YouTube member KnopTop shares all the steps needed to update the firmware on the popular Zoom H1 portable recorder. [Thanks Dave] The new firmware update is supposed to solve some major problems you want to avoid. There's some additional information on the original post (here).
Amuse 5″ HDMI LCD with Focus Assist
Amuse releases a 5" DSLR LCD with Focus Assist features that highlight objects in a Silver outline. [Thanks Johnny] It's a bare bones slim video monitor with only one HDMI input and can be powered by a single Canon, Panasonic, or Sony battery.
Choose aspect display ratio: switch between 4:3 and 16:9, with Underscan and Peaking features. Display Resolution: 800 x 480 (native 5D res) with a contrast Ratio: 600:1. The Amuse DSLR LCD monitor is about $50 dollars more than what you would find the larger Lilliput 5" HDMi LCD for, but the slim down size and weight might appeal better to some. There's some additional information following the link (click here).
Amuse 5" HDMI LCD with Focus Assist Peaking
Shade that ND – Cheap Folding Rubber Lens Hood
Once you've placed something on your lens like the new LCW Digi Pro Variable ND filter, which can start at 77mm and end in 82mm, you can no longer use the standard hood on your lens. Most likely you'll be using ND filters because you're outdoors on a bright day trying to cut down light. That same light could also cause lens flares and low contrast imaging.
To shade off that ND glass, an expensive and more cumbersome option of course is to have a Matte Box system on rails, or you can slap on a simple folding rubber lens hood. They can fold back when it's not needed or if it's in view of very wide angle lenses. Unlike the plastic lens hoods, these foldable rubber type hoods take up minimal space in a bag when packing. I had to grab myself one for the new LCW. Many are found for under $5 bucks (click here).
Rubber Lens Hoods - via Amazon
Some of the larger versions are more expensive on Amazon, but here's a seller that has the large 82mm version (needed for the LCW) for about $5.00 dollars (click here)
Folding Rubber Lens Hoods - via eBay
DIY DSLR Video Slider – How To
A follow up video on the DIY Roller Bearing DSLR video camera slider. This is one that was posted about less than a week ago, and might give you some good ideas on crafting your own. It might not be suited for everyone, but you have to appreciate the effort put in to the instructional build info. [Thanks Sunny]
$15 Dollar DIY Steadicam
Vimeo member Jorge shares his $15 dollar DIY steadicam build along with some test footage. Shot on a Canon T2i, with a Bower 14mm Ultra Wide Lens
TrusMT Ultimate Cage Video Review
An excellent review and closer look at the TrusMT Ultimate Cage with HDMI Locking plate from Vimeo member HDSLR GEAR. [Thanks Joel]. Other TrusMT equipment such as Shoulder Rigs, Follow Focus systems, and Matte Boxes can all be found on their online eBay store (click here).
TrusMT DSLR Cage, Shoulder Rigs, Follow Focus, Matte Box
Jag35 D|Runner Bundle Assembly
Rich writes in to share what the D|Runner Bundle from Jag35 is all about, parts optional parts available, and assembly. [Thanks Rich]. You can find more Jag35 DSLR rig products over at their website https://Jag35.com.
DIY Microphone DeadCat Windscreen
If you're in a bind to find an inexpensive Microphone Windscreen a.k.a. DeadCat, here's a quick tip shared by YouTube member krotoflik. Try grabbing yourself a padded furry (or wooly) seatbelt cover. There's a short sample with and without the Seatbelt cover on the microphone, and it does a decent job of eliminating that dreaded wind rumbling noise.
Available for about $6 dollars on Amazon is a sheepskin padded seatbelt cover, so does this technically make it a DeadSheep instead of a DeadCat? [Thanks Chad]
Swivi 5.6″ External HDMI LCD – 48 Hour Price Drop
Derek Bruce writes in and shares a find on the Swivi LCD. Listings have been discounted for the next 48 hours as a New Years promotion. [Thanks Derek!] Not sure what a 'Swivi' is? Check out a review posted here: http://cheesycam.com/swivi-5-6-external-lcd-review/
I can't remember exactly, but I want to say that MSRP price was listed around $350 US, and is on a 48 hour New Years promotion for just $250. That's a nice $100 dollar discount for this weekend only. The Swivi LCD has been discounted on both Amazon (click here)
Swivi 5.6" External HDMI LCD 48 Hour Promotion - via Amazon
and via eBay (click here).
Swivi 5.6" External HDMI LCD 48 Hour Promotion - via eBay