• 24 Comments

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spidertrax-rotational-dolly
[Above] SpiderTrax Rotational Video Dolly

The SpiderTrax Rotational video dolly is an interesting little product with a long personal history. I recently caught several articles on the web about the SpiderTrax dolly and how I (myself) have been dabbling in DIY versions of this. I've even received several emails about what I thought about the product and 'reviews' i've done. If you don't know the history, I actually created this product and design. Before this simple 4 wheel design hit the Internet, the most common 'skater dollies' were based on a three wheel design by P+S Technik which ran over $6,000 dollars.

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[Above] P+S Technik Skater Mini

DIY'ing a three wheel rotational dolly isn't as easy as it looks. After sitting at home for many months seeing what was available on the web, I decided to tackle the project more simply - Just use four wheels. I tested different designs for several months and then finally placed the product into the hands of PhotographyAndCinema.com. After my initial video showcasing the simple design with upside down axles (to get lowest possible angle), tons of new rotational dollies have spun up. So even though I did a great job at separating myself from this product, just remember that every single knock-off four wheel rotational dolly with upside down axles stemmed from a tiny little blog called Cheesycam.com.


[Above] Sample use of P+S Technik Dolly


[Above] Sample from my own personal SpiderTrax Rotational Dolly - over a year ago.

The SpiderTrax Dolly project for me was successful in making a very simple, low cost design and still be able to replicate all movements of P+S Technik. Forward, back, side to side, and rotational shots were just as fluid. Now before you start searching for a SpiderTrax Dolly, i'll let you know that the original version is out of stock. It's a discontinued item [will there be a v2.0?? Hmm...].

So if you're shopping around for a rotational dolly, there are other versions out there mostly found via eBay. You can tell homemade stuff just by looking at photos, I would stay away from that stuff. If you're looking for a solid product, check out this new version. Smaller than my original design, and cheaper by a few bucks. Anodized plated with fancy markings and graphics. I wanted to see how they went about copying my design and decided to check it out for myself.

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Ok not bad. It's actually pretty nice compared to what's out there on the current market. A finished looking product. They took the round axles and shaved them flat underneath. This not only brought the axles lower to the baseplate, but allows it to lock down fairly snug with more contact area. Instead of using the 52mm skate wheels, they went with RollerBlade type wheels. I didn't go this route because I wanted the lowest possible profile. It also added more contact area when turning. I personally like the wider skate board wheels. Outside of a few differences, this Rotational Dolly should be a solid option to replace the now discontinued 'SpiderTrax Dolly'. So if you've been waiting for the original to come back online, sorry it's not, but good news is that here's a great alternative above all the other hundreds of rotational dollies now on the market.


konova-skater-dollyspidertrax-dolly
find-price-button Konova Rotational Video Camera Skater Dolly

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The world of Macro (super close-up) is quite commonly associated with tiny forms of life such as insects and flowers. This video is an inspiration on what can be done in forms of story telling all shot in Macro mode by Vimeo member Emotion.

No information on what it was technically shot with, but if you're on a DSLR a lens very capable of performing at this level would be one of my favorites - the Canon 100mm F/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens.

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find-price-button Canon 100mm F/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens

• 87 Comments

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glidecam-dolly-skater (9 of 18)

These are two of the most popular and smallest DSLR stabilizers. I'm not going to say one is better than the other when it comes down to the actual video footage. End results between these two micro flyers would be the same once you have them fine tuned and balanced. The main differences to consider between these two is cost, quality of build, time to balance, and handling.

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First no surprise here, the Flycam Nano can come in about three times cheaper than the Glidecam HD1000. The Flycam Nano comes in a bit smaller than the Glidecam but this also means it won't handle as much weight. If you want to stick to the smallest flyer but are concerned you might be pushing the limits too much, then the HD1000 might be the safer bet. The Flycam being the smaller stabilizer can pack down smaller for traveling. Of course the Flycam Nano can easily handle a 7D + Tokina 11-16mm (and then some), which is about the average weight needed for most entry level flyers. The Flycam might be a better choice for smaller cameras like the Sony SLT-A55 or Panasonic GH2.

