Monthly Archives: March 2011

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The Panasonic GH2 seems to have an almost cult-like following. Die hards from previous GH1 models are lovin' the upgrades the GH2 brings to the table. The great thing about these Micro 4/3 cameras aren't just the ability to adapt any practically any lens, but also the quality of Video they provide. Unfortunately it's still a tough camera to find, and always out of stock. This slow availability of cameras is not helping them gain more market share, which I see was a problem with the Nikon D7000. Still, if you have to have the Panasonic GH2 (as of yesterday), there's a few listings at the big auction site, with a very minimal markup.

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find-price-button Panasonic Lumix GH2 Body

Once you've picked up your GH2, you'll want to get a wide angle lens with good aperture. Best bang for the buck is Panasonic's 20mm Pancake lens F/1.7. Great lens, fast, and sharp. I just purchased one (I know i'm late) and it's been a top performer for photography. I'm still not a fan of Panasonic's focusing for video, but the quality of this wide lens is exceptional.

Lumix 20mm F/1.7
find-price-button Lumix 20mm f/1.7 Aspheric G- Series Lens

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The Zoom H4n Portable Audio Recorder is a trusty little tool that almost every DSLR team has on hand. If you're looking for the cheapest deal, right now you can pocket a good 20% off on the factory refurbs + Free Shipping. Hard to find normally but a popular store front on eBay (which I purchased a few Zoom H1's from) has a few kits available which includes all the accessories from Wind Screen, mic stand, AC adapter, USB cable, 1GB Card, and Protective travel case. Cheaper than even used Zoom H4n's on eBay..

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find-price-button Zoom (Factory Refurbished) H4n Portable Audio Recorder

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DIYPhotgraphy.net has a really cool article about using a Padded Bass Case to pack up your light stands. These are long very well padded cases that can hold a few light stands as well as other small items. They have straps and some can be worn with a sling or back pack style. These padded Bass guitar travel cases some around $20 dollars or really really padded high quality for about $80 dollars and up to 47" inches long (That's still cheaper than Photography labeled bags). Most 10' foot light stands can collapse to about 39" inches so you'd have room to spare. These long padded travel bags should be good with other long items you might be traveling with like Monopods and Tripods too, and also makes you look like a Rock Star....(or traveling Guitar Hero geek)..

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find-price-button Padded Bass Guitar Cases

Also some nice non-shaped ones available via eBay:

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find-price-button Padded Base Guitar Cases via eBay

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Someone asked about a quick release adapter that would work best moving from a Flycam Nano over to some other different rigs. If you're not using a Fluid head like the Manfrotto 701HDV, then there's no reason you need to stick with the Manfrotto Compatible QR Adapter. The best low profile quick release adapter would be the Manfrotto 394. This low profile wide plate is a perfect fit for DSLR's and also doesn't use the twisty little side knobs which makes it perfect for mounting on wide flat surfaces like non Manfrotto Fluid heads, Steadicams, Glidecams, Camera Cranes / Jibs, Sliders, DSLR Cages, and Shoulder Mounts. Yeah sometimes those little twisty knobs off to the side are annoying..


Manfrotto 394
find-price-button Manfrotto Low Profile Quick Release Adapter

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An interesting start to a DIY DSLR shoulder rig inspired by the twist handle shift method. This time YouTube member geedubya101 uses a grip shifter from a bike and runs the firm cable to the lens. Another piece being used is a rotating flash bracket to add a side handle and some extra mounting options for accessories. Everything you need to know is all in the video, and it looks like it will be a cool little shoulder support when it's all done.

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Looks like a few new eBay sellers have picked up this unusual camera support item and now there's some promotional videos online. Folds up, folds out, with extremely large (too large?) handles that can configured into different style stabilizers such as a Shoulder rig, Fig Rig, DSLR Cage. Doesn't look like it can be positioned to get a DSLR with view finder loupe offset properly, but functions as a basic shoulder support with an external monitor attached. Above is the most recent video ad promoting this product labeling it as the 'Spider Steady'. Pricing is still less than desirable....

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find-price-button Multi DSLR Video Camera DV Shoulder Rig Support

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DIY slider video from Vimeo member Lolo Two. Here's a clever way to take some very inexpensive conduit tubing, a coupler, and with a basic set of tools, come up with a very sturdy camera slider. The coupler works out great since it's designed to fit perfectly around the EMT conduit tubing and also has some easy mounting points for the carriage. The video is pretty thorough on what it takes to get things together, but there's also a parts list following the video link. It's a simple DIY, and I believe that you all 'Con Du It' too... [Thanks Lolo Two]

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Screen shot 2011-03-11 at 10.33.33 AM

A brand new Canon 5D Mark II will still run you about $2500 dollars retail on any website. A used Canon 5D Mark II Body over on eBay will still run you over $2100 dollars and that's not knowing it's true condition. Canon right now is running some specials on their Refurbished Equipment website with a 10% off Promotional Code bringing down the Canon 5D Mark II (refurbished) bodies to $1799. Yeah that's a pretty sweet deal for a full frame body with excellent low light capabilities. Sure it's a refurb, but it's coming from Canon with a 90 Day warranty.

If you're looking to pick up used equipment, I think these official Canon refurb units are still a safer bet than going for a used version off the auction site. Aside from the 5D Mark II, there's 7D's, T2i's, 60D's, and a bunch of lenses including L series refurbished. Promotional Code is fam211 and the link is here.