Videography Gadgets

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The LCDVF 3/2... from Terry Gray on Vimeo.

Ok, Terry over at LocalTVHero.com beat me to the punch in getting a quick review out on the LCDVF 3:2 for the Canon 550D / T2i. (I need to up my game). Mine may have already arrived, I just haven't been home to check the mail. It's ok though, he did a great job, much better than a review I was going to do. I realize this might seem very similar in steps to mount the original LCDVF, and for current owners nothing new to see, but this post is for those who have yet to pull the trigger on a loupe. If you don't have one, get one. Once you start using it outdoors on a bright sunny day, or need to focus on that 1.4 aperture, you'll never be without one. Remember that these are perfect for photographers also, as you get a clear image of what your photo looks like when it's very bright outdoors. Thanks Terry, great job on the video.

The Hoodman Cinema Kit
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By the way, I checked out the Hoodman loupe on a Canon T2i and it fits nicely being able to see the entire LCD screen with excellent magnification. The only problem you'll run into is mounting options. Hoodman now has a 'crane' for their loupe to attach to the Hotshoe. This seems to work great for many cameras, but doesn't quite nail the fit for the T2i. Something you guys might want to look into in case your ever at a store that carries it. Of course, it's a seperate cost for this item. Prices and availability through this link.

The Hoodman Crane for LCD Loupe
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Update: You can now buy the LCDVF 3/2 from BHPHOTOVIDEO.com.
Grab yourself the LCDVF 3/2 from BHPHOTOVIDEO.com

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glass-screen-protector-550d

Reader Jeff M. wanted to share this Glass LCD screen protector. I'm a fan of LCD screen protectors, but trimming those flimsy plastic ones to size, and getting all the air bubbles out is a pain. They definitely help prevent small light scuffs, but if you're looking for a screen protector that can take more abuse, check out the Glass models available. Glass LCD Screen Protectors are available for a variety of Canon (including 550D), Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, and more.

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Really bad Mockup (fake image below)
Remote-LCD-LCDVF-viewfinder

There's been speculation and alot of hype from different Loupe makers about changing the way we currently 'view' through DSLR's. One statement from a well known company (I won't quote completely), mentioned something kinda like:

'Right now you hold the camera up to your eye, that's going to change'.

I've seen many different types of Remote 'Live View' Viewfinders on the market and it's starting to make sense that new LCD loupes could start using this screen instead of the one directly mounted on the DSLR. These DSLR's aren't outputting true HD, so a decent tiny 3-4" remote monitor with a magnified LCD Z-Finder loupe attached would be a pretty cool focusing device. I'm imagining a new type of DSLR shoulder rig where the camera sits normally down the center (not offset), and the remote LCD Viewfinder is positioned through a flexible adjustable arm (much like the ones to hold monitors today). This would provide alot of flexibility when doing low shots, high shots, or any other random type shot while still displaying live view through a remote 3" LCD with a Z-Finder magnified LCD view finder attached. This would be great for a remote Focus Puller too.

We got any fancy Photoshop users out there who care to start mocking up what this could look like? Better yet, If you're planning on some forward thinking and want to beat the other guys to the punch, check out the options already available below to mount your existing LCD Viewfinder Loupe.

A popular Remote LCD that's been out for a while
remote-lcd-viewfinder

How about this one? This one attaches to the EyePiece and acts like an angled viewfinder.
new-lcd-viewfinder-dslr-loupe

This Seculine Remote LCD would be a perfect idea to mount a magnified LCD loupe to it.
remote-lcd-viewing

So basically the idea is to mount your DSLR on shoulder rig, but only relocate one of these Remote LCD's to the proper position. No need to relocate the entire DSLR video camera.

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Ok, another product that's not out on YouTube or Vimeo. Nobody's got reviews on these items, why not? They just make sooo much sense. Lighting has always been an issue whenever we traveled. Halogen bulbs can break by the time your plane lands, and you're pretty much stuck. Hot bulbs are always uncomfortable to work with. Breaking down hot bulbs is a pain in the a$$. So of course the only real option is LED lighting. You've seen these panels before i'm sure, but here's the only video I know that shows what they look like.

You gotta love how fast products are duplicated and how fast pricing comes down with technology. These video light panels normally run from $800 dollars on up from other manufacturers. The LitePanels 1x1 is a great light, but that runs well over $1,800 dollars +. Totally not in my budget. Now this company on Amazon sells these video lights starting as low as $200.00 dollars. That I can afford. The closest thing on the market to these types of lights are those made by FloLight, which run a little more than twice the price.

FloLight 1000 LED Panel (Twice the Price)

After researching different models of this type of LED light panel, I settled for the lights from the Amazon links below since the seller is using Amazon fullfillment services for two of the items. This means these items are sitting in the Amazon warehouse for super fast shipping. The latest model with the Dimmer is coming directly from the retailer, possibly because it's a new product that just hit the Internet recently. Ok let's show some lights::

500 LED Video Light (no Dimmer) 500 LED Video Light (with Dimmer) - I like this one. 1000 LED Video Light Panel (no dimmer option)

I was able to locate this listing. This might be a mistake, but it looks to be the exact same 500 LED light (no dimmer), but this listing comes with a LightStand. Saving you at least an extra $20 bucks.

Wait, they just snuck in another combo deal - more savings. This one shaves a few bucks for buying two + they added light stands.

