I get so many comments about Magic Lantern, and the lack of posts on here. I figured the whole world already knows about it and every DSLR blog is talking about it too, so why be redundant? Ok fine, here's one for you, so you can stop asking me to post something.Vimeo member Dave Knop gives a tour about the latest Magic Lantern firmware. New Color features help you get an idea on exposure and also what's in focus. You can find out more about Magic Lantern here: https://magiclantern.wikia.com/wiki/550D
Videography Gadgets
Cinevate Simplis DSLR Rig
Here's a cool little Ad shot for Cinevate's new DSLR rig. Most DSLR rigs are built around a foundation of rails, but Cinevate's new 'Simplis' takes a different approach to where the rig starts from a custom Quick Release Base plate. The Quick Release base plate is Manfrotto compatible and has several 1/4 x 20 threaded holes to mount anything from handles, to shoulder stock, to monitor arms, and more. The text below is taken from their Vimeo page.
Introducing the Proteus Simplis DSLR Rig. This rig embodies simplicity and scaleability. At it's core it is the foundation for countless, customized DSLR rig configurations.
It is the DSLR rig that covers the complete spectrum of shooting styles and skill levels.
For more info visit cinevate.com/simplis
This piece was shot/edited by our good friends at Imaginarium Studio. imaginariumvideo.com
Cinevate Simplis DSLR Rig VideoTompter DIY TelePrompter Tutorial
Not long ago I showed off a sweet little DIY Teleprompter that was shipped over to me from Tompter.com. As promised Tom himself put together this video tutorial on how to make your very own. It requires some cut acrylic, special reflective tint, blow torch, velcro, and nylon laundry bag for the hood/shade. If you're feeling that it's a bit over your head, you can always get one from Tompter through his store. Pretty sweet and very effective DIY Teleprompter.
[Thanks Tom]
DIY Teleprompter Kit w/ LCD Screen, Stand, Prompter – Tompter
48 LED UFO Camping Light Review
Remember this article: http://cheesycam.com/48-led-ufo-camping-ring-light/? Vimeo member RAYPERENIA throws up a 48 LED Camping light video sample and it looks pretty good. Not quite the bluish output I thought it might have, and it actually looks pretty good. Total light output looks strong for a $5 dollar light and the area of coverage looks pretty good too. I asked Ray what white balance setting he had, so hopefully we'll hear back. [Thanks Ray]
Quick release Adapter – It is Compatible with Manfrotto
Looks like a Manfrotto 577 Rapid Connect Adapter w/Sliding Mounting Plate
I don't know why they don't state it anywhere on the specs of the product, but it does look to be the exact same QR adapter and Plate design. The question I had was 'Is it really compatible?'. So I just put this quick release through the tests and it sure is compatible in every means. If you're looking for a QR adapter for all your Glidecam, Flycam, Sliders, or Jibs, it's a bonus that this inexpensive one is Manfrotto compatible. Right now it's on sale and there's only a limited supply in every store. If you were wondering too, here's the answer..
Quick Release Adapter + Plate (not Manfrotto branded)
If you're just in need of the plate itself, they have that available too (again not stating Manfrotto Compatible)
Sliding Plate (not Manfrotto branded)
Camera slider Light Stand Adapter
Light Stand adapter with 1/4 x 20 Thread
Two tripods to support a long camera slider is a good idea, but if all you need is just a little extra support you can get away with a simple Light Stand. One solid tripod in the center, and a Light Stand at the end should do fine. The Konova Camera Slider offered light stand adapters as an optional piece of equipment, so that you can use inexpensive Light Stands for additional support or to get some different slider configurations. I believe they sold for about $18+ shipping. You can actually find them for less than $10 bucks via B&H Photo. (above)
Two light stands with adapters for sideways sliding
One thing that Konova does throw a deal on is collapsible Light Stands. This is one thing that I really hate about traveling even with light weight stands. They are just a bit too long to fit into your average bag. I carry three small stands with my 3pc. 500 LED kit and am forced to use a really long bag just to pack it all in. The Konova folding stands shave down quite a few inches from it's minimum folded length. There are other versions of these which they will call 'Reverse Stands' and you can find some here: Reverse Light Stands
If you feel my pain, these types of folding light stands do exist for a bit cheaper and they make packing things up (with your slider) a whole lot easier. Found below:
DIY Mini Shoulder Brace + Mini Tripod
I love me some RedRock Micro gear, but unfortunately i'm just one of those poor souls who can't afford even their entry level stuff. As seen in the image below, this is just one bundle in the line up of RedRock Micro's Nano rigs called the Running Man. Pretty solid piece of gear that doesn't look quite overkill. Light weight, sturdy, sets up fast, and packs down small. Nice little stabilizer for the frequent traveler. You can find the Running Man rig here: Redrock Micro nano - RunningMan
Having a few spare parts around the studio, just decided to mount the Calumet Mini Tripod / Handle to a Manfrotto 361 Shoulder Brace for Monopods. The bearing on the shoulder support spins freely, but by adding a handle under the camera, you can keep it steady. It's also handy having the handle break out into a Tripod to rest the gear down (gotcha on that one RedRock..JK).
Would be an interesting travel brace for a smaller camera like the GH1, GH2, Sony NEX, or A55. I don't know..all for fun...
Glidetrack – Hybrid Roller / Slider
Can't decide between a slider that 'just slides' or a slider with actual 'roller bearings'? (Technically, I guess that would make it a roller) There's a mix bag of shooters who prefer one over the other, but here's a new 'tweener. Glidetrack was teasing everyone with their new Hybrid camera slider a few weeks ago that uses a new hybrid Roller/Slider bearing, and it's now available to purchase online.
Looks like it's still based off of the IGUS Drylin rails with the new IGUS Hybrid bearings, but there's some custom work done on the actual carrier and adjustable legs. Obviously price is going to be pricier than the normal versions from Glidetrack. In fact, for the price of 1 single Glidetrack Hybrid you could almost score two Konova full roller bearing sliders of the same length. No descriptions on variable friction, but there is a hard brake stop to keep it locked down while moving around. If you're interested in hybrid designs, the Glidetrack Hybrid sliders / rollers are available in a variety of lengths from 20" (0.5m) - 78" (2m). You can find the prices below.
Rode Vs. Rode – VideoMic + VideoMic Pro
There's been plenty of discussion and audio tests with the Rode VideoMic vs. the Rode VideoMic 'Pro', so here i'm just showing the size difference between what I would normally be carrying around to the new smaller form factor of the Rode VideoMic Pro - Compact Shotgun Microphone. Huge difference in size, weight, and build quality make it all worth the price difference. I'm not sure where I put my OEM Foam cover for the regular VideoMic, so i'm showing my Aftermarket MiCover Dead Cat.
Sure there's a bit of a price difference, but at least you get a FREE Rode Dead Cat with the new Rode VideoMic Pro (with online registration) shaving the difference down another $40.00 dollars. Otherwise with the normal VideoMic you would need to purchase this optional Dead Cat: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/392861-REG/Rode_DEAD_CAT_Dead_Cat_Wind_Muff.html/. The build on the shock mount is a nice touch over the other design in the lower end VideoMic. Aside from design, the switches are much more accessible (finally usable) and comes with the new +20db feature which should work well with DSLR's that have manual audio level controls.
Rode VideoMic - Camera Mounted Shotgun Microphone
Rode VideoMic Pro Compact Shotgun Microphone + Free Dead Cat Windscreen w/ Registration