One of the decisions you'll need to make about buying your video DSLR is all the accessories you're going to need to help you shoot your projects. Compared to the $80 dollar OEM batteries for the 7D, the Canon T2i 550D batteries are chump change. I've already run low quite a few times with the single battery on the T2i, but after seeing these prices, it's time to place some orders. I've had some awesome luck with aftermarket batteries, so i'm thinking about trying these $6.99 Free Shipping aftermarkets on the T2i.
Fluid movement in video is a big deal today. Dollies, sliders, jibs, cranes, steadicam shots, skater dollies, there are tons of different ways to get that cinematic camera movement. The video above has got to be one of my favorite simple camera tricks I ran into a while back, but since we've got a growing number of newbies in DSLR video, I thought i'd repost.
Fig Rigs are another type of video camera stabilizer. By spacing your hands further from the center of the lens, you'll get less movement and shakiness. The concept is simple, so that makes it one of the most popular DIY's. Even a plank of wood can act in the same manner. The hard part is trying to make that type of stabilizer look cool. I've never been a fan of fig rigs, since traditionally they were completely round circles with a level stage in the middle. It always looked like you were chasing someone around while driving a bus to run them over.
Halo Rig Video Camera Stabilizer
The Halo Rig looks better with it's bottom platform completely flat. Hey now! That makes more sense, why didn't anyone come up with that before?. Since DSLR cages are becoming more popular for added accessories to your video shooting, the Halo Fig Rig gives you an advantage over a simple DSLR cage, since it also plays as a Video Camera Stabilizer you can walk around with. You can find the Halo Rig for sale here.
I fly my Steadicam + Glidecam HD 4000 Hybrid rig quite a bit. I'm loading it up more and more with LED lighting, Shotgun Microphones, Zoom H4n, etc. I'm building it to follow someone around sorta 'Reality TV' style, and will still have decent lighting and audio. Although the Stabilizer and Vest are strong, i'm running out of space to mount things. I decided it's time to go with a DSLR cage to hold more accessories. I'll let you know how that idea goes, but this is what i'm looking at. Click Here for information on the DSLR Cage shown.
Mirror Lenses are another piece of old technology that's slowly making it's way back to the mainstream. It's a different design in lenses that allows for super telephoto in a super compact form factor (not to mention cheap). We're talking getting 500mm for $100.00 and 1000mm lenses for $200 dollars. << that's no typo. That's cheaper than just basic Kit lenses.
Many photographers have been using Mirror Lenses for Wildlife photography to get those distant shots. Now that HD Video seems to have taken a turn to DSLR's, these lenses are growing in popularity by Film Makers. The price can't be beat and you can take some awesome stealth footage without being up in someone's face. Great if you're planning on using video as a Papparazi or Stalker? Check out the Rokinon 500mm Mirror Lens.
I posted about this Hague Mini Motion Camera Stabilizer earlier in my blogs, but I just thought I'd share with everyone what a Canon T2i looks like when balanced on the Hague. Now that high quality HD Video cameras are smaller, the Hague MMC is one good option. This stabilizer will only fly the weight of a Canon T2i with 18-55mm kit lens and nothing more. You can find the Hague MMC on eBay (click here)
Other Small Video DSLR Camera Stabilizers
If you're planning on Flying something a bit heavier, the next best option would be the Flycam Nano. You can see how well this stabilizer flies in this video (click here). This is what I feel the best bang for the buck. It can easily fly a Canon 5D Mark II or Canon 7D with a Tokina 11-16mm lens. You can find the Flycam Nano online (click here).
The Flycam Nano
One feature that the Flycam Nano lacks is what are called 'fine tuning knobs'. These knobs are available in some stabilizers for you to quickly and easily get your camera in balance. You simply turn the small knobs and the camera will shift slightly left / right, or shift slightly forward and back. If you need to be quick about getting a camera ready to fly, the Glidecam HD series are the best bet. For small cameras similar to what the Flycam Nano can fly, you'll want to look into the Glidecam HD1000 stabilizer. You can find one of my demo videos (click here). The Glidecam HD1000 is the smallest of Glidecam stabilizers under the HD2000 and HD4000 which can all be found online (click here).
Glidecam Stabilizers
If you're looking to beef up your Camera by adding a battery grip, LED light, or Microphones and need something to carry more weight, the next step up (price wise) would be the Glidecam HD2000-HD4000 stabilizers. You can find the different Glidecam HD models available here. They are all basically the same design, just different sizes to support different weight cameras. You can probably get away with the smallest one, but if you plan on adding something like an LED video light (like this one) , you might want to get the larger Glidecam HD2000 or HD4000. I personally own several different stabilizers, but here's a BTS video with the HD4000 (click here).
In your search for Glidecam stabilizers, you might run into the Pro versions. These will also work great and the difference in the Pro series of Glidecam stabilizers is mainly the lack of 'Fine Tuning Knobs'. They will balance fairly heavy loads and if you don't require the fine tune knobs you can find many of these used for cheap prices (click here). Getting back to the Glidecam HD series of stabilizers, you can find more information about how much weight each stabilizer can carry, along with prices following the links below.
There are many questions about DSLR Viewfinders, and one of the most popular right now is if the LCDVF T2i / 550D combination will work or not? I believe the Zacuto Z-Finder DSLR viewfinder is about the same size as the LCDVF so this video should apply, but correct me if i'm wrong (drop comments for our readers - feedback?). Since I have the 5D Mark II , Canon 7D , and Canon T2i / 550D , I thought I would share some video footage of the LCDVF cropped area when placed over the Canon T2i LCD. The T2i LCD is a bit wider so there is some slight cropping. There is also a sensor you need to be aware of that automatically turns off the display (not for video more) when something blocks it. There may be a custom function to disable that, i'll have to dig into the manual more. Hope the video helps clear up some questions.
The 5D and 7D batteries are the same and they both use Compact Flash cards. There are some things that just totally throw me off about the Canon T2i / Rebel 550D, like having to buy SDHC cards, different batteries, and the LCDVF not fitting perfectly. Because of this, I haven't spent much time with it, but as far as video quality, the Canon T2i / Rebel 550D has been a solid performer keeping up with the 7D quite easily. I'm not a fan of traveling with too many different types of gear, but you can't complain when Canon is putting out such high quality equipment for a dirt cheap price. Times are a changin'.......
Camera Saving Tip #1:
The first test everyone should do when buying a Suction Cup Camera Mount is to mount something in similar weight and size (not your camera!) and drive it around hard to see if it holds on well. Once you feel your product is up to par, then go for the real deal. I'm thinking Can Of Soda is larger, heavier, and not as wind resistant than the GoPro HD Sports Camera. If that don't fall off, i'm in the clear.
Mini Camera Stabilizer
