Many single hand gimbal systems require their handles to operate, but because the Optimus has relocated their batteries outside of the handle, you have more versatile mounting options. This new adapter opens up even more possibilities to creatively mount the CAME-TV Optimus Gimbal Frame (without handles) to keep a low profile. For example you can now easily mount the Optimus to Monopod, Jib, or even Car Mount. Visit CAME-TV.com for more info.
New DJI Mobile Smartphone Gimbal with App Control
Today DJI announced the new OSMO Mobile Gimbal for Smartphones. Yes, there are already plenty of existing smartphone gimbals on the market, but what makes the OSMO Mobile different is the way the gimbal interacts with the smartphone via the DJI GO app.
A few features are Face Tracking to automatically pan and tilt the gimbal, work as a Motorized Pan Tilt head for motion timelapse, and even Live Stream to YouTube and Facebook from within the app. As far as Smartphone Gimbals go, I think they just stole the show. There's a list of other features for the OSMO Mobile available now at the DJI Website (found here).
Transcend CFAST vs Delkin CFAST Cards with BlackMagic Design Ursa Mini 4.6K
I know that these new Delkin CFAST Cards are not officially certified by BlackMagic Design to work with the URSA cameras, but I wanted to know to what extent it would work. I'm sure a lot of you shooting with the URSA want to know the same, so I'm throwing up this post. Without getting too technical or running any scientific tests, my experience is that it's probably stable when used at HD resolution (1080), lower framerates, and anything less than ProRes HQ.
So while it can work, I don't think it works well enough to consider this your primary storage. The super long delay of the DELKIN CFast Cards during formatting makes me a bit weary as well. If you're really hard up on a budget you can try those CFAST to SSD Adapters which give you best bang for the buck.
But those external SSD Adapters get in the way sometimes when you're trying to fly on a gimbal, or run a compact rig. Eventually you'll find you need at least one good set of CFAST Cards. At the moment the most reliable, 'officially supported', and least expensive CFAST Media for the URSA Mini is the Transcend Cards (found here).
Rode Shotgun Mic Shock Mounts with Dual Rycote Lyre Suspension
A look at some new Shotgun Mic Shock Mounts from Rode Microphones. The SM3-R and SM4-R are using Dual Rycote Lyre Suspension mounts, sport a low profile, and have no rubber bands to lose or break. Each mount also has an integrated Cable Management Clip. The SM3-R is designed for Hotshoe mounting while the SM4-R has a 5/8 thread (with 3/8" adapter included) designed for Boom Pole mounting. The Rode SM3-R and SM4-R is available for Pre-Order (here).
CAME-TV Updates Batteries for ARGO and MINI 3 Gimbals now 18650 w Battery Case
There's been a recent change with the CAME-TV ARGO and MINI 3 Batteries. These stabilizers have now moved to 'Battery Cases' that hold popular and easily available Samsung 18650 Batteries. This is a big bonus for many as you no longer have to purchase a proprietary battery if you want extended run times. Here's a video of what it looks like, and what's included.
The one thing CAME-TV has mentioned is that it's important to remove the 18650 batteries from the battery cases when not in use. Otherwise it's possible the batteries can drop down below a voltage that most chargers see as a possible bad battery. Then you'd end up having to replace the Batteries. This is common for many types of batteries as it could be an indication of a bad cell, or bad battery. If the battery is good, it's more like 'sleep mode' and it's possible to recover a good battery from this if you know how (i'll let you do research on that).
So if you're looking to stock up on extra power, here's an example of these 18650 Batteries that customers seem to have positive reviews with:
Samsung 18650 Rechargeable Batteries
And you can find additional information about the CAME-TV ARGO and MINI3 Gimbals at the CAME-TV website (here).
Canon Announces New 5D Mark IV
So Canon has finally released the 5D Mark IV. I'm sure anyone who decides to shoot with this camera will get excellent results and it's probably a workhorse that will last for years. But the question is, is it enough to compare with what's already available? Open to comments, and there's a quick poll below.
