Videography Gadgets

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The idea to create an external power pack was to wire up a dummy battery into the camera and connect a 7.4v rechargeable RC battery. That voltage would be the same as the original camera battery (for canon), so ideally this should work. I mentioned the idea after seeing Swintronix and posted an article here: http://cheesycam.com/a-diy-canon-dslr-power-pack/

Well Levi V. takes on the external DSLR power pack project with success. After receiving a generic battery pack that used different batteries than his T2i, he decided to hack it up to accept external power from a common RC battery. I've heard that this voltage can also be used on the Lilliput monitor, and on the Z96 LED video lights. As long as you calculate the amps in your power source, there's no reason you couldn't power them all with splitters. You can find out more information about Levi created his from the video above. If you're not into cracking batteries, you can start with the generic AC adapter for Canon cameras and just use the dummy battery terminal for your lead wire. That would make the process much simpler to attach your RC battery. [Thanks Levi]

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The Opteka CXS-1 is a fairly inexpensive ready built video camera shoulder support rig. Besides the obvious mount for the camera, the stage has a few extra mounting points if you want to get creative and add some extra accessory brackets. The Opteka was designed for cameras up to 20lbs (so they say), but no matter how much or how little weight you place on the stage, the shoulder support is not a 'complete hands free' solution as stated on the box. I think the claim to be a 'complete hands free solution' is a bit misleading. There's no possible way this thing will hang over the shoulder without using hands to support it. The shoulder pad only meets the top of your shoulder, and doesn't go completely behind like the $24.00 dollar shoulder support.

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As you can see though, with a counterweight added, the contour of the shoulder pad will eventually allow you to balance a Camera like the GH2 (as seen in the video). I'm using my DIY counterweight from my other rig just mounted to an already existing slot in the rear of the shoulder pad. The slot allows me to slide the weight left and right to level out the balance too.

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Offset a bit more by using just two bolts

The build quality is pretty nice, especially for the price using all metal components with an anodized finish. If you're a first time DSLR shooter with light accessories or have a lightweight camcorder, this type of stabilizer should suit you fine. It's also one of the better looking 'cheap' shoulder supports out there. There is only so much horizontal offset and vertical height adjustments, so depending on your frame, you may not be able to get the camera to the 'exact' position you need. Quick release adapters, battery grips, or DSLR's with variable LCD's should help correct some of that lack of positioning. You can choose to use just two of the hex bolts instead of three if you want to get a bit more 'inset' or 'offset'.

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No padding on stage

The handle can be removed and inserted directly into a camera if you're looking to shoot without the shoulder support. The stage is also not 'padded' so if you're experiencing some slippage, you'll need to DIY some type of cushion to the stage. Cork or a rubber pad should suffice. Being that the shoulder pad is an all metal build, it would be very easy to drill some new accessory mounts for your portable audio recorders or wireless receivers. There are a few large clamp knobs that should allow you to break it down into a few smaller pieces if you need to pack it up for traveling. Overall the Opteka is a great lightweight stabilizer for the price, and you'll be hard pressed to find something that looks as polished in it's price range.


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find-price-button Opteka CXS-1 Video Shoulder Stabilizer Support System for DSLR Cameras & Camcorders


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Funny it's not often I stare over at my Cameras and think "This thing is going to save me some money". Well that could all change with this novelty product designed after a Canon 350D DSLR with 24-105mm F/4L lens. It's a Piggy bank, less the pig. Very cool, wish I had seen this earlier, this would have been a cool Christmas gift. Then again, it's never too late to add to your Canon Lens Mug Replica collections.

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find-price-button Canon Camera Money Piggy Bank

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

Thanks to Chris S. for his swift notification on a recently released and much anticipated item. It appears that the first BG-E9 Canon 60D Aftermarket Battery Grips are rolling out the door and coming in at about a quarter price of OEM. Looks like the pretty standard design compared to the other aftermarket grips, which I have on all my cameras (except one 60D). I wouldn't be surprised if it was all being made out of the same factory. Some auctions include a few un-decoded batteries, which I suggest you skip out on. You're still better off trying out the ones I received that show the battery meter, can be charged with the OEM charger, and even carry the Canon stamp found here: http://cheesycam.com/canon-lp-e6-oem-for-cheap/

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Image of my OEM BG-E9 on Canon 60D

Chris has his on order, and hopefully he'll throw up a nice review on it. I'll probably be doing my own review as well. I have two Canon 60D's and one already has the the expensive OEM BG-E9. With a second grip-less Canon 60D on hand, I guess that would make me the perfect candidate to do a side by side review OEM vs. Aftermarket. Yup - already on order. I'll be doing a side by side comparison with close up detail photos of each, but knowing how overseas shipping goes, it won't be until next year (that sounds so far..).

[Update] A few people have mentioned they received emails from the seller that items can't be shipped due to damage. Might be something going on, and everyone should hold off.

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

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Yongnuo DSLR LED Video Light Dimmable

Ok, so a long time ago I posted something called the CN-126 LED video light which became a huge hit with DSLR videographers on a budget. That's still a very popular LED light in use today, but even though it's a reliable performer, the form factor and build quality is nothing to write home about. Next big thing on the blog was the Z96 LED Video light. Still a top performer with better build quality than the 126, but she's since turned Diva and only caters to high price buyers. Inflation, greed, and demand from a growing audience of needy DSLR shooters has consumed her. So what's next? We've been waiting for quite some time for a new player, and I think we might be seeing it today.

