Videography Gadgets

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I'm a Microsoft guy and work on a PC probably 99% of the time. As i'm typing this i'm working on a Lenovo X300, a PC system that was the rival against Apple's first Macbook Air. This PC laptop is super thin, super light, and runs everything I need for mobile computing. For processor intensive and graphics work, that's all done on a home desktop system. Sure I own an Apple iPad and an iPhone, but neither one gave me the needs required for backing up photos from a shoot, editing a quick video clip, or posting up a new blog post when i'm travelling. This PC laptop running Windows 7 and an SSD hard drive is my go to system when i'm on the go.

Now comes Apple's new Macbook Air at a cheaper price than it's earlier version, and also smaller and lighter. Specs looks like it's got a lot more performance features added too. Running all solid state flash storage, and a ton of batteries all built into the unit, this thing can be on stand by for 30 days without a charge. I would say more than half the system board area was reserved for the batteries alone. Unlike the iPad that fit some needs, and failed in others, this new Macbook Air runs a full Mac OS and has a full QWERTY keyboard. With it's flash based storage system, it's instant on just as fast as the Apple iPad.

There's a discussion about an article over at the B&H Photo website that this new Macbook Air netbook is something Photographers and Videographers could find handy. Many of the new cameras are using SDHC media, only the 13" Macbook Air has a built in SD card reader for backing up photos without a card reader. They also claim that it should run Final Cut Pro - maybe not fast, but well enough. It's available now in both 11" and 13" models, with options from a 64GB to 256GB internal flash storage. Looks like only 2x USB ports are available for external devices, and nothing about Firewire being mentioned. What do you guys think? Anything interesting here at this price? The laptops aren't designed to replace true work systems, but does this suit the Mobile Media market?

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The cheapest new Macbook AIR 11" here: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/740325-REG/Apple_MC505LL_A_11_6_MacBook_Air_Notebook.html

Most expensive new Macbook AIR 13" here: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/740327-REG/Apple_MC503LL_A_13_3_MacBook_Air_Notebook.html

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John Hwang decided to tackle Hal's DIY PVC shoulder support and provides a timelapse look into the project. With not too much more than a simple Hacksaw, this project was completed right in the living room floor. There's a fun test run at the end complete with sound effects. Of course there's nothing to show it's true stability or how this rig can further be loaded up with accessories, but it looks like a solid foundation that should perform well for a first time rig. This would definitely be something to look into for you GH1, NEX, and PEN fans. You can't complain for a $5 dollar project. [Thanks John].

DIY TIP:
If you're looking to get cleaner, more accurate, and straighter cuts into your PVC projects, check out these twisting PVC Pipe cutters running under $8 dollars. You clamp the unit to a PVC tube and just give it a spin. Continue to tighten and spin until it's cut all the way through. Very simple, and you won't break a sweat. Found here: PVC Pipe Cutter
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click image for pricing on PVC Cutting tool

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You won't find many of my DIY's using PVC, but here's one I think is worth mentioning. Submitted by Hal Robertson, I think it's a project just about anyone can tackle in an afternoon and an ice cream budget. If you're like me, they have the exact same parts available in at least Copper Piping, which I would personally use over PVC. Of course metal pipes are a bit more expensive and requires a little bit more tooling to work with.

This simple design has a few nice features. The double seperated rails keep the rig from rolling off the shoulder, and the angled brackets to the rear provide a shoulder rest and a counterweight mount. There's a crap load of photos, and If you want to check out the complete set of parts, and build instructions, head on over to Hal's blogspot: https://compactvideo.blogspot.com. Hey Hal, why isn't Cheesycam.com on your BlogRoll? LOL. [Thanks Hal]

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Here's a perfect example of "Why Didn't I Think of That???!". I talked about the Yongnuo remote LCD viewfinder a few times and ordered one myself. Article found here: http://cheesycam.com/remote-lcd-live-view-for-dslr-video-exciting/. I've used it for the Palo Alto adapter to do some Painters Pole Photography so that I can frame a shot and fire the camera's shutter. I've also tried to use it as an EVF - Electronic View Finder, but the pixel resolution wasn't suffice for focusing when magnified by a Loupe. So other than PPP photography, it's been on the shelf.

