Monthly Archives: September 2010

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canon-bg-e9-60D-battery-grip

It's product name is the BG-E9 and it's the battery grip for the recently released Canon 60D. Before you go out hunting for one, it's not yet available at the usual retailers and not even mentioned on many of the big named sites. There are a few places starting to accept pre-orders of this item, but since the OEM will be the only thing available, it runs well over $215 dollars (without batteries). Why the high prices? I'm going to start a rumor here and say, my guess is there's going to be some new gadgetry involved in the grips preventing the use of non-oem batteries from being used. Accessories in the DSLR market are huge money makers, so like the batteries themselves there may be some chip information in the grips. If this is anywhere true (remember i'm starting rumors), then this could cause some problems with non-oem batteries we already own. So if you received one early, and If you're planning on taking that new Canon 60D DSLR out for a long shoot that requires power power power, that Swintronix Power Pack I talked about earlier doesn't sound like such a bad deal now.... Unless Canon has the 60D DSLR body setup to reject non-oem devices too. Mine is in tomorrow, i'll have to test.. http://cheesycam.com/switronix-powerbase-70-battery-pack/

[Update] New 60D Aftermarket Grips for Cheap http://cheesycam.com/canon-60d-aftermarket-grip/

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nikon-d3100-dslr

The new Nikon D3100 DSLR camera with 1080p is available, but finding one is a bit rare right now. This new DSLR coming in even cheaper than the Canon 550D / T2i has the specs and pricing to steal a bit of market share for new DSLR shooters. From the samples i'm seeing so far though, there's still a major major problem with Rolling shutter and 'Jello Effect'. The earlier Nikon DSLR were notorious for this, and doesn't seem to have gotten better on the D3100. I've seen samples from the higher end Nikon D7000 which looks pretty good, but what's going on with the D3100? Also that new continuous Auto Focus that everyone complains Canon fails to implement is quite distracting on the Nikon. It's quite jumpy. If the rolling shutter is still going to be an obvious problem, pricing is not going to save this camera. If anyone else has some samples or experience to share, i'm sure we'd all like to take a look.

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frio-cold-shoe

I got a few emails about a recent product review post over at the Strobist blog. If you're getting into flash photography, the Strobist Blog is one you can't live without. The new product being reviewed is a Frio Cold shoe adapter. Cold shoe adapters are those small accessories that hasn't had an upgrade in design for quite some time, so there is a reason this new Frio Cold shoe is quite the talk right now. From the comments over at Strobist, it looks like it's going to be a hit. Not just designed for simple Flashes, but also for a ton of other accessories that require a cold shoe mount like shotgun microphones & LED lights. Something DSLR videographers could use on the DIY DSLR rigs. Check out more information over at the Strobist blog.

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power-arm-led-video-light

Someone asked me the other day about getting a bit more height on the Z96 DSLR LED Video light. I had a bit of insight on this item, but it wasn't available until 'now'. (Literally just now!). This is called the 'Power Arm' and it's a variable friction adjustable arm made out of Aluminum. Comes with a Shoe mount, but can be broken down to accept standard 1/4x20 threaded insert. If you look at the image with the hand, it's a decent size even folded up. Other images show off carrying the Z96 LED video light, so it's gotta be able to carry some weight. I have two in the mail which should arrive any day now, and hopefully get the hands on review of this new item. The reason I ordered two is because the images show some mounting options which looks like I can combine them together to gain quite a bit of distance. If combining these arms works out, it would be a good fit along with the Manfrotto 386B Nano Clamp.

manfrotto-mini-clamp
Manfrotto Nano Clamp

This could prove to be a popular articulating arm that we'll see more of to carry those new EVF remote LCD Viewfinders, or something as simple as positioning your portable audio recorder further from the camera reducing that all annoying 'handling' noise. Similar accessories like this arm are discontinued everywhere, but i'm guessing their $150+ dollar price didn't make them very popular. I should have mine in soon to do some weight lifting tests, but you can only find these here: Aluminum Variable Friction Adjustable Power Arm

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dual-mount-flash-bracket-macro-photography

After posting a video comparing the Zoom H1 to Tascam DR-08 seen here: http://cheesycam.com/tascam-dr-08-vs-zoom-h1-continued/, I got a few questions about the unusual bracket I had on the video. Even though i'm not done with the items for it, i'll answer those questions now. I received it in the mail working on a twin flash Macro rig for a friend. Considering twin flash Macro kits like the Canon MT-24EX Macro Twin Lite Ringlite Flash runs for almost $700 dollars, this is a cheaper way of getting a twin light setup.

