Monthly Archives: April 2011

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Sony-HX100V-CameraSony HX100v

Sony's new HX100v is throwing down some wicked specs. Besides basic built in Flash and an HDMI out, the new point and shoot will include a crazy 30x Optical Zoom (27-810mm Equiv), 10fps Burst Photography, 3" Swivel LCD, and even 1080@60p Full HD Video. Obviously the new camera will include all of Sony's popular features such as Image Stabilization, Intelligent 3D Sweep Panorama, and in camera HDR imaging. Should be available in the coming weeks..

Sony
find-price-button Sony HX100V 16.2MP 30x Zoom 1080@60fps

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Ring-LED-Light

A new LED Ring light becomes available. This one looks like the same build as the 352 LED Ring light that I've been using, except the count on this comes to 360 LEDs. I've heard rumors about a new improved version that was being developed, but I can't say if this one is it. It sure does look like the same bracket in the additional photos. This one is powered the same via 12V AC adapter or an optional 12V battery similar to the 352. There's a few other listed specs for the 360 that are better than the 352 including dimmable down to 0% and about $70 dollars cheaper. Now time to hunt down a video review..

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find-price-button 360 LED DSLR Video Ring Light w/ Battery

Here's the other 352 LED Ring light Version (below).
dimmable-352-ring-light
find-price-button 352 12V Capable Dimmable LED Ring Light

Olivia gets a a run through with the newest D-Focus Follow Focus Version 3 and a sneak peek on the newly announced D-Matte DSLR Matte box that will be available from Jag35. Standard 4x4 filters will be accepted on this two stage system. One holder can rotate for Circular Polarizer use.

The D-Focus V3 is already available, and the D-Matte will be shortly following the link: Jag35 D-Matte and D-Focus Version 3

To see why the pricing on this new Matte Box could be a hit, check out the going rates for current ones below.
Other-Matte-Box
find-price-button Video Camera FIlter Holder Matte Boxes

Then again in the most simplest term, a Matte Box helps hold filters, and also aids in shading the glass. It is possible to get the same effect using Cokin P Series filters. These are inexpensive ways to get ND filters, gradient filters, and other creative filters in front of your lenses. Found below.

Screen shot 2011-03-07 at 8.47.30 AM
find-price-button Cokin Square Hood Stackable Filter Holders

Another video with a few different additions to the DIY DSLR Cage project. This time, YouTube member browncowvideo uses a Miter Track channel for the top rail. This allows the mounted accessories to be adjusted left and right. Another added addition is the swing out feet that allows you to rest the Cage on a flat surface, a very simple yet functional idea. [Thanks Brian]

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I posted an article about some new 277 LED Video lights not long ago, but there was only two available for sale online with no real information on performance and quality. These new Socanland LED lights come in a few different flavors in a few different sizes, most popular right now are the 277 and 310.

Cam Cornelius was actually at NAB2011 when he picked up his Socanland 277 Bi-Color DImmable LED light, which he seems to be really impressed with. Cam's put together what appears to be the first video review about the Socanland 277 LED light. With a wide angle lens you can see it doesn't seem very spotty and covers a large area of the screen. A solid build, good form and fuction seems like Socanland is getting off on the right foot with DSLR Video. If this is a light you'd be interested in, they aren't available at this time. But check back here in a few, i'm on the ball to let you know as soon as they become available. [Thanks Cam]

277-LED-bi-color-lightbi-color-led
find-price-button 277 LED Bi-Color Changing LED Video Lights

310-Bi-Color-Changing-LED310-color-changing
find-price-button 310 LED Bi-Color Changing LED Video Lights

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tilta-follow-focus
tilta-portable-dock
find-price-button Tilta DSLR Shoulder Rig, Matte Box, Half Cage, Follow Focus

What's up with Tilta? I've seen a few of their small DSLR rig parts before, but it looks like they are slowly expanding on gear. Bruce pointed out today about their Follow Focus kit which includes two different gears, a set of base rails to mount, a dslr stage with battery door access, and a unique 'quick dock' solution to remove the entire system from a tripod or rig. I don't see a way to reverse the gears or adjustments for lash and tension, but it does have it's simple appeal. Anyone got more insight on these Tilta DSLR Rigs? They've even got a full Shoulder rig with half cage and Matte Box as well, but a bit too pricey for my taste...

tilta-follow-focus-matte-box
find-price-button Tilta DSLR Shoulder Rig, Matte Box, Half Cage, Follow Focus

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Here's a simple frame grab using only 900 LED Video Light panels. 1/50th, F/4, ISO 100 on Canon 7D.

1200-900-600-LED-Video-Light-Panels
find-price-button 900 LED Dimmable Photography Video Light Panel

No worries about heat or power draw that will blow out house breakers. The 600 and 900 LED versions come with Sony V Mounts, so you can also invest in batteries to take them off the grid and portable. You can see placement of lights in the first frame grab. Not the best test here, but hopefully you get an idea about power output, throw, and diffusion. [Thanks Olivia for sitting in.]

You can find more LED Video Light Panels in different Sizes below
600-900-1200 LED
find-price-button 500, 520, 600, 900, 1000, 1200 LED Lights and More

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If you're wondering about what the 128GB Lexar SDXC card is good for, there's a number of things. Besides throwing it into bitrate hungry high end cameras, another good purpose is doubling the disk space on my MacBook Air. The new Macbook Air can't be upgraded internally, so by using a very generic SDHC card reader, i'm able to double my storage with a solid state drive that can transfer 100MB files in less than 7 seconds. There's no limit to individual 4GB file sizes with exFAT format and the card works both on Mac and PC. It's the smallest and lightest storage media I can carry in my backpack. If you're looking at 128GB USB thumb drives with equivalent speeds and you'll find yourself coughing up about twice the price of this single Lexar.

sdhc-card-reader
find-price-button SDHC Card Reader Used as Thumb Drive

So, since the Lexar 128GB card is based on exFAT file system with no 4GB limit, what happens if you place it into a Canon 60D? Will the video stop automatically? The answer is yes it will stop at just around a 4GB file size - so DSLRs won't be taking advantage of SDXC and larger file sizes (for now). The Canon 60D and Panasonic GH2 can see the entire 128GB and can record video without any buffering issues, but for now the card is a bit overkill. For other things like being able to dump files to the editor, run backups in Time Machine, or use it for additional storage it's pretty quick and has a feather weight footprint in the bag...

lexar-128gb
find-price-button Lexar 128GB SDXC Card

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Our NAB2011 videos aren't all on the website just yet, but just wanted to thank Prodigy Studios for coming out and covering all the highlights and BTS footage of our trip. We covered lots of ground and got to meet all the good people behind some of the popular DSLR products including Cinevate, Konova, Jag35, WideOpenCamera, JuicedLink, Letus, Camera Motion Research, Varizoom, and more. [Thanks Waylon]