Product Overview:
Continuing on in their legacy of powerful workhorse cameras, Canon has released the 5D Mark IV DSLR which is an outstanding still photography option and an able 4K-capable video machine. This multimedia maven offers a newly developed 30.4MP full-frame CMOS sensor paired with the DIGIC 6+ image processor in order to balance fine detail and resolution with low-light performance and sensitivity. It is able to work within a native range of ISO 100-32000, which can then be expanded to an impressive ISO 50-102400, for sharp, low-noise images in a variety of conditions. Along with these improvements to image quality, users will enjoy a performance boost across the board with an enhanced AF system, built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and GPS, and much more.
Quick Poll: Are you thinking of buying new #Canon #5DMKIV? https://t.co/NgFn3sz3yk
— CheesyCam (@cheesycam) August 25, 2016
IndiPRO Tools External Power Sony L-Series Mounting Plate with 15mm Clamp
If you're looking to power up a small camera or accessory for an extended period of time, Sony L-Series batteries are a popular choice. It's a very common battery used to power anything from small LED lighting, monitors, wireless video transmitters, etc.
Sony L-Series Batteries are also available in a variety of capacities from small to large depending on your needs and are generally inexpensive. Especially if you don't want to deal with the size, weight, and expense of v-mount (or gold mount) battery solutions, you may want to check out these Sony L-Series Battery Mounts from IndiPro Tools.
While there are existing Sony battery trays that can be modified to use in a similar way, there are a few differences with the IndiPro Tools Sony L-Series Battery systems. The first would be the integrated Dummy Battery. No need to purchase one separately and no loose cable connections to deal with.
The IndiPro Tools Battery Mount comes ready with a 1/4" thread and 15mm clamp mount which makes it easier and cleaner when mounting to any rig. The build quality exceeds that of the cheaper plastic battery trays as well. IndiPro Tools has a rubberized coating, lower profile, metal backing plate, and the batteries lock in rock solid with no play.
So while powering your camera and accessories with Sony L-Series Batteries may not be something entirely new, IndiPro Tools has designed a nice solid streamlined product for those that want a more quality solution. For more information about the IndiPro Tools Sony L-Series Battery Mounts (click here).
IndiPRO Tools Sony L-Series Mounting Plate w/ 15mm Clamp
Other items mentioned
And if you're interested in checking out my previous review about the Swit Sony Replacement Battery (click here).
SWIT S-8972 47Wh Sony Replacement Battery with Meter and DC Out
I'm using lightweight carbon fiber 15mm Rods from PVGear.com, and for the fairly universal 15mm Baseplate seen in the video (click here).
Low Profile 15mm Rod Clamp Baseplate
Jukedeck – Create unique music for your videos in seconds
If you want to add music to your projects (without getting flagged on YouTube and Facebook), check out Jukedeck. Instead of downloading random music that never seems to be a perfect fit, with JukeDeck you are able to customize the length, tempo, and set exact BPM to match your project perfectly. There's also an option for choosing when the music should Climax. So the music you create for sections of your project will have a proper intro and outro. Here's a quick demo.
Obviously, visit JukeDeck.com to register for your Free account and start creating your FREE music tracks.
Threaded Filter Holder Adapter for the Panasonic 7-14mm Wide Angle Lens
If you own a Panasonic GH3 / GH4 (or other M43 camera) then you'll find that the the Panasonic 7-14mm Wide Angle Lens
But in bright outdoor situations you don't easily have the option of adding a proper CPL Polarizer or ND Filter to maintain proper shutter speeds while shooting video. Perhaps you'll need a very dark ND Filter for long exposure images or to add motion blur during timelapse images. Or maybe you're thinking about adding a basic UV (clear) filter to protect the front lens element during a car mount, or sports that could kick debris towards your lens causing chips and scratches.
There's a number of good reasons why you'll want to add filters to the Panasonic 7-14mm lens
Threaded Filter Adapter for Panasonic 7-14mm Wide Angle Lens
And if you're like me, I like to keep the Variable ND Filter slim while still on a budget. A great option is the Fotga 86mm Slim VND (found here).