This time around the Deal of the Day is the Canon EOS Rebel T3i
(not T3). The bundle comes with 3 lenses, which is the kit 18-55mm IS, a Canon EF 55-200mm
.
Monthly Archives: July 2011
JuicedLink DIY114B
Earlier this year JuicedLink showed off an inexpensive roller bearing prototype slider design at NAB2011 with Olivia. Here's another video showing a bit more information. Sold with just a trollery and rail clamps, you'll be able to assemble your own slider at any length you choose. For longer runs another trolley block with roller bearings on each side keep the rails in position. The whole design is focused on keeping the costs down as much as possible. No word yet on pricing and availability, but other information can be found over at the JuicedLink blog.
2D Photography Rube Goldberg
Gotta give credit where credit is due. According to Wikipedia, a Rube Goldberg machine, device, or apparatus is a deliberately over-engineered machine that performs a very simple task in a very complex fashion, usually including a chain reaction. The expression is named after American cartoonist and inventor Rube Goldberg. Here's a very clever photography 'gear' themed Rube Goldberg. Be prepared for about 4 minutes of video via YouTube member 2dPhotography.
Zacuto EVF with AfterMarket View Finder(s)
Zacuto's got one of the sweetest EVFs
Many people who couldn't afford the real Z-Finder
You can find these view finders under a few different names like 'VF Prime' or Seagull View Finder. Can be found on eBay here: (click here)
Or also Available on Amazon here:
VF Prime DSLR Camera LCD Viewfinder for 3" LCD
Leica Lens Making Video
For those who wonder why some lenses cost more than others, here's a look behind how Leica does it. For those of you who are Canon fans, you might want to set some time aside and take a look at how Canon assembles the 500mm http://cheesycam.com/wonder-why-lenses-cost-so-much/. Imagine all the other 'L' lenses...
ND Filters to Control Video Shutter Speed
I know there's a good amount of new DSLR shooters who haven't invested in ND filters yet, so here's a good example of the difference it can make to improve your DSLR video. To properly exposure on your DSLR you'll primarily be changing either Aperture or Shutter Speed. Since the majority of people love to shoot with a shallow depth of field (wide open aperture), changing the shutter speed is the only other option in bright days. This is where you could really compromise the video quality (unless you're going for that fast shutter look specifically). Get invested into some ND (neutral density) filters to cut down on the light so you can maintain that 'double framerate' rule.
To maintain the sharpest image possible, a single piece of ND glass is your best bet. The problem is that you need to have 1 filter for every sized lens, and you'll also need different densities according to the lighting. If you want to save time in swapping densities, you could get into Variable or Fader ND filters. These are adjustable filters that change densities as you rotate them giving you up to 9 stops in one single filter. Just be careful about the uber cheap ones. Here's a good article about those Variables http://cheesycam.com/variable-nd-filters-fader-filters/.
Here's a variable that i've been using with good results, but price has gone up a bit: http://cheesycam.com/nature-fader-nd-variable-neutral-density-filters/
DIY DSLR Stuff
Mike from Sweden sends in a couple of his DIY DSLR Rig photos. Made from wood, Ikea Cutting Board, Bike Handles, and the steel parts are Ikea kitchen handles. Folds down a bit for traveling, Pretty sweet DIY [Thanks Mike]
Jess Paul builds a DIY shoulder rig 'around' a Tripod base. Not only acting as a counterweight of sorts, but a proper stand when he needs to set the rig down to get into tripod mode. This might be an unusual setup for some, but necessity is the mother of invention. This seems to be a good solution for the fast paced work that he does. [Thanks Jess Paul]
YouTube member vapingmonkey puts together a lengthy video on how to make a DIY PVC shoulder rig with a top handle. [Thanks CJ]
Paul writes in and shares his DIY Zoom H4n mount to a Boom Pole. Handy to have the audio recorder in sight while booming for sound. Link to Instructables Here. [Thanks Paul]
Practice Run Electric SkateBoard + HX9
Another practice run on the Electric Skateboard. I'm determined to learn how to ride this thing, and I think I'm getting pretty comfortable. I picked up quickly for someone who never really knew how to skate. I had to warm up a 21 year old car and decided it would be fun to chase it around. Surprisingly this car still gets her 35+ MPG and passed the smog so clean, the Smog techs were in awe. Keep in mind i'm still not shooting with a Video camera Stabilizer, this is all with a short Velbon UltraStick monopod and the Sony HX9 point and shoot camera. The full 1080/60p helps with these moving shots. I'm almost pretty comfortable to take out my Steadicam Vest and Glidecam setup, so that should yield much better results.
Canon 15% Off Refurbished Cameras, Lenses, Flashes
I purchased a Refurbished Canon DSLR a little while back, and was very happy with the overall experience. Thanks to a tip from Scott, i'm not sure how long this was going on, but Canon's got 15% off Refurbished DSLRs. 5D Mark II sold out, Canon 1D Mark IV sold out, but a Canon 7D can be had for $1155.00. There's a few 60D and Canon T2i kits on the site, but don't forget this even applies to Lenses and Flashes. A Canon 580 EX II for $339? A Canon 24-105mm F/4L IS for just over $780? There's a sweet 17-55mm IS I know some of you have been looking into. You can check out DSLRs here: https://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/subCategory_10051_10051_-1_29252#
And you can find Lenses and Flashes here: https://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/subCategory_10051_10051_-1_22751#