Monthly Archives: November 2011

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Not long ago Lexar released a 128GB SDXC media card (I have this card) for under $200 dollars. Currently I use this card as my featherweight external hard drive, doubling the hard drive space available in my Macbook Air. SDXC is a backwards compatible format to work in cameras that use average SDHC, but does not suffer from the 4GB file limit (your camera must also support this). Yes, it does work in every camera i've thrown it into including the Sony HX9V, Fuji X10, Canon S100, T2i, 60D, etc. Although each of these cameras still bottleneck with their own firmware limiting file recording.

lexar-sdxc-128GB
find-price-button Lexar 128GB SDXC Class 10 Media

Recently released is the new Sandisk 64GB SDXC media card and at first glance you'd think the Lexar was a better deal when it comes to Size/Price ratio, but the new Sandisk is Speed-Rated to UHS Class 1 standard spec'd out at 95MB/s Read/90MB/s Write Speeds, while Lexar's SDXC is still rated as SDHC Class 10 133x 20MB/s Read Transfer. Might be overkill for DSLR shooters, but big Video camera shooters can take advantage of these larger and faster SDXC cards. The new Sandisk 64GB SDXC cards are already available via B&H (click here)

Sandisk-64GB-SDXC
find-price-button Sandisk new UHS Class 1 64GB SDXC Media Card

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NextWaveDV has some very informational videos online about HDSLR shooting, and now has plans to offer a new show called Film Scene. Film Scene will be a show that takes scenes from your favorite movies and teaches you how to recreate them on an indie film budget.

Film-Scene-banner

Sounds like an interesting show, especially if you're into BTS, How-to, DIY, and Camera Gear. Instead of looking to Kickstarter, they plan to raise money by discounting products in their NextWaveDV Store until December 15th. If you find something of interest, they're offering the readers of this blog an additional 10% off using promo sale code: cheesycam11. You can find more information about their new show and products available in their store at their site (click here).

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Letus Hawk on Canon my 60D / 85mm F/1.2L

Don't forget that periodically Letus auctions off a few items starting at low prices with no reserve if you want to try and grab either the Letus DSLR Cage, Talon Rig, or Hawk View Finder possibly for less than half the normal price. They don't always have auctions running all the time, but right now you can check out the latest Letus auctions at their eBay store (click here).

Letus-CageLetus-HawkLetus-Rig
find-price-button Letus35 DSLR Cages, Rigs, View Finders

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Contrary to the belief, i'm a victim of my own blog too. I posted about this particular Tekkeon Battery pack and how it can supply proper 14V to the 600 or 900 LED light panels. In fact, we were using a 900 LED video light with this battery pack outdoors this past Friday as fill light to balance our exposure. Way cheaper than a V-Mount battery solution and great for powering up other devices from 5V-19V. (Old video post below)

Once I decided how well these have been working out on our location shoots, I wanted to purchase more. Unfortunately it quickly went into 'backordered' status for the last two months!! Now everyday i've been peeking and poking around trying to locate more, so I can run the other large LED lights on battery power. Now that they are finally back in stock, I learned my lesson, and was smart enough this time around to purchase a few more before posting up here. I test out gear all the time, and these are hands down the best battery solution for these large LED lights for the price. Hopefully you guys get the chance to try it before it's on backorder status again.

The battery is good to travel with and charge your cell phones with the USB port, charge your iPads, GoPro Cameras, power up LCD monitors, on Camera lights, etc. There are many versions of the Tekkeon battery, and I purchased the 3450i specifically because of the features it offers. I believe the 'i' stands for 'industrial grade'. The best price I could find online was over at B&H (click here).

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find-price-button Tekkeon myPower All Plus Battery 5V-19V DC

600 LED 900 1200 Video Light Panel
find-price-button Dimmable LED Video Light Panels

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Has anyone tried diffusing their LED panels with a cheap shoot through folding softbox used for Speedlites? These $6 dollar folding diffusion panels normally strap to the front of a portable flash, but now they are advertising it for LED video lights. Effective? Maybe, maybe not, but i'm sure it would be easier on the eyes of your subject. Could be a simple place holder for your colored gels too. Check 'em out below.


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find-price-button Foldable Softbox Diffuser for Flash LED video light

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Most people won't really care about this item, but others might find it useful. It's sold as a wireless remote LED dimmer which supports 9-24V DC input / output 12V. It's actually just a PWM, means it can be used as a cheap speed controller for a servo or motor, and states it's rated up to 8A. Could be a good little gadget for remote control dimming of DIY LED lights, or remote control speed of DIY motorized sliders and dollies. Wonder how well it will work on my motorized Lazy Susan. Starts at about $6 dollars on eBay (click here).

Wireless PWM Dimmer Remote
find-price-button Wireless Remote LED Light Dimmer PWM

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DSLR Target Shooter RigDSLR MagicRIg Shooter Stabilizer

At first release these rigs were going roughly around $120 dollars including shipping. If you're lucky you might be able to catch a few floating around the $90 price point. Right now there's a recent price drop bringing it down to just $64 dollars. It's a straight up close out deal, and I don't think you'll see this price again for a long while..Check out the target shooter style rigs following the link (click here).

Aputure rig
find-price-button DSLR Video Stabilizer Magic Rig

For updates like these, make sure you're following me on Twitter.

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Unusually designed follow focus systems show up on Gini's auction page listed as a 'Fuco' gearbox. Unless i'm mistaken, that should actually be 'Huco' gearbox. These might be earlier designs, and don't look to be as good as the one branded as the iFocus. But even with the high shipping fees included, the overall price is pretty good. [Thanks Rob & Jacob]

You can find those Fuco *ahem Huco Follow Focus systems following the link (click here)

Gini Follow Focus Huco Fuco gearbox
find-price-button Gini Follow Focus with Fuco Huco Gearbox

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I just received my Octagon softboxes that are used as a light modifier for flash photography. They set up super fast like umbrellas but function more like traditional softboxes. I'll do a video later about how easy these things go together with my Speedlights.

Octagon-Softbox
500 LED Video light - Pop up Softbox

Normally you would use a strobe in the brolly, but the slotted design can be used for other light sources. Gabriel is already experimenting with using a 500 LED video light panel inside (photo above). He had to add a clamp to hold the umbrella in place. It blocks a bit of space, but should still help to change it from a small light source to a larger softer light source. Could even help with the multi-shadow issue that LED lights can sometimes cause. I'm curious to see the results. [Thanks Gabriel].

They also come in a large square version that still pops open like an umbrella. You can find more information about these following the link to the original article (click here).


Screen shot 2011-10-23 at 8.42.18 PMflash softbox
find-price-button Octagon Umbrella Softbox for Portable Studio Flash