07May Panasonic GH3 External Battery Kit with DC Coupler
Need a way to power your GH3 longer? I showed an example of a GH3 in a video cage using an external power solution. For those who might be interested in the same solution, here’s another fairly popular external battery kit originally put together for Panasonic GH2 shooters, but now states it has recently been revised to work with the new Panasonic GH3 camera.
There is also an optional 12 pin Hirose to 12v cable available if you’re looking to power 2/3″ video lenses (B4, B3) lenses. The GH3 external rechargeable battery kit comes with a charger, properly sized barrel tip cables, and a GH3 DC Coupler a.k.a (kit found here).
Panasonic GH3 External Battery Power Kit
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06May 5D Mark III Firmware with Atomos Ninja 2
If you’re still wondering whether or not it’s worth working with an external HDMI recorder with the new Canon 5D Mark III firmware, this excellent video from Vimeo member Stefan Czech should answer any of your questions.
In short, you may not easily see a difference from the file recorded from in camera when comparing it to the recorded file from something like the Atomos Ninja 2, but it will make a significant difference as you start to adjust colors in post. Another benefit of course is running longer than the 29 minute video limit when recording from the HDMI output (great for guys who have to leave a B-cam rolling).
The Atomos Ninja 2 is not just an external recorder, but also doubles as a pretty handy external monitor. New lowered prices were introduced during the NAB 2013 hoping to make the unit more affordable to 5D Mark III shooters who want better quality from post (found here).
Atomos Ninja 2 HDMI Recorder 5D Mark III
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06May Zeiss 12mm 32mm F/1.8 Lenses Fuji and Sony E Mount
Zeiss has recently introduced two new prime lenses. The Zeiss Touit lenses are available in 12mm F/2.8 and 32mm with F/1.8 complete with Auto Focus support on cameras such as the Fuji’s X Mount and Sony E Mount (NEX) cameras. Pricing starts at $900-$1250 US (found here).
Zeiss Touit 12mm F/2.8 and 32mm F/1.8 Sony E Fuji X Mount Prime Lenses
If you’re looking for more affordable Prime Lenses for Sony E Mount cameras with Auto Focus, don’t forget about the Sigma options. Sigma offers 19mm, 30mm, and 60mm prime lenses with max apertures of F/2.8 for the NEX camera system. No kidding when I say more affordable, in fact you can still get a bundle deal for both a 19mm and 30mm F/2.8 lens for just $199 (here)
Sigma 19mm 30mm 60mm F/2.8 Prime Lenses for Sony NEX.
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03May Opteka FFR-900 Motorized Follow Focus Zoom Control
Vimeo member geco campos provides an overview of the Opteka FFR-900 Shoulder rig that offers a motorized Follow Focus and Motorized Zoom feature. Each handle up front controls one of the motorized units, and variable speeds can be dialed right from the handles if you wish to zoom/focus slower or faster.
The motors spin the focus/zoom rings through a belt system – no lens gears required. My guess is you should be using a lens that has a smooth and easy to rotate focus or zoom ring. The rear holds a master controller that can be used to operate the motors when the shoulder rig is tripod mounted. The motors are powered by an LP-E6 battery (generic LP-E6 battery + charger included), and can be found via eBay (click here).
Opteka FFR-900 DSLR Remote Motorized Follow Focus Zoom Control System
For USA residents, the FFR-900 is also available via Amazon (found here)
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02May A couple of current Industry Deals via B&H
Here’s a few current deals going on right now. First up is a Mail in Rebate discount for a Canon 60D (with 18-55mm Kit Lens) + Canon Inkjet Printer + Accessories. All together you can save you an extra $400 Off the total bundle.
Canon EOS 60D DSLR Camera Kit with 18-135mm Lens, Printer and Accessories
Mail in Rebates give you a discount on some of Tokina’s popular Wide Angle lenses for Canon and Nikon cameras.
Mail in Rebate discounts for Tokina Wide Angle Lenses for Canon Nikon
Lastly, a new (not yet released) lens from Sigma. This new Sigma 60mm F/2.8 was crafted for both Sony E Mount and Micro Four Thirds (M 4/3) cameras. This should include the new BlackMagic Design Pocket Cinema camera that uses an active M/43 mount. The new prime lens will be available in both Black and in Silver finishes.
Sigma 60mm F/2.8 for Sony E Mount and Micro Four Third Cameras
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01May Fuji X100S – Faster Sharper
The internet is still buzzing with rave reviews on Fuji’s Retro Stylish X100 fixed lens compact camera, but next in line is the new Fuji X100S Digital Camera. A new sensor thrown into the same styled body provides sharper images and even faster autofocus (to name a few).
Supposedly there is enough tweaks in the new Fuji X100S that original X100 owners will be thinking about going for the upgrade. They word is that one of the best cameras on the market just got better. The FUJIFILM X100S combines three high-performance Fujifilm components that together defy ordinary digital camera limitations, and gives photographers a uniquely-advanced professional digital camera experience. By using Fujifilm’s X-Trans CMOS II Sensor, EXR Processor II and FUJINON 23mm F2 fixed lens, the X100S is capable of the world’s fastest autofocus speeds of up to 0.08 seconds, and increases its image resolution by 25% and reduces noise by 30% over the first generation X100.
