Koo over at NoFilmSchool.com has taken time out to write up a very lengthy detailed (but not overwhelming) DSLR Cinematography guide, and has it available as a free download. I took the time to check it out myself and highly suggest people give it a look. It runs through many different settings of a DSLR you need to be familiar about. You can find the FREE DSLR Cinematography Guide here: https://nofilmschool.com/dslr/
Video Link: https://vimeo.com/14952361
What's all the buzz about these Color changing LED Video lights? It's not the technology, that's old news. It's the price that's stirring things up amongst mobile video shooters. I posted this article a short while back: http://cheesycam.com/latest-led-color-changing-video-light/. Since then, there's been responses and questions about these fancy LED video light panels. One of the highlights of Canon's DSLR video is that it does well with ambient lighting. These light panels make sense for adding a bit of fill light and mixing it in quickly. Well, I was finally able to get my hands on the panel and here's a quick overview of what it is, how it works, and price comparisons on some other items in market.
Color Changing Variable Temperature 1000 LED Video Light
First let's talk tech. The technology isn't new and it's not difficult for any other company to replicate. It is pretty cool though and quick to get it set up and get it closely mixed in with your ambient lighting. I would say this is great for location interviews to add some additional fill light. By using two different color LED's (half tungsten and half daylight) you can mix the color by controlling the power output of each set. You'll see this in the end of my little video. I'm not going to say one is better than the other, and you should contact the manufacturer of each product to find out more information, but here's the current technology being sold today by a few different companies.
Ikan uses this technique of mixing LED colors in a product they call the Ikan Multi-K Variable Color Temperature LED Light selling for $489.95.
Lowel has a portable color changing LED video light called the Lowel Blender LED sold for $629.95.
The most expensive solution. Litepanels uses this method in what they call their 1x1 Bi-Color Variable Color Temperature LED Flood Light selling for $2,545.00.
1000 LED DIMMABLE COLOR CHANGING Video Light Panel shown with Canon 7D
This particular panel has 1000 LED's so bigger than the Lowel and Ikan lights, and possibly about the same size as the LitePanel. As you can see from my photo above with the Canon 7D on top, I think I can get two of these into an Airport Carry On sized roller bag, should one choose not to have it 'Checked in'. The build quality feels exactly the same as the LED's shown in my earliest video here: http://cheesycam.com/latest-led-video-lights-for-dslr-video/. It's completely squared, there's no real Portrait or Landscape rotation on this item. So quite odd that you can relocate the mount to any side.
The overall light output is dimmable, but also has the added color temperature changing feature built in. Although it's labeled as a 1000 LED panel, if you are using one complete spectrum of color only half of the LED's will be illuminated. So far this is the cheapest Color Changing Dimmable 1000 LED Video Light panel
Available via eBay (below)
Color Temperature Changing Dimmable LED Video Light Panel
Available via Amazon (below)
1000 LED Photography Video Light Panel 0% - 100% DIMMABLE COLOR CHANGING 3500K- 6000K TEMP
Zoom H1 Portable Audio Recorder
These bad boys have been in demand for some time now. Still hard to get at your big time retailers, but thanks to Greg R. for this hint. Greg just ordered one from this company and they mentioned they had a few more in as well. Greg writes in and unselfishly shares his find with the rest of you. It appears the same company that had a few in stock I posted about happened to get a few more in. Key words here people are 'A Few More'. If you're still hunting one down, you can check out the auction going on right now by following this link: Zoom H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder
Another alternative showing just 3 available can be found here: Zoom H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder
Whoa!! It's on on on. Mail bag box Monday includes two very exciting boxes that combined is one awesome rig. Been waiting on this one for a while, too bad I didn't have it a few weeks earlier for my Hawaii trip.
I'm not only thinking just Photography. I didn't get to dive in completely but it's variable speed might be used to create the smoothest, slowest, and most consistent video slide ever. It's definitely a great looking, solid built, light weight tool. I opted in for just 4 feet since I was a bit worried about the weight, but thinking I should have gone for something a bit larger. It's in a bunch of pieces that need some assembly, so i'll drag it back to the lair this evening and see if I'm smart enough to get this thing rockin'. I can't wait to see some of the results from it's use.
If you're still wondering what i'm talking about, the image below will be your first clue. The only thing this rig is missing is the Cooler full of Beer and Portable BBQ grill which I assume is standard issue when out shooting. Luckily I have a few of those items available. By the way, it's still in Beta so it's not ready to be shipped. Having said that anyone down to spend a few hours possibly this week / weekend testing this bad boy out?
Click Image to View Video
Available at BHPHOTOVIDEO.com:
Letus35 Talon K2
Letus35 Letus Hawk DSLR Viewfinder
Here's an older video about the Letus35 Letus Hawk DSLR Viewfinder and Letus Talon K2
Just a reminder for those who were really impressed about the Letus Hawk View Finder, but weren't keen on the Hawk VF Carbon Fiber design, the brand new Letus Hawk VF Aluminum version is estimated to be available in 3 days. All the gear they have available now will be compatible with the new gear you should be hearing about soon. Here's the link to the new Aluminum Version soon to be released: https://www.letusdirect.com/cart/letus-hawk-aluminum.html
Really bad Mockup (fake image below)
I posted this article back in June: http://cheesycam.com/route-of-the-new-lcd-viewfinders/
Check out the new comment from Steve Weiss of Zacuto: https://www.cinema5d.com/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=19404&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=10
There's at least one remote electronic view finder w/ Loupe prototype in use, and other manufacturers have hinted about making the same. Looks like we'll have some new DSLR products early next year. Unless other people can release something before Zacuto. This new type of remote view finder makes lots of sense. It will be more compatible with the different types of articulating screens, different screen sizes, and different camera manufacturers. Let's just hope there will be at least one version that is 'affordable' to the masses.
