Ok, I might be late posting this, i'm sure most of you have already watched this. I just wanted to make sure that everyone got a chance to see this really amazing Video for a Wedding trailer. Shot by Roberto Balasko, this is not your teary eyed, slow jam, heart-felt wedding video. This one pumps out sounds and scenes more like an action thriller. According to the details there are (2) Two Canon 5D Mark II's, a Canon 7D, and EX1. Other equipment name drops include, Glidetrack, Mini Crane, Shoulder Mount, & Follow Focus. Great job on this one I Really really liked this. Follow his link to find more information, Use the icons below to Tweet, FB, and Digg.
Monthly Archives: May 2010
Canon 550D trends over 5D Mark II & 7D

Just hanging out at Google Trends checking out which Canon Camera is the most popular as of now. As you can see the Canon 5D Mark II was a hit, but the Canon 7D was a huge hit!. Slowly coming in and above all the cameras is the Canon 550D a.k.a T2i. For kicks, I did compare this with some Nikon, Sony, Olympus, and other brands, but the graph showed these other cameras just aren't hip. Well, according to Google that is. ::You can find this report here::
King Kong 360 | 3D $15k Video Contest
Wow, very excited about this one. Universal studios is always a fun place, and they have 'The Best Attractions' ever! This time they've got a new attraction called 'King Kong 360 | 3d'. So what's better than a Universal Studios 3D attraction? How about a Universal Studios 3D attraction with a $15,000 dollar prize?
The contest seems easy enough, especially since part of the requirement is that you aren't supposed to show any parts of Kong himself. (Put that Gorilla suit back in the closet until Halloween) From my guess, your goal is to show the rath, the suspense, or possible aftermath. Get a better read about the Contest rules and get your videos in for that $15 grand. Sounds like a fun project for sure.
Brief
King Kongs Path to Universal Studios
King Kong's Path to Universal Studios HollywoodYou are responsible that all content, including video, images and music, is your original work or you can provide written permission to use it from the creator or owner of the content. The unlicensed use of another person's work will disqualify your submission.
You can’t run. You can’t hide. You can only quiver in awe as King Kong passes through. “He’s never been this real.”
The 8th Wonder of the World- King Kong - is making his way to Universal Studios Hollywood for the biggest attraction of the summer, "King Kong 360 3D".
This new attraction will be the largest, most intense 3D experience on the planet.
Your Mission
We’re looking for the best short films showing King Kong’s journey as he heads to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Imagine what would happen if Kong went through your town? Bring King Kong into your world and show us the aftermath!
If you need a little inspiration, check out the teaser above.
Sony Nex-5, think I’m sold
I would have to say that i'm never far from a camera. The iPhone works ok, but I really like the features of a DSLR's. I've been looking very closely to the Olympus Pen camera models as a solution because sometimes it's not a good idea to keep the 5D Mark II in the trunk of the car while i'm cruising the mall. Everyone is talking about Sony's new lineup as the new Game Changer in DSLR video cameras. The Nex-3 and the Nex-5 are soon to be released, main difference between the two are how the bodies are made. One beefier than the other as well as more advanced video recording features in the Nex-5. Sony is also talking about a concept Video camera that will accept the same interchangeable lenses as the Nex's. Where you at Canon?
After reading the writeup at BHPHOTOVIDEO.com, and checking out some of the sample photos, new 'sweeping panoramic' features, and fancy 6 photo analyzing 'Twilight mode', I think i'm sold on this one when it becomes available. You can check out the BHPHOTOVIDEO.com review here: https://photography.bhinsights.com/content/24-hours-sonys-nex-3-nex-5.html
Gorilla Pod Magnetic Feet