The new Fuji X100S should be shipping in a few days and orders are already available via B&H (click here).
Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera
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01May Adjustable 15mm Dual Rail Clamp EVF Mount
For those who are mounting electronic view finders (EVF) with mini ball heads or perhaps variable friction (magic) arms, you might have run into the issue where the EVF can spin loose as you apply pressure against the eye cup or may be too much for a hot shoe to handle. Ball Heads and Friction Arms work pretty well, but they aren’t the best way to mount an LCD EVF monitor.
Here’s another EVF Mount that’s recently become available. This one mounts to a set of 15mm rails preventing your EVF from spinning loose, and can be quickly adjusted in various angles through the slotted brackets. Starts at $115 + shipping via eBay (found here).
15mm Dual Rail Clamp Adjustable EVF Mount
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01May NAB2013 Konova Smaller K1 and Larger K7 Video Sliders
At NAB2103 Konova announced two new video camera sliders to extend the product line of roller bearing video sliders. The smaller K1 roller bearing slider is now even more portable to address the smaller compact video cameras that are becoming increasingly more popular. The K1 is now the most affordable roller bearing video slider in the Konova product line.
The larger K7 Video Camera Sliders use a wider rail with special cut outs to lighten the system without affecting it’s overall structural integrity. The larger slider with wide railings are targeting the new trend of larger broadcast systems and the push for 4K heavy ENG style cameras. The new Konova K1 and K7 Video Camera Sliders can already be found via eBay (below).
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30Apr Varavon Multifinder Uni Universal LCD ViewFinder
Varavon’s new Multi Finder ‘Uni’ is an upgraded version of the original Varavon Pro Finder LCD ViewFinder. The universal ability is achieved by an adjustment plate that allows multi-axis adjustments to align with most DSLR cameras on the market with a 3.2″-3.5″ LCD such as the 5D Mark III, D800, Nikon D4, and more.
Varavon Multifinder Uni Universal LCD ViewFinder
The Varavon Multi Finder Uni attaches securely through a quick release system at the Anti-Twist Baseplate, offers a diopter for less than perfect vision, and unique low angle shooting via an internal mirror. The new Varavon Multi Finder Uni is available now starting at approx. $229 found on eBay (click here)
Varavon Multifinder Uni Universal LCD ViewFinder
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29Apr Technicolor Color Assist FCPX Color Grading Plugin
Technicolor has recently upgraded the Color Assist application (originally supported for just Adobe Premiere) to now support Final Cut Pro X (FCPX). It’s a simple way to play with color grades for different looks, but also gives you advanced controls to tweak every bit of your video color. Here’s a look at how the new Technicolor Color Assist plugin interacts with FCPX.
You can check out the Technicolor Color Assist application and download a trial version over at the website https://www.technicolorcinestyle.com/
Free Trial Technicolor Cinestyle Color Assist Application for Adobe FCPX
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29Apr Manfrotto 577 501PL Plate on New Manfrotto MVH500AH
Now that Manfrotto has released a new and slightly different MVH500AH Video Fluid Head, there’s been a few questions about compatibility – especially for those who want to pick up or upgrade to this new video head and have invested in a bunch of QR plates. For a bit more information on the actual video head, check out this earlier article on the MVH500AH (here).
First, Does the Manfrotto quick release plate from the 577 QR Adapter or common 501PL plate fit on the new Manfrotto MVH500AH video fluid head? Secondly, Does the new Manfrotto MVH500AH quick release plate fit on the older 701HDV, 501, 502HD Video Fluid heads? Hopefully the video below answers some of those questions.
So the new MVH500AH seems to accept the 501PL plates or the quick release plates from the 577 adapter (with 501PL) pretty easily, but it will not be compatible with the 504 plates. Also, the MVH500AH quick release plate will not work with the older Manfrotto Video fluid heads such as the 701HDV or the 502HD.
Manfrotto MVH500AH Video Fluid Head, Tripod, Monopod – Amazon
Manfrotto MVH500AH Video Fluid Head, Tripod, Monopod – B&HPhotoVideo
The Manfrotto MVH500AH will also be available as the MVH500A which will be a 60mm half bowl fluid head (found here).
Manfrotto MVH500A 60mm Half Ball Fluid Head
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29Apr EdelKrone SliderPlus+ NAB2013
Edelkrone’s SliderPlus+ is a slider that adds a long slide in a smaller compact size for travel. The design allows you to achieve a 2ft slide on a 1ft slider. At NAB2013, they were also showcasing an auto targeting pan head that will maintain a subject in frame while the slider is in motion. This unit can also be combined with their future motorized time-lapse controller for more interesting dynamic camera movements.