Yongnuo is a company well known amongst Photographers, and runs a fairly tight ship of products. Not much going on for the Video accessories. Yongnuo is not one of those over seas companies that just rebrands products. They are best known for their own unique innovation, with less than 10 products showcased on their website. Quality of products are always raved about (especially for their prices), in fact Yongnuo flashes are often considered the next best option compared to Canon OEM Speedlites. You'll find a few articles around Yongnuo on this blog, and I own plenty of Yonguo products.

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AA Battery Compatible

Well i'm excited to see that Yongnuo has released an LED Video Light with all the features I crave. 135 LEDs, Dimmable, AA Battery Compatible, claiming 5500K color temp, stackable to create larger light panels, and get this - support or NB3-L Lithium Rechargeable Batteries. Say what? If i'm not mistaken, that's Canon's battery. With a special adapter placed in the AA compartment (included), you can throw in two NB3-L batteries and charge the light via it's own USB interface. Aftermarket NB3-L Canon Batteries can be had for about $3 dollars each these days. The Yongnuo light does not appear to come with a Tungsten colored filter, but I wouldn't call it a deal breaker. The other LED light filters really weren't spot on to begin with. Every kit does come with a hotshot mount, flat flash bracket, and little baggy.

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NB3-L Li-ion Rechargeable Battery Compatible with Built in USB Charging

So is this new LED Video light going to be a big deal? Well I just rolled my Magic Eight ball and the message returned with 'All signs point to Yes'. I think it will be a hit for a few reasons. First, it's Yongnuo. I'm thinking the quality is going to be pretty good if they build it like their other products. Second, it's got 135 LED's which is more than the Z96 or the CN126 and still has all the dimmable, stackable, with AA battery compatible features that make the other lights popular. Third, it's cheaper than the Z96 (right now that is). The popularity of the Z96 and the inflated prices have people turning to other light sources with few options. This may be that new one to think about, and hopefully i'll have my hands on one soon to see what the quality is really like.

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find-price-button Yongnuo DSLR Dimmable Stackable LED Video Light

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Sorry guys, holidays are keeping me busy, so i'll have to leave a Cliff hanger on this one. As many of you have seen, there's already a Crane in the studio. I wasn't very happy with the build or the movements, so instead of DIY'ing my own, I shopped around for a few weeks and grabbed a solid cheap one to upgrade. This crane I purchased was a total of $125 shipped, and it's got a lot of nice features. Right out of the box I was very pleased. A better build than the 'other' crane in the studio and comes with nylon washers and spacers on every moving part (less friction smoother movements). The crane folds in half for easy transport and with it's minimal design, is pretty lightweight. Don't get me wrong, this thing works great right out of the box. Next week i'm going to start a project about why I chose this crane, a few crane shooting tips, and of course add just a few more surprises minor things to really make it my own.... I'll have more tips on how it gets done after XMAS.


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find-price-button Affordable DSLR Video Crane

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Shooting on a tripod is the most stable shot you can perform, but moving that Tripod from one place to the next and leveling it out can be tedious depending on the system you're using. Not many people are even aware this adapter exists, so here's the post. You've got that fancy tripod with a long neck to give you a bit of extra height but it comes 'without' a Ball head. Getting that thing lined up to the horizon is a task, especially if you've already got a ton of weight mounted on the fluid head. Instead of locking, unlocking, lowering, and raising each leg to get a perfect level, you can try the Manfrotto 438. It's a hefty fee (very hefty), but for those who feel the pain, the Manfrotto 438 Ball Level adapter sits in between the video tripod and the standard 3/8" threaded fluid head. This little gizmo will give you more flexibility in that final leveling adjustment. It's also a perfect solution for those DIY's that lack any type of leveling adjustments from DIY cranes, to DIY sliders, and compact skate dollies.

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find-price-button Manfrotto 438 Compact Ball Level Adapter

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Samyang, Rokinon, Bower, or Vivitar. It's believed they are all the same lens, with a slightly modified exterior and sold under various brands. Who knows what these lenses are being sold as, but then again you might not even care. Rumor mill has it that these lenses are being made out of Korea providing images that can be sharp as Nikon. Of course there's no auto focus features, so with zero electronics on this Manual Focus prime lens it's sold cheaper and can be made to be tack sharp.

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find-price-button Vivitar 85mm F/1.4 Manual Focus Lens

The 85mm F/1.4 is an excellent lens for low light situations, and at the focal length to provide you with that crazy DOF portrait look. The lens may only have been introduced a few years ago, but the Internet is littered with tests/reviews/samples. From Flickr, Vimeo, YouTube, web blogs, and camera forums it's been tried and tested to be a solid performer. With manual only features it might also be an easier lens to pull focus with for full time Video shooters.

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find-price-button Vivitar 85mm F/1.4 Manual Focus Lens

For Nikon shooters considering the Budget 85mm, the Samyang and Bower name is designed with an exterior of the traditional Black w/ Gold Highlights. For Canon shooters, the Vivitar branded lenses are designed in all black with a knock-off Canon-like Red Ring accent. For those who aren't quite into the exterior aesthetics, over at Amazon the 'Rokinon' name will drop the price down another $100 dollars. Not bad for the money considering several reviews tested it to be as sharp as Nikon, and another great option for shooters looking for a lens that works well in low light situations. Anyone out there rockin' one? Leave some comments....

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find-price-button Rokinon 85mm F1.4 Aspherical Lens for Canon (Black)