Videography Gadgets

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Justin shares a new product find recently added to Amazon. [Thanks Justin]. Variable Neutral Density filters will help you dial in the right exposure with both photography and videography. Unlike normal ND filters that are designed around a single Density, the variables can be adjusted up to 9 different stops. If you're not sure what to look for when shopping for a Variable ND, you can find some information in this article http://cheesycam.com/variable-nd-filters-fader-filters/.

There's been only a handful of Variable ND Filters out on the market, but now Polaroid has stamped it's name on another one. Is this a re-branded product, or is this designed in house for Polaroid? I'm not sure at this point, but the price is right and available via Amazon. Now I thought I found cheap before, but these new Polaroids are coming around 30-40% cheaper than the cheapest. Unfortunately not all filter sizes are available, but i'm sure they'll start popping up soon. It would be interesting to see the performance and quality of these Variable (Fader) ND filters.

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find-price-button Polaroid Variable Neutral Density Filters

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XA10

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find-price-buttonCanon XA10 HD Professional Camcorder

Canon announces a pretty cool new HD Professional Camcorder called the XA10. Don't let the size fool ya, it's packed with some high end goodies. Some cool features include full manual controls over shutter / iso /aperture, a dual SD Card slot with 'relay recording' or simultaneous dual video recording (automatic backup), Native 24p, Phantom Power XLR inputs on a removeable handle, and even includes Infrared Night Vision. Curious to see what types of DOF adapters will be designed for this new cam. Pricing seems to be in line with other professional camcorders, but without interchangeable lenses, would it catch up to the small following on Sony's NEX-VG10 Interchangeable Lens Camcorder (or soon to be released INC). You can find more information here: B&H Photo Video Article on Canon XA10 Professional HD Camcorder

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I'm actually sending this from my phone. Its very real...

[Update] Ok, so I was a bit excited and decided to post to this blog via my Cell Phone. I'm back in the studio and shot a short clip of what it looks like. People were getting very skeptical about whether this item was real, or just some type of scam. The seller I purchased mine from actually sent a few emails to other people about not being able to ship the item. This was the catalyst to the chaos. Well I never received that email, and here I am with one in my hand. The design is not based on the BG-E9 (similar loading tray as T2i / 550D ), but more off of the BG-E7. The BG-E7 style is very similar to Canon 7D or Canon 5D Mark II's with rear battery loading trays. Quality feels the same as all of my other Aftermarket battery grips (I have on 5D Mark II & 7D), so I think it's coming from the same factory that makes all of these. The OEM Canon BG-E9 feels a bit heavier, but at about $150.00 difference, is it worth it? Not for me at this time, I can find a better way to spend that extra $150 bucks.


(Above) Images of both OEM BG-E9 and Aftermarket BG-E9

I like battery grips because they add more area to the camera body, and also makes changing batteries fast and simple - especially if you're camera is mounted to something. I have two Canon 60D's so one is happy with the OEM, and the other will be happy with the Aftermarket. So it's real, and it's out there, but I noticed a few other people selling them for much higher prices than what I got it for. I'm guessing after this post it, people will be assured, and open up the flood gates... At least I got mine today.

[Update Update] Follow the link below, and you'll find another Aftermarket Battery Grip with side loading tray like the OEM. These are more expensive than the one I have, but it appears that there is 2 different types of Battery Grips for the Canon 60D.


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find-price-button Canon 60D Aftermarket Battery Grip BG-E9

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Windscreen, Wind Jammers, Softies, Dead Cats/Kittens - whatever they call some of these things, they can run you a pretty penny. If you're familiar with Microphone Windscreens then this next product might look very similar to other high end stuff. While the 'other' guys can charge upwards of $280 dollars, an equivalent MiCover Windscreen can run you just about $70 bucks. Not always that great in savings, but normally you'll be looking at 40-50% cheaper than the other brands. Depending on the microphone you have, simple SlipOvers can run you around just $20 bucks.

How well do they perform? I haven't had the chance to test just yet as i've been busy, but I can tell you that it will work way better than the stock foam. The build quality is very nice with a rubber ring at the tail end, internal foam that looks to be of quality acoustic material, and a furry outer coat. If I have time today, i'll run a quick 'microphone against the fan' test. You can find them in a limited amount of online websites, biggest one being eBay. Available in a Puffin or SlipOver for some microphones that are already built in to Pro Video Cameras. A variety of sizes should fit the most popular accessory microphones from Audio-Technica, Azden, Canon, JVC, Neumann, Panasonic, RodeRoland, Sennheiser, Shure, & Sony. You can find more at their eBay store following the link.


find-price-button Cheaper Microphone Covers Windscreens, Puffins, SlipOvers

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Thought i'd share my cable wrapping method, as I was reminded about some people I saw relying on Electrical tape to tie down some cabling. There's a better way than using adhesive sticky tape on your gear that ends up leaving all kinds of gooey residue. Sure you can use velcro straps, but it just doesn't hold the same tension as the stuff i'm using which is 'Silicone Fusion tape'.

