Update: You can now buy the LCDVF 3/2 from BHPHOTOVIDEO.com.
Grab yourself the LCDVF 3/2 from BHPHOTOVIDEO.com
Here it is folks, just got a message from the man himself. The LCDVF for the Canon EOS 550D / T2i is real and it's almost ready. Check out the video of the installation process and fit. Very very nicely designed. No rumors here, Glidetrack.com will have 100 of them very soon. Make sure to Twitter, Digg, or Facebook this article to spread the word using the links below.
The LCDVF
Thanks to a tip from a reader, here's an interesting combination of readily available camera equipment that makes for a fancy DSLR shoulder braced shooter. Grab yourself the T-Pod Tactical Tripod + the Monfrotto Shoudler Brace for Monopods and you have yourself a pretty steady highly configurable Shoulder Shooter. It's not a $20 dollar rig, and sure it might run you about $60-$80 dollars, but the most basic Shoulder Shooters from band names will run you over $400+. This is a great simple solution, that doesn't look like a homemade solution. Both are available on Amazon links below.
Mocked up Together:
Other news, here's an item I just received. This is an aftermarket Timer (Timelapse Intervalomter) remote purchased from eBay for the Canon EOS 550D / T2i. I'll be doing a review on this item and also some battery tests with the OEM vs Aftermarket 550D / T2i batteries.
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LCD Timer Battery grips aren't new, but there are some new ones showing up on the market for the Canon 7D, Canon 5D Mark II, and Canon 550D / T2i, and even newer Nikon DSLR's also. The LCD in the battery grip provides settings for (Intervalomter) Time Lapse functions. It's quite handy to have the Timer Remote feature already in the camera, for those spontaneous timelapse moments. There does appear to be some limitations to the internal timer functions, but if you're spontaneous, I doub't you'll want to spend a few hours with your camera in one spot. Here's some additional specs:
These battery grips sure do look a lot 'fancier' than the the standard grip, and contains all the basic features of the regular grips, but there still might some limitations to the internal Timelapse (Intervalometer) features. If you want to dish out a few more dollars though, you can have something that stands out from the regular grips. Check out the line of LCD battery grips with built in Time Lapse Remote Function.
I spend a day working remotely from the office, and BAM! I get hit with a whole bunch of new packages to share with you readers. I wonder what's in the bags and boxes? You'll have to keep checking back to see what I got, but I can tell you that it's all DSLR related stuff. Stay tuned.
Cheesycam reader MJM just dropped a bomb on me. I've listed some information on the aftermarket battery grips and batteries on this blog before, but i've been hearing that the prices have gone up since. MJM sends a comment about a seller who's got the aftermarket grips as low as $65.95 just grip, or $89.95 which comes with 4 batteries too. That's a great deal right now especially with the demand still growing quickly on the 550D / T2i. I've done my usual (gut) inspection about the seller whos received 100% feedback and seems to push 100's of items daily. That's a tough job keeping eBay buyers happy, so this one looks totally legit. Grab 'em now while it's still decently priced for the 4 battery package.
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Another Bomb dropped was the Amazon grip with 2 batteries for approx $60 dollars + $4.99 shipping. Supposedly they might be shipping this guy out of New Jersey so the wait might be shorter. Check it out below.
click image for G-Cinema Gear
Just a few months ago, choosing a DSLR rig was limited to a few options. I've been trying to follow the different cheaper solutions available, and it seems like it's growing each week. Check out the complete line of DSLR's available on eBay.. The most popular overseas items would be the ones coming from Hong Kong and Korea. The Hong Kong rigs are still just Lego squared looking with some offensive color schemes. The Korean rigs known around the web as 'Gini Rigs', actually go by the name G-Cinema, have really improved on their black on black designs with attention to detail on every knob and clamp. Taking a look at the new line of G-Cinema rigs over on the auction site, list a whole new line of products, new DSLR rig configurations, cleaner designs, and now with lower prices for more parts. Similar DSLR configurations will run three times the price of a G-Cinema setup, so this is definitely the smart buy for the low budget guys who want that extra professional look. Check out the new lineup from G-Cinema DSLR Rigs.
[UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE] I received a Gini Rig and reviewed it here: http://cheesycam.com/the-gini-rig-arrives-from-korea
[Updated] Full Gini Rig Photo Gallery and Review
Comment from Reader:
Just picked up the G 1700S Cage model... offered $550 on Ebay, he accepted, and it made it to my door (SJ, California) in only 4 days. It's solid and the workmanship is great. Buying this model, I am able to have a number of different configurations. Why pay $3K for Zacuto??????
Running around to different locations on a shoot with a host is not as easy as it seems. If the host isn't nailing down lines, you're going to be reshooting much longer than expected. Teleprompters are a great way to keep your host engaged with the camera while still being able to memorize key parts of their pitch. Now that the iPad brings a bigger screen for use with exisiting software from ProPrompter (available on your iPhones too), they've created a nice lightweight sturdy setup specifically for the Apple iPad. Features also include remote sync, remote start / stop, speed up, slow down, and pause. Check out the video above from HandHeldHollywood.com demonstrating the use of the new ProPrompter for iPad.
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Seriously speaking, i'm the type of guy who'll try before he buys. Meaning, i'm going to try my own DIY teleprompter with my iPad. This seems like a really fun project to try and tackle. Anyone else up for the challenge?
DSLRUniversity.com just posted a nice review showcasing the Think Tank Airport Security v2.0 rolling camera bag. If you're shopping for a new travel bag that will keep your gear organized, safe, and used for Carry On to an airliner, check out the review. I think I paid $500 for a Tamrac years ago, i'm so glad to see these prices coming down with much better quality too. You can find the prices for the Think Tank Airport Security v2.0 rolling Camera bag by clicking here.
You can find more information on DSLR Video Equipment reviews and tips at DSLRUniversity.com