Canon just recently announced the upgrade to the popular Canon S95 and SX30IS, replacing them with the new Canon S100
The Digic 5 processor is said to be 6x times faster with 75% less noise than the Digic 4. The ability to auto white balance has also been greatly improved. Umm hold on, was that 75% less noise? Those numbers are a major improvement. Think of this as a sneak peek to what we'll be seeing in future DSLRs. Definitely worth the read - found below.
Juicedlink first introduced this slider idea as a prototype during NAB2011 (found here). The kit consists of a few different parts which are bundled or sold separately. The basic set will have at least a trolley (rolling carriage) and end clamps to hold a set of rods. The end clamps have three 1/4-20" threaded taps to mount stands. A benefit to this slider kit is that you choose any type and length of 5/8" rod you require. You're not limited to specifically choosing a 24" or 36" like IGUS or Konova sliders. With JuicedLink, you can carry multiple sets of rods if you want to run short or long. Suggested rails to be used are stainless steel rods for it's clean smooth surface and hardness, which run about $20 dollars each for 4 feet (48").
The setup in the video (above) is on 4ft. stainless steel rods with a few modifications done to get it motorized. This is pretty much the same equipment used on the motorized Konova slider by Vimeo member C Light. On one end I have a freewheeling Idler Pulley
Basic servos will not rotate 360 degrees. Here you'll find the Continuous Rotation Servo: https://www.hobbyengineering.com/H1429.html
You'll require a pulley to be mounted on the servo. This fits perfectly and has the proper amount of teeth to fit flush: https://www.servocity.com/html/pulley_wheel__futm2045_.html
To control the speed and to make the servo move in reverse, you'll need the servo controller: https://www.servocity.com/html/dual_servo_driver.html
To power things up, you'll need a small battery pack. This battery pack will simply plug in to the controller. https://www.servocity.com/html/battery_trays.html
It's definitely a smooth slider, but the design means you'll need two stands to elevate it. It's important to get solid stands on each side if you want to minimize any rocking or swaying when used in windy environments. Especially if you're shooting with a long lens. Before you consider the JuicedLink DIY slider kit, you should check out some important information about the slider over at the JuicedLink website. He's started a 'CookBook' of ideas and tips about using the slider, and pointing out a few things to keep in mind when going to a longer set of rods. You can find more information and pricing on the JuicedLink sliders (click here).
Been keeping up with the news? Canon has scheduled an event in Hollywood on November 3rd to make some big annoucements. Of course we all feel like many of their professional DSLR cameras are overdue for an upgrade like the Canon 5D Mark III, I doubt we'll hear anything about that this early. Who knows, it could just end up as an announcement for a new mirror-less camera lineup. More speculation about the latest announcement is towards a high end professional 4K video camera that will compete with the RED EPIC, which sounds more fitting for a Hollywood reception. They did already have a 4K prototype available at the shows one year ago. Either way, i'm staying glued to the internet on November 3rd to keep up with the news.
Don't get me wrong. I'm still loving my little 5V USB / 12V Battery packs that can power many things, but it comes up short if I need to power up the 900 LED video light panels at full brightness. The 900 LED video light requires 14V DC. There's a number of different DIY battery packs I can make but that would limit me to just one voltage. Instead of going straight into the expensive V-Mount batteries, this Tekkeon universal batttery pack (a cheaper solution) allows me to power up virtually anything between 5V and 19V. All it takes to power up any accessory is flip of a few dim switches and select one of the many universal sized power tips. I'm going to give this battery a full charge and then test the run time at full brightness.
These batteries have been fairly popular with DSLR rigs too. If you're looking to mount this battery on to your rigs, maybe to power up your audio recorders, LED video lights, or even find a way to power up your camera, CPMFilmTools has a snap package specifically for these batteries. Purchase the batteries from CPM and the snap package is free.
CPMFilmTools Tekkeon Battery Snap Package
There are many versions of the Tekkeon battery, and I purchased the 3450i specifically because of the features it offers. The best price I could find online was over at B&H (click here).
Tekkeon myPower All Plus Battery 5V-19V DC
Description:
Light, rugged, versatile and that doesn't factor in the price or quality. A multi-position hand-held, shotgun-style/shoulder mount rig, with thumb controlled follow focus and durable No-Drop French Flag matte-box
Includes:
12" Carbon fiber rods
Height adjustable camera block
Shoulder-mount/shot-gun brace
Front adjustable handles
Thumb controlled friction follow focus
Matte box w/ No-Drop French Flag(TM)
eBay Daily Deal Nikon D5100 + 2 Lens Camera Bundle
Today's Daily Deal is a Nikon D5100 kit bundled with two lenses. One is the 18-55mm kit lens, the other is the 55-200mm VR Lens. The confusing part is that their images actually show three lenses including an image of the Nikon 50mm. Reading through the auction more carefully, there's no mention that it includes the 50mm, but I wonder if they really meant to. Too bad, it would have been a much sweeter deal. [UPDATE] Seems like they've corrected the listing and now includes the 50mm too.
When it comes to portable recorders with DSLR video, there's two names that are sure to come up - Tascam and Samson (a.k.a Zoom). Here's an interesting new product pointed out to me [Thanks Anthony] that could shake things up for Samson's Zoom H4n product line. The H4n has been a long mainstay when it comes to an affordable 4 track portable recorder with XLR inputs, but Tascam has got something new (and cheaper).
The new Tascam DR-40 is playing in the same recording space offering just about as much features as the Zoom H4n, but the kicker is that it's coming in at about $100 dollars cheaper than the Zoom H4n (found here)
Tascam DR-40 4 Track Portable Recorder XLR
[Update] Now available via Amazon below
TASCAM DR-40 4 Channel Portable Digital Recorder
Varavon's latest product is a flip up style ViewFinder called the EX-Solo with models available for all the popular Nikon, Canon 5D / 7D / T2i / 60D, and even small Panasonic GH2 cameras. The ViewFinder attaches using the Tripod base adapter (no sticky frame here), and still provides an access port if you want to mount a quick release. The EX-Solo includes a diopter for those with less than perfect vision and flips up a full 180 degrees when the VF is not in use. The view finder stays put with a few magnets when it's in the closed position. Varavon pricing has always been a bit high, but quality has been top notch in it's other product line. At least it's still cheaper than the high end viewfinders. Looks like they are just getting in stock (click here).
Varavon New EX-Solo View Finder
Here's a couple of quality videos from Vimeo member FilmCyfrowy showcasing some Skier DSLR Video equipment. Skier is fairly new and is still building up their product line. They have an unusual cage-like design that wraps over the camera lens, a Follow Focus, ViewFinder, Small Transformer rig, and a Merlin-like stabilizer which seems to perform well.
Company information found at at their website luck-in.com, but so far they only have pricing on one item listed in their eBay store (found here).
Skier DSLR Video Equipment