It's been around for a while, and it really is some brilliant stuff. I've used it for a number of different things including some underwater stuff (Don't ask - another Cheesy DIY project). Anyways, i've been using this stuff to wrap cables or other things on all my camera equipment (photo and video). It's pretty stretchy and provides constant tension to whatever you wrap up. Think of it like an adjustable wide rubber band. Don't be fooled in buying the stuff on infomercials, it's all the same stuff, just marketed differently (and they'll rape you on prices). It's a tough find in some hardware stores, but more than likely they do carry it.

I've purchased many rolls from my local Orchard Supply, Home Depot, etc. If you search online, they often call it 'Rescue Tape', 'Tommy Tape', or 'Mighty FixIt'. For people who love to stand out, they also come in a variety of colors. If you haven't tried it yet, you should. You'll find a ton of uses for stuff like this, especially if you're a DIY kinda guy/gal.


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find-price-button Silicone Tape on Amazon

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So I tested some playback on the GH2 with this mini-lcd, but that wasn't the test I was hoping for when I first got this LCD. The Panasonic GH2 will only output in recording mode through the HDMI. It can only 'playback' through Composite. The Canon cameras can output from Composite, so I brought in the AV cables that are provided in the box. It's great to see that the LCD actually scales the input properly too. Something else that's pretty cool. When the Canon is displaying the Live View, it doesn't use the entire 3.5" LCD. Why is that cool? Because I threw on one of those magnetic frames for my LCDVF for 3" LCD's and it's just about a perfect fit over the displayed image.

DIY-EVF (3 of 6)DIY-EVF (4 of 6)

The tests with the Canon 60D are awesome, and much more than I expected from a sub $26.00 dollar LCD. It's definitely usuable for my DIY EVF ( Electronic View Finder ) Project. Might not be compared to other EVF's (coming) on the market, but for under $26.00 dollars, i'm not complaining. It does what I need it to do for now. My plan now is to mount a 1/4x20 Nut to the rear of the LCD and use a Friction Arm to position it wherever I want. [Update] Did it.

DIY-EVF

This should also work perfectly with my GoPro HD camera as well, since the GoPro lacks it's own LCD. Here's another cool little kicker, since you're all wondering how it's powered up. As I expected, it doesn't even require 12Volts to run. I attached it to a simple 9Volt battery. Yes 9 volt battery people, that's all it takes to power this bad boy up. One thing I was noticing though is that the exposure wasn't as good with the 9 Volt battery. I think even though it turns on, it's under powered and causes the display not to look as good as it can be.

DIY-EVF (1 of 6)

If you're searching for this mini monitor too, this is how the LCD looks (below). It's a bit confusing since resolution is listed differently depending on the auction, but I think they are all the same. It's a 3.5" LCD with Composite input. If you see one like this, it's probably it. More to come with these Mini-LCD's from Cheesycam for sure.....

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find-price-button Mini LCD Monitor with 960×480 Pixels

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find-price-buttonTranscend Class 10 32GB SDHC

Just picked up three more 32GB Transcend Class 10 SDHC cards. Too many cameras, not enough cards to go around especially with the new Sony A55 and Panasonic GH2 i've been playing with. I've been pretty very happy with my other Transcends, so i'm going to continue shooting with them. I think it's still the best deal for reliable SDHC cards. I did notice that the stickers have changed from the previous Class 10 cards. Wonder if that makes them even better....

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Sorry things have been quiet here, but i'm working on packing up for CES (Las Vegas) this week. I want to travel light, so I minimized the amount of parts on a lightweight shoulder rig setup. It's mostly Express35 rails and clamps on the Cheap Shoulder Support by going straight inline, but I still really wanted an 'offset' for the LCD ViewFinder. I just happened to look through random parts in the studio and this Macro Rail works awesome! It's an all metal bracket that adjusts through gears and can be locked into position. These rails are designed to mount your camera to slide forward, back, or mount the camera for side to side adjustments. Now I have mine mounted under the camera, but if you choose to mount your entire set of rails over the adapter, that will also work. Why didn't anyone think of this before? It's perfect!!

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find-price-button Sliding Camera Rail 2 Way Adjustable with Lock

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find-price-button Shoulder Support Pad for Video Camcorder Camera DV / DC

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Egg timer, Rotisserie, and a GoPro HD Camera. It's not a riddle, but that's what Vimeo member Tony Rodriguez used as the recipe for making this DIY Motion Controlled Panning Timelapse rig. Not the first time i've seen a GoPro on a simple Egg Timer, but this I believe is the first time i've seen it put onto a Motion Controlled Slider. The whole setup is a Go Pro 960 mounted on an egg timer and a homemade dolly (igus slider) and using a Battery Rotisserie Grill Motor that moves 2.5 RPM (revolutions per minute). A few images of the rig (below), but if you need more information you can holla at Tony here: https://vimeo.com/18331363

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Checked around eBay and this might the same battery operated motor being used. Very clever use of this motor, and i'm sure this will drum up new DIY ideas to use this in other projects:
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find-price-button Rotisserie Battery Powered Grill Motor