Monthly Archives: October 2010

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RedRock Micro adds in another feature for HDMI Pass Through, and claims the estimated price (under $600) still remains. With the HDMI pass through, not only can you still retain use of your ViewFinder, but you can split the feed to external monitors. After this type of announcement with pricing and feature set, and no additional Loupes required, what more could you need in a remote EVF at a higher price? Looks like a winner that I hope to add someday to my tool list. More specs from their website below, when available find it here: https://store.redrockmicro.com/EVF

redrock-micro-evf-pass-through

The microEVF is the first electronic viewfinder designed from the ground up specifically for HDSLR cameras. The microEVF is not just a bulky repurposed LCD monitor: It is designed specifically for the needs of HDSLR emphasizing compact lightweight design, superior power consumption, and incredible affordability.

The popularity of HDSLRs such as the Canon 5D MKII for video and motion photography has skyrocketed in recent years, but the camera body is not ideal for video. The first generation of solutions for monitoring currently available –attaching an optical viewfinder to the back of the camera’s LCD screen –severely limit placement of the viewfinder and camera body and eliminate possibility of using additional monitors for camera assistants or directors. The new Redrock microEVF is an external electronic viewfinder that connects to the camera body and can be placed anywhere for maximum comfort and stability, and can be part of a multi-monitoring solution. The microEVF uses a custom made state-of-the-art backlit LED fitted in an attractive, ergonomic housing.

The microEVF is not limited to HDSLR cameras: it can be used on any video camera that provides HDMI output.

microEVF Features

* Compact, lightweight electronic viewfinder
* High resolution full-color display – greater resolution than the rear LCD on Canon EOS camera bodies
* Fully coated optics
* Adjustable focusing diopter
* Built-in HDMI passthrough for supporting additional monitors
* Oversized soft rubber cinema-style eyecup
* standard HDMI input connector
* Industry-standard 15mm rod pin: Viewfinder positioning infinitely configurable with Redrock support accessories
* Lightweight design requires minimal support - can be mounted from lower rails, top rails, or shoe-mounted rails
* Compatible with any HDSLR or videocamera that provides HDMI out (5D MKII, 7D, T2i, 1D MKIV, Nikon D3s, Nikon D3100, Nikon D7000, Panasonic AF100, etc.)

microEVF Advanced Electronic Assist Features*

* additional features to be announced

microEVF Technical Specifications*

* HDMI connection
* 1.2m total dots
* Backlit LED, very low power requirements
* Internal battery lasts 10+ continuous hours of operation
* Weight: less than 6 ounces

Pricing and availability

* Estimated $595 for the complete EVF - unlike other solutions with hidden costs, does not require additional viewfinder loupe.
* Availability to be announced

*all pricing, specfications, and features are draft and are subject to change without notice

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Q3HD-zoom-camcorder

When Zoom released the first Q3 portable 'video' recorder with X/Y stereo sound, musicians swept it up playing to their YouTube audience. The video quality wasn't great, but the audio was what really stood out compared to similar Flip, Kodak, and Creative models. Well Zoom recently announced the Q3HD version that has quite a bit of upgrades over the previous model, but also throws a serious blow to other Pocket HD recorders. The Q3HD not only has some of the best audio for a pocket video recorder, but even includes a 'line in' and headphone monitoring. More Audio features are the ability to set different gains or manually set the audio levels with on screen metering. No mention on the unit's ability to do regular still photography, but there's a long list of Video Framerates including 720@60fps - (No 24fps). There's built in 4x optical zoom, HDMI out for playback, and even works with a Windscreen for better outdoor audio recording.

windscreen-q3hd

I've blogged in the most random places, but getting good quality audio and video on the run is always a task. With the 'Line In' and Manual audio levels on this Portable recorder, it sounds like the perfect tool for Bloggers and event coverage use. Maybe add-on a small camera L Bracket with LED Light too. There's a long list of fun features for this new pocket HD Video recorder, and you can read more of the specs here: https://samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=2062

q3hd-inputs

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Fortytwobmx_Sporthandle_01

Mike over at https://FortyTwobmx.blogspot.com wasn't looking to pay the high prices for a handle mount rig for the Canon 550D to shoot BMX and Skate films, so he whipped up his own DIY called the '550D Extreme Sports Handle'. With some extra square tubing, old BMX handlebar, a couple of Grips, old bar ends, and a quick release adapter from a cheap tripod here's the end result. Another goal was to make the handle rig as small as possible. Some future upgrades will be a start / stop record button on the top handle, small monitor, and possible LED lighting. You can find more about his project over at his blog here.

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I posted a short sample of some BTS footage with a Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer about a week ago. The reference to this project can be found here: http://cheesycam.com/3-canon-60ds-music-video/. There were some weird movements and I even flipped the Glidecam upside down. (I don't recommend doing this, but I do it all the time). Some people were asking if the footage was actually usable. I'll leave that up to the editors to decide if a few seconds of this footage would be used, but here's some side by side samples.

