Photography Gadgets

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Cruising the Vimeo website looking for NAB postings, (yeah I didn't make it out there), I ran across this video clip demo (shot by DSLRNewsShooter.com) of the Kata bag for Video DSLR rigs. I'm a huge fan of bags that don't look like you got a million dollars locked away. Those bright chrome polished metallic aluminum flashy hard cases are sometimes just asking for trouble if anyone sees you walking the streets. So this Kata bag looks like a softcase, but is said to be able to hold up with someone standing on top of it, that translates to protection. Lots of room for the rig and pockets to stay organized. A quick search on eBay turns up the price for this bag listed here.

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Canon 7D firmware upgrade

If you've had problems with temp gauges on your 7D, this firmware release should help with that. I've seen it a couple of times on my camera, so i'm hoping this will help clear things up. Get the new Canon 7D firmware here.

Firmware changes
Firmware Version 1.2.1 incorporates the following improvements and fixes.

1.Extends the timing at which the high temperature warning indicator is displayed and the timing of automatic shut down of the camera due to a rise in internal temperature during Live View or EOS Movie functions.

2.Optimizes program shift when the ISO setting of the camera is set to AUTO.

3.Corrects a misspelling in the French-language menu.

4.Corrects a phenomenon in which vertical magenta-colored banding appears in still images taken in movie-shooting mode.
(This only occurs when in Manual exposure mode and when the ISO speed is set to "H". Note that this phenomenon only affects units with Firmware Version 1.2.0)

Firmware Version 1.2.1 is for cameras with firmware up to version 1.2.0. If the camera's firmware is already version 1.2.1, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

Note that cameras with firmware Version 1.2.1, 1.2.0 cannot be downgraded to a previous firmware version (such as Version 1.1.0).

Get the new Canon 7D firmware here.

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Wow, it's been a struggle trying to get a hold of one of these Battery Grips for the Canon EOS 550D a.k.a. T2i. This is the OEM Canon BG-E8 part number which I could not find in stock on Amazon, Adorama, B&H Photo Video. Much props to the guys at Calumet San Francisco for tracking one down in their San Diego store and having it shipped. This grip definitely makes holding the Canon EOS 550D alot easier, especially since it's front heavy from a lens.

A must have piece of equipment if you own a T2i, not just for double the battery life, not just for the flexibility of using Eneloop batteries, but for the stability it can add to your shots. (Not to mention making it look a bit more like it's bigger siblings...). The problem is even on eBay you won't find USA sellers carrying this item. The best bet on eBay is to order the OEM versions from overseas. You can find the BG-E8 battery grip for the Canon EOS 550D / T2i available through this link - Click Here.

Canon EOS 550D T2i Battery Grip BG-E8

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Canon released a firmware update for the 5D Mark II and then pulled it off from the website because of some problems. Yeah scary stuff if it bricks your camera.
Canon fixed the problem and released a new firmware 2.0.4. I've been hesitating for a long time, because if I needed 24p I would shoot with the 7D or the 550D / T2i. If my 5D ain't broke why fix it??

Lately though, for some reason, people love to shoot with the 5DM2 and even pay to rent them. It seems that the gigs i'm being hired to do require me to update the camera for at least correcting the 30fps to a true 29.97. Since people are still considering buying the Canon 5D Mark II, maybe even some buying it used, I thought I would share the update experience. So here's my Canon EOS 5D Mark II firmware update 2.0.4 adventure. Firmware can be downloaded from Canon's website here.

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Update!! You Can Find the Popular 126 LED DSLR Video Light Kit Here!!

This video was created by Dereck Willis about the Cheap LED lights everyone is buying, but is causing some controversy about the Whining noise at the end of his video.

I love these lights, and so do all my friends who have purchased them after me. Because of all the controversy, Here is my official test showing my results.

First test: I'm using (3) Three LED lights next to a Zoom H4n
Second test: was with the light mounted to the hot shoe using the on Board microphone on the 7D.

