A review of the recently posted 323 style quick release adapter. If you managed on receiving one of these, it's time to contact the seller about listing some improper specs they seemed to have just copied elsewhere. [Thanks Ed]
Equipment Reviews
Okii USB Remote Review
YouTube member macrilegious posts a review on the latest Okii mini USB Remote. A handy little remote to not only start and stop video mode through USB communication, but also to control shutter, aperture, and iso settings. Especially handy if you want to control these features from the back of a jib or crane [Thanks Thomas]. There's a few more features the Okii is capable of tackling all found at their website. https://www.okii.net/product_p/mc1.htm
Tekkeon Battery Bundle Snap Package
Here i'm showing gear from CPMCameraRigs.com. They sent over the extended capacity battery kit along with the Tekkeon Snap Package. This Snap Package provides an easy way to mount these variable voltage batteries to standard 15mm rigs. Here i'm using it with the Express35 Event rig, so that I can carry around a much more functional counterweight. Especially now that i've found a way to use the Tekkeon battery with the Asus to stream HD Video. You can find my earlier reviews on these Tekkeon packs (here), and more information about the Snap Package from CPMCameraRigs.com.
Tekkeon Extended Battery Kit and Snap Package mount for DSLR Rigs
Cheaper Accessory Quick Release Adapter
In a previous post, I was looking for feedback on a decent quick release adapter for accessories. There were only a few options, but the better options were easily over the $50 dollar mark. Here i've decided to order the Mag system from Trek Tech. The base has a standard 1/4-20 thread and sits flat (flush) on any base. The mounting plate (attaches to your accessory) is available in different densities so that you can have a fairly strong bond, or one that is incredibly strong. Another type of adapter they offer is the Ball Head MagMount Star with safety latch
 Trek Tech MagMount Star
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 Trek Tech MagMount Star - Pro
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Before we start diving in, I know a few people will ask about how safe magnets are around digital equipment. I've looked in to this and they don't have the same effect on LCD screens and flash media storage. Old CRT monitors used a magnetic field which could be interrupted with a simple magnet. LCD screens don't work that way. Compact flash and Smart Media cards (solid state) also are not affected by magnets like this. It's a very safe system. Especially once you've mounted the plates to the base, the magnetic field is almost completely blocked. The ball head adapter even comes with it's own cover so that the safety latch isn't left swinging around when not in use. Comments and feedback are still open if you find something better as a QR system for small accessories.
Light weight mount, Heavy weight mount, Ball Head Star MagMount
I'm extremely impressed with the size, strength, and build on these little adapters. It's about the size of a quarter and of course all solid metal. I'll definitely be adding more to my rigs for times when I need to build, reconfigure, or break down quickly. Considering the options for the smallest quick release systems available for accessories, this is the one i've found to be the best bang for the buck. Here's the kicker though, which i'm still trying to get more information on. The smaller kit seen below (comes with quarter size base + 1 light duty plate + 1 heavy duty plate) are no longer listed on the Trek Tech website. The Ball Head style mounts are still available, but some of the older items are listed as discontinued. No record if the small kit will still be in production. I've put in a few more orders for myself as I've found these to be the the smallest, fastest, and most convenient QRs I could find. I was able to contact a few eBay sellers that says they have quite a few of the 'Complete Kit' available right now following the link (click here).
Trek Tech Mag System Quick Release Base Mount Adapter
Panasonic GH2 $200 or $300 Instant Discount
Panasonic GH2 w/ 14-42mm Lens (Black Body)
The Panasonic GH2 camera might be about a year old, but it's still surprising everyone how far they can push the performance with third party firmware hacks. Of all the micro four thirds cameras that had been released afterwards, this is still the best choice. Even without third party support, this little camera does quite a few things better than most large sensor DSLR cameras that require line skipping in video mode.
Right now you can find the popular GH2 camera + 14-42mm Kit Lens with a $200 dollar instant discount (no mail-in) over at B&H. If you opt in for the GH2 with 14-140mm kit, you'll be receiving and instant $300 dollar discount. Just about the lowest price it's been all year [Thanks Ed]. Price checking finds that B&H is listing it about $100 dollars cheaper than both eBay (here) and Amazon (here)
Look what the cat dragged in – Swivi
Look what the cat dragged in. Anyone else get theirs yet? I'm a bit tied up today, but i'll try to get something together before the weekend. I'm interested to see if anything has been changed in the hardware or software since the prototype. If your new and a bit clueless to what this is, you can find an older article about this Swivi here: http://cheesycam.com/swivi-5-6-lcd-now-available/.
Tekkeon MyPower All Battery – Back in Stock
Contrary to the belief, i'm a victim of my own blog too. I posted about this particular Tekkeon Battery pack and how it can supply proper 14V to the 600 or 900 LED light panels. In fact, we were using a 900 LED video light with this battery pack outdoors this past Friday as fill light to balance our exposure. Way cheaper than a V-Mount battery solution and great for powering up other devices from 5V-19V. (Old video post below)
Once I decided how well these have been working out on our location shoots, I wanted to purchase more. Unfortunately it quickly went into 'backordered' status for the last two months!! Now everyday i've been peeking and poking around trying to locate more, so I can run the other large LED lights on battery power. Now that they are finally back in stock, I learned my lesson, and was smart enough this time around to purchase a few more before posting up here. I test out gear all the time, and these are hands down the best battery solution for these large LED lights for the price. Hopefully you guys get the chance to try it before it's on backorder status again.
The battery is good to travel with and charge your cell phones with the USB port, charge your iPads, GoPro Cameras, power up LCD monitors, on Camera lights, etc. There are many versions of the Tekkeon battery, and I purchased the 3450i specifically because of the features it offers. I believe the 'i' stands for 'industrial grade'. The best price I could find online was over at B&H (click here).
Tekkeon myPower All Plus Battery 5V-19V DC
Quick Octagon Softbox Diffuser
I just received my Octagon softboxes that are used as a light modifier for flash photography. They set up super fast like umbrellas but function more like traditional softboxes. I'll do a video later about how easy these things go together with my Speedlights.
500 LED Video light - Pop up Softbox
Normally you would use a strobe in the brolly, but the slotted design can be used for other light sources. Gabriel is already experimenting with using a 500 LED video light panel inside (photo above). He had to add a clamp to hold the umbrella in place. It blocks a bit of space, but should still help to change it from a small light source to a larger softer light source. Could even help with the multi-shadow issue that LED lights can sometimes cause. I'm curious to see the results. [Thanks Gabriel].
They also come in a large square version that still pops open like an umbrella. You can find more information about these following the link to the original article (click here).
Express35 EVENT Rig – Second Handle
If you've been planning to pick up the EVENT rig from Express35.com (old video review above), and wanted to add in an extra handle there's a deal going on. Actually the deal even extends to those who've already purchased the EVENT rig. Personally I find this is an important handle to add if you want to set the rig down on the floor and also adds much more stability when in use. Just check in with Express35.com for details.
Express35 EVENT Rig with two handles + MatteBox