Monthly Archives: January 2011

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classifieds

Ok guys, there's no question that readers on Cheesycam are interested in gear. It's a big part of why people come here. The other day someone asked about upgrading from their Glidecam HD2000 to the HD4000, and then someone else in the same day mentioned 'downgrading' from an HD4000 to HD2000. It only makes sense to find a way to connect people and share some of these great used gear sales.

I'm planning on creating a seperate page where people can share links to their eBay (only) auctions. Now this can open up a whole new can of worms, and i'm doing this more as a favor and not an obiligation. Don't make me regret opening up this new section on my website! I don't want this to become a spam page. So for the first 'test' run of this new section there will be some very very strict guidelines. I'll tell you right now, that one of the guidelines is for 'individuals' and single items, not for 'businesses trying to sell a line of products'. If you can't meet these guidelines, this is not the place for you to share your link.

I'll be working on this new page today, and will update you all when it's available. In this new page you'll also find what the guidelines will be. I'll become more flexible if this works out, but if it gets out of hand, i'll just have to take the section down. I'll create a separate tab for this so that it doesn't interfere with the articles and postings. More to come in a few hours...

[Update] Page is up, please read through carefully before posting anything. It's available in the [Tabs] above or here: http://cheesycam.com/classifieds/
-Emm

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nab-2011
exhibits-pass
visit-button NAB Wesbite - National Association of Broadcasters

If you're a serious Film Maker or content producer you can't hide from NAB - National Association of Broadcasters. Coming in Vegas in April it's going to creep up real quick. So if you want to get in, now's the time with a Free Exhibits Pass registration code found on the website. It's amazing to think about how these events have evolved in just a few years with the Internet. Broadcasting has opened up to a whole new level. This is 'THE' place to be to find out not only where the industry is at today, but where it's headed next. You'll get in touch with new technology, tons of exhibitors showcasing all the latest camera gear, learning sessions and conferences to sign up for. Everything from small to big, including many of the companies and products found on this Cheesycam website. DSLR's are going to have a huge impact on the exhibition floor. It's not just for the big cameras! You'll find everything from small camera sliders, to DSLR rigs, cages, audio, monitors, and more.. I'm really excited to attend this one, so hopefully i'll catch some of you out there.

You should also subscribe to more updated information through the NAB Blog
nab-blog
visit-button NAB BLOG - National Association of Broadcasters

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rode-videomic-pro
find-price-button Rode VideoMic Pro Compact Shotgun Microphone

Not long ago Rode announced a new VideoMic Pro and now it's available. Didn't I just grab a new Microphone Windscreen over my VideoMic? This does not appear to be a replacement for the already popular VideoMic, but a new microphone altogether. Smaller form factor, better shock mounting, external switches, and a new +20db setting. Price obviously is more than the non-Pro VideoMic, but the new shock mount and smaller form factor already has me sold. Unlike the large VideoMic, this new VideoMic 'Pro' won't look as awkward when mounting on the smaller GH2 camera.

More Rode VideoMic Specs can be found here: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/744768-REG/Rode_VIDEOMIC_PRO_VideoMic_Pro_Compact_Shotgun.html

Varizoom-Stabilizer-Tripod
find-price-button Varizoom CrossFire Video Camera Stabilizers

If you've been hiding under a rock, you might have missed all the ads for Varizoom's Crossfire stabilizer. Seems like they are really pushing this product towards DSLR shooters. It's a hand held video stabilizer that combines a tripod as the lower weight. When you're not running around, you've got a tripod ready to go. This is another product similar to their stabilizer/monopod a.k.a 'FlowPod'. How well does it work? I don't know, but it's set at a price where i'm not willing to find out. So unless you really need a set of sticks under your stabilizer, you can find it here: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/750674-REG/VariZoom_VZ_CROSSFIRE_CrossFire_FP_Stabilizer.html

vello-battery-grips
find-price-button Vello Battery grips for Canon and Nikon

If you're in the market for a Battery grip but don't want to pay the OEM prices, you might be shopping for aftermarket. If you're a bit hesitant on choosing after market battery grips coming from overseas then maybe the new Vello line of grips might be up your alley. Available for both Canon and Nikon in select models, shipped from the big retailer B&H Photo Video should you run into any issues. Found here: Vello Battery Grips

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LCDVF (1 of 7)

Just some images comparing the latest DSLR View finder. - This is the Carry Speed VFinder next to the much more expesive LCDVF. The VFinder is a bit larger the LCDVF, but also has a much more comfortable Eye Cup. Neither loupes have a diopter feature and are mounted to the camera via metal sticky frame and magnets on the loupe. Both versions are available for 4:3 and 3:2 LCD screens from Canon T2i to Canon 7D. Of course the new VFinder is much much cheaper..


large-eye-cup
find-price-button New LCD View Finder for Canon T2i, 5D Mark II, 7D and other 3″ LCD’s

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With the new Konova slider on the market the 717AH fluid head has become a popular accessory to complete the set. Recently there seems to be a small price drop in the WF717A Tripod + Fluid Head via Amazon. Unlike the bowl mount Fluid head, the one on the WF717A (this one) can be removed and used on your Konova slider, SpiderTrax Skate dolly, or other projects and you'll still have a very lightweight aluminum tripod + bag. Should be a standard 3/8" threaded mount.