Not sure how Dereck ended up with a whining noise, but I did not get anything at all. The only thing I can think of is that towards the end of his video, he was standing next to the light. He was using a Lav Microphone that may have picked up 'Electrical Interferance'. The lights themselves don't emit any noise. I did not get any interferance in my results.

Check out MY video review below to dispell any myths. I think these lights are great, and I'd love to hear comments from others out there regarding these lights. If you're interested in purchasing these awesome LED lights, you can grab them from this article here: http://cheesycam.com/?p=523

Update!! You Can Find the Popular 126 LED DSLR Video Light Kit Here!!

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So i'm getting calls from all the non-techies in the family asking me about 3D televisions. I guess Samsung made their big announcement to be the first LCD with the guts to display real time 3D Video (with the glasses of course), and now everyone wants the latest gadgets. Well DIY 3D photographers or videographers is nothing new. There's plenty of tutorials on setting up two cameras side by side a few inches apart to get that 'stereoscopic' view. Even YouTube is hosting tons of 3D Videos online made from DIY'ers.


If you're a one camera kinda person, you can probably get away with some of the special Stereoscopic lenses designed for DSLR's. They've been around for a while and normally it was used for photographs, but times are changing and DSLR's can now shoot video. Should be a fun thing to look into as a project. You can grab a DSLR 3D Lens cap for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and Minolta here.

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126 LED Video light

Update!! You Can Find the Popular 126 LED DSLR Video Light Kit Here!!

I have a long drive to work everyday, about 2.5 hours (one way). So it's nice to see something sitting on my desk when I get in. I'm lovin' these LED lights I posted up about a while back and am finding more and more use for them. Although it was cheap, shipping from Hong Kong was a bit of a turn off.

Today I just received 2 more from a USA seller I found. Awesome seller & fast shipping too, thanks eBay guy. You're getting positive feedback from me. Here's a link to these DSLR LED Video Lights from the guy I bought it from if you're interested.

Update!! You Can Find the Popular 126 LED DSLR Video Light Kit Here!!

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Pictures play an important role in grabbing a viewers attention, and also shows that you as a seller, have nothing to hide. Bottom line is that the better you can get your photos to look, the more attention you'll grab from viewers, the better you will look as a seller, and hopefully that translates to more buyers and higher market value on your items.

I was going to post my 100mm Macro USM for sale on the Internet, and obviously everyone wants to ask the condition of your gear. Here's a simple technique I use to get clean sharp images for the Internet. If you already own a Canon flash + 7D, you've got the perfect setup. The Canon 7D has a built in Wireless function to fire flashes off camera. For the Cocoon or Product tents, you can find them for sale here.

Other Light Tents on Amazon

 

 

 

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This is part 1 of an idea i'm going to try and work on. Not sure it there will ever be a Part 2 to this! Basically the problem I want to provide a DIY solution for is a remote to start and stop video from the Canon 5D Mark II, 7D, 550D / T2i. Yes, there is the RC-1 for the 5D Mark II, but that works through infrared, line of sight, and only best in front of the camera. I need a remote that can start and stop video if my camera were on a Jib / Crane / Steadicam / Shoulder Rig, etc.

Here's two of the current solutions people are using today:

Video above From Lucasberg


Video above From Abel Cine Tech

While both videos show a method of routing an infrared signal from front to back, it's not going to suffice in many situations that I plan on using my camera for. So check out my video (very top) on Part 1 of what I'm planning on doing. I'm using this $8.00 wireless 1CH remote and also got this used RC-1 from eBay for just $8.00 dollars. Let's see if you hear back from me on a successful DIY Wireless Remote for the Canon 5D Mark II or if it's an epic failure.... Stay tuned.

1. Parts i'm using is this 1 CH Momentary Wireless Remote / Receiver from eBay for about $8.00 dollars
2. I'm going to use a Relay to trigger continuity (bypassing the switch) on the Canon RC-1 infrared for the Canon 5D Mark II (click Here).

I'd love some feedback, and even better, some help on this idea. Drop me a comment below. If i'm wasting my time here, and something already exists, holla back!!!

Update Update Update: Here's Part #2
Where I get a bit further in progress...Looks good so far....