First look at the two most popular EVFs on the market side by side. Surprisingly not a 'major' size difference, nor a huge weight difference. The Z-EVF is super lightweight, but when used with the Zacuto Z-Finder it adds on a bit. Note: I have no affiliation nor have I ever received any items from SmallHD or Zacuto. Now that the SmallHD DP4 was available, I purchased both the DP4-EVF and Z-EVF Flip to see which of these would best fit into my workflow. Whichever I choose would be my personal opinion on what works best for my situation. These are just my initial thoughts while I piece these two together for a more thorough review. More to come soon enough..
Cheesycam Skater Dolly
Convert Sony Panasonic MTS Files Final Cut Pro
A question came in about converting MTS files. MTS files can be generated by popular cameras like the Panasonic GH2 or my new Sony HX9. I've tried just about everything, and then I decided to just look into the App Store. Here you'll find a free application called Smart Converter. This thing not only rocks because it's completely free, but it's lightning fast. A 30 second MTS clip can be converted in literally 1 second. Yeah that's fast. Only problem is that you need to grab it from the Apple App Store, no program installations (for older MAC OS without App Store).
Not only is this good for MTS file conversion, but pretty much everything else you throw at it too. It maintained my Sony DSC-HX9 footage with no visible compression or significant change in file size. You can also use it to convert Audio files too. I had to use this to hand off some MTS files to a friend who edits in Final Cut Pro. Come to think of it, since I don't edit in Final Cut Pro, I haven't tried this on Canon DSLR files. I'll have to try that out in a bit, might work great too. Find it below.
SmallHD DP4 EVF
Yup. Will have something to show in a bit...
DSLR Follow Focus Kit
Alright, I received a bit of Clarity on these new budget DSLR follow Focuses a.k.a 'RJ Follow Focus'. It's not really a one store FF, but an FF that's being sold by many different retail locations from overseas. Now if you've been planning on picking one up, here's a little inside scoop. A small amount of these will touch down in the U.S. and might be available as soon as this weekend. We'll see if that's true, and if it is, you could have an order shipped fairly quickly rather than waiting for one from over seas. Stay tuned..
Practice Run Electric SkateBoard + HX9
Another practice run on the Electric Skateboard. I'm determined to learn how to ride this thing, and I think I'm getting pretty comfortable. I picked up quickly for someone who never really knew how to skate. I had to warm up a 21 year old car and decided it would be fun to chase it around. Surprisingly this car still gets her 35+ MPG and passed the smog so clean, the Smog techs were in awe. Keep in mind i'm still not shooting with a Video camera Stabilizer, this is all with a short Velbon UltraStick monopod and the Sony HX9 point and shoot camera. The full 1080/60p helps with these moving shots. I'm almost pretty comfortable to take out my Steadicam Vest and Glidecam setup, so that should yield much better results.
No Fog LCD View Finder
Yes, even high end view finders could fog up. Tested a few things, and this FOGTECH anti-fog liquid
New Canon 60D / T3i LCD ViewFinder Frame
LCD View Finder for Canon T2i, 5D Mark II, 7D and other 3" LCD's
In order to save your swing out LCD on your Canon 60D or T3i, CarrySpeed looks to have added a new metal frame that doesn't stick to the glass. This new version attaches under the camera at the tripod mount, but still keeps one available in case you need to go to monopod / tripod mode. A nice touch for those who have problems with the metal sticky falling off, or for those who still want to flip the LCD back into the DSLR body for protection.
Heck, why not just permanently glue that sucker onto the Metal frame? You'll have a solid LCD ViewFinder for sure, and with a twist of a knob, it's off when you need it off. Oh and there's a pretty hefty price drop going on..
LCD View Finder for Canon T2i, 5D Mark II, 7D and other 3" LCD's
Also Available via Amazon
New LCD View Finder for Canon T2i, 5D Mark II, 7D and other 3″ LCD’s
CN600, CN900, CN1200 LEDs – In Stock
I actually had no clue these were out of stock, but thanks for the emails and information that they are available again. For anyone waiting on these to come back to stock, here they are. As a reminder, only the 600 and the 900's I have can fit into travel size 'Carry On' airplane roller (not the 1200s). The 600 & 900 have the optional V-Mount battery plate so they can be used remotely and the 1200s don't have that option.
1200 LED Dimmable Video Light Panel Still Photography Studio Portrait Lighting 24V DC, 110V-230V
DIY Suction Cup Mount – GH2
Vimeo member Ragnar tackles the DIY suction cup camera mount for his GH2. There are much cheaper suction cup mounts, first posted here: http://cheesycam.com/diy-double-and-quad-suction-camera-car-mounts/, but Ragnar decided to go with a slightly more expensive Suction mount with articulation so that it can mount on not-so-completely flat surfaces such as hoods, windows, and other car panels. I'm sure we all don't believe in specs, but the one he's chosen states that it's rated for 132 lbs, so even if it's half true, that's more than suffice for a small GH2. So far it looks like he's fairly comfortable with the setup, trusting it to about 50mph (with a backup safety strap attached of course). For GoPro owners, this inexpensive setup should have no issues with the mini lightweight camera.
Exact Tools used:
Double Swivel Vacuum Cup
