Alzo's latest DSLR accessory cage
Optional top bracket can be found below:
ALZO Top Cage Bracket Handle
Monthly Archives: July 2011
Cheap Matte Box – DON’T DO IT
Alright, when I see an item that's super duper crap not good stuff, it's not mentioned on this blog. Unfortunately I think i've received a hundred emails about RJ's new 'cheap' matte box and everyone seems so excited about it. So I feel I need to throw out a word of warning. I'm here to tell you it's terrible! not very good. Don't do it!
This is literally the first time i've posted a blog about something to say that it's a total waste of money (ok maybe my second time). In fact, I've seen this thing up close and personal and my suggestion is to try to avoid it at all costs. I don't think it should even be considered as a 'Matte Box'. It's barely even a decent sun shade. The plastic designed panels could reflect light back into the lens. It holds no filters so what's the use? The clamp will fall apart on you the first day with plastic knobs. There's my personal input and for those who might have bought into it, you might want to ask for a refund. Currently it's being sold pretty cheap through a seller jinfinance found below. Avoid buying is my take....
iPad Teleprompter Review – Pad Prompter
For videos that engage an audience, it's extremely important for the host to maintain good eye contact. Trust me, if you guys ever need to have someone drop a few lines or read off a script, a Prompter is a true time saver. Time is money, especially when you're off at a rented location, you can't spend countless takes waiting for your host to nail a script. Not something you'd typically see, but that's all changing now. In the past, the problem was that these units used to run in the thousands and were quite bulky. iPads have helped shaped these things down to a much more manageable tool that we use both in the studio and out in the field.
The Pad Prompter is not only set at a decent price with a true glass beam splitter (good for maintaining sharpness), but is also the only one I know that can break down this small and mount a basic rail setup. The entire unit packs into a laptop sized bag and can be transported with the iPad inside. The Pad Prompter does not include any software, and we're using the ProPrompter. You can find this Pad Prompter - iPad Teleprompter over at the store (click here).
Olympus EP3 Orders Open
If you're a Micro Four Thirds junkie, you couldn't have missed all the buzz circling around Olympus' latest PEN camera - the EP3. The PEN cameras are very impressive and was one of the first to MFT's to sport the retro look. One of the hottest topics is having super lighting fast Auto Focus and lower noise. Olympus has been stepping up quaity and performance in this form factor on every release, as well as pricing. I'm interested to start seeing all the new HD video clips that will be uploaded in the next few weeks. Prices are much higher than I expected, but if you were on that waiting list, it's now available to ship (click here
Olympus EP3 Interchangeable Lens Camera
There's also a lot more color options and configurations for Olympus' EP3 that will be available for pre-order. Pre-orders are not charged unless the item ships, so you can always call to cancel if you find it elsewhere. You can find the other available options following the link (click here).
SmallHD DP4 and Zacuto Z-EVF side by side
First look at the two most popular EVFs on the market side by side. Surprisingly not a 'major' size difference, nor a huge weight difference. The Z-EVF is super lightweight, but when used with the Zacuto Z-Finder it adds on a bit. Note: I have no affiliation nor have I ever received any items from SmallHD or Zacuto. Now that the SmallHD DP4 was available, I purchased both the DP4-EVF and Z-EVF Flip to see which of these would best fit into my workflow. Whichever I choose would be my personal opinion on what works best for my situation. These are just my initial thoughts while I piece these two together for a more thorough review. More to come soon enough..
DSLR Rig Movie Kit Shoulder Mount
When you search eBay for a DSLR Rig, you'll find a ton of these 'Movie Kit Shoulder Mounts'. I received this one a while back from eBay to demo, but never got around to doing anything with it. I personally am not into these transforming rigs, but I know a few people have sent in comments and videos showing use of them. Here's a quick demo of some of the configurations they can bend into. Again, not my cup of tea, but might be something entertaining for someone out there. Prices have definitely dropped since they first appears, and you find them on the web (click here
).
Wondlan DSLR Shoulder Shooter GunStock
Looking to build an ultra simple target shooter type camera stabilizer? One of the hardest parts to come by is a decent looking shoulder stock. The cheapest little shooter kit might have been one from Gini or one from Wondlan's Sniper package, but that was still a bit over most budgets for such a simple thing. Well if you've got a few rig parts laying around you can now buy Wondlan's stock seperately for under $40 dollars + shipping. Would be great to piece together a small shooter for my Sony HX9.
A Z96 Clone or Z96 Upgrade? W96 LED Light
Thanks to a tip from Dave here's something of interest. Still all new to me, but apparently it's advertising as an 'upgrade' to the uber popular Z96 LED Video light. There has been rumor for sometime that there was an upgrade due to a few minor bugs. Mainly flickering at low battery levels and a poor ball head mount. Sure the original Z96 had F&V pasted on it, but was that just brand stamping on a no name LED light? In any case, here's an introduction to the 'W96' LED video light. [Thanks Dave]
BTW, here's a fun bit showing use of the Z96 among other LED lights. http://cheesycam.com/cheap-500-led-1000-led-and-z96-lights-in-use/
Almost dead on specs from weight to power draw and power output. Now coming in black (instead of grey) the W96 has basically the same form factor, magnetic snap on filters, uses similar battery types, and of course stackable. The big questions are, is this a real upgrade? If not, how does it match up to the real thing? One advantage that it does have is much lower pricing (right now). Then again, that's exactly where the original Z96 price started too before inflation. Check it out following the link (click here).
Z96 Upgrade Dimmable LED Video Light W96
[Update on this Particular LED Video Light] http://cheesycam.com/z96-upgrade-more-like-down-grade/
Smallism Video Camera Slider Review
It looks similar to the Konova and Varavon, but hardly up to the same standards. The bearings are adjustable. I've seen these Smallism sliders before, but they were always expecting way too much. Seems like they know where they stand and have finally brought prices down below Konova. Although the feet/legs aren't anything to brag about, it is an actual roller bearing slider if you want to stray from the IGUS rails.
You can find Konova's roller bearing track slider (click here).
You can find the Smallism slider at auction (click here).