Someone commented the other day about the Konova slider not being available and another person questioning if it will arrive. I'm not sure how long they were offline, but they seem to be back again and they are definitely shipping. Here's another recent unboxing and short video clip samples from Vimeo member NetMedia. Instead of using a Fluid video head, he's gone with a 3 way photography head. Although panning while sliding could be tricky, you can achieve some crazy camera angles with this type of head. NetMedia seems to be pretty happy with it. Of course they do sell such a thing as a 3 way fluid head, which works well for panning small cameras.
Konova video Camera Rolling Bearing DSLR Slider
Monthly Archives: February 2011
DIY SpiderTrax Rotational Dolly
YouTube member TheAussieInLA puts together his DIY version of the SpiderTrax rotational dolly and gets some pretty cool results. Looks like some basic skateboard trucks, skate wheels, and flat steel. [Thanks Alex]
The original version sold at PhotographyandCinema.com is no longer available, but if you're not the DIY type the next best version for the cheapest price is made through Konova. The Konova rotational dolly is well built with an anodized plating and a few fancy graphics. Although they opted to use roller blade type wheels, they flipped the axles upside down and shaved them flat, bringing it closer to the ground for low shots. You can find them following the link below.
Z96 LED Flicker Test with Sony Battery
Some people have commented about flickering from a Z96 LED video light. This has to do with battery voltage, especially when the batteries run low. I've had plenty of success with my Eneloops and haven't noticed any flickering until they drain out. This time YouTube member Luca throws together a battery and flicker test with the Z96 using a Sony battery. Results look pretty good, and the price for batteries + charger is not too shabby. [Thanks Luca].
3/8 Female to 1/4″ Male Thread
If you've picked up the Konova Slider and looking for a cheap way to mount your camera directly (no fluid head) this 3/8" to 1/4" male thread adapter is exactly what you need. The Konova only comes with a 3/8" stud and if you can't get around to a heavy duty fluid head, this could suffice temporarily. The only problem I can see though is being able to position the camera angle.
3/8" Female to 1/4" Male thread Adapter
If angle is of importance and you're not the type to do much panning while sliding, the Opteka is a pretty heavy duty ball head on the cheap. Unlike tiny ball heads, this one shouldn't have the same problems with vibration.
Opteka TH40 Magnesium Alloy Ball Head with Quick Release Plate for Tripods and Monopods
Mechanical Timer DSLR TimeLapse
YouTube member dalecampbellextras shows that a large mechanical kitchen timer can rotate more than just a small GoPro camera. Here he's showing use with a Canon DSLR and the timer still seems to rotate pretty well. I notice that in the video, there's talk about Center of Balance. If you've already picked up a Macro Rail Slider this could help center the weight. These mechanical timers are great for DIY panning rigs, but with a bit of string i'm guessing it can pull a camera across the Konova slider (no batteries required). [Thanks Dale]
Dale has some links to the products through his YouTube video, for eBay and Amazon the closest thing I could find similar would be the Large Kitchen Timers.
Large Mechanical Kitchen Timer
The traditional Egg Timer has always been used as a Panning Rig, but curious if anyone has taken that Rotisserie motor and used it for this same purpose?
Cell Phone Music Video Nokia N8 BTS
The Apple iPhone 4 quickly took to video hobbyists with shorts and music videos being completely shot on the device. This time YouTube member Kyle Roberts shoots an entire music video on a Nokia N8. Aside from the N8 itself, there's some serious Tripods and Sliders going on in this BTS video. There's also some DIY gear involved to work with the small form factor of the device. Sure it might just be another cell phone music video but it's been shot, edited, and uploaded which is more than what most people can do with even the fanciest of gear. It's all for the love and the fun, and it's a way to get out and shoot - No excuses. You can catch the final color graded and edited music video at the end of the BTS clip. [Thanks Kyle]
Mock Crane movements – Slider Tips
YouTube member Dod3032 shows some simple mock vertical crane shots and other interesting camera movements all on a slider. Get out and get creative..
Yongnuo 135 Solo Light Review
Vimeo member Rod Guajardo puts up a simple one light test with the Yongnuo 135. I know some people have been asking for a real skin tone example of how this light performs. As far as coverage of light, it does a good job for a talking head interview type shot. Would be great to see one more light as a fill, and maybe one for a rim light in this type of setup. I think it could work considering these are about half the price of a Z96.
So not sure if it's my eyes, or of it's my screen, but do you think there's hint of green? It could be quite possible as green is a common cast from LED lighting. Even on the popular 126 and 500 LED light panels, people have been finding that adding a 1/8 minus green gel seems to balance it out perfectly. Not sure if that's the case in this video, but i'll see if I can grab some gels and experiment with mine. [Thanks Rod]
IndyMogul – Stabilizer Showdown w/ Q and Erik
Wow just caught this video from IndyMogul a few minutes ago, and believe it or not, I feel like i've just been nominated for an Academy award. In this video they touch on a few ideas for budget stabilizers (one or two from this website) with all of the web links in the description of their YouTube video found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9d93j4jf5M.
Seriously though, i'm a huge fan of IndyMogul. If you love anything about movies - making movies, watching movies, DIY gear, and low budget ways to get special effects into your filmmaking, check out all of the videos they've produced over the years. With over 80 million upload views on YouTube alone, they're hard to miss. If you're not on the ball, you can subscribe to all the content they produce over at their YouTube channel, or set up a subscription to their FREE podcasts via iTunes. This way you can carry all the episodes in your fancy iPods, iPhones, and iPads.
Aside from pure voyeurism, you can always send in your comments and ideas to IndyMogul as they're pretty active in the filmmaking community. [Thanks for the kind words guys, Keep on Keepin' On]