Another video with a few different additions to the DIY DSLR Cage project. This time, YouTube member browncowvideo uses a Miter Track channel for the top rail. This allows the mounted accessories to be adjusted left and right. Another added addition is the swing out feet that allows you to rest the Cage on a flat surface, a very simple yet functional idea. [Thanks Brian]
Videography Gadgets
Tilta DSLR Follow Focus, Matte Box, Full Rig
Tilta DSLR Shoulder Rig, Matte Box, Half Cage, Follow Focus
What's up with Tilta? I've seen a few of their small DSLR rig parts before, but it looks like they are slowly expanding on gear. Bruce pointed out today about their Follow Focus kit which includes two different gears, a set of base rails to mount, a dslr stage with battery door access, and a unique 'quick dock' solution to remove the entire system from a tripod or rig. I don't see a way to reverse the gears or adjustments for lash and tension, but it does have it's simple appeal. Anyone got more insight on these Tilta DSLR Rigs? They've even got a full Shoulder rig with half cage and Matte Box as well, but a bit too pricey for my taste...
900 LED Light Panel Sample
Here's a simple frame grab using only 900 LED Video Light panels. 1/50th, F/4, ISO 100 on Canon 7D.
900 LED Dimmable Photography Video Light Panel
No worries about heat or power draw that will blow out house breakers. The 600 and 900 LED versions come with Sony V Mounts, so you can also invest in batteries to take them off the grid and portable. You can see placement of lights in the first frame grab. Not the best test here, but hopefully you get an idea about power output, throw, and diffusion. [Thanks Olivia for sitting in.]
You can find more LED Video Light Panels in different Sizes below
500, 520, 600, 900, 1000, 1200 LED Lights and More
128GB Lexar SDXC in Canon 60D
If you're wondering about what the 128GB Lexar SDXC card is good for, there's a number of things. Besides throwing it into bitrate hungry high end cameras, another good purpose is doubling the disk space on my MacBook Air. The new Macbook Air can't be upgraded internally, so by using a very generic SDHC card reader, i'm able to double my storage with a solid state drive that can transfer 100MB files in less than 7 seconds. There's no limit to individual 4GB file sizes with exFAT format and the card works both on Mac and PC. It's the smallest and lightest storage media I can carry in my backpack. If you're looking at 128GB USB thumb drives with equivalent speeds and you'll find yourself coughing up about twice the price of this single Lexar.
SDHC Card Reader Used as Thumb Drive
So, since the Lexar 128GB card is based on exFAT file system with no 4GB limit, what happens if you place it into a Canon 60D? Will the video stop automatically? The answer is yes it will stop at just around a 4GB file size - so DSLRs won't be taking advantage of SDXC and larger file sizes (for now). The Canon 60D and Panasonic GH2 can see the entire 128GB and can record video without any buffering issues, but for now the card is a bit overkill. For other things like being able to dump files to the editor, run backups in Time Machine, or use it for additional storage it's pretty quick and has a feather weight footprint in the bag...
DIY camSlider Project Part I & II
Looks like a fun little DIY Arduino based motion controlled slider project is unfolding. Starting the platform out with IGUS Drylin W rails and carrier (wider version), and adding in a custom fitted pulley system. My guess is that the programmable controller will eventually be used for Timelapse movements and intervalometer trigger. Part 1 & Part 2 videos show some of the DIY process, but more information can be found from Vimeo member Stefan Kohler. Oh and if you're hoping something like this will hit the market, apparently it's not planned for it.
DIY Camera slider - Making of - Part 1 - Mechanics
DIY Camera slider - Making of part II
Of course, if you're looking to get into Motion Controlled sliders, you can't go wrong with Dynamic Perception.
Dynamic Perception Motion Controlled Sliders
Also designed with Arduino in mind, these time lapse sliders are the best on a budget. Highly recommended for anyone who wants the 'now' and not mess with the DIY process. Check out one of the latest videos shot with DynamicPerception.com sliders.
Description:
This was filmed between 4th and 11th April 2011. I had the pleasure of visiting El Teide. Spain´s highest mountain @(3718m) is one of the best places in the world to photograph the stars and is also the location of Teide Observatories, considered to be one of the world´s best observatories. More......
Small Camera Monopod Tilt Head
With the new Sunpak Carbon Monopod and Velbon Ultra stick in the house, it's time to add a little tilt swag. I opted to try this small tilt head (no pan) to still keep things short and tight. It's pretty much the same design you'll find on certain Manfrotto monopods, but a third the price for the off-brand. I'm also going to try to use this on the Korean version SpiderTrax dolly to see if it keeps low and stable. You can find it in the link below and by searching for 'Tilt Head'.
Calumet Small Swivel Tilt Monopod Heads
If you don't find yourself in a rush to move the camera off the monopod, you might not require the quick release function. For this you'll find cheaper heads that use an underside clamp knob such as the Manfrotto 234 (below).
Konova new Sliders + Skater Dolly
Konova made a huge impact on the scene when they released their very affordable Roller Bearing slider not long ago. Now they are showing off two new slider versions one for heavier cameras and another for extremely light weight cameras (even down to iPhones). Another optional upgrade they will be offering with their future sliders are 'folding legs'. If you're familiar with the basic version, these new folding leg upgrades should make the sliders easier to pack up instead of having to remove them completely off of the slider rail each time you pack. These are both new sliders which are not available yet, and will not be replacing the original current version found below.
Konova video Camera Rolling Bearing DSLR Slider
Konova is also looking to offer a new three wheel skater dolly similar to a few very high end designs that are already on the market. Using three wheels on a rotating dolly makes it more complicated to line up your subject, but with the use of a Laser pointer, adjustments can be fairly accurate. This new 3-wheeled version (not yet available) will be marketed towards larger and heavier cameras, and will not replace the first version more affordable 4-wheeled version which is found below.
DIY Motion Controlled Timelapse Slider
Vimeo member Derek Mellott appears to be refining his DIY motion controlled Timelapse Slider. This time he's added some clever upgrades such as a folding rail system, and end to end kill switches. He's also using the Ryobi 12V battery packs that I suggested a few weeks ago (glad to see that tip helped out). It looks like there's a POT in between to control voltage for slow or fast movements? Curious what the max speed is for consistent Video Dolly shots? [Thanks Derek]
Jag35 Wireless Follow Focus Systems
Jehu from Jag35 talks to Olivia and shows off their new Wireless Follow Focus system balanced on a Steadicam Merlin along with a Hacked Asus WiCast to send video to the focus puller. Jag35 has different version motors available depending on how much torque you need for the lenses you'll be using, giving you more affordable options. If you don't require a Wireless system, the same motors work with a tethered remote which they showed us on a seperate shoulder rig. After handling the units at NAB, they are very responsive, quick, and accurate for a Follow Focus on a budget. Gotta get me one of these. More information found below.
