Monthly Archives: December 2011

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Here i'm showing gear from CPMCameraRigs.com. They sent over the extended capacity battery kit along with the Tekkeon Snap Package. This Snap Package provides an easy way to mount these variable voltage batteries to standard 15mm rigs. Here i'm using it with the Express35 Event rig, so that I can carry around a much more functional counterweight. Especially now that i've found a way to use the Tekkeon battery with the Asus to stream HD Video. You can find my earlier reviews on these Tekkeon packs (here), and more information about the Snap Package from CPMCameraRigs.com.

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find-price-button Tekkeon Extended Battery Kit and Snap Package mount for DSLR Rigs

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Varavon-Loupe-EX-Solo

Sorry guys, i'm in a bit of a rush today but thought i'd share some quick pics of Varavon's sexy new Loupe EX. You can see how there are a variety of adjustments that can be made under the loupe to fit different cameras. When i'm free i'll touch on it more.


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find-price-button Varavon Loupe EX-Solo View Finder

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For those that just might be thinking about buying a Canon 60D in the next few days, don't forget to look into those rebates. You could get a Canon 60D (body only) for about $899, or you could get a Canon 60D (body) + Canon Pixma Pro9000 printer for just $898. There's plenty of other DSLR body rebates going on this month so make sure you look through them before just jumping in to a buy. Most of these offers expire at the end of the month. [Thanks Brennan]

You can see some of those DSLR rebates here https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=canon+DSLR+rebate&N=0&InitialSearch=yes

Other Instant discounts on Canon Lenses and Speedlite Flashes are found at the dedicated Canon Rebate page here: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/find/newsLetter/CanonLensSpeedlite.jsp

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Screen shot 2011-12-12 at 11.01.12 PM

Imagine your Canon DSLR at the top of a 10 foot pole, end of a 12 foot crane, or any place where starting and stopping video would be inconvenient. Of all the Canon DSLR cameras available (right now), the only way to start and stop video mode remotely is through Infrared. Infrared sucks, requires line of sight, and the signal gets lost outdoors pretty quick. Keep in mind that we're talking about 'video mode' which is handled only by infrared. The problem is that Canon chose to use a separate button specifically for 'Video Mode', and the normal Shutter is only for still images. There are plenty of wireless remotes for the 'Shutter', but the Video mode is activated only through Infrared.

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If you've had this problem, Justin writes in and shares his DIY wireless-trigger-to-infrared remote. Using a wireless shutter remote for Photography, he hacks it in to a cheap infrared remote with S2 function (required for video mode). In the end you'll still need the actual infrared remote placed somewhere in front of the camera, but the signal from operator to camera is truly wireless which can work through walls and has no limitations with line of sight. Makes you wonder about the Zoom H4n remote... More information on the build over at Instructables (here). [Thanks Justin]

For this project, you'll need the infrared remote to initiate video with the S2 button. Found below (click here).

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find-price-button Wireless Shutter Release Remote for Canon EOS

I've used many of these wireless shutter remotes. The 5D & 7D have a different pin style. The one that is compatible with the 550D (T2i) has the right mini jack connection. These wireless triggers are fairly generic and the same connection works on the Canon G12, Canon 60D, Canon T3i, etc. You can find them cheapest via eBay (click here)

Wireless Video Trigger DIY Remote
find-price-button Wireless Shutter Remote Receiver Transmitter

BTW they fixed all this with the new 1Dx camera. Now it's all done by the shutter button which means every basic wireless trigger will now work to start/stop video mode. Of course, thats about $7,000 dollars worth of camera. I think this DIY build is a bit cheaper.

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Earlier in the week Vimeo member Bagelman showed us his version of a DIY Motorized JuicedLink video slider. I was curious to see if his setup could actually handle a straight up vertical shot, so he's put together another demo. Yup, sure does go nice and smooth on a straight up vertical climb. [Thanks Gary]

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find-price-button JuicedLink DIY Slider Kit

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In a previous post, I was looking for feedback on a decent quick release adapter for accessories. There were only a few options, but the better options were easily over the $50 dollar mark. Here i've decided to order the Mag system from Trek Tech. The base has a standard 1/4-20 thread and sits flat (flush) on any base. The mounting plate (attaches to your accessory) is available in different densities so that you can have a fairly strong bond, or one that is incredibly strong. Another type of adapter they offer is the Ball Head MagMount Star with safety latch. They even offer a much larger 'Pro' version of this anti-rotation toothed Ball Head MagMount with safety latch for heavier payloads (not shown in video).

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Trek Tech MagMount Star
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Trek Tech MagMount Star - Pro

Before we start diving in, I know a few people will ask about how safe magnets are around digital equipment. I've looked in to this and they don't have the same effect on LCD screens and flash media storage. Old CRT monitors used a magnetic field which could be interrupted with a simple magnet. LCD screens don't work that way. Compact flash and Smart Media cards (solid state) also are not affected by magnets like this. It's a very safe system. Especially once you've mounted the plates to the base, the magnetic field is almost completely blocked. The ball head adapter even comes with it's own cover so that the safety latch isn't left swinging around when not in use. Comments and feedback are still open if you find something better as a QR system for small accessories.

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Light weight mount, Heavy weight mount, Ball Head Star MagMount

I'm extremely impressed with the size, strength, and build on these little adapters. It's about the size of a quarter and of course all solid metal. I'll definitely be adding more to my rigs for times when I need to build, reconfigure, or break down quickly. Considering the options for the smallest quick release systems available for accessories, this is the one i've found to be the best bang for the buck. Here's the kicker though, which i'm still trying to get more information on. The smaller kit seen below (comes with quarter size base + 1 light duty plate + 1 heavy duty plate) are no longer listed on the Trek Tech website. The Ball Head style mounts are still available, but some of the older items are listed as discontinued. No record if the small kit will still be in production. I've put in a few more orders for myself as I've found these to be the the smallest, fastest, and most convenient QRs I could find. I was able to contact a few eBay sellers that says they have quite a few of the 'Complete Kit' available right now following the link (click here).

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find-price-button Trek Tech Mag System Quick Release Base Mount Adapter

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Felix asked me this question a while back, and i've been looking around during my spare time to see if there's some alternatives. Today i'm posting to get some feedback on what you guys might know about Quick Release adapters for accessories. The basic idea is to use a very small quick release adapter on items like a Zoom H4n, LED Video Light, Microphone, or other small accessory. Instead of having to screw the item into a cage or rig, you just mount and go. Setting up and breaking down should be quick and easy.

There's some high end ones from Cinelock that run about $80 dollars (below). The Cine Lock cinematic quick release mounting bracket for fast non-thread mounting and removal speeds up set-up and break-down with simple two-piece design. I wanted to see what you guys might already know (or be using). I have a fairly inexpensive one (not Cine Lock) that i'm testing out today, and it looks like a winner which i'll be sharing in a video review in a few hours. Leave your comments.

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find-price-button Cinelock 16x9 inc, quick release adapter