Monthly Archives: September 2011

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A video review from Vimeo member Kenrik March about Gini's latest Follow Focus system. Gini no doubt makes some incredible equipment, but in this FF he's relying on what looks like the Huco gearbox (used in many other FF systems). These aren't the highest end gearboxes, so below is an updated video on approximately how much lash (play) there is in the gearbox.

The best deals on Gini rigs are through the auction bundles, so check back often and see what's on the menu. Something new is the same basic setup for the follow focus, but this time he's dropped the marking disc and pointer, and offers this as a way to control the zoom ring. Some rigs that use Telephoto lenses have one FF for the focus ring, and one to zoom in and out smoothly. You can find Gini Auctions on eBay (click here).

Gini DSLR Rigs
find-price-button Gini DSLR Rigs Follow Focus Kits

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A few people have already left links in the comments area that they have received their Pico Flex Dollies. They were supposed to begin shipping at a later date, and hopefully it was a surprise that many went out sooner. If you have one on order and haven't received it yet, be patient as they are still in the process of shipping. Above is a video review from Vimeo member Just Basl productions. [Thanks Jarrod].

Here's a simple unboxing (below) from Vimeo member Omar Torres to show what's included. The interior pouch of the bag is meant to hold the (optional) friction arm if you ordered one with.

His follow up video with a few tests. I have tons of fun with simple point and shoot cameras, but here Omar threw one of the largest DSLRs (Canon 5D Mark II), and one the heaviest lenses (Canon 24-70mm F/2.8L) onto the little Pico.

Right now PhotographyandCinema.com is awaiting the next inventory, so orders will re-open very soon. If you want to get notified when the pre-orders are open, you should subscribe to the form on the website (click here).

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Starting with a basic Ladder Hanging Bracket found at Home Depot, Vimeo member StudioAmarelo was able to create this DIY Steadicam. The Gimbal is based on WSClater's Traxxas U-joint design. From there it's a matter of placing weights in the right spot. You can find some additional information at the video link (here). [Thanks Garrick]

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I'm not too familiar with the Audio2000 wireless microphone system, but Vimeo member Kenrik March seems to have used it quite a bit. Seems to be using it often enough to attempt using the universal 12V battery pack I blogged about to make it a truly wireless and portable system. A bit large and not something you'll be mounting to the top of your camera, but a line out from the receiver in to a Zoom H1 should work well. There seems to be some varying packages that come with hand held microphone, LAV microphone, or Headset wireless microphones. I couldn't tell you if all the receivers require 12V DC in. Now if we can get a range test to see what distance this could be usable at. [Thanks Kenrik]


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find-price-button Audio2000 Wireless Microphone Systems

As tipped by Kenrik, these UHF Wireless Microphone packages can also be found for cheaper via eBay (click here)
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find-price-button Audio2000 UHF Wireless Microphone System

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Sony NEX-5n available
find-price-button Sony NEX-5n

Sony's latest NEX-5n has been getting quite a bit of press lately. It never seems to have hit the shelves over at B&H yet, but it's been in and out of stock over at Amazon. Today both versions with and without lens is available in limited quantities (click here).

A nice camera indeed with full 1080/60fps and excellent low light capabilities, but I feel some people are saving up a few hundred extra dollars for the NEX7 or A77.

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Cotton Carrier Vest

Cotton Carrier handles your DSLR like a BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier. Fitting as many of us consider our cameras as such. The Cotton Carrier Vest system has been around for quite some time as an option for photographers to carry their cameras 'hands free'. At some point Cotton figured these DSLRs shoot video and created an adapter to position the camera in front of the operator. It can also support a fluid head like the 701HDV. Looks like they are also rockin' a Varavon view finder as an example in one of the photos.

Camera Cotton CarrierScreen shot 2011-09-11 at 10.45.51 AM

The problem is that this little 'Steady Shot' adapter bracket requires an existing Cotton Carrier vest system (found here). Add in the very expensive MSRP price of the bracket for $259, and the combined solution to hold your camera hands-free may not fair well with the masses.

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find-price-button Pre-Order Cotton Carrier Steady Shot Bracket

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Another Hollywood Ultralight turns up on auction. This ultralight stabilizer is a discontinued product, but works like a mini Glidecam (as seen in the video demonstration above). It can support cameras of up to 4lbs, but with all the new GF3 like cameras with HD video, it's too bad they don't start making these things again. eBay auction found (click here)

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find-price-button Hollywood Lite VS1 mini Video Camera Stabilizer

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Screen shot 2011-09-11 at 10.50.10 AMScreen shot 2011-09-11 at 10.49.10 AM

This new adjustable shoulder camera stabilizer, is a simple design. A pad that wraps over the shoulder combined with a long chest plate supports the weight of your camera. An adjustable / rotatable stage with support handle positions the camera. Simple but effective, especially for super small video cameras.

Screen shot 2011-09-11 at 10.50.17 AM

Now the unusual feature is what looks like a compass (if i'm correct). If you require a compass to navigate to what you need to shoot, I don't think you should be allowed to handle a camera. Now if it were an electronic touch screen GPS navigator, that might be a different story. I wonder what would happen if you hacked two of these together (one on each shoulder). Fairly new, but you can find the shoulder support stabilizer on eBay (click here)

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find-price-button Video Camera Shoulder Support Stabilizer w/ Compass?

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pico-dolly-loaded

Here's the latest update. Thanks to those who have placed a pre- order with the Pico Flex Table dolly. Assembly and packaging is still underway. We estimated that shipping would begin by September 12th. While many items have already shipped (earlier than expected), shipping will continue according to the date the order was placed, but some items could ship just a few days after our estimated September 12th.