Just another thought, i'm guessing to keep the Z-Finder compatible with the new view finder, the new EVF will be about the same aspect ratio as the 5D Mark II LCD. Isn't the new Cinevate Cyclops compatible with the 5D Mark II LCD and also with the Canon 60D articulating LCD? Meaning a Cyclops + this new Zacuto EVF could be an interesting mix.....
Tascam DR-08 vs. Zoom H1
First let's get into the right mindset about why i'm testing these two Ultra Portable recorders. If you're looking for the best audio recorder for your DSLR, then nothing beats bang for the buck than the Zoom H4n. That's not what this is about. The Zoom H4n is a great device that can support 90% of your audio needs, but there's going to be times when you can't go tethered and things have to be discreet. You'll have to go with a wireless setup and a LAV microphone. When it comes down to 'quality effective' wireless gear, you're looking at $600 dollars a pair. This is what 'this is' about.
These new Ultra portable recorders can act as a nice option instead of using a Wireless setup. For under $150 dollars you can have a truly effective source of audio that is not tethered to the camera operator, very discreet, and less prone to issues that can arise with wireless gear. I'm lovin' these things. Of course, these two products look like they are competitors in the same space and naturally everyone will wonder which way to go. Right now let's just talk strictly 'Form Factor' and size for use as a 'Body Pack'. I'm going to skip to the results and say in my book, Tascam is the clear winner.
They both record the same audio quality, so when used with a LAV microphone and thrown in a pocket, they are equally as effective. The Zoom is the winner for being cheaper, and having a tripod mount, possibly better microphone configuration, and a form factor designed to be used as a handheld microphone. If you're wondering about how you can mount a Tascam on your DSLR rig, a simple Cheap Shotgun Microphone Shock Mount would probably work well, and would be functional to dampen handling noise.
The Tascam DR-08 Portable Digital Audio Recorder is the winner for having a smaller profile which is more comfortable to be used as a 'body pack'. It will fit nicely in a pocket, or throw it into a cell phone case with a belt clip option. The Zoom H1, although can be used in the pocket, loses to the Tascam for this one feature. This is the one feature I'm looking for between these two items. So if your only plan is to use it as a 'body pack w/ LAV mic' go for the Tascam. Again, for the idea to replace a wireless body pack the audio is sufficient. Yes I know it doesn't compare to the Zoom H4n, but try sticking that in your pocket. For you Audiophiles, more audio tests and comparisons will be done soon.
[Update] Here's a video talking about the test, and the RAW files can be found in the links below. If you're wondering why one would be larger than the other, it's mainly because I started one recorder after the other, causing one file to run longer in time. You'll hear a bit of fumbling around as I get things setup, and clap several times for me to sync audio to the video. I did not want to cut, alter, convert, compress any of these files so as to keep things as original as possible for you to listen.
Download Tascam DR-08 RAW wav - file size 83MB
Download Zoom H1 RAW wav file - file size 77MB
Update: Cheapest price BHPHOTOVIDEO.com: Tascam DR-08 Portable Digital Audio Recorder
Just caught a cool video shot on a Nikon D300s from Jeremy Mayhew. Jeremy has been using the SpiderTrax rotating video dolly quite a bit, and has found ways to use it outdoors quite effectively. I'm really impressed with the quality from this Nikon D300s considering it's not even a 1080 shooter. The look on the Nikon Macro lens is also very sharp with excellent bokeh. It's going to be interesting to see the quality of video that comes out of Nikon's new (T2i Competitor) the D3100 DSLR 1080p capable camera that's starting at only $699 w/ 18-55mm Lens. This new D3100 could give Nikon a larger market share in DSLR video, unless Canon releases something more exciting than the recently announced Canon 60D DSLR.
Pre-order for Nikon D3100
The above video shows use of a Ring Flash adapter. I'm just using this video as an example, but the 'O Flash' - Ring Flash adapter finally came in for me. The 'O Flash' is the cheaper version of the Ray Ring or Coco Ring Flash
Many people associate these for Macro or sometimes used as a very close up Portrait ring flash. It's a handy thing for me to carry as another diffuser option for my Canon 580 EX II. This design carries the light from a single flash into a circular ring light, giving it really nice diffusion towards your subject. Normally flashes are diffused by way of bouncing the light which still can cause uneven lighting and loss of flash power. One of the cool accessories I already own is the Yongnuo RF-602 Wireless triggers. With these triggers, I can even use this flash off camera as a nice soft beauty ring. Now I have this setup on a lightstand, but the Yongnuo RF-602 triggers also have a 1/4x20 thread if you want to mount it directly to a tripod.
It was so cool using this off camera, and honestly I don't know of anyone using them in this manner. I plan on getting a second one specifically for a portable studio lighting setup. With one on each side firing off, i'm sure to get super duper clean images, balanced lighting, with a tiny footprint. Would be an excellent diffuser to use for Wedding or Event type photographers. If you're not fond of the O Flash logo on the front, just place a Logo of your business. Guaranteed brand recognition for you. LOL! I'm betting after this post, we'll see more people using them in combination with the very cheap Yongnuo RF-602 wireless triggers. Here's the link to the $36 dollar O Flash - Ring Flash Adapter.
Curious as well, what if I connected this to the Z96 LED Video Light? Would it provide enough light through the ring to become an LED ring light? I'm in the studio now, i'll check when I get home. That would be interesting....
YongNuo Combo Wireless Remote Shutter + Wireless Flash Trigger