Up close, the SliderPlus+ has an amazing build quality and offers very smooth fluid movement. It can be used on a single tripod (or stand) if you can provide a wide enough stance to maintain support as the slider travels towards the end. You can find more information about the Edelkrone SliderPlus+ sliders at the website: http://EdelKrone.com
Edelkrone SliderPlus+ Video Camera Slider
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28Apr Aputure AL-528W LED Video Light Panels
Aputure has recently released a new and larger LED Video panel. The New AL-528W (uses 528 LED bulbs) uses a digital brightness display to show output by percentage. Rotate the brightness wheel to adjust output from 10% to 99%.
Aputure AL-528W LED Video Light Panels
Use the power adapter to power the unit through a wall outlet, or you can use the batteries (Batteries includes Sony F/FM/QM Series) when shooting outside and a Low power warning with red blinking lights when the batteries are low.
Aputure AL-528W LED Video Light Panels
Other features:
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24Apr NEX Speed Booster’ish Focal Reducer Adapter
Sony NEX shooters rejoiced when Metabones announced a Speed Booster adapter that offered a Full Frame look on the NEX cameras, but also increased the F-Stop of the lens attached. Check out the quick review from ProCinemaTools.com about the Metabones Speed Booster.
So how does this work? In short, it’s similar to a Telephoto Extension adapter that multiplies your lenses focal length. The reason why it’s able to perform this same technique in ‘reverse’, is because it is using a lens designed for Full Frame cams, but is directing the image to a much smaller sensor (like the NEX). The Metabones supports electronic functions like Image Stabilization and aperture can be controlled directly from the Sony NEX cameras buttons and dials, but price ranges from $450-$600 dollars (found here).
Recently another Speed Booster’ish Focal Reduction adapter has been released, but it offers no electronic communication. This one is designed for Nikon manual lenses with manual aperture controls to mount to your Sony NEX cameras (metabones does not currently offer Nikon to NEX). You can use this to achieve a Full Frame look from of your Rokinon (Nikon mount) lenses as well. At less than half the price of the Metabones, this adapter is being listed at $198 via eBay (click here)
Focal Reducer Speed Booster Nikon to Sony NEX
When is someone going to make one for the BlackMagic or MicroFour Thirds?
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24Apr Random DIY Project Ideas using Motorroid Motorized Kit
Until you have it in your hands, it’s hard to really grasp the concept of the Motorroid Universal Motorized Kit. Typically it is designed to motorize just about any Video Camera Slider on the market. Now, the more I use it, the more random ideas I have of how to incorporate it into simple dynamic camera movements.
Here’s a couple of DIY projects (video below) using the Varavon Motorroid Kit in ways it was never intended to be used. Don’t take the build quality on these DIY projects too seriously, it was something I whipped up in a matter of minutes to show proof of concept of what can be achieved.
The basic parts comprise of a strong motor and a pulley on the opposite side that can be attached with one bolt (or screw). When used with a cog belt, the system is strong enough to lift a good amount of weight completely vertically. For use with projects that don’t need to pull heavy weights like my DIY Motorized Track Dolly or DIY Motorized Jib Crane, simple twine or rope will work just as well. I’m exaggerating with this large Jib, but don’t forget about all those Carbon Fiber Mini Video Jibs (found here) which would be fun to motorize for travel projects.
Finally when the Time Lapse Control unit becomes available for this Motorroid kit, it will really open up some interesting possibilities for very smooth and consistent motion control projects. Even on my best day, I don’t think I can perform a very slow Crane up movement for several minutes straight with one consistent speed.
Now i’m sure some of you will ask about the track dolly, so if you’re looking for a Video Tripod Track Dolly, the only thing I can suggest is GO with the FAT WHEELS -not those thin roller blade type wheels.
Typcially all the high end professional tripod track dolly systems always use the fat skate wheels NOT the thin rollerblade wheels, and there is a performance difference. Here’s a link to a bunch of Video Tripod Track Dollies over on eBay (found here)
Video Tripod Track Dolly Caster Wheels
So what’s next? Maybe pull a wheeled dolly (Pico Dolly) across the garage floor instead of laying down tracks, or pull a GoPro on a cable cam setup across the park (I may try this one). Hopefully this opens up some ideas for what these new tools can do to add interesting movement to your footage. You can find the Varavon Motorroid Kits following via eBay (click here)
Varavon Motorroid Universal Motorized Upgrade Kit
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24Apr XCam 2013 FL Mini Tripod Stabilizer
The Skyler MInicam is probably my most favorite little travel video stabilizer. It might look small, but for reference, I often fly a small Sony NEX, to a mid-sized GH3, and up to a large Canon 5D Mark III. The original Skyler Minicam stabilizer has typically been out of reach for many as it lists for over $450 dollars (found here on eBay)
Skyler MiniCam Video Camera Stabilizer
We’ve seen other products that share a similar design to the Skyler, but this new 2013 XCam version has an improved bearing gimbal that is said to be smoother and now offers the folding leg design making it easier to pack and travel. The top stage still offers a quick release plate and fine tuning knobs making it easier to find the center of balance. The new XCam 2013 Mini video Stabilizer is offered at just $238 via eBay (click here)
XCam 2013 FL Mini Hand Held Video Stabilizer
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