The above video was shot at night while we were hanging out in Emeryville, Ca waiting to pick someone up from the train station. Two things I want to point out in this video. First off i'm using the BodyPod that I created not too long ago. The camera used in the video is the 5D Mark II + Battery grip + Canon 85mm F/1.2. If anyone knows this setup it's a beast and quite heavy. The DIY BodyPod camera stabilizer (for it's small discreet size) really met it's purpose, and i'm excited to start making a carbon fiber version that's even lighter and smaller. Next, I wanted to point out that in this video I'm shooting at 85mm at F/1.2 and if you know that aperture + distance it's super hard to keep something in focus. What helped me out with the whole F/1.2 at 85mm was using the LCDVF loupe. If you don't have one 'Get One'! You'll have better focus as these loupes are designed to Magnify the image on the LCD. Giving you better view of what pixels are in focus. The best LCD ViewFinder loupe going today is the Zacuto Z-Finder (below), but if you can't afford that, you can get the LCDVF from www.jag35.com.
Cheesycam Skater Dolly
Sandisk Extreme 16GB 60MB/s
Wow, this is a great deal and just had to share with the visitors. We all run out of Video space with these high end DLSR's so getting a decent sized card at a decent price is hard to come by. Here's a great deal on a SanDisk Extreme that writes at 60MB/s. Not only will it be awesome fast for your camera to do Video mode, but these speeds help when you're downloading to your computer so you can get back to what you love doing most.
Don’t buy the Canon 7D??
So Canon has announced the Rebel T2i and it's causing quite a stir. Especially for those that invested in the Canon 7D recently strictly as a Video camera. Rumors are the T2i is supposed to resemble the Canon 7D video features including framerates, resolution, and ISO settings. Some are labeling it the 'Mini 7D'.
The T2i to be released at $799.00
If that's the case, why go Canon 7D? Well if you're a Hybrid photographer/videographer then I say go Canon 7D. The 7D still holds faster framerates (photos), a more durable body & better weather proofing. There's probably a few more items that still make it the better photo/video camera, but if you're looking into just Video don't second guess that T2i.
The 7D sells for approx. $1699.00
$24.00 Shoulder Support for DSLR Cameras
There are two things i'm playing with in this video. The first is the LCDVF from jag35.com which is a View Finder adapter that magnifies your lcd so that you can clearly see what's in focus or not. (Similar to Z-Finder by Zacuto, but cheaper). It came with two mounts which work great for my 5D Mark II & 7D.
The Second is a cheap $30.00 dollar Shoulder Support from Amazon.
If you prefer eBay over Amazon, grab the item here!!
Well the LCDVF works awesome but I was a bit unsteady shooting handheld and focusing at the same time. I needed a bit more supprt, but something not too professional looking so that I can take around in public places. I saw this video https://vimeo.com/1658379 and decided to grab one.
I decided to order one for $24.00 dollars. Well I guess I can't complain. It supports the weight of the camera so that I can concentrate on focusing. For someone who's just starting out, $24.00 dollars is not a bad deal... Here's a link.
Here's the product.
You can find the shoulder support from eBay by clicking this link, or the image below.
click image
This item below is the Hoodman loupe. They also sell bands to mount it to a DSLR to help you see the LCD and focus better. This is cheaper than the LCDVF or the ZFINDER (from Zacuto).
Other Items of Interest
3 Videos about the Hybrid
These videos are related to a Hybrid Steadicam (Merlin) Vest + Glidecam HD 4000 video camera stabilizer. I had to create a DIY adapter to 'mate' the two different systems together, but very happy so far with the results.
First video is what it sorta looks like (to date).
Second Video shows the DIY adapter up close (and very personal).
Third Video shows some sample use of the rig (at home).
Video #2 was shot with my 7D + Tamron 18-270 (fun cheap lens).
Thanks for the questions and comments BTW, I'm glad people find some of the random stuff I do useful.
Question: Why not just get the Glidecam Vest?
Answer: I have already owned the Steadicam Vest + Merlin, and the vest works awesome. Very light, slim, easy to put on, and allows me to get through narrow doors. It's a 'beast' and other than getting the two to mate, there is absolutely no reason the vest COULD NOT fly this Glidecam.
AND!!!! The Steadicam dual arm Vest is way cheaper than the price of the Glidecam dual arm vest. This Hybrid configuration will save you big bucks and works awesome.
Steadicam + Merlin = 2300?
Glidecam X-10 Vest + 4000 Pro = 2300?
I'm using the Steadicam Merlin Vest + Glidecam HD4000.
Canon 5D Mark II, Battery Grip
, Samson Zoom H4n Portable Recorder
, and Rode VideoMic
. I'm planning on mounting a shoulder rig with quick release for everything on top, and possible LCD monitor at the bottom. It feels like this vest config can hold alot more than it does today. ""UPDATE. I got an awesome monitor, check it out"""
Missed the $119 Flip Deal?
If you missed the Flip MinoHD $119 dollar deal, not to worry. The next best Portable HD Video Recorders runner ups according to the Gadget Pr0n review are still available under $100.00.
HD Video Media is the next generation on the Internet, so if you want to step up your home movie production or add some punch to your YouTube and Vimeo videos, check out the deals on these HD Video recorders.
Steal it!!!
Amazon just dropped the bomb!!! I've been waiting for a great deal on the Flip MinoHD portable HD video recorder for some time, and at the $119.99 price, it's practically a steal. That's still about $50.00 cheaper than Best Buy's "ON SALE" price. Normally $199.99 +, It's Portable, Lightweight, excellent in low light quality and all in glorious HD. Grab it while it's available through Amazon's special Gold Box Deals. We believe this is only a 1 day sale??
Check out this review from Attack of the Show
DIY Cheesycam Skater Dolly – attempting to replicate footage similar to P+S Technik Skater Dolly
You've probably seen these video shots a million times, but never really thought about how the shot was pulled off. Sometimes a full dolly rig is overkill, especially for small product shots. There is a tool called the Skater Mini Camera Dolly designed by P+S Technik. It's an awesome tool that takes some awesome 'niche' video footage, but unless you're willing to dish out over $6,000 dollars, it's a bit out of budget for most of us just getting into vDSLR's. So I decided to come up with my own DIY project to replicate these mini skater dolly tools. Check out the video above for a quick sample of what $10.00 can get you. More photos will be available in the Photos link. More sample videos will be available in the Videos link.
[Update] Pico Flex Dolly and Accessories are available now. Find it below.
Order Pico Flex Table Dolly - PhotographyandCinema.comCheesycam DIY Skater Dolly Video Slow Motion with Canon 5D Mark II
Update, the DIY project can be seen here: https://vimeo.com/10516250