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The Flycam build quality isn't as polished as the Glidecam. Cheaper materials, painted metal instead of anodized plating, lack of fine tuning knobs, tiny handle, and non-professional looking weights. That's what helps keep the cost down. The Glidecam is far superior in build quality, but fancy plating alone doesn't make it a better flyer.

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The Glidecam handle is much larger and more comfortable to grip. The Glidecam handle is the same width as it's larger HD2000 and HD4000 siblings making it possible to use the HD1000 with a full Vest. The Flycam has a much smaller and shorter handle designed to be used with an optional Flycam Arm Brace.

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The Glidecam HD series stabilizers also have fine tune knobs. The fine tuning knobs allows micro movements of the stage making exact placement of the camera much easier and faster to the center of balance. This is a great feature for anyone who seems to change out lenses, cameras, or accessories that require the entire stabilizer to be rebalanced. If you're pretty much set with the camera + lens combination for flying, a Flycam Nano with a quick release adapter should do the trick. No need to rebalance.

Here's a sample video with the Glidecam HD1000: http://cheesycam.com/glidecam-hd1000-dslr-video-stabilizer-demonstration/

Here's a sample with the Flycam Nano: http://cheesycam.com/flycam-nano-stabilizer-abused-with-7d-tokina/

2011-01-26 11.18.522011-01-26 11.19.06

glidecam-hd1000-dslr-video-stabilizer
find-price-button Glidecam HD1000 Video Camera Stabilizer

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find-price-button Flycam Nano Video Camera Stabilizer

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Vimeo member Carl quickly throws up some sample tests between the Rode VideoMic and VideoMic Pro. He's also thrown in Rode's latest Lavalier directly into the Canon 5D Mark II which sounds awesome (but is kinda pricey). Rode themselves have even left a bit of feedback in the video comments to try another test. Using the new +20db feature in the VideoMic Pro along with the 5D Mark II audio turned way down to improve with the floor noise. This is the benefit for having manual controls over your DSLR's audio levels, a feature native to only the Canon 5D Mark II and 60D. T2i users can benefit from Magic Lantern firmware, but 7D owners need to rely on some type of AGC disable. [Thanks Carl]

[Update] Here's Carl's follow up test using the +20db setting on VMP and turning gain down in the camera. Compared to the non-Pro VideoMic there's a difference.

Another slightly different take on some audio tests throwing in a 550D + Magic Lantern in the mix. This time Vimeo member D Films starts out with an unboxing. Audio in the beginning was the ATR3350 Lav mic + Zoom H1.

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find-price-button Rode VideoMic Pro

rode-videomic
find-price-button Rode VideoMic

Rode-Lavalier
find-price-button Rode Lavalier Microphone

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classifieds

Ok guys, there's no question that readers on Cheesycam are interested in gear. It's a big part of why people come here. The other day someone asked about upgrading from their Glidecam HD2000 to the HD4000, and then someone else in the same day mentioned 'downgrading' from an HD4000 to HD2000. It only makes sense to find a way to connect people and share some of these great used gear sales.

I'm planning on creating a seperate page where people can share links to their eBay (only) auctions. Now this can open up a whole new can of worms, and i'm doing this more as a favor and not an obiligation. Don't make me regret opening up this new section on my website! I don't want this to become a spam page. So for the first 'test' run of this new section there will be some very very strict guidelines. I'll tell you right now, that one of the guidelines is for 'individuals' and single items, not for 'businesses trying to sell a line of products'. If you can't meet these guidelines, this is not the place for you to share your link.

I'll be working on this new page today, and will update you all when it's available. In this new page you'll also find what the guidelines will be. I'll become more flexible if this works out, but if it gets out of hand, i'll just have to take the section down. I'll create a separate tab for this so that it doesn't interfere with the articles and postings. More to come in a few hours...

