Videography Gadgets

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canon-eos-family-1
Above: Family Portrait from left to right
Canon 5D Mark II + 24-70mm F/2.8L, Canon 7D + 100mm F/2.8L Macro IS, Canon 60D + 85mm F/1.2L, Canon T2i + 24-105mm F/4L

My first video test out in the front driveway with the new Canon 60D. I was too lazy to do anything other than use a tripod, so the video is going to be quite boring. Lens was the Canon 24-70mm F/2.8 with Hoya ND4 + Fader Filter (stacked). Shot in 1080, dropped down to 720 and compressed to WMV (not the best example). I'll do something more interesting soon enough.

The Canon 60D is a new pup in the house, so she's been caged. LOL. Testing out some possible configurations with the Letus35 Letus Talon DSLR Camera Cage. I have the Hawk VF on the back which works with the cage, but I think it'll be better used with an external monitor. I have those new Power Arms mounted onto the many optional threaded holes around the cage with the Z96 LED Video light off center and a Rode Shotgun Mic (soon to be replaced). Those Power Arms Rock!! I'll do a video on those in a bit, gotta show you how they work.

power-arm-led-video-light

The Zoom H4n is also thrown over the top. Having a DSLR cage is really handy when you have so many accessories to mount. If you start with a standard base Rod type rig, you'll still need different methods of mounting accessories. Using the cage method, you'll have more mounting spots that one would ever need. The Letus Talon DSLR Cage also has several optional accessories from Letus to further expand the cage including handles to be used like a fig rig. If you wanted to move into a Rod Rig, you can add standard Rods possibly for your follow focus, Matte box, and shoulder pad if you really wanted.

letus-talon-cage

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letus-hawk-canon-60d

Just opened the box and the thing feels beefy. Yeah it doesn't at all feel like a Rebel series camera. It's got a bit of weight and sturdiness to the whole camera body. Sure that's no reason to upgrade from a T2i, but the new features of the 60D should definitely be taken into consideration if you're a first time DSLR buyer. I'll have more on that soon, but the first thing I did was test the Letus Hawk VF. This is probably the first photo on the internet of the Canon 60D with a Letus Hawk VF mounted. I bet you're wondering why I would pin down the articulating LCD. The LCD is nice, but it is still difficult to get focus on an F/1.2 lens without a magnification loupe. It's also handy for those super bright days when you want to review your image. These days you just can't live without a loupe.

Traditional LCD view finder mounting with sticky metal frames would work such as the LCDVF on the Canon 60D, but you'll lose the functionality of flipping the LCD around for protection. The Letus Hawk VF now comes with a quick release adapter so this type of mount should work fine for the Canon 60D as an LCD View Finder. Fast on for focus and fast off to take advantage of the rotating LCD. Check out the way the Letus Hawk VF mounts to get a better idea of why this would work as a great loupe on the Canon 60D. http://cheesycam.com/letus-drops-new-videos-hawk-vf-qr-plate/

Canon 60D reivew To be continued...

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canon-60D-in-stock

My Canon 60D has finally arrived. Well let me prepare you now that there will be lots of Canon 60D talk on this blog for the next week. The Canon 5DM2 is just way too different, and Canon has designed this 60D to sit right in the middle of the T2i and 7D. So i'm going to do what I can to show the differences between those two cameras. Everyone has been talking about the disappointment in the specs of the Canon 60D and video quality shouldn't be anything mind blowing. The thing that will change buying decisions from a T2i would be the additional features, controls, and the build of the camera. Somehow i'm still more excited about getting a hold of the awesome zoom power of the Canon SX30 IS which is not yet available. Or even testing out the new G12. I'll be upgrading myCanon SX210 IS point and shoot, so that may be up for sale soon enough.

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canon-bg-e9-60D-battery-grip

It's product name is the BG-E9 and it's the battery grip for the recently released Canon 60D. Before you go out hunting for one, it's not yet available at the usual retailers and not even mentioned on many of the big named sites. There are a few places starting to accept pre-orders of this item, but since the OEM will be the only thing available, it runs well over $215 dollars (without batteries). Why the high prices? I'm going to start a rumor here and say, my guess is there's going to be some new gadgetry involved in the grips preventing the use of non-oem batteries from being used. Accessories in the DSLR market are huge money makers, so like the batteries themselves there may be some chip information in the grips. If this is anywhere true (remember i'm starting rumors), then this could cause some problems with non-oem batteries we already own. So if you received one early, and If you're planning on taking that new Canon 60D DSLR out for a long shoot that requires power power power, that Swintronix Power Pack I talked about earlier doesn't sound like such a bad deal now.... Unless Canon has the 60D DSLR body setup to reject non-oem devices too. Mine is in tomorrow, i'll have to test.. http://cheesycam.com/switronix-powerbase-70-battery-pack/

[Update] New 60D Aftermarket Grips for Cheap http://cheesycam.com/canon-60d-aftermarket-grip/

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frio-cold-shoe

I got a few emails about a recent product review post over at the Strobist blog. If you're getting into flash photography, the Strobist Blog is one you can't live without. The new product being reviewed is a Frio Cold shoe adapter. Cold shoe adapters are those small accessories that hasn't had an upgrade in design for quite some time, so there is a reason this new Frio Cold shoe is quite the talk right now. From the comments over at Strobist, it looks like it's going to be a hit. Not just designed for simple Flashes, but also for a ton of other accessories that require a cold shoe mount like shotgun microphones & LED lights. Something DSLR videographers could use on the DIY DSLR rigs. Check out more information over at the Strobist blog.

