Monthly Archives: March 2010

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David Richards (Above) throws up this cool little video that explains a bit about Audio on DSLR's. He's using the Panasonic GH1 in this video.

It's no secret that DSLR's with it's built in microphones don't do much for quality audio. Even with special microphones connected to the input of the camera, the DSLR's lack the ability to manually adjust Gain levels. (until new firmware). Now if you're working with long lenses to get that awesome Depth Of Field, you're really putting yourself further from the subject and the audio will really suffer. Here's two of my personal favorite items that go with me on every shoot.

The Rode VideoMic is a cheap but quality solution to getting a more focused pickup from your subject. This tool doesn't work well without being able to adjust the audio gains, so you'll need to double it up with the most popular Portable Recorder for DSLR filmakers - the Samson Zoom H4n. Together this combination of tools will get you high quality Audio on the cheap.

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Props for Vimeo member Daniel Bochenski for rigging up his own version of the ' BodyPod DSLR stabilizer ' I posted up here::::
His video (Above) shows some fine examples of how a monopod, when used correctly, can support your camera weight and give you some super steady footage.

Well the T2i came in for me last week, and I really haven't had the chance to play around with it. Right off the bat, you'll get yourself stuck if you don't have Class 6 (speed) SDHC card required to shoot videos with it. Having the 5DM2 and 7D already those both only use Compact Flash. So get yourself stocked up on some Class 6 rated SDHC cards. Hopefully i'll get some video samples online for others to see soon.

Another problem I had with the camera was the weight. It's super light which could be an advantage in certain situations, but sometimes you need that extra bulk for better handling. I suggest that you pick definitely pick up the Battery Grip by Canon. Not only will it add more grip, it will add more available power, and increase the 'looks per hour' rating on your DSLR.

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This little guy rocks! Don't believe me? Check out some of the videos below. At only 6 ounces and smaller than a Mini-DV tape, this little HD video camera + 5 Megapixel Still camera is fun fun fun. Waterproof up to 180 Feet! Yes, take it under water, mount it outside your car, attach it to your dirtbike, or take it skiing. It's even got it's own built in Timelapse. This totally opens up some new ideas for me. There is so much you want to do with this camera, that you wouldn't dare try with your DSLR.

All these features for approx $260. Grab one! or Two! or Three!

You have got to watch the video....

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If you're looking to get Razor Sharp focus on a DSLR, this post is for you! I've posted about Loupes before, but this Hoodman is just jumping off as the best price + features.

If you're not familiar with a LCD Loupe, it covers the LCD on your camera so you can not only see better color and contrast, but it will magnify the LCD so you can see pixel for pixel what's in focus and what's not. Nothing like poor focus to ruin good video footage. Plus it adds 'more looks per hour' to your mojo.

I've been reviewing quite a bit of different LCD loupes and personally own the LCDVF. The LCDVF is a great looking product that ties in nicely with the color scheme of Canon L lenses, but it lacks some features found on the Zacuto Z-Finder. The Hoodman has been around for quite some time, but it seems they've been putting alot of emphasis on video DSLR's. The Hoodman HLPP3 Hoodloupe Pro bundle with Eye cup is a perfect bargain because it comes in cheaper than other Loupes, and has more options than the LCDVF. This Hoodman comes with a diopter for those who have 'less than perfect vision', and actually straps to the camera. The Z-finder and LCDVF use a magnetic frame which you can easily knock the loupe off the camera (i've done it many times). I wished I held out a bit longer now, but maybe I'll just pick up a second. Check out the link below and get your's while they're in stock. With the new T2i out, i'm sure it will sell out very quickly.

Sample Canon with Hoodman Loupe:
Canon DSLR Video HD Hoodman Loupe

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The Canon T2i ( a.k.a 550D ) is hands down an awesome buy for any Videographer looking to get into DSLR video cameras. Taking virtually exact Video features from the Canon 7D for less than half the price, it's pretty much a no brainer for first time vDSLR buyers. It's a weird time right now for most people who purchased the 5D Mark II or Canon 7D. We used to feel good about having the most expensive cameras on the market, but now feel sort of silly for having overpayed on the features now available on the Canon T2i. Well I'll just try to convince myself that I'm a Pioneer or Veteran of DSLR video. There in the beginning, before this revolution of sorts. So what if I paid thousands more for video features that consumers can now pick up at the local Walmart? Well so that i'm not too left out, I think it's time I place an order for my Canon T2i.....

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I picked up quite a few of these Kingston Compact Flash cards for video use. They are unbelievably cheap for it's size, and are rated to be fast enough for shooting video. They seem to work pretty awesome for the projects that i've been working on.

There are a few comments i'm concerned about. I've heard of a temp gauge going on when using these in the Canon 7D, and i've also heard that at times the card will start, overbuffer the camera, and then stop video recording all of a sudden. Maybe i'm not shooting anything long enough, using it enough, or maybe i'm doing something different. I'm sure photographers will never have these problems since they are just shooting photos.For video use, so far I haven't had any problems on the several that i've purchased. Anyone else try these cards for Video on DSLR's? Any comments?