dual-mount-macro-flash-flexible-arm

Why not just use a Ring Light Adapter like the 'O Flash'? The O-Flash provides nice even lighting, but still has a somewhat flat look. Using a twin light setup, each light can be modified at different distances from the macro subject, different angles, and even separate power settings for a more dimensional look. The metal lower bracket i'm still trying to figure out, but looks like it's been cut similar to a quick release plate. Which one it will fit, i'm still not sure. The flexible arms are actually pretty beefy. They won't hold up a large Canon 580 EX II speedlite, but has enough strength to carry a low profile flash. In order to remotely fire these flashes, it will be setup with the cheap Yongnuo RF-602 wireless triggers. The ball mount + cold shoes can also be removed and you'll be left with a standard 1/4 x 20 threaded end on the flexible arm. This is how I was able to mount the Zoom H1 at the end of one.

Having the dual flash setup will also be interesting for use as an event rig. Should provide a wider area of flash without giving off the usual flat look. I'll have more information once this it built out a little bit more, but you can find this bracket here: Twin Flexible Arm Macro Flash Bracket

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strobies-3way-bracket

Now that Yongnuo is getting into the Flash game pretty heavily, it sounds like these cheap flash alternatives could grab more consumer market share. If you're looking to use the flashes off camera, it's possible to fire them off with the RF-602 wireless trigger system. If you want to broaden the flash area and add some speed to recycle times, you might want to double or even triple them up. By setting each flash to a lower power setting this should increase the recycle time for you to fire off another flash. By using 3 flashes over one, you'll also get a broader softer source of light. Strobies sells an inexpensive Interfit INT337 Triple Flash Bracket with cold shoes and umbrella holder. Now all flashes including Canon will recommend limiting the flashes depending on your power setting, to ensure you don't overheat your flash. That's another good reason not to have a single flash going full power. Check out this video from Aaron on the built in protection of the Yongnuo flash https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7XxK_Z3rQ8

Aside from flashes, this handy mount can also be used to mount three of your Video LED lights into a wider array to cover a broader area. If you're using the Z96 LED lights that have the ability to mount together, you might be wondering why you'll need something like this. Consider that by using the Strobies 3 way bracket, you'd be able to position each LED Video light in slightly different direction. Something you won't be able to do if you have them joined together using their current mounting system.

If a threesome isn't enough for you, how about a four way Flash bracket from LightwareDirect called the 'FourSquare'. This four way bracket is sold on as it's own 'Block' or in kits that provide different sized Softboxes to complete your new portable battery powered lightweight strobe. Now this four way bracket would look pretty cool to mount 4 LED Video lights.

foursquare-blockfoursquare-lighting-kit
foursquare-kit-softbox

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savage-vinyl-backdrops

With my new studio in place, i'm upgrading some of the seamless backdrops from paper to the new Vinyl material. Seamless paper backdrops are pretty common for studio use, but paper drops are extremely fragile. Once they get creased, pick up dirt, or even tear, it's time to cut off a section. Eventually after a bit of use, you'll need to replace the entire roll. Cloth backdrops are more durable, can be washed, but harder to get that infinity look due to the wrinkles and creases.

Savage Backdrops, who I use as my paper drops are now creating a new set of Seamless Vinyl Backdrops in at least the standard basic colors White, Black, and Gray. For those who want to get into Chroma Key 'Green Screen', there's one available for that. The Vinyl material and backing prevents wrinkles, has a matte finish for no glares, seamless all the way through, and can be cleaned with a damp sponge. When purchasing online over a retail store, prices are comparable to paper rolls. You can the backdrops available over at B&H: Savage Seamless Vinyl Backdrops in White, Black, Gray, and Chroma Green.

backdrop-stand
In order to hold these rolls in place, you'll need to grab yourself a cheap Studio Photo Backdrop Stand set.

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sony-nex-vg10
Sony NEX-VG10 Interchangeable Lens Camcorder

Apparently the Sony NEX-VG10 is now available here, but how many people knew about this? When Sony first announced this interchangeable lens Camcorder (not DSLR), it caused quite a stir. Shortly after it was drowned out by all the news from upcoming Photokina. Panasonic also had better specs on the upcoming AG-AF101 which would be a direct competitor against this new Sony NEX-VG10. It's got many similar DSLR features with manual controls over shutter, iris, and still takes 14MP images. The microphone and audio is said to process much better than current DSLR's, but I don't think this is considered the 'game changer'. There's a full review over at B&H's Insights: https://video.bhinsights.com/content/hands-review-sony-nex-vg10.html if you care to know more.