This is another LED Video light panel (below) that uses a different type of LED. The design on this LED I believe allows for a further 'throw' if your subject is further away.

56x 1watt LED

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photo 2

Update: You can now buy the LCDVF 3/2 from BHPHOTOVIDEO.com.
Grab yourself the LCDVF 3/2 from BHPHOTOVIDEO.com

Thanks to a tip from a reader, I was able to get an early jump on the 'NEW' LCDVF viewfinder for the Canon T2i / 550D. The first available LCDVF's for the 3:2 aspect ratio such as the Canon T2i is available now at Glidetrack.com. After US conversion through Paypal, it ended up at roughly $144.00 dollars. Still much cheaper than Zacuto brands, and with the new aspect ratio custom fit, LCDVF is ahead of the game. Let's just hope Canon doesn't throw us another random LCD size. We'll see how fast shipping is, and I'll share the review once it gets in my hands. Thanks Gerry!

New LCDVF 3:2 for Canon T2i / 550D
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Original LCDVF still available.
original-lcdvf
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These pipe clamps look to be very handy for anyone wanting to create a 'Rod' type shoulder rig. Supposedly you can find them around the copper pipe aisles at Home Depot and they have a nice spacing to them which look similar to real 'Rod rigs'. The front support handles are cutdown Bike handlebars and obviously your choice of bike handles. These are very cool looking rigs that i'm sure nobody would recognize as a DIY project. These videos are not super clear on the complete assembly, total parts list, and configuration, but i'm on the lookout for more detailed versions of the copper pipe clamp rigs showing up now. I think i'll have to try my hand at configuring my own Copper Pipe Clamp DSLR Rig.

Another Version:

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This was a friends video project. He decided to use my house to shoot a very short video clip. It's his project, so i'll wait to let him post the video before sharing it with you. Those cheap Bike clamps (found here) sure came in handy for us to make a DIY boom pole. I used one to mount at the bottom of a regular monopod and adapted the Zoom H4n to the bottom. The top was the Rode VideoMic on it's own adapter. We used an extension cord to run the mic down to the Zoom H4n. The Windscreen was on the Rode, because we were going in an out of the house. The Spider Trax Dolly was also out on the floor and used for some really cool shots. Glad we had a tool like this, otherwise there would be no way to pull off some of the long tracked shots and curved motion shots.

The basis of this project was about some kids who come over to a friends house, practices break dancing, and well..i'll share the rest when it's online. I saw a quick edit of his project, and it came out great. Thanks to some of the Renegade Rockers for showcasing some of their awesome break dance skills. More information will be posted later.

Update: Here's the video if you want to check it out, it was submitted for the PopTent.net Crystal Light contest. Great job Larry!

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t2i-combo-remote
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I'm not sure exactly which infrared remote model number is used on the Canon T2i / 550D, but for the Canon 5D Mark II you would use the RC-1 infrared remote. This is a nice handy little remote to shoot photos and also start and stop video. The problem is that it's infrared and you'll need to get the remote somewhat in front of the camera to trigger. A tethered remote is nice, but that has some limitations also, especially not being able to start and stop video (only the infrared remotes can start and stop video on the canon DSLR).

Here's an unusual remote that just surfaced offering both a cord type connection and offers an infrared trigger too. Now if your only concern is to get a corded remote, i'd go straight to the Intervalometer I blogged about not too long ago. But to start and stop video, you definitely need to trigger it via Infrared so you'll have to get a second remote.

Using this item here, you get the best of both worlds "ONLY IF THIS CAN START / STOP VIDEO". There's no mention that it can actually do video, but having infrared built in, i'm guessing it already does. (no timelapse options). It's very early with no information out on this thing, but check it out if you're bored.

If you're shopping for a remote simply to do photos, here's a similar setup as to the Wireless remote I did a demo with on my Canon 5D Mark II. (See the Demo Here) This is both a corded remote as well as a Wireless Remote option for photography. It cannot start and stop video, but the wireless works much better since it doesn't rely on Infrared. check out the dual Corded + Wireless remote for the Canon T2i / 550D.

dual-wireless-remote
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126-led-video-lights
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Here's a recent comment regarding the 126 LED Dimmable Multi Battery LED Video Light many people have purchased:

I was wondering you Em or anyone had any experience with color correcting these 126 LED lights to (near) Tungsten?

It's true, the Tungsten gel that comes with the LED light panel isn't very close to Tungsten. Now I don't have many gels available to me right now, and i'm also not a lighting genius, but I guess I can shop around and find something that works best. Instead of myself trying to come up with a solution, I thought there might be enough of a community of Cheesycam.com readers who might have more experience with this.

If anyone out there has a good solution of Gel color, type, size, etc. the rest of us would love to find out. These lights aren't going away any time soon, so let's see if we can nail this down to a standard Gel type and color. In fact if you have your own solution for Diffusion, I would love to hear that too. Even any type of Mods or Hacks on how you might use these lights differently or creatively would serve as good tips too. Anyone Anyone?

Update::: Joel Hartz - Hartz Photographic LED Review teaches us how to get better color match on the 126 LED Video light. Looks like this problem is solved. Thanks Joel for the awesome review, and thanks for the shot out to the blog!

hartz-photographic

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find-price-button 126 LED Dimmable Multi Battery DSLR video Light