Vimeo member Tom Guilmette has a video from Shane Hurlbut's Master Cinema Series launch party. The launch party in Los Angeles showcases the first three main rigs in the product line from a handheld cage, to shoulder rig, and larger eye-leveling studio setup. Definitely looked like tons of fun and even Freddie Wong made it out to the party. More information about the DSLR rigs and accessories in the product line can be found at the website https://mastercinemaseries.com
Monthly Archives: October 2011
Lytro Camera Shoot Now Focus Later
The Lytro that everyone has been talking about which works much differently than traditional cameras, captures the light field, so you can shift your shallow depth of field focus after you've snapped a pic. If every photo camera worked in this manner, there wouldn't be such a thing as 'out of focus images'. With such high tech features, the Lytro camera actually is smaller than I originally thought it needed to be, and the price tag is somewhat consumer friendly.
You can find more information about how Lytro works, images of the camera, and a small Gallery where you can play around with changing focus following the link below.
https://www.lytro.com/living-pictures/282
Windcut Windshield Microphone Cover
I'm not very familiar with this company, but from the wind tests in the video sent over by YouTube member NitsanPictures, it seems to work well. Another great option furry deadcat microphone windscreen for those out in the UK. Thanks Nitsan. Available for a few different popular microphone models, found following the link (click here)
Windcut Windshield Microphone Covers
DIY Steadicam Glidecam
Nice build on this DIY video camera stabilizer. The gimbal design with PVC resembles one that was posted here over a year ago (click here). You can find more information about this build over at Vimeo member Constantin Gabor's video here.
Pico Complete Kit – International Shipping
Thanks to YouTube member chrisbourke for sharing some unusual shots with the Pico Flex Dolly. Here's another small post for those who were waiting on the Pico Flex Dolly 'Complete Kit' and International Shipping. For select countries you can finally purchase the complete kit which includes one 11" friction arm and Shark Camera Clamp. It's now available from ePhoto Inc. following the link below.
Canon announced new 1DX DSLR
All the rumors were true about Canon releasing a new camera (finally). The latest 1DX camera is a merger between the 1D and 1Ds high end professional cameras. According to the article at Engadget, the new 1DX will be an 18MP camera, have a top ISO of 204,000 and pretty average video frame rates and resolutions already available - (no full 1080 @ 60fps?).
The camera has a 61-point high density reticular AF system, 252-zone metering system, a 14 fps JPEG (or 12 fps RAW) burst mode, and really looks like it was targeted for the professional photographer. Video quality from the new full frame will be better than all other current Canon DSLR cameras with a few new compression methods, less noise, less moire, and aliasing, but the price tag of $6,800 doesn't seem like it will rock the DSLR video market as a game changer (for the average consumer).
It's an amazing camera on it's own right, but Sony and Panasonic are also continuing to release new cameras that merge DSLR and Video for a cheaper price. Wondering if they'll give us clean HDMI out too for capturing video externally? Hopefully you didn't sell off your 5D Mark IIs before this announcement expecting this would be your next camera (I'd buy it though..lol). This certainly blows away expectations for Professional Canon Photographers, but I don't think this is the camera Canon had in mind specifically to rock the dslr video market. I think the next few camera announcements we hear from Canon will be the one HD DSLR shooters are all waiting for. ETA for 1Dx available in March 2012.
[Update] Here's from the Canon website on
Specifications: https://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras/eos_1d_x?WT.mc_id=EM1110EO02001&RID=1#Specifications
Features: https://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras/eos_1d_x?WT.mc_id=EM1110EO02001&RID=1#Features
Manfrotto LED Video Lights
When I hear the name Manfrotto, I don't normally think about lighting products. Well, Manfrotto has come out with a new line of LED video lights ranging from mini to medium sized. The largest LED count so far being only 84 LEDs. Fully dimmable from 0-100%, it also comes with a set of diffusers and gels to soften the light output or warm up the color temperature. Rated at 5600K, some versions of the new Manfrotto LED lights also have a Flash sync function for Still Photography. Sounds like they're stepping into LitePanels territory...
Gini New Follow Focus System
This morning I woke up and literally slapped myself in the head for finally figuring something out that should have been pretty obvious from the start. A few months ago Gini DSLR Rigs began working on a few prototype follow focus system that attached only to one rail. The first versions were based on a Huco gearbox, which is the same stuff found in old RedRock Micro Follow Focus systems. Gini eventually ditched the Huco gearbox and began working on a second design with a different gearbox.
Through this process there were unfinished versions so it wasn't clear about the direction this follow focus was heading. Now that there are more recent images of the new Follow Focus, I finally figured out the inspiration for this design! (Slaps ForeHead) The entire time the follow focus was being developed, it was based on the Cinevate Durus Follow Focus system. Single Rail mount, adjustable marking point, the removable marking disc, knob design, and latest gearbox design. In fact the new Gini Lens gears are also a tribute to Cinevates universal lens gears. Here's a side by side on the FFs.
Cinevate Durus (left) Gini Latest Follow Focus (right)
Hands down, the Cinevate Durus Follow Focus is the best Follow Focus i've used under $1300 dollars. If you want something rock solid, literally ZERO Backlash, and built to last for years don't hesitate on any of Cinevate's equipment. They make the best sliders, Matte Boxes, Follow Focus systems, and more. Customer service behind all their equipment is a big added bonus. Find more of Cinevate products (click here).
From looking at all the other photos, Gini truly appears to have been inspired around the Cinevate Durus, but the question is how closely has the new FF followed in actual design? Gearbox design? You can see all the new additional photos following the link (click here).
Gini i Focus Follow Focus
312 LED Video Light Upgraded
The 312 is one of our favorite LED lights. It's big and the color changing feature allows you to blend it in better with other light sources. The video (above) is a look at the original 312 LED Video light, but now this popular light gets a few upgrades. The first thing visibly is the new magnetic filter holders, much like the Z96 LED light. Why can't all the LED lights use this feature? This is awesome. Second upgrade is thicker filters for better diffusion. There's an upgraded hot shoe ball mount, and finally an overhaul on the entire frame. The body of the LED light has been redesigned with heavier plastic making the unit feel more solid and less flimsy. Other notable mentions are a longer 2 year warranty on LED lamps. With all the new upgrades, surprisingly prices stayed low. You can find the latest versions of this light (click here)
Latest 312 Color Temp Changing LED Video Light