Lens Talk

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How serious is the world taking the (MFT) Micro Four Thirds movement? Pretty seriously I guess if Zeiss is now making the Compact Prime cinema lenses for a native MFT mount to cameras like the GH1, GH2, or Panasonic AF100. Originally available in just PL, and then to interchangeable PL + EF (Canon) mounts, this new move to MFT could mean there is something special down the line we haven't even heard about yet. I'm just speculating....

Already available to ship (takes a few weeks) if you've got a big budget. Otherwise, you might just be better off renting them on a 'per project' basis. The Zeiss CP.2 Prime Lenses for Canon EF mounts can already be rented from BorrowLenses.com found here: https://www.borrowlenses.com

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find-price-button Zeiss MFT mount Compact Prime CP.2 Cinema Prime Lenses

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iPad Tilt ShiftiPad Tilt Shift

TiltShift Generator for iPad makes for interesting photos. Several different image editing options and blur control make this one cool little application, not to mention several thousands of dollars cheaper than a Lens.

Features (from iTunes)
- The original iPhone version was ranked second in the Photo Manipulation app category of the Best App Ever Awards. Judges included expert journalists from Wired, IGN, ArsTechnica and many more - these guys know what they're talking about!

- Twitter and email sharing - show the world your creations.
- Comprehensive in-app tutorial.
- Support for a range of image resolutions.
- Radial and linear blur masks.
- Blur strength control.
- Saturation, contrast and brightness controls.
- Vignetting (corner shadowing).
- In-app developer contact - we listen to our customers.

Available Here:

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visit-button TiltShift Generator for iPad - Fake DSLR

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spare-canon-caps

Just in time. These body caps and rear lens caps are going to help me break my gear down into pieces for easy packing. I lost a few from a recent shoot and had to leave my lenses on the camera bodies. This time I gathered more than enough, but for about a dollar each to protect your lenses, i'm not complaining. I ordered these a few weeks ago from here. Now i'm just waiting on the spare front lens caps.

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If you're looking to tackle a home made Wireless Follow Focus project, you might want to give VImeo member Phillip James a holla. For the past few months, he's been working with Arduino to design his own WFF, and seems to have worked out all the bugs. It definitely looks like all the parts are in the right places, and appears to be very precise in movement. Take note that one thing inexpensive WFF's are known for is the amount of noise it can generate. WFF's have a place and sound should always be captured seperately (like on real sets).

If you're not up to the task of a DIY the most inexpensive one to first hit the market was from Jag35. Although it worked pretty well, it's been polished up quite a bit lately. Pricing is unbelievably cheap if you've ever shopped around a for one. Prices are available following the link below.

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find-price-button Jag35 Wireless Follow Focus system

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Don't say I didn't tell you so if you happen to be short on a few lens caps and body caps. When that happens, it will make things difficult to pack things back into your bag since you can't remove the lens from the body. After a long shoot this past Sunday, i've realized i'm down to a few spares (again). Luckily for a set of two caps, it's just over $1.00 dollar + Free Shipping. Had to grab a few more sets since they'll take about 2 weeks to come in..

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find-price-button Canon Rear Lens and Canon DSLR Body Caps

For an important list of other inexpensive spare items (including Front Caps with Logos, Hoods, & Pouches), check out this article: http://cheesycam.com/hoods-covers-caps-and-pouches/

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There's plenty of stabilizers on the market in all different shapes and sizes, but finding one to support up to 8lbs. of weight narrows the playing field. Now when you're talking about finding a portable lightweight stabilizer + carry 8lbs. the list gets even smaller. The Steadicam Merlin is one of the best performing portable stabilizers i've used, but has specs to support only up to 5lbs for about $800 dollars, the Glidecam 2000 up to 6lbs, and The Glidecam 4000 can support up to 10lbs for about $550.

The Blackbird stabilizer from Camera Motion Research is said to support up to 8lbs, is cheaper in price, and less than half the weight and size (making great for traveling) compared to the Glidecam HD4000. The Gimbal handle design with universal joint is found on other stabilizers, but this is the largest one i've seen. How well does it perform? Well, there's videos of this stabilizer flying a Sony EX1 so any DSLR should be a breeze. Just by looking at the build quality, there's quite a bit of thought placed into every detail about how this thing works. The stage has a quick release system, can be adjusted forward / back, and left / right with fine tuning knobs. The weights on the bottom are mounted to an adjustable post with clear markings for easy repositioning if you have to take the unit apart. (I often use nail polish on my Glidecam posts to make sure I can line things back up) One interesting feature addresses problems with what most people have issues with (stabilizer roll). By adjusting friction into the Gimbal it keeps the stabilizer horizon more consistent.

Here's a great little review from Vimeo member Firewerkz Films

If you understand stabilizers, how they work, this one is clearly made to address all concerns for getting the camera quickly balanced, easy to fly, and travel light. I'll be putting it together and testing it out later this week, but so far it looks like a great little product. I'll have part #2 of this review up soon.

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find-price-button Camera Motion Research BlackBird Stabilizer

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Canon T3i / 600D shown with Letus Hawk VF LCD View Finder

Letus created a Hawk VF (View Finder) for the 3:2 aspect DSLR LCD's like the T2i. It so happened to fit on the Canon 60D and fits pretty nicely on the Canon T3i as well. There's a base plate that is mounted to the bottom of the camera (still supports a tripod mount), and the Hawk VF View Finder is attached through a quick release system. It's a great semi-permanent way to attach a View Finder to the T3i without the use of sticky frames. For a closer look at how that all comes together, check out the video below.

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When used properly DSLR's can provide amazing quality video footage. Of course you've probably already heard of all the problems that go with shooting video DSLR cameras too. If you're just starting out with DSLR's or might be wondering about implementing DSLR's into your workflow, you should definitely check out B&H's HDSLR Hub taught by Shane Hurlbut, ASC. So far it's based around the amazing Canon 5D Mark II, but many of the tips, tricks, and advice are general to all DSLR's. Episode II was just released today, and there's a schedule to release more in the coming weeks. All found here: https://www.hdslrhub.bhphoto.com

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What's the purpose of a Matte Box? The big flags help shade the lens from flares or any little bit of light adding better color and contrast, and also allows placement of certain filters such as ND, Gradients, and Polarizers. With filters you would be able to control shutter drag, aperture, color, and other details. Nothing beats the real thing, but if you can't afford it, there's some clever DIY tutorials out there. YouTube member EquippedforMedia puts together a DIY Matte Box starting with a tray for a weighing scale. Filter holder is the popular Cokin P series, which i've used myself in Hawaii.

The Cokin Filter system is a light weight cheap filter kit (mostly plastic), but great for traveling and keeping things light. With a good Gradient ND Filter you can bring down the bright sky while still maintaining proper exposure on the landscape. Keep in mind these filters are not just for video, but enhance your Photography too. One thing to keep in mind that as you stack filters in front of the lens, it's harder to manage with Wide Angle Lenses.

So instead of going the DIY route to control Lens flare, Cokin already has a square hood with filter holder to get you started with a Matte Box type look, and filter holder functionality. They are also stackable so that you can make the hood longer or shorter. What you'll need to make this happen is the Filter Ring (choose correct size), Filter Holder, Square Hood (or several), and P Series Filters. You could probably score all of this for under $30 bucks.

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find-price-button Cokin P Series Filters, Filter Holders, Square Lens Hoods