Recently GoPro released firmware to allow Live View video from the GoPro HD to an external monitoring. Since the GoPro doesn't have an LCD (yet), framing a shot is always hit and miss. I've had the Yongnuo + GoPro items on my shelf for months now and didn't think to use them together. Well Cheesycam reader Renato Longona writes in today with a video showing the two being used together. This Yongnuo is a lightweight, inexpensive, portable battery powered LCD monitor perfect for something like the GoPro which has no LCD. I really enjoyed using the built in Timelapse feature on the GoPro, and now i'll be able to accurately view what's going to be captured. Pure genius! [Thanks Renato]

The Yongnuo Live View Remote Portable Battery Powered LCD can be found here: Yongnuo Battery Powered Remote LCD Viewer

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Click image for Pricing on Yongnuo Remote LCD

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Click image for Pricing on GoPro HD Hero

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Canon 60D with Ikan F3 Friction Follow Focus System on 85mm F/1.2

I finally had some time to test out the Ikan F3 Friction Follow Focus system, it's actually quite neat. What's there to really say about it? It's built with quality parts, and it does the job for any entry level DSLR shooter looking for a first time follow focus system. It's a friction based system so no geared rings required. Position it to just about any lens and it will immediately improve the ergonomics of focusing. The unit I have here has a dual rod mount adapter, but the F3 was also designed with a clever standard 1/4 x 20 thread for even more mounting possibilities.

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If you've got a Rod rig, Tripod, Shoulder Support, from the left, to the right, over the top or even from the bottom, you really have no excuses on why you can't mount this thing. DSLR or Mini Camcorder, I bet it will even work just fine on those tiny little focus wheels on a Canon HV30 - can't do that with a ring geared FF. Just from the flexible Power Arm alone there's a hundred different places to lock it in place. It's obviously super lightweight, and not too shabby on the price. Many of us don't have an enormous collection of lenses, so If you're looking for a simple and effective follow focus that works, Ikan's got a good thing here. You won't find too many follow focus systems that have the flexibility to mount onto just about any camera and any lens combination like this. Here's the link over at B&H (which is cheaper than through the Ikan website): Ikan F3 Friction Follow Focus system

Or check out more information about the additional accessories for the F3 Follow Focus system over at Ikan's website: https://ikancorp.com/productInfo.php?id=232

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I've confused myself on this one. Almost 2 years ago, I purchased a whole bunch of LP-E6 aftermarket batteries that did not display the battery meter on the cameras. I still use them today, but since I was looking to add more batteries to the collection, I was searching for the newer ones that are 'chipped' to communicate to the camera and display the proper battery meter for the Canon 5D Mark II, 7D, and 60D cameras. As of now the ones that people are buying are these Maxtek LP-E6 Aftermarket Batteries.

They are indeed much cheaper than the OEM Canon ones, even with the bit of shipping padded to the cost too.

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I took a chance on an eBay auction that looked to be a knock off battery, and I was confused to see an OEM package and OEM labeling. This battery looks good and looks OEM, but incredibly inexpensive with Free Shipping. In fact after Amazon shipping on the Maxtek battery, this eBay battery I received is almost $10 dollars cheaper. I'm not sure if it's Canon legit or not, but the battery looks exactly like OEM, charges with my OEM, and reads the battery information properly in all the cameras. I've taken a bunch of snaps to show you the comparison between my OEM batteries and the one I just received. The one to the right is the cheap battery I just received.

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I'm seriously thinking this is the real deal and at such a great steal of a price too. Here's the link: Canon OEM? LP-E6 battery for Canon Canon 60D, Canon 7D, & 5D Mark II.

