Submitted by YouTube member detomaso4ag, here's a simple method to create your DIY Mini Video camera track dolly. For those who don't mind the skate wheels on a pipe track it's a cheap solution to getting smooth gliding camera movements. The trick is getting the wheels drilled in perfectly to the angle iron. If you're slightly off, then the dolly will wobble down the track. For those who aren't ready to tackle the DIY, these mini dollies already exist, found below.
Monthly Archives: June 2011
Zacuto EVF in Stock
Earlier the item was out of stock, now it's back in and available. Found below if you've been waiting.
DIY Crank for RJ Follow Focus
Word on the street is that the Budget Follow Focus (RJ Follow focus) does not come with an industry standard mount for a Crank or Whip. Jonathan throws together a simple DIY wooden version. [thanks Jonathan]
Digital SLR Belt Clip – For Audio Recorders
For the smaller Zoom H1's just about any small modified belt clip would work. For the larger Audio Recorders like the Zoom H4n, I've been thinking of good ideas for a belt clip mount. These generic DSLR quick release clips have been around for a long time, but of course I'm not trusting my heavy DSLR on this thing. For something like a Zoom H4n, it should be no problem. A few different versions available, and even with the QR adapter knob in place, some still provide access to a tripod mounting hole. Might be worth a test, and the only caveat is you'll need to be wearing a belt. For those who shoot in the nude, this could be the deal breaker. Found below.
If you want to take a look at some smaller belt clips for the Zoom H1 (when using it as a body pack on your subject), these stainless steel universal clips would work well. You'll need to open up the hole a bit to attach to the tripod mount of the Zoom H1.
Canon 60D T3i LCD ViewFinder – No Sticky
A look at how the latest version CarrySpeed VFinder attaches to a Canon 60D with that swivel out screen. Right off the bat the metal frames might not line up perfectly, but they are easy to bend into position. If you want something super secure, I say permanently glue the sucker to the metal QR frame.
The 3:2 viewfinder fits perfectly on this Canon 60D and it is slightly slotted to fit the Canon T3i as well. The CarrySpeed viewfinders come with a Neoprene pouch, a Lanyard, Metal Frame, and the VFinder loupe. Not a bad deal for an important tool to help you set focus and dial in proper exposure (especially on those bright days). You might want to add some Anti Fog solution too.
Canon 60D / Canon T3i LCD ViewFinder Quick Frame
[Update] Also available via Amazon below
CarrySpeed LCD ViewFinder
Canon T3 DSLR Bundle – Daily Deal
Thanks to a tip from Mark, today's Daily Deal in the Electronics category is a Canon T3 bundle that includes (2) lenses, Camera carrying case, and basic cleaning kit. Not the greatest deal if you don't need or want the extras. This is the Canon T3 (not to be confused with T3i) which has a few limitations in the Video area, but is great for budding photographers who want to start in Canon's DSLR line. Definitely check out the site, scroll down a bit and see hundreds of other deals from different categories below. [Thanks Mark]
Daily Deals - Electronics and more on eBay
A similar Deal page is Amazon's Gold Box deals
Hacked GH1 (GH17) Video Tutorial
The GH1 hacked camera created quite a buzz, but fell off when newer units were shipped with 'unhackable' firmware. Shortly after, the GH2 was released. Not long ago an announcement was made about hacking those 'unhackable' GH1 cameras. This puts the GH1 back in the spotlight as a very inexpensive quality interchangeable lens video and photography camera, cheaper than some point and shoots. There was an earlier article posted on here, and many opted to go for the GH1 route. If you haven't already, Vimeo member Michael Eggert walks you through a how-to mod your GH1 cameras in this two part video tutorial.
If you're still thinking about the discontinued GH1 cameras as a backup a few bodies still remain, your best bet is to check out the auctions. They're disappearing elsewhere.
Sandisk Media – Huge Deals!!
Amazing deals on Sandisk media that's hard to resist. In fact, the price break brings the super high speed, undoubtably reliable Sandisk media smack down in Transcend price territory. We're talking about 400x on CF and Class 10 on SDHC media. Sandisk media is often counterfeited, so watch out for things that look too good to be true. Over at B&H you'll know you've got the real deal and warranty to back it up.
It might not be incredibly obvious but all you need to do is add at least (2) two of these items into your shopping cart to qualify for the discount. Available in select Compact Flash and SDHC media. Your chance to stock up while it lasts. A very rare deal indeed..
16GB 60MB/s Extreme CF Media $94.95 buy 2 or more pay $59.99
8GB 60MB/s Extreme CF Media $54.95 buy 2 or more pay $37.49
Budget Follow Focus – Reviewed Again
Another review based around the recent Budget Follow Focus which has been coined as the RJ Follow Focus. (More news on that soon). This review from Just Basl Productions is a bit longer more thorough and should answer any questions you have, and also compares it against another Follow Focus system. A few people have mentioned about the QC (quality control) of these FF's coming out of the factory. Assembly might be a bit inconsistent, so if you receive yours with a little bit of play there are a few screws inside the gear box that can be tightened up.
General Consensus from buyers of the RJ FF? It's good, and for the price - it's great. Oh and don't forget you'll need a set of Rails to mount something like this, and sometimes you can get killer deals with the Gini Rigs.
