Most of you will just skip this post, but for Geeks like me that enjoy all things DSLR, here's a look at some of the current Canon Lens Replica Mugs / Cups. Needless to say, i've collected a few, and i've also given out a few as gifts. The one gift idea you know won't ever get thrown away. If i'm not using them as mugs, I use them as Pen holders on my desk. Also available in some Nikon versions (click here).
Canon Nikon Lens Replica Coffee Cup Mug
I think these friction arms were wiped out the first day I posted them, and someone mentioned they were out of stock. Appears they are available again for the time being.
I know I must have looked like a complete idiot spinning around with a Painters Pole, but the real reason the HX9V is placed on top is for Pole Aerial Photography. Here's a few samples of today's P.A.P. as I follow along to annoy Olivia during her recent shoot. You can see my shadow on the ground holding up the pole (above)
First image is eye level of the location.
Second image shows more of the scenery. Set the Sony HX9V camera on 10 second timer, and raised the Shureline pole. I used a palm tree in the foreground to give it a little more sense of height.
This will all become much more interesting as soon as my 30' Pole rig is complete...
(Above) Video was just for fun, don't take it seriously
I've probably tested more stabilizers than the Brady Bunch Family has fingers and toes (combined). Not everything makes it on the blog, because it just ends up as wasted sapce. Now i'm not saying some of these stabilizers 'won't fly'. What I look into and weigh in on is Stabilizer vs. Price. With enough muddling around (a few days and a few modifications), you can probably get some decent shots with most stabilizers.
Since I just posted about questions on other Random stabilizers I don't think is worth the asking price, here's another one for you - not to consider. Besides looking quite odd, the current asking price is several times that of other stabilizers which are easier to fly and faster to balance. The handle has shock absorption, the stage can be positioned forward/back, and the weight can be shifted left/right. The odd color choice and design might have been based on old Buck Rogers technology. You would think the tripod stand base design would work well to sit your camera down, but it acts as a counterweight. If you are required to shift that weight to an angle, it will no longer sit as a tripod and just topple over.
The video demo was shot just for fun, and it was the first time out with it. It's definitely not easy to fly. I don't agree on the price tag running several hundreds of dollars while there are already existing units on the market that are much cheaper and already have proven results. If they dropped this down to about $80 dollars, it might be worth considering for those on a budget and a lack of aesthetic appeal. There is also a low mode version, and a kit that doubles as both low mode and tripod base mode found on eBay (click here).
DV Stabilizer Tripod Base Low Mode
If you're like me, I have no straps mounted on my camera. Not always ideal, so here's something a friend showed me. This is a Calumet Aircell Neoprene quick strap. Not only comfortable, flexible, and padded, but it allows you to quickly remove the strap when it's not needed. A good thing for people who want to use Shoulder Rigs, Sliders, Cranes, Steadicam / Glidecam stuff since it can easily throw off the balance. Or people who move from doing Photography to Video. Can be found via Calumet's website (here).
Calumet AirCell Straight Shoulder Strap
The 717AH is back and with a slight price drop. [Thanks Larry]. This is a solid and inexpensive mount for the top of your sliders or track dollies that help to reduce vibration during your movements. It's also helpful to be able to change pan and tilt angles. You'll find this head on many DIY projects including Rod's DIY Ladder dolly. You can find the discounted 717AH following the link (click here).
Fluid Drag Tripod Head 717AH
Rigs are often compared to Lego systems, since they can be assembled according to your imagination. It's hard to justify the cost of industry standard 15mm rigs if all you need it for is to stabilize your camera. You can already do this with a few broomsticks and duct tape.
It starts to make more sense once you start to involve mounting audio accessories, lighting accessories, monitors, evf solutions, follow focuses, and matte boxes. Especially since some of those items require rails to mount. Clamps and rods also make it easy to redesign and customize size and shape depending on the individual. You can grow with a starter set of rails, or you can shrink down from a large rig. Not to mention the benefits to traveling. A large set of rods and clamps can be packed up pretty nicely. Lastly, there are many who just want the pure aesthetics of it.
Here's a video from Vimeo member Just Basl Productions showing how 90 degree clamps play a part in mounting accessories to your rig, or for redesigning your rig to accommodate different shooting styles. The RedRock Micro Spud can be used with any standard 15mm Clamp, and runs for just $8 dollars (click here).
RedRock Micro Spud Adapter
Here's a closer look at the inline version of the 'EVENT' DSLR rig from Express35. There is so many good things about this rig, but overall you'll find the price is the best part. Express35 stabilizers are made in the USA, and it's quality rivals many of the top local DSLR Stabilizer brands, and yet pricing competes with the cheapest of over seas rigs.
This particular EVENT rig is designed for EVF or LCD Monitor use by keeping the camera in line over the shoulder. You can also use this setup with cameras that have Flip out LCD screens. The contoured shoulder pad wraps behind the shoulder (doesn't sit on top), and the counterweight that sits low balances the rig out even more. With the dual rods on the counterweight, you can offset this if you feel you need to shift it over more to one side. I prefer to have the weight adjusted to sit lower. You can also just shoot without the counterweight, and still have plenty points of contact for stabilizing your camera.
Normally you'll see adjustable handles with some rigs, but those could have a tendency to reposition (slip) under weight. The Express35 XL HD handle is one solid piece which really adds to the whole stability of the rig. The 13" length and 4" offset design of the front handle makes it extremely comfortable to operate with less strain in your arm. There's a few optional pieces I suggest to really get this rig going. The optional top handle makes it easier for me to lift the rig on/off my shoulder or to hold the rig in a position for low shots. The optional tripod mount obviously makes it easier for you to get into tripod mode for some fluid panning (or just docking the rig). The 90 degree accessory rod clamp with stub makes it easy to attach or detach a 1/4-20 accessory. In this case i'm using a friction arm with Zacuto EVF with the rod clamp.
The only other item I'm looking to add is a second handle. It's not necessary to have a second handle for stabilization when shooting video on this rig, but the second handle will allow me to place the rig on the floor without falling over. If you decide to look into Express35 gear, make sure you put in a good word about this Cheesycam blog. To find out the exact pieces that come with the EVENT, and optional accessories, check out Express35.com.
Express35.com EVENT Video camera Shoulder Rig.
Vimeo member Film Cyfrowy shows off some of the features from a Ruige TL-480HDB. The TL-480 comes in a few different options and all with a screen size of only 4.8". The video shows off size, menu options, focus peaking, and display. The optional Zoom remote trigger allows the monitor to zoom in even if the camera is in record mode. With HDMI out you are able pass video through the Ruige to another monitor. There are different models varying in options and prices (click here).
Ruige TL-480 LCD Monitors