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Above, i'm showing off my Tamron 18-270mm with VC 'Vibration Control'. I just took a few snaps right now for you guys in honor of this next post. I'm a believer that not one lens can do it all, which is why in this hobby you'll find yourself collecting quite a bit of different lenses. If I had to say that there was one lens that was close to doing it all, it would be the Tamron 18-270mm with VC (vibration control). It's a crazy lens that gives you both wide and super telephoto capabilities. I talk about it on this blog quite a bit and I never travel without it. Anyone who's ever asked me about a single great lens for a cheap price, this is the one i've been talking about. With it's wide range and 'Vibration Control' (a.k.a image stabilization) it rocks for run and gun Video use too. If you want to know a little more about this lens and check out a video sample, i've posted about this lens here: http://cheesycam.com/tamron-18-270mm-with-image-stabilization/

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If you're looking for a simple single lens that's great for just about anything, especially for traveling, sporting events, and concerts - Today you're in luck. Cheaper than I've ever seen it before, there's a huge mail in rebate going on. Normally priced for over $620 dollars, B&H has the cheapest deal going on right. Believe me, i've seen this out of stock before and you don't want to miss this deal. Go ahead and compare it against a few other websites, you'll find it almost too good to be true. (Note: Not to be confused with the earlier 18-250mm, this is the 18-270mm with VC)

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Check out the Tamron 18-270mm for Canon: Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. AF (IF) Macro Lens
Check out the Tamron 18-270mm for Nikon: Tamron AF18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Asph. (IF) Macro Lens

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Click for Tamron 18-270mm Mail In Rebate

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Just got an email this morning again asking about how I like the Cheap 3pc Lighting kit that I talked about a short while back. For the price of a single 500 LED light, you can get this set of three - all dimmable with diffusers. There's pros and cons to all lighting, this is a cheap entry level set but very flexible to integrate into any project. Since then there's been many questions about how well they work, and people wanting to see more examples. So i've been trying to show a few things that i've used them for when possible.
First I showed a video where I used it during a Zoom H1 vs. Tascam showdown here: http://cheesycam.com/tascam-vs-zoom-h1-audio-samples/
I think I also showed the kit in use during an EA Sports interview about the new Need for Speed game here: http://cheesycam.com/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-bts-interview/

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Cheap 3pc Lighting Kit on set with Linda Le

Here's another lighting sample just shot last night in the studio. With just continuous lighting (no strobes) I was able to grab a few Photos for some BTS footage. Last night we worked with the fun and lovely Linda Le in which she'll be featured in a video / photo / interview profile. If you're a Comic Con type fan, I believe the anime inspired costuming is known as 'Cosplay'? I'll show you guys that stuff later, because I know we're all more interested in the Equipment, rather than photos and videos of random beautiful women.

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Green Screen area

We made quite a mess of things with backdrop stands setup, several different lighting sets, a green screen area, and more. When using the 3pcs Lighting Kit off on one end of the studio I grabbed the Canon 60D with Canon 85mm F/1.2 to take a few snaps. No flashes here, just all ambient from the lighting kit. There were just two additional lights for the colored gels behind. Just goes to show it's not just for video use, but can be effective in a bit of fun photography as well. The kit comes with 3 Lights, 2 Softboxes, 3 Light Stands, 1 barn door, a travel case, all with dimmer switches. For small projects, it's a great cheap set that gives you a little bit more creativity to your projects found here: http://cheesycam.com/new-800w-barndoor-softboxes-3pcs-lighting/

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Photos taken with lighting from cheap 3pc Lighting Kit
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find-price-button 3pc 2400w Dimmable Video Lighting Kit Softboxes

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find-price-button 2400 watt 3 lights Continuous Video Light Kit

Kit + Green Screen
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find-price-button 2400w Green Screen 10 x 12 ft Lighting Kit

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Thanks to a tip from Tim for sending this in. Here's a clever LCD View finder from Vimeo member Alan Morris. Crafted from Plexi Glass and a Child's Binocular toy for the magnification piece, this view finder looks pretty legit. Alan also throws in an interesting way to mount and release the view finder from the camera. More of the details can be found at the video description following the link: https://www.vimeo.com/15912528