Serge writes in and shares this cool little find. It's a silicone case that wraps around your GoPro housing (with LCD BacPac) to not only add a bit of style, but a short hood for making the LCD a bit more viewable on bright days. [Thanks Serge] Depending on your taste, you'll find them popping up via eBay in a few different flavors (click here).
GoPro Colored Silicone Case with LCD Hood
Here's some news you can use. On the left, you see the Cotton Carrier Camera Harness that runs about $189 dollars. On the right you see Opteka's new copied design throwing it out there for under $30 bucks + Free Shipping. Interesting that they would go after this market as I have no clue who would ever use these things. I've never been a fan of these these marsupial looking vests, instead I still like the more Macho looking dual gun slinging style. At such a price difference, It sure doesn't sound like it's up to par with the quality of Cotton Carrier.
Who doesn't love the Samyang (or a.k.a Rokinon) 35mm F/1.4 prime? It's a decently sharp lens with fast aperture for a not so bad price. I couldn't pass up a recent deal and was able to grab (2) of them for just $375 the other day.
The 35mm focal length is nice for Full Frame cameras like the Canon 5D Mark II. There's been talks about Samyang releasing a 24mm F/1.4 lens for quite some time, which is a better focal length on cameras that have a cropped sensor like a GH2, Sony NEX, or even Canon 7D, 60D, T3i, etc. The good news is this 24mm F/1.4 prime lens is available now, but the bad news is they are dropping this bad boy for a starting price of over $800. Before you start flipping out, in contrast the Canon EF Auto Focus 24mm F/1.4L will run you about $1600 retail.
Check out the new listings (here).
Samyang 24mm F/1.4 Prime Manual Focus Manual Aperture
Made some slight mods to support a heavier camera and lens. Now it's a Canon 7D + Tokina 11-16mm on a Giottos quick release plate. I needed to pull the front heavy camera a bit backwards. Threw on some extra counterweights from a Flycam Nano, and then performed a slight test. Brings me back to my roots of flying an expensive Steadicam Merlin, except this one is only 1/5th the price.
At about $100 dollars cheaper than the price listed with B&H (seen here), the Canon 60D gets a discount on the Daily Deal page. Find it below.
Finally! The focus assist on the SmallHD DP4 caused the screen to go fairly dark, and although you could see the focus assist lines, you couldn't really see what you were focusing on! They made the feature much better in the DP6 through a recent firmware update, and now they've made it available for the smaller DP4. Information below, but as usual check with the SmallHD website for any known issues about upgrading your firmware.
SmallHD is happy to announce the release of DP4 Firmware Update V1.2.
This is our latest effort to add more value to your investment and provide the tools to help you do your job even better.
You can find the Firmware Update Instructions for the DP4 here:
https://www.smallhd.com/s.nl/ctype.KB/it.I/id.8261/KB.1407/.f?category=48
DP4 Firmware V1.2:
https://www.smallhd.com/DP4_Firmware/SMALLHD_DP4_OSV1_2.bin
New Features and Fixes
* Focus Assist + has been added to replace Focus Assist (Menu>Advanced>Focus Assist) While the old Focus Assist worked well to achieve critical focus, it darkened the image beyond comfortable viewing levels. The new “Focus Assist+” enhances the in-focus areas even more while retaining the image much more than the original Focus Assist. This is an excellent new tool to help you achieve accurate focus quickly and efficiently.
* Improved accuracy of the Nikon Preset (Preset>N DSLR REC) Enjoy the benefits of a full screen image while recording with your Nikon camera.
* Custom Scales will now be saved after using 1:1 Mapping (Menu>Advanced>Custom Scale. Menu>Advanced>1:1 Mapping) Use 1:1 Mapping confidently knowing that the Custom Scale settings that you have set will still be there where you are done.
* Menu Flip function fixed (Menu>System>Menu Flip)
These handles are crazy fun. Since the new GoPro HD Hero2 supports HDMI output, it's possible to create a top handle for a low flying GoPro with an external monitor. A setup that skateboarders love to shoot with.
GH2 - DIY Top Handle
I just posted the availability of these new P&C Pistol Grip handles late last night and we didn't expect such a response. The P&C website has been updated to 'out of stock' status. Until we get more stock, you could still grab one with a small amount of remaining inventory available at eBay and Amazon (below).
