Monthly Archives: February 2012

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Duane assembles a 1200 LED Light panel made from the super cheap flexible LED strips found in an earlier article (here). This is the first build out of two he'll be using to throw some light onto the backdrop, and he mentions he's pretty happy with his build and results. 4 different switches in the assembly allow for different light output settings by turning a portion of the light on or off. He's added a 12V converter, but the LED lights themselves only require 12V, so it's possible to modify a setup like this and go mobile.

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If you're looking to assembling your own LED light using these LED strips, you can find a bit more information (here). A few more details about the items used in Duane's DIY LED light build used below. [Thanks Duane]

- x4 5m Led strips (1200 leds)
- x4 switches that allows me to switch 25% of the lights on at a time.
- x1 100 watt 12v power supply
- x1 florescent light housing from Lowe's (gutted)
- x1 light stand (already had)
- x2 conduit brackets to brace into the stand
All for under $100 bucks (just under)

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Aron Anderson of YouTube channel TrinityFXmg, is a big fan of shooting video on the iPhone. In this recent episode he manages to assemble some common spare parts into a folding stabilizer. I've touched on the Shoulder Brace and the Folding Flash Bracket earlier in this blog, but never together in this type of setup. Some foam over the handles could even finish this look off to where you wouldn't recognize it's original intention. Great tip on this inexpensive items even if you're not a fan of the iPhone, a stabilizer like this can be used for smaller cameras like Sony NEX-7. [Thanks Aron].

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find-price-button Chest Shoulder Monopod Brace

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find-price-button Dual Folding Flash Bracket Locking

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Not long ago Wondlan released a telescoping Carbon Fiber Video Camera Stabilizer, and now Flycam's caught on to the design. Although they look similar from afar they are indeed much different, and it appears that Wondlan might be the better build quality. From what I noticed though, the Wondlan has a shorter counterweight sled which could lead to twisting and swaying. I haven't tried one yet to know, but there are some examples out there that show this.

The Flycam has a much longer sled and can states it can support cameras up to 7.5lbs close to the supporting weight of a Glidecam HD4000. Pricing on HD4000 is around $550, and Wondlan's Carbon stabilizer $470, and Flycam's new Carbon Fiber C5 Telescoping stabilizer starts around $325 (found here).

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Flycam Price Buy Now Flycam C5 Carbon Fiber Telescoping Video Camera Stabilizer

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Vintage camera styling seems to be a popular trend. Olympus did a great job bringing back some influence with it's PEN cameras, and now the new Olympus OM-D EM-5 design carries on some influence from the old OM series. I wonder if die hard Oly PEN camera fanboys are excited about the new retro design? The new sensor for Olympus amongst other new tech is supposed to be outstanding. For just under $1K, the Olympus OM-D is already available on pre-order (click here for prices).

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find-price-button Olympus OM-D EM-5 Digital Camera Body

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I'm officially lovin' the new Sony NEX-7 camera that just dropped in today. The quality, performance, and build is amazing. So far i've tried the Canon 28mm FD lens, Rokinon 35mm F/1.4, and Nikon 50mm F/1.8. Of course my favorite is the Nikon 50mm F/1.8 pancake because it keeps the camera pretty small (that's the whole point of using an NEX7). Sorry I have no samples yet as I haven't had anything interesting to shoot today.

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The video quality is also quite amazing, but it's nearly impossible to shoot hand held with this tiny camera and these old manual lenses. The Nikon 50mm F/1.8 feels more like it's at 100mm (without image stabilization). My solution is to use the dual PNC Custom Pistol grips and friction arm configuration. Instead of using it 'fig rig' style, I turned the rear handle sideways and used it more like a gun stock placed against my chest. This made a world of difference and totally eliminated the micro vibrations and rolling shutter 'jello' effect. When it's time to pack things away, the whole setup breaks down to just two handles and a folding arm. The Custom PNC Pistol Grip Camera Handles are back in stock at PhotographyandCinema.com or via eBay for International buyers (below).


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find-price-button P&C Custom Pistol Grip Camera Handle

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Nikon-D800

The Nikon D800 SLR Digital Camera is more than a DSLR, it's a broadcast quality video camera as well. Driving both still and video capture is the FX-format CMOS 36.3Mp sensor and the powerful EXPEED 3 image-processing engine. Backing up the heart of the camera you'll find an optical low-pass filter that reduces false color and moire, and an ISO range of 100-6400 that's expandable to ISO 50-25600 equivalent. Additionally, the D800 boasts 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing. What's more, the camera's Nikon F mount accepts a multitude of NIKKOR lenses, included DX lenses and AF-S lenses; and Nikon Speedlights provide exceptional flash capabilities

While everyone awaits Canon to release their next Full Frame DSLR for Cinema, Nikon may already have an answer. The new D800 looks good and tackles some (maybe not all) of the existing 'cons' of current Full Frame DSLR Video cameras under $3K. To optimize for Video they are offering two different bodies, one with the Low Pass filter removed. For the quality and ability to shoot very clean in low light, I think the price is pretty competitive. You can find more images and specs over at the B&H product page, and it's already available for pre-order.

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find-price-button Nikon D800 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only)

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Hmm..So Canon has announced a new 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM lens like all the rumors were speculating for months now, but where's the 'IS' stamp? No Image Stabilization on this new lens, i'm sort of let down. For folks who are shooting with cropped sensors, they at least have the nice option of the 17-55mm F/2.8 IS (around the same focal range). Oh and the starting price is just under $2300 found below.

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find-price-button New Canon 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM Zoom Lens

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Konova Motorized Slider

There's been a huge variety of video camera sliders in the past year, but if you're still wondering what slider to get, maybe the Konova is one to look forward to. Highly regarded as the best bang for the buck, they are still adding in more options. I knew they had been working on a crank pulley and motorized accessory for quite some time, but Mark pointed it out that they are recently showing these options in their listings. [Thanks Mark].

From what I know, these upgradeable options are being designed to work with the existing K3 & K5 sliders if you already have one. I followed up to find out the Crank will be released first followed up by the Motorized upgrade. Target ETA end of this month. If you can read Korean, you can get more info and see more images of the new options only on the actual Konova listings following the link (click here).

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find-price-button Konova Slider Upgrades Crank and Motor Accessory