On the left is the movement of the Glidecam HD4000 Stabilizer on a Steadicam Merlin Stabilizer Arm and Vest with a Canon EOS 60D flying. On the right is an uncut look at what this RAW footage will look like. Again, we'll just be looking at quick cuts and a few seconds here and there. We'll be mixing it up with other hand held, Crane shots, dolly / slider shots, as well as very static Tripod shots. From what I understand, this music video will be cut in with actual footage from a new movie being released soon. So the movie will be more of the narration and we'll just be highlighting the band periodically. BTW, this is not my usual flying setup and I just rented this lens. So without practicing on this setup, these are the results I got.

glidecam-hd-4000
find-price-button Glidecam HD4000 Video Camera Stabilizer

merlin-vest
find-price-button Steadicam Merlin Arm and Vest

canon-60D
find-price-button Canon 60D Digital SLR Body

Related Articles:
http://cheesycam.com/canon-60d-video-stabilizer-first-flight-glidecam-hd4000/
http://cheesycam.com/3-canon-60ds-music-video/

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timelapse-dynamic-perceptions-slider

Dynamic Perceptions generated quite some excitement after showcasing their 'Stage Zero' motion controlled Timelapse camera slider. You can find that video here: http://cheesycam.com/dynamic-perceptions-motion-controlled-timelapse-rig/. Unfortunately at the time the video was released, the Stage Zero Timelapse rig was unavailable for order, and no prices had been released. Well, wait no more. Just yesterday there was an announcement opening up the flood gates for pre-orders on a 4ft and 6ft rig. You can find more information and prices over at the Dynamic Perceptions website https://www.dynamicperception.com/.

dynamic-perceptions-motion-controlled-slider6-foot-stage-zero

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Ok, you professionals can skip right over this article. This may even fall under 'tacky' for the seasoned Pro's. There's surprisingly a lot of young readers at this blog, possibly still in high school and unemployed. Aspiring to make fun YouTube videos with a standard handheld camcorder, they need an extra hand in some low budget DIY advice. These are probably the easiest & cheapest DIY stabilizers I could think of. So here you go kids, I hope you enjoy it, as I looked quite silly modeling these brackets on various parts of my body in the aisles of Home Depot like i'm creating the next Lady GaGa costume. It's ok though, I can rock a $2000 dollar Steadicam setup and still rock a $2 dollar Shelf Bracket, it's all good....i'm all about inspiring the creativity.

All of these 'Heavy Duty Shelf Hangers' can be found in the same place. These curved brackets are typically used for hanging heavy objects in your garage such as bikes and ladders. Unlike flat steel angled brackets, these are round (tubular) which are more comfortable to grip. There's plenty of different shapes and sizes to use these for adding extra support for your video camera.

photo 1photo 2
click images for larger view

First up is a one sided angled bracket. By just adding a quick release plate on the bottom, you'll have yourself a very sturdy (very very sturdy) handle to your camera. Flat black paint and wrap up the handle with some Tennis racket grip tape, and you'll be in business. Notice the little angle at the top? Could be a nice place to add a cold shoe to mount another accessory. The rest of the bracket can be drilled to further hold more accessories like LED lights and portable recorders. By the way, just click any of the images to get a better look.Single bracket stabilizer for just $2.36.

photo 3photo 4
click images for larger view

Second on the list is a double sided bracket. This is actually larger than what appears in the photo, and the double sides can act like handles on a Fig Rig. Hey this is way easier than trying to build the Cheesycam DSLR Cage Fig Rig. Just place a Quick Release adapter dead center, a little grip tape along the sides, and you'll have yourself a fig rig style camera stabilizer. Yup, there's another angle up top for that cold shoe accessory too for just $5.98.

photo 5photo(3)
click images for larger view

Third on the list, another simple bracket. Used in the position shown in the photo (above) the short angled end (left) actually feels comfortable as a small handle. The (right side) flat side has enough area to act as a chest plate. Throw a quick release adapter on top and you'll have yourself a steady little camera shooter for $5.24. Sure it's not offset, but should work pretty wicked for an HV20 or HV30 with flip out LCD, hey maybe even a Canon 60D with it's flip out LCD.

Yeah I know what you guys are thinking, pretty crazy right? For a group of young students looking to have a bit of fun making videos, so long as the bully doesn't steal your lunch money, you could gain some steady shots with these ideas. Oh and i'm guessing a few of you DIY'ers will be heading down to Home Depot later today to secretly play 'Heavy Duty Shelf Hanger Dress Up'. LOL...Try it, you'll be surprised.....

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Canon-BG-E9-Grip

Here it is people, first images of a Canon 60D upgraded with Canon battery grip BG-E9. This thing is a bit hard to track down right now, and there's no aftermarket alternatives at the moment. This thing really threw me in a loop at first glance. I expected the Battery grip to load from the back like the Canon 5D Mark II and 7D. Not only does the Canon 60D feel so close to the 5DM2 & 7D cameras, it's also using the same LP-E6 batteries. Somehow I imagined it would have the same battery grip. Well it turns out the BG-E9 battery grip loads from the side similar to the Canon 550D / T2i using a tray to hold two batteries. This is a first for Canon to use the LP-E6 batteries into side tray.

photo 1 (2)

photo 2 (2)

Right away I loaded an aftermarket (unchipped) battery to see if the BG-E9 would reject it. Don't worry people, it likes it, and it works! Yes yes yes, the grip works with only one battery too. In the OEM box there's a case to hold the second tray which uses AA batteries, so that I can use my Eneloops. I'll take some better photos in the studio later today. If you have questions about the BG-E9 let me know, i'm sufffering a block right now and can't come up with what else you'd need to know.