I'm all for traveling light, shooting with small cameras, and using Mini Stabilizer Rigs, but I don't know about this new one. It's being offered from the same guys selling the inexpensive single filter DSLR Mattebox (found here).
This new Mini Rig is a two handle flat folding design, that can be reconfigured for an offset. Looks cool, but things just seem out of place. The shoulder pad to handle distance is way too short, and the camera will probably sit too low (no riser). Nice try fellas, but I don't think this mini rig configuration is going anywhere. (Nevermind. Looks like sold at least 10 already).
Hey remember that plastic MatteBox / Sunshade I mentioned about two months ago and said 'Don't do it!'? Still for only about $65 dollars, there were many people who picked up on it and said it served a purpose for what they needed it for (aesthetics?).
Well here we are just 60 days in from it's initial release and now it's received a major price slash, we're talking about half price plus FREE Shipping [Thanks Kenrik]. Some people charge just that on the 15mm clamp alone. I'm still not a fan of the thing, but to each their own. Now you can now find these plastic sunshades through a variety of sellers for the price they were first meant to be released at (click here).
Aputure is a company that's been around the block, best known for it's variety of wireless products. From wireless camera shutter remotes, to wireless flash triggers, and of course the most popular of the bunch is the Wireless GigTube DSLR Live View monitors with remote shutter release (as below).
Aputure Wireless DSLR Live View Monitors
Now they are stepping into LED Video lights with the Amaran (make sure you say hello to Litepanels and their recent filings). Models include popular counts like 126 LEDs, 160 LEDs, and 198 LEDs. All versions seem to share the same features accepting Sony battery types or 6x AA batteries. Battery indicator, dimmable, comes with a snap on Diffusion filter and snap on Tungsten filter. Hopefully it's as well put together as their other products like the new Magic Rig they are offering (here). No other reviews online at this time.
Pricing for Aputures latest LED video lights starts somewhere around $40 bucks (click here)
Amaran LED Video Light 126 LED, 160 LED, and 198 LED
DIY DSLR inspired Logo T-Shirt. Some of you might have seen me wearing this T-Shirt during the Express35 Event Rig review (click here). A few people mentioned it could be of interest, so here it is available online starting today. Just a simple acronym DIY with an image of a DSLR. Shirts available in a few variety of sizes and colors. Find it below.
Nice little insight on Nikon's latest '1 series' Mirrorless cameras that they were trying to drum the press up about. I guess they are basing everything around the number '1' because of the 1" sensor size. Sounds great when you say it's 4 times the size of most point and shoot sensors, not so great to say it's about half the size of a Micro Four Thirds.
I do like the fact that Nikon took a step back to a 10MP sensor instead of trying to keep up with the MegaPixel race. Lower megapixels normally translates to better low light quality. Seems like all Nikon 1 series cameras are sold with at least one lens, or offered in a two lens kit. They've got some interesting little optic ranges including a 10mm prime.
The new Nikon Mirrorless camera listings can already be found via Amazon, and even though this video answers some great questions, there are more detailed specs and features of the Nikon V1 and J1 found in the listings (click here).
Nikon Mirrorless 1 J1 and V1 cameras Kit Lens bundles
The 701HDV and 501HDV are very popular fluid heads for Manfrotto and currently Manfrotto is accepting Mail in rebates dropping the price down a bit. You can find the list of all Mail-In Rebates for the 701HDV & 501HDV fluid heads bundled with Tripods (click here).
Manfrotto 701HDV and Tripod Bundles with Rebates
If you're just looking for a deal on the 701HDV fluid head alone without Mail-In rebates, Amazon ships Prime and is just $7 dollars over the rebate price. 701HDV Fluid Head Only
Unfortunately, no rebates apply for the popular 561BHDV Fluid Head Monopod. Many people have been asking about this one that has sold out on both Amazon and B&HPhotoVideo.com. The only place to find a few are through one seller on eBay and luckily the prices weren't inflated. 561BHDV Professional Fluid Head Monopod
Another DSLR bundle deal of the day, this time it's the Canon T3i with 18-55mm kit lens, a 50mm F/1.8, and a 55-250mm. I think it ends today. More information, find it below.
This is so random, but might also be useful. For people with kids, how often have you looked at that BOB Jogging Stroller and thought 'This would be ideal to carry some gear'. Of course no matter how well you dress it up, there's no hiding the fact that it's still a baby stroller.
I was shopping for another cart that can carry a decent amount of weight and include some nice size tires to tackle a variety of terrain. This Kill Shot Deer cart looked pretty interesting (and not so much stroller-like) as it's rated to pull 500lbs over terrain and still folds down a bit. But to make it work for my gear, I think I might need to add another set of caster wheels to the front. There's some additional dimensions following the link below. So random, ok back to work.
With more and more small HD video cameras coming out every month, more and more companies are making lightweight stabilizers. Another mini rig are these little black and orange mini shooter rigs just starting to come around. John a.k.a. YouTube member TheDurko11 gives us a look at the unboxing and shows that even the clamp knobs are metal [Thanks John]. Redrock Micro has also been lining up lightweight stabilizers with their line of Nano Rigs (found here).
These new rigs come with one handle, adjustable camera stage with quick release plate, and adjustable shoulder / chest pad. Mostly metal and stainless steel, color scheme (not blue this time) designed after the World Series Champions - Go Giants! Found Below.
[Update] Seller has re-listed the item (below) and at first glance you'll see an incredibly high marked up price. The deal is that you can make an offer of $89 US dollars, mention this blog, and the offer will be accepted. Offers that don't mention this blog will not be accepted. One other important piece of information is that this listing is a 'Pre-Order', and the new inventory should arrive sometime this week. This auction comes from across the pond, perfect for the UK buyers.
Cheap Plastic Matte Box Sunshade for 15mm Rails
, to 
and 
