Videography Gadgets

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Screen shot 2011-03-25 at 1.20.08 AM

Earlier today I talked to someone at Canon's customer support about what conditions would a camera be considered as a refurb. First off, Canon will not repair a defective item and resell it. Cameras with issues are sent to the recycling plant. 'Refurbished' sold cameras most likely come from overstock, has been returned from a retailer, or may have had a damaged box (nobody wants to buy a camera with a bent box).

Technically not allowed to sell the same item as 'new' twice, they have to stamp it with the refurbished scarlet letter. Before any item is sold though, it goes through a complete 'new product standards' inspection to ensure it meets the same requirements as equipment sold as 'new' and packaged with all the standard items (software, manuals, cables, straps).

I decided to order a refurbished 5D Mark II when there was a pretty nice sale going on and while new retail versions are selling for about $2500+, I was able to grab this guy for $1799 (pre tax). Here's a little insight on what to expect from Canon's Refurbished store. The BOX is not the same OEM as you'd get from buying one as New.

Canon 5D Refurb

Canon 5D Mark II Refurb

Everything is well packed, and comes with brand new manuals, software CD's, straps, and cables.

5D Mark II Refurbished

2011-03-23 18.33.20

It's sold as refurbished, but still comes with Canon's 90 Day Warranty.

Canon 90 day refurbished warranty

canon 5d mark II refurbished

Inspecting the camera's body, it looks BRAND NEW and untouched. Menu was set to all default settings, no shutter actuations, and firmware had already been upgraded. I've had my other 5D Mark II since it first hit the internet (2 years ago), and have had no issues ever. Although this one is technically a refurbished item, it's Brand New as far as i'm concerned. With the discount on Refurbished items combined with periodic sales from Canon, I was able to grab this for several hundreds of dollars cheaper than even a used 1 year old Body found on eBay.

Glad I was able to grab the deal, these popular cameras and lenses sold out in a matter of hours once they announced a nice percentage off promo code. You can also check out their other items including printers and other Canon supplies here: https://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores

canon 5d mark II new refurbished

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240-led-dimmable-led-video-light

Fresh new LED Video light hits the market for on camera use. This one looks like a winner, and a first for color changing dimmable LED video lights at this price. Look closely and you'll see a familiar build similar to the makers of the popular 126 LED video light that changed everything. The Magenta (minus green) and clear diffuser filters look very similar to the latest 600, 900, and 1200 LED video lights also made by the same company as the 126 LED.

LED-dimmable-video-240-light

This time around they're throwing in a 240 LED Dimmable video light with Color Changing knobs. If you don't know how this works, check out this article: http://cheesycam.com/color-changing-variable-color-led-video-lights/

240-led-color-changing

The only other color changing for 'On Camera' use are the 312 LED Color Changing Dimmable Video Lights, which look damn good, but run more than twice this price. Of course for the lower price this new 240 LED Video light does not include the popular Sony or Panasonic camcorder batteries required to power, and also doesn't have a port for external power adapters.

240-led-sony-battery

Still don't think you're getting a deal on the price? Check out what looks to be the exact same LED video light found here.

For the price, the new Color Changing features, and coming from a company who's recently been releasing some of the most popular LED lights for the budget filmmaker, it sounds like a great buy. Unfortunately they are fairly new and limited supply at this time.

240-led-video-light
find-price-button Color Changing Dimmable LED Video Lights

[Update Update] Now Back Available Online:
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find-price-button 240 Dimmable Color Changing LED Video Light with Barndoors

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find-price-button 240 Dimmable Color Changing LED Video Light without Barndoors

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Vimeo member Lolo Two is at it again with another DIY project. This time using EMT a.k.a conduit to assemble a solid DSLR style Fig Rig / Cage. Interesting to see the 90 degree Conduit connectors in use, and gives me more ideas on where I could use these things. [Thanks Lolo Two]

If you haven't passed by your local hardware store and looked through the Conduit / EMT section, you'll be surprised to find a whole bunch of clamps and connectors that have a ton of uses. I think I found some very cool clamps that can be mounted to 15mm Rails as accessory mounts.

As far as a DIY cage, I'm still hung up on my DIY DSLR Cage found here: http://cheesycam.com/cheesycam-exclusive-diy-dslr-cage-stabilizer/. Using inexpensive strut channels in my design requires zero drilling and just two cuts to assemble a solid rig with a bunch of different mounting points.

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Konova is now pushing a small Fluid Head for their SpiderTrax-Like Rotating Video Dolly or their popular Camera Roller Bearing Slider. This new little fluid head could be slightly compared to the Manfrotto 128RC or even the very nice Calumet Video Fluid Head. Obviously for a cheaper price, and possibly not at the same level of build quality. Either way, i'm sure it's a great little low profile fluid head for many DIY projects, but if you could afford to, you might want to check out the Calumet Fluid Head or Manfrotto Fluid Head.

Konova-Fluid-Head
find-price-button Konova Mini Video and Photo Fluid Head

BTW - Did anyone catch that other seller for the Konova Roller Bearing Slider that offers free shipping? Essentially saving you another $50 bucks? [Thanks Chris S.]