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power-arm-led-video-light

Someone asked me the other day about getting a bit more height on the Z96 DSLR LED Video light. I had a bit of insight on this item, but it wasn't available until 'now'. (Literally just now!). This is called the 'Power Arm' and it's a variable friction adjustable arm made out of Aluminum. Comes with a Shoe mount, but can be broken down to accept standard 1/4x20 threaded insert. If you look at the image with the hand, it's a decent size even folded up. Other images show off carrying the Z96 LED video light, so it's gotta be able to carry some weight. I have two in the mail which should arrive any day now, and hopefully get the hands on review of this new item. The reason I ordered two is because the images show some mounting options which looks like I can combine them together to gain quite a bit of distance. If combining these arms works out, it would be a good fit along with the Manfrotto 386B Nano Clamp.

manfrotto-mini-clamp
Manfrotto Nano Clamp

This could prove to be a popular articulating arm that we'll see more of to carry those new EVF remote LCD Viewfinders, or something as simple as positioning your portable audio recorder further from the camera reducing that all annoying 'handling' noise. Similar accessories like this arm are discontinued everywhere, but i'm guessing their $150+ dollar price didn't make them very popular. I should have mine in soon to do some weight lifting tests, but you can only find these here: Aluminum Variable Friction Adjustable Power Arm

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dual-mount-flash-bracket-macro-photography

After posting a video comparing the Zoom H1 to Tascam DR-08 seen here: http://cheesycam.com/tascam-dr-08-vs-zoom-h1-continued/, I got a few questions about the unusual bracket I had on the video. Even though i'm not done with the items for it, i'll answer those questions now. I received it in the mail working on a twin flash Macro rig for a friend. Considering twin flash Macro kits like the Canon MT-24EX Macro Twin Lite Ringlite Flash runs for almost $700 dollars, this is a cheaper way of getting a twin light setup.

dual-mount-macro-flash-flexible-arm

Why not just use a Ring Light Adapter like the 'O Flash'? The O-Flash provides nice even lighting, but still has a somewhat flat look. Using a twin light setup, each light can be modified at different distances from the macro subject, different angles, and even separate power settings for a more dimensional look. The metal lower bracket i'm still trying to figure out, but looks like it's been cut similar to a quick release plate. Which one it will fit, i'm still not sure. The flexible arms are actually pretty beefy. They won't hold up a large Canon 580 EX II speedlite, but has enough strength to carry a low profile flash. In order to remotely fire these flashes, it will be setup with the cheap Yongnuo RF-602 wireless triggers. The ball mount + cold shoes can also be removed and you'll be left with a standard 1/4 x 20 threaded end on the flexible arm. This is how I was able to mount the Zoom H1 at the end of one.

Having the dual flash setup will also be interesting for use as an event rig. Should provide a wider area of flash without giving off the usual flat look. I'll have more information once this it built out a little bit more, but you can find this bracket here: Twin Flexible Arm Macro Flash Bracket

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savage-vinyl-backdrops

With my new studio in place, i'm upgrading some of the seamless backdrops from paper to the new Vinyl material. Seamless paper backdrops are pretty common for studio use, but paper drops are extremely fragile. Once they get creased, pick up dirt, or even tear, it's time to cut off a section. Eventually after a bit of use, you'll need to replace the entire roll. Cloth backdrops are more durable, can be washed, but harder to get that infinity look due to the wrinkles and creases.

Savage Backdrops, who I use as my paper drops are now creating a new set of Seamless Vinyl Backdrops in at least the standard basic colors White, Black, and Gray. For those who want to get into Chroma Key 'Green Screen', there's one available for that. The Vinyl material and backing prevents wrinkles, has a matte finish for no glares, seamless all the way through, and can be cleaned with a damp sponge. When purchasing online over a retail store, prices are comparable to paper rolls. You can the backdrops available over at B&H: Savage Seamless Vinyl Backdrops in White, Black, Gray, and Chroma Green.

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In order to hold these rolls in place, you'll need to grab yourself a cheap Studio Photo Backdrop Stand set.

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sony-nex-vg10
Sony NEX-VG10 Interchangeable Lens Camcorder

Apparently the Sony NEX-VG10 is now available here, but how many people knew about this? When Sony first announced this interchangeable lens Camcorder (not DSLR), it caused quite a stir. Shortly after it was drowned out by all the news from upcoming Photokina. Panasonic also had better specs on the upcoming AG-AF101 which would be a direct competitor against this new Sony NEX-VG10. It's got many similar DSLR features with manual controls over shutter, iris, and still takes 14MP images. The microphone and audio is said to process much better than current DSLR's, but I don't think this is considered the 'game changer'. There's a full review over at B&H's Insights: https://video.bhinsights.com/content/hands-review-sony-nex-vg10.html if you care to know more.