design in LCD Viewfinders would head towards http://cheesycam.com/route-of-the-new-lcd-viewfinders/. I believed companies would start making smaller high quality LCD’s that would mount with an articulating arm properly positioning the eyepiece without repositioning the entire camera. Just caught this rig break down from Vincent Laforet, and he’s rockin’ a prototype one now. Now, the next prediction will be an entirely new line of accessories that will mount remote viewfinders directly to a camera or rig providing some articulation. I have a feeling we’ll start seeing some new shoulder shooter configurations that no longer need to offset the camera, and instead include an arm that can mount a Remote LCD. We’ll just have to wait and see which DSLR company can comes up with that first.
01Sep Zoom H1 – 4 Left?
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Just checked and the seller says 4 in stock ready to ship. Very reasonable shipping prices you’d expect to pay on any other website. Looks legit and only 4 left. Just thought i’d share. Here’s the link to the 4 Zoom H1’s in stock.
[Update]
First link sold out quick, found another seller and called them direct. Just got off the phone with them, and they have 10 that just arrived. This one has Free Shipping. Here’s that other link with 10 that just came in, ready to ship.
BTW, for those who pre-ordered from the earlier article, I just received notice mine had shipped. Woohoo! Finally getting the last two Zoom’s to complete my audio set.
Thank you for your order. We are happy to tell you that your order has been shipped and it on its way to you.
Order Details:
OrderID: ******
Item: Zoom H1 H 1 Handy Flash Audio Recorder **PRE-ORDER**
Item Number: 22063087****
Quantity: 2
01Sep Letus Hawk VF – Aluminum Version
Wow, I haven’t even had the chance of doing a full review on the Letus Hawk VF – Carbon Fiber version and already Letus has released a new Aluminum Hawk VF. Rather than plain old injected molded plastic, Letus chose to go with CNC milled anodized aluminum for this new Shroud. This aluminum is a nice touch keeping things lightweight, strong, weather tolerant, and also this bad boy looks like it will blend more closely with OEM camera designs. If i’m correct Letus will also be designing the casing to be used with existing Optics should you already own a Carbon Fiber version. This modular piece design will allow you to move your optics from a Carbon Fiber Hawk shroud to the Aluminum Hawk shroud. Letus will be designing different sized shrouds custom made for cameras, so if you decide to change to a different camera with a different LCD size such as a T2i 3/2, you’ll just need to purchase the proper sized shroud (not the optics). This is some very cool modular thinking to keep this Letus product up to date with ever changing LCD screen sizes and different camera manufacturers, while saving you big bucks from purchasing something entirely new.
Right now the Letus Hawk VF uses a solid mount to the base of the camera, and it is compatible with Battery Gripped DSLR bodies with the optional riser plate. There may be a new solution in line with a special quick release adapter designed specifically for the Letus Hawk VF’s. We’ll have to wait to hear more. I can tell you though that these designs take time to whip up, so if this hit you by surprise, we should be expecting a lot more from the Letus DSLR line very soon. You can find more information about the new CNC milled anodized aluminum Hawk VF shroud and additional Product photos here: http://www.letusdirect.com/cart/letus-hawk-aluminum.html
01Sep Sigma 50-500mm + Canon 7D
original view Sigma 50-500mm on Canon 7D
cropped from original view
It’s pretty late, the moon was out so I decided to test out the Sigma 50-500mm. To get a bit further out, I threw it onto the Canon 7D and took advantage of the crop factor. These JPEG images have been resized and sharpened a bit in Lightroom. I’m still waiting to bring this out to catch some surf shots.
Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens
Canon 7D + Canon 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6
I was able to bring out the Canon 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 on the Canon 7D and grabbed some really nice closeup shots of a turtle swimming in the bay – while I was on a cliff above. Yeah that’s quite a bit of zoom, the lens is very sharp and very fast. Click any of these images to get a little bigger view of the image.