Found here:
konova-slider-dslr-video-shooter
find-price-button Konova Roller Bearing Slider

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When Panasonic announced the AG-AF100, there were claims that DSLR video was dead. Sure the Panny is a good camera, but they were too far from the idea of what DSLR’s really were. It seems they were designing around the needs of the high end filmmaker, but the largest community of DSLR shooters are from basic consumers. Today Sony announces a new NEX-FS100E, a nice balance between the influence from DSLR cameras as well as addressing more professional filmmakers. Depending on the price of this unit, some might say that Panny’s AF100 is dead. Vimeo member Den & James from F-Stop Academy had the chance to input all the good qualities of DSLR’s as well as the bad.

Sony NEX-FS100E

Some features and controls are said to be influenced from the EX1, but Sony’s NEX-FS100E will have the ability to use interchangeable lenses with Sony’s Super 35mm motion picture sensor. There’s also 1080@60p available, the top swivel LCD remains on even when another monitor is plugged in on the full size HDMI. XLR inputs with phantom power, Shotgun Microphone with top handle, manual audio levels, and even a bunch of ¼ x 20 mounting points built directly into the Sony camera body. There’s a ton of other features explained in the video (above) and more found at Sony’s Press Release page: https://www.sony.co.uk/biz/content/id/1237480587665?en_GB=

Sony new NEX-FS100E

I personally love the way this Sony camera was put together. Keep it small, that’s the whole appeal of DSLR’s. Today I can carry 4 Canon DSLR cameras + lenses to a location in a single roller bag. If manufacturers design these bodies too big (or too expensive), they’ll be losing the largest market of DSLR shooters. One thing I can safely say is that even this new Sony won't kill DSLR's. It's designed to have more ergonomics for Video rather than for Photographers. You might think this isn't a big deal, but having both a still camera and video camera in one tiny form factor is still appeals to a huge audience. The opposite side of the spectrum are cameras designed to have more ergonomics for Photos rather than for Video. Dedicated interchangeable lens 'still cameras' with 'a little bit of video' will still be a tool for a big audience. Sure I would love to throw this Sony NEX-FS100E in my bag, but it would be along side a DSLR. I'm not ready to give up a fast and professional Photography camera. There’s no word on pricing, but my guess is cheaper than the Panasonic AG-AF100. [Update] I guess pricing comes in at about $6550. This is definitely great news and could appeal to serious vide shooters who 'work around' the lack of features in DSLRs today, but it's early in 2011. Canon might still be dropping a 5D Mark III....

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Chest Pod Camera Support

Reader Jip shares a camera support find. Taking a few tips from the big guys about Camera Shoulder Shooter designs, this 'Chest Pod' acts like a shoulder stock or placed on the knee as a monopod. There's a sling strap included so i'm not sure if it can be worn in any other configuration. Pricing is way too high for something like this, but maybe you guys can track down something cheaper, or DIY something better. [Thanks Jip]


Screen shot 2011-03-22 at 3.58.45 PMScreen shot 2011-03-22 at 3.58.51 PM
find-price-button Adjustable Chest Pod Camera Support Shooter

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fuji-x100-camera

One the most hyped cameras finally reaching the market and yet there hasn't been as many reviews as there has been eBay auctions. The sheer scarcity and exclusiveness of this camera is commanding prices twice the original retail value. $2400 dollars is one of the highest it's sold for so far, but we'll see if that record will be topped this week. BTW, not a single one on auction right now is coming from U.S. (mainland) soil.

Sure it's a fixed lens on what some might call a Point and Shoot camera, but if you're an avid cell phone snapper (with no zoom) you'll come to realize this camera has it's place. In fact, images from the iPhone is one of the top 'cameras' on Flickr above all other DSLRs. There is definitely a confirmation of shortages with the X100, but they are still estimating last week of March to early April, so hopefully we'll see prices drop on this little beauty. For now prices are driven by bidding wars for those that just have to have it now. Check it out:


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visit-button Fuji X100 eBay Auctions

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RigWheels are some clever new items targeting the DIY audience. Although they run a bit high in price for most, the ability to quickly and easily move them from one project to another makes them quite appealing. You can literally mount them with a single bolt, and a clamp knob or wing nut.

rigwheels-size

Check out the video above for just a few ideas of what you can do with a set of smooth mini rollers, and the video below which takes you through an entire DIY project crafting a full track tripod dolly. Beats drilling angle iron, that's for sure.

Available Below
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find-price-button Rigwheels

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Juicedlink contest 5d Mark II
visit-button JuicedLink.com Blog - Win Canon 5D Mark II Contest

I'm a bit of a skeptic when it comes to winning contests, but here's an easy one with an exciting little reward (should you win). JuicedLink.com has been holding contests giving away DSLR camera bodies for some time, and now the Canon 5D Mark II body is being offered up. Easy rules to follow including subscription to the newsletters, and everything else can be done all from the comfort of your bed. Hey, another reader found the RadioPopper.com contest I posted up on this blog and won some valuable goodies. Maybe the next person reading this article could be our winner. Good Luck and comment back if you win.