I first purchased a used first gen Skyler Minicam and enjoyed it so much, I went out and purchased the latest model (then sold off the older one). It's a tiny little stabilizer that packs up small, performs excellently, and has amazing build qualities. Unfortunately it's a bit expensive compared to other stabilizers, so i'm happy to see another person like Carl Pendle from www.carlpendle.com using it. I'm not alone in this world..
This time Carl shows how to modify the Flycam Armbrace to fit the Skyler MiniCam for extended flight times. After the modification, he also shows a clever sling he uses to help him carry the entire weight, and stick around to the end for some fine examples of his Skyler Minicam in use. [Thanks Carl]. I have some additional information about the Skyler Minicam vs. Glidecam vs. Flycam (seen here) if you're still wondering what some differences could be.
The Zeiss CP.2 Compact Primes have been a popular choice for professional Canon DSLR Cine Lenses, but Canon should be giving Zeiss a run with the growing line of Canon CN-E compact primes. So far they've announced a 24mm T1.5, 50mm T1.3, and 85mm T1.3, to work on your full frame cameras, the new Black Magic Cinema camera, and 4K resolution ready for that new C500. For me that has pretty much covered a good range of lenses I choose to use on a daily basis, but i'm hoping to see a 35mm added to that list too. Pricing is not too far off from the CP2 lenses, and Pre-order pricing for Canon's compact CN-E prime lenses start at just under $5K (each).
Canon Compact Prime 24mm, 50mm, and 85mm CN-E Lenses
If you have to share files, or even edit from an external drive, you can't beat the speeds of Thunderbolt, but options have been very expensive. The SeaGate adapters seem to be the best bet right now allowing you to expand by just purchasing more off the shelf drives.
The new P&C GearBox was designed to hold your camera body and allow several mounting points for video accessories. I've used a couple GearBoxes over the weekend and just enjoy handling the camera with it mounted inside. I think once you try it out, you'll understand. Some of you have already received the new GearBox, and for those who were interested, currently it's listed out of stock. I have some good news that more inventory should arrive in a couple of days.
Along with the new inventory will also be the new Rod Adapters that fit under the GearBox. The basic GearBox itself will now be listed as the GearBox GB-1, and if you purchase the kit with the Rod Adapters, that will be listed as the GearBox GB-2. For those who already have the GearBox, you will be able to purchase the Rod Adapters separately as an upgrade kit, and it's still Free Shipping in the USA.
The Ultrawide Rokinon 8mm and fast 85mm F/1.4 lenses are back on Lightning Deals. These deals have always proved to be the cheapest price you'll find for these lenses. These deals only last for a few hours or until the quantity is sold out. You might find that it brings you to a Nikon mount deal, but no worries. Rokinon are all manual focus lenses, and the Nikon mount can fit on Canon bodies with a very thin and simple adapter like the ones (seen here on Amazon).
The Nikon mount can also fit pretty much everything else without a complicated adapter like a Sony FS100 down to a Sony NEX7 or GH2. Check it out at the deals page via Amazon (Click Here).
Disclaimer: I help to design products for PhotographyandCinema.com. The article below is information about the new P&C GearBox. There are many other great DSLR style cages available within articles of this blog that you may also want to consider.
There are many High End, Super Heavy, Robust video cages available for the Professional market, but we found a lack of more affordable options for smaller style video cameras such as the Sony NEX-7 or Popular GH2. The P&C GearBox is designed to be simple, lightweight, modular, and of course - affordable.
The GearBox has a solid metal bottom and top bracket with several 1/4-20 mounting options for your accessories such as an LED video light, Portable Recorder, HDMI LCD Monitor, Microphone, Wireless Receivers, etc. To take up minimal space in a bag when packing up or traveling, the GearBox can easily be disassembled with a single Hex driver.
The GearBox will support a quick release plate underneath if you want to mount the rig onto a Tripod. Extension adapters are provided to support taller cameras, or if you want to add a quick release system into the cage unit allowing you easy removal of your camera body. The rubber coated side handles provide a non-slip comfortable grip and are spaced further apart to add stability for hand-held shooting styles. Interested in a Rail System? Soon to be released is the 15mm Rod adapter (sneak peek here).
ServoCity.com posted a recent video showcasing the movement of it's latest MPT1100-SS Open Looop Pan & Tilt System. The $650 Dollar unit is designed to mount to camera Jibs / Cranes to remotely control the movement of the camera through a simple Joystick. I have a small video insight of this unit in action and the parts breakdown in an earlier article (seen here), and you can already find the new MPT1100-SS Motorized Pan & Tilt system available at ServoCity.com (click here).
Another Dual Rail Video Camera Dolly / Slider on the market. The wheeled track dolly rides on 42" - 63" metal rails, has adjustable legs, and can support both Bowl Mount fluid heads or standard 3/8" mounted Fluid Heads. The end clamps support tripod mounting, and the dolly can be used both on and off the tracks. Starting around $198 dollars for the 42" version, and can be found via eBay (Click Here).
Skyler MiniCam Video Camera Stabilizer Kit