717-tripod-sale
find-price-button Heavy Duty Video Tripod Fluid Drag Head Kits WF717A

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Kevin a.k.a YouTube member BustedToyProductions shares a quick overview of the Linco Flora Fluorescent light head. Flo's are an extremely efficient way of generating a whole lot of light, but not as easy to control if you're trying to spot a narrow area. Fluorescent lights are best used in situations when you need to spill lots of evenly diffused light over a large area i.e. Green Screen, Product Photography, or Beauty Type shots. Dimming for the Linco Flora is controlled by switches that turn off a number of lights at a time. The quick open softbox (almost Brolly type) is pretty cool, and should make break down quick and portable, but just make sure to keep the bulbs safe - these won't take a beating like LED lights. Great stuff though, and unlike Halogen or Tungsten lighting, these will generate less heat for close up use and small areas. [Thanks Kevin]

linco-flora-lighting
find-price-button Linco Flora Fluorescent Lighting Heads, Kits, Softboxes, Boom, Stands

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If you're wondering which LCD Viewfinder would fit the 60D LCD screen, it would be the same aspect as the T2i. You can find some good ones here: http://cheesycam.com/best-new-view-finder-t2i-60d-5d-mark-ii-7d-nikon/

60D-ScreenProtector (6 of 8)

Well first I want to point out that I don't suggest mounting an LCD View Finder on the Canon 60D while the LCD is swung out. Adding pressure to this swivel can damage your LCD connection. If you choose to use the sticky metal frame type of mount, then you'll lose the functionality of swiveling your LCD back into the camera body for protection. Most people can live with that, but others can't. Here's an easy solution to add a sticky frame without having to touch the LCD.

Grab a thin piece of PolyCarbonate plastic. With a thin enough piece you can bend it around the Canon 60D and 'pin' it between the spaces above and below the LCD screen. Polycarbonate can be thermal set, so a simple blow dryer or heat gun is all it takes to shape it. Once it cools down, it will maintain the shape. Look around for some old product packages, these hard plastic cases might be the type of plastic you need.

First I measured my shape by cutting and bending out some cardboard, then transferred that length to my plastic piece. Plain scissors is all that’s needed to trim the lightweight plastic.

60D-ScreenProtector (1 of 8)

I found a piece of steel that’s about the same thickness as my LCD. I clamped it down, heated it up, and just pulled it over by hand. Hold the position until it cools down. Do the other side and you’re pretty much done.

60D-ScreenProtector (2 of 8)

This plastic piece squeezes in between the LCD and provides a very very tight fit. Pulling the VFinder off of the metal frame cannot remove the plastic from the LCD. Again, I wouldn’t recommend using a View Finder while the LCD is swung out.

60D-ScreenProtector (5 of 8)

60D-ScreenProtector (4 of 8)

60D-ScreenProtector (8 of 8)

60D-ScreenProtector (7 of 8)

[Update] This is what the Metal Frame looks like when placed over a GH2. This is the T2i 3:2 version and it more than covers the area needed to be magnified.
GH2-LCD-VFinder (1 of 1)
(above) Panasonic GH2 with Metal Frame Attached. Just a few mm oversized, but everything is in perfect view.

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vfinder
find-price-button New LCD View Finder for Canon T2i, 5D Mark II, 7D and other 3″ LCD’s

Ok, I received this earlier in the mailbox but got caught up in a long shoot today. I'll get back in the studio tomorrow to shoot some photos comparing it with other viewfinders, but I wanted to at least point you guys to this new line of viewfinders. These photos are from the store. Quality is great for the price. If you were happy with the LCDVF 'clones', you'll be even more happy with this version, especially since even the clones are over priced now.

A great looking design with different versions available to support the T2i LCD's (which means 60D aspect), and a version for the Canon 5D Mark II & 7D. I'm not a Nikon shooter, but I believe if it's a standard 3 inch LCD, the proper 3" version (5DM2 version) should work fine. It comes with a very large soft comfortable eyecup (that you don't need to buy seperately), and i'll test later if it works with my Blue Star eye cushion too. The magnets are different than the cheap stuff and feels very solid. There's some notches on the metal frame I believe helps keep the item from shifting and coming loose. I'll have to test the fit on a GH2 to see what that looks like.

carryspeed-vfinder

t2i-viewfnder

large-eye-cup
find-price-button New LCD View Finder for Canon T2i, 5D Mark II, 7D and other 3" LCD's

Also Available via Amazon
carry-speed-amazon-viewfinde
New LCD View Finder for Canon T2i, 5D Mark II, 7D and other 3″ LCD’s

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Checking out some new ideas for upcoming car related footage, here's a fun clip to share. This BTS video is using Cinevate stuff for a NOS energy drink clip. Not sure how many of you caught this video since it's been up for a few months now, but if you're into cars and cameras it's one to watch. The camera guys on this shoot have got some true guts to be that close to a fast moving car. I personally would have just placed a tripod, but that might defeat much of the excitement too..