Turtle swimming
Also (below) here’s more zoomed in and zoomed out comparisons shot from the Canon 7D + canon 100-400mm. The bottom image is not a crop. Taking advantage of the crop on the Canon 7D, that’s how close you can get. All images were hand held and stayed pretty sharp with IS turned on.
Above: Pulled in to 100mm on Canon 7D
Above: Pushed out to 400mm on Canon 7D
Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Autofocus Lens
01Sep IndieHardware Stabilizer – Handle Upgrade
Thanks to Motegi for sharing a DIY handle upgrade to the IndieHardware Stabilizer. You can catch more of the DIY photos over at the Flickr found here. I did a brief overview of this stabilizer found at this article: http://cheesycam.com/first-attempt-indiehardware-stabilizer/, and like most others, wasn’t happy about the stock short handle. The shorter handle actually felt like it had limited range of motion compared to the Hague MMC, but really the range is about the same. Motegi took a simple Jump Rope handle, and added this to the IndieHardware. Since the jump rope handle already has an included bearing, this actually helps improve stabilizing some additional axis movements. This looks like a nice OEM fit that would improve the handling quite a bit. Great job on the upgrade, thanks for sharing Motegi.
Funny how jump rope handles are used in DIY camera gear, as I’ve used a set in this DIY $20 dollar shoulder mount found here: http://cheesycam.com/20-00-dollar-should-mount-rig-camera-support/ .
31Aug Dual L Bracket DIY Fig Rig Stabilizer- First Video?
Cheap New DSLR Rig from Tony Carretti on Vimeo.
We’ve been donated many photos and ideas on the ‘Dual L Bracket DIY Fig Rig stabilizer’, but I believe Tony Carretti here has donated the first video tour of how this thing really comes together. The first idea is to use a a flat flash bracket to join the two together with a quick release plate, but Tony’s got a great idea of using a wide flat base from an old Flowpod, so that the camera can stand on it’s own. The Canon 550D / T2i is mounted with two Sima L brackets (same that I have), but similar ones are from Alzo or the Adorama L-bracket with 2 Standard Flash Shoe Mounts
Not suggested for the Canon T2i, but I think this would be even more awesome with the DIY top handle idea.
31Aug Cheap A.S.S. Shoulder Support Video
Mixed Martial Arts Madness from alexis wanneroy on Vimeo.
Shot using the a Canon 5D Mark II + Cheap A.S.S.(<--that's an acronym) shoulder support from this article: http://cheesycam.com/a-s-s-implants-how-to/ along with an LCDVF viewfinder, Alexis Wanneroy was able to pull off some pretty stable footage. Not bad for a $20 dollar camera shoulder support.
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31Aug 3.5mm Mono To Stereo for Audio-Technica LAV Zoom Recorder
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I’m still waiting on the other two, but i’ll have a total of three Zoom H1’s and still my Zoom H4n. I have ordered more Audio-Technica ATR3350 Lav microphones which is a Mono mic (not stereo), and if you’re looking into those cheaper shotgun microphones, those would be mono as well. If you’re lucky they might already adapt to record in two channels like the Rode Videomic does. Since the ATR3350 Lav mic and possibly some of these other mono microphones records only to one side channel of the Zoom Audio recorder, to save yourself some time duplicating audio tracks in post, you can grab one of these mono-to-stereo adapters. (make sure it’s mono to stereo not vice versa) The correct size you’ll need is 3.5mm (a.k.a 1/8″). Here’s the link to a Mono to Stereo Adapters on eBay.
Another interesting comment that came in suggested the use of a Dual input adapter. This may work to input two mono microphones one for each channel. The Zoom H4n can record 4 channels, two of them mono which needs to be duplicated to both left and right channel in post. Using a Dual input adapter, you might be able to achieve the same thing with the Zoom H1. You may have to depend on using self powered microphones, and also you won’t be able to adjust individual levels like the Zoom H4. Curious if that idea would work.
Zoom H1 Portable Audio Recorder