Gorilla pods are everywhere, and there's a ton of Knock-Off products too. Recently they released a Magnetic feet version of their flexible armed tripods, but I wasn't immediately impressed. After checking out some of the things people are using them with, i've taken a different stance. These things are 'Strong'! The heaviest thing i've seen is a Canon 5D Mark II + 70-200mm Lens hanging upside down from a table. This would be especially perfect to throw my GoPro HD around just about anything by using it's flexible arms around trees, or magnetic feet around rails and cars. Looks like something handy to carry for a variety of uses. Grab them for as low as $24.95 /each.
Canon 5D Mark II firmware 2.0.7
Wow, this is totally something i'm not used to. Canon's 5D Mark II has been out for quite a long time, but with it's constant demand, here's another firmware upgrade for additional improvements and fixes. One of the most demanding fixes was the problem initially found after installing the firmware 2.0.4 where the iris of the 100mm Macro lens 'exhibits abnormal movement'. Yeah I ran into that same problem doing video mode until I upgraded to the 100mm Macro IS USM lens. Glad to see they got that worked out.
Firmware changes
This firmware update (Version 2.0.7) incorporates the following improvements and fixes.
1.Fixes a phenomenon in which the aperture exhibits abnormal movement when shooting movies in manual exposure mode and Aperture Priority AE (Av mode) using some Canon lenses (such as macro lenses).
2.Fixes a phenomenon in which the exposure level shown in the LCD panel differs from what is shown in the viewfinder when shooting still images in manual exposure mode.
3.Fixes a phenomenon in which the Wireless File Transmitter (WFT-E4 or WFT-E4 II) may not automatically power off when used for FTP transfers.
These phenomenon only occur with the Version 2.0.4 and Version 2.0.3 firmware.
The Version 2.0.7 firmware being released this time is for cameras with firmware up to Version 2.0.4. If the camera's firmware is already Version 2.0.7, it is not necessary to update the firmware. You can download the new Canon 5D Mark II firmware 2.0.7 by clicking here: https://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/firm-e/eos5dmk2/firmware.html
Cheesycam DIY Follow Focus $13.00

Depending on the type of Video work you do, Follow focus systems might be more of a 'nice to have' rather than a 'must have'. I'm not shooting the next George Lucas film or anything, so for the most part I really didn't look into Follow Focus systems. I've been getting tons of requests though about a possible cheap solution that I may have thought about. So today I browsed the web, then took a trip over to Orchard Hardware Supply for some possible ways to create a simple, cheap, modular, adjustable Follow Focus system with a geared 90 degree transmisssion.
It's not as easy as anyone would think, but I just spent $13.00 dollars for what I think is going to be a popular DIY on this blog. If I have time this weekend, i'll see about whipping something up for everyone. Anyone else got a DIY solution for a Follow Focus with a geared transmission?
$4 dollar Handlebar Clamps = Tripod Mounts
Woohoo! Happy these guys came in, I was waiting a few weeks for these. These are handlebar clamps for a camera with a standard 1/4 x 20 thread. These are going to work great for a ton of my DIY projects. Funny, I don't see anyone using them for the idea I have. I'm planning on using them on my Tripod Legs. They run less than $4.00 dollars each. I'm going to use these Handlebar clamps along with a simple L bracket to make a mount for my portable HDMI LCD.
Using these clamps, I can easily attach it directly to one of my Tripod Legs and keep the monitor close by and handy. In fact, I can use these clamps to mount other things to my Tripod like my Zoom H4n. I like this method better so If I need to dismount the camera, the LCD monitor or other accessories that I don't want to run with can stay put. The idea for the monitor stand is to use 2 clamps along one Tripod leg. The L bracket will be attached in between both clamps giving me a solid mount that doesn't shift. I'll show more as soon as I can spend some time in the garage, if you're interested in these clamps, you can buy them here.
Letus DSLR Solutions – Sexy Carbon Fiber



I admit, i'm not a film school kid, and really just started getting into video with DSLR's. I have only seen others using Letus equipment mainly for Depth Of Field adapters for their video gear. Now with DSLR's you would think Letus is losing alot of sales. Turns out, they are still on top of the game by providing a new line of DSLR solutions. Prices obviously are still a bit high for me, but it is Letus after all.
One of the most sexiest pieces of equipment i've seen for DSLR's in a long time, Letus has a new Carbon Fiber view Finder. Love the article write up about the design process behind it. I have a feeling after this post, Zacuto is going to lose some steam on their line of Z-Finders. I mean c'mon, Carbon Fiber?? Who wouldn't want that? Available for a special pre-order price right now. Check out some of the new stuff they're coming out with at LetusDSLR.com
carbon fiber View Finder via LetusDSLR.com

NOTE: This is a pre-order item at in introductory price of $385. This will begin shipping in early June on a first come first serve basis. You will be charged at time of purchase which will lock your place in line for delivery.
Features:
Carbon Fiber Housing
Non-reflective Internal Housing
2.75x Zoom Factor
+1.5 to -2.5 Adjustable Lens
3 Custom Lenses in 2 Groups
Fully Coated Optics
Anodized Aluminum Lens Housing
Removable Eye Cup
Talon Basic Camera Plate for Mounting
X / Y / Z Mounting Adjustments
1/4 20 Mount Point for Articulating Arms
No Image Distortion or Edge Softness







Letus Hawk VF DSLR ViewFinder