[Update] Page is up, please read through carefully before posting anything. It's available in the [Tabs] above or here: http://cheesycam.com/classifieds/
-Emm

• 4 Comments

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nab-2011
exhibits-pass
visit-button NAB Wesbite - National Association of Broadcasters

If you're a serious Film Maker or content producer you can't hide from NAB - National Association of Broadcasters. Coming in Vegas in April it's going to creep up real quick. So if you want to get in, now's the time with a Free Exhibits Pass registration code found on the website. It's amazing to think about how these events have evolved in just a few years with the Internet. Broadcasting has opened up to a whole new level. This is 'THE' place to be to find out not only where the industry is at today, but where it's headed next. You'll get in touch with new technology, tons of exhibitors showcasing all the latest camera gear, learning sessions and conferences to sign up for. Everything from small to big, including many of the companies and products found on this Cheesycam website. DSLR's are going to have a huge impact on the exhibition floor. It's not just for the big cameras! You'll find everything from small camera sliders, to DSLR rigs, cages, audio, monitors, and more.. I'm really excited to attend this one, so hopefully i'll catch some of you out there.

You should also subscribe to more updated information through the NAB Blog
nab-blog
visit-button NAB BLOG - National Association of Broadcasters

• 16 Comments

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rode-videomic-pro
find-price-button Rode VideoMic Pro Compact Shotgun Microphone

Not long ago Rode announced a new VideoMic Pro and now it's available. Didn't I just grab a new Microphone Windscreen over my VideoMic? This does not appear to be a replacement for the already popular VideoMic, but a new microphone altogether. Smaller form factor, better shock mounting, external switches, and a new +20db setting. Price obviously is more than the non-Pro VideoMic, but the new shock mount and smaller form factor already has me sold. Unlike the large VideoMic, this new VideoMic 'Pro' won't look as awkward when mounting on the smaller GH2 camera.

More Rode VideoMic Specs can be found here: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/744768-REG/Rode_VIDEOMIC_PRO_VideoMic_Pro_Compact_Shotgun.html

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find-price-button Varizoom CrossFire Video Camera Stabilizers

If you've been hiding under a rock, you might have missed all the ads for Varizoom's Crossfire stabilizer. Seems like they are really pushing this product towards DSLR shooters. It's a hand held video stabilizer that combines a tripod as the lower weight. When you're not running around, you've got a tripod ready to go. This is another product similar to their stabilizer/monopod a.k.a 'FlowPod'. How well does it work? I don't know, but it's set at a price where i'm not willing to find out. So unless you really need a set of sticks under your stabilizer, you can find it here: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/750674-REG/VariZoom_VZ_CROSSFIRE_CrossFire_FP_Stabilizer.html

vello-battery-grips
find-price-button Vello Battery grips for Canon and Nikon

If you're in the market for a Battery grip but don't want to pay the OEM prices, you might be shopping for aftermarket. If you're a bit hesitant on choosing after market battery grips coming from overseas then maybe the new Vello line of grips might be up your alley. Available for both Canon and Nikon in select models, shipped from the big retailer B&H Photo Video should you run into any issues. Found here: Vello Battery Grips

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LCDVF (1 of 7)

Just some images comparing the latest DSLR View finder. - This is the Carry Speed VFinder next to the much more expesive LCDVF. The VFinder is a bit larger the LCDVF, but also has a much more comfortable Eye Cup. Neither loupes have a diopter feature and are mounted to the camera via metal sticky frame and magnets on the loupe. Both versions are available for 4:3 and 3:2 LCD screens from Canon T2i to Canon 7D. Of course the new VFinder is much much cheaper..


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find-price-button New LCD View Finder for Canon T2i, 5D Mark II, 7D and other 3″ LCD’s

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With the new Konova slider on the market the 717AH fluid head has become a popular accessory to complete the set. Recently there seems to be a small price drop in the WF717A Tripod + Fluid Head via Amazon. Unlike the bowl mount Fluid head, the one on the WF717A (this one) can be removed and used on your Konova slider, SpiderTrax Skate dolly, or other projects and you'll still have a very lightweight aluminum tripod + bag. Should be a standard 3/8" threaded mount.

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find-price-button Heavy Duty Video Tripod Fluid Drag Head Kits WF717A