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Some of you may already have pre-ordered the new Sony A7s II camera, but if you didn't don't worry. The Sony A7s II is officially in stock today with B&H. I'll be honest, I didn't pre-order, but I did place an order today so I should get mine early next week.

sony a7s II camera 4K internal
VIEW-ITEM Sony Alpha a7S II 4K Video Mirrorless Digital Camera

I've already sold my original Sony A7s. Besides 4K internal recording, better Slow Motion, and a more manageable SLOG3 profile, it was worth the upgrade. If you're an existing A7s owner, check out this article on a few reasons why you may want to upgrade (read article).

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BlackMagic Design Vdieo Assist Monitor Recorder

The BlackMagic Video Assist Recorder / Monitor has been on pre-order status since it's announcement back in April. A 5" LCD Monitor with Histogram that can record 10-bit 4:2:2 video from HDMI and 6G-SDI inputs up to 1080p60. It records to inexpensive high-speed U1 SDHC/XC memory cards using industry-standard Apple ProRes (HQ, 422, LT, or Proxy) or Avid DNxHD codecs.

blackmagic_design_hyperd_avidas5hd_video_assist_1429023750000_1137319
VIEW-ITEM BlackMagic Video Assist 5" LCD HDMI 6G-SDI Monitor Recorder

Note: This is also a perfect addition for those looking to invest in the new Micro Cinema Camera as part of the design is intended to control the camera.
blackmagic design micro cinema camera

A 5 inch screen is a perfect balance between a small EVF and a large 7" screen. Today I have news that pre-orders are being fulfilled. If you're looking to grab one right now DVEStore.com has advised me that they have only about a dozen left. No waiting - In Stock only a few left. See more photos and Read more specs about the BlackMagic Video Assist 5" LCD HDMI 6G-SDI Monoitor Recorder (HERE).

video assist monitor recorder blackmagicblackmagic design monitor recorder
VIEW-ITEM BlackMagic Video Assist 5" LCD HDMI 6G-SDI Monoitor Recorder

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Here's a look at the new FotoDiox Shark Camera Cage for the Sony A7R II or Sony A7s II cameras. It's more of a half-cage style rig with a wooden side handle. It is available in two color finishes - Samurai Silver and Pitch Black.

One thing to note is that this cage design blocks access to the Sony Multi-function hotshoe just in case you're working with the Sony XLR adapter (seen here). The Shark Cage comes with a Top Handle, 15mm Base, (2) 15mm Aluminum Rods, locks for HDMI and audio cables, and enough room to support various lens adapters.

Besides the Sony A7sII and Sony A7RII, the new FotoDiox SharkCage designs are also available for the Panasonic GH4 and Samsung NX1 cameras (here)

sharkcage-a7ii-blk-03 sharkcage-a7ii-slvr-03
Learn-More-sm FotoDiox Pro Shark Cage for Sony A7rII A7sII

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Good news for current Inspire1 Quadcopter owners today. DJI has added the 'OSMO Handle ONLY' option on their website. When they first announced the OSMO they listed pricing at $649 (included an X3 camera).

But now for everyone who already owns an Inspire1 with an X3 camera, the option to buy the handle only is a lot easier to invest for Just $269 (FOUND HERE).

DJI OSMO Handle Only X3 Inspire1 Cameras
VIEW-ITEM DJI OSMO for X3 X5 X5R Camera Gimbals Handle Only

And if you're looking to get the most out of your new DJI OSMO, there's a ton of super affordable OSMO accessories such a Shock Absorbing Bike Mount, Car Mount, Extra Batteries, Carrying Case, etc (all found here).

dji osmo battery charger dji osmo bike mount DJI OSMO CAR MOUNT
dji osmo carry travel case dji osmo extended battery dji osmo extension arm
dji osmo phone holder extension dji osmo tripod stand base dji osmo universal mount

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In my first review I mentioned the CAME-ACTION Gimbal could not mount a GoPro LCD BacPac because of the short screws. But I did mention I believed it was strong enough if we could find longer screws. Because people were asking, here's a demo of the CAME-ACTION GoPro Gimbal (with Encoders) supporting the weight of a GoPro with LCD BacPac and ND Filter.

It still works perfectly and is able to stabilize all this extra weight. Checking the website, there are less than dozen left. Hopefully it's not something that goes out of stock and you have to wait weeks for another batch, so if you're still deciding, this is a great GoPro gimbal and it's possible to support all your GoPro accessories.

came-tv action came-action gimbal encoders
VIEW-ITEM CAME-TV GoPro 3-Axis Gimbal with Encoders

Here's an adapter you can use for Painter's Poles if you want a cheap extension for your GoPro. find it (here).

painters-pole-adaptersa1501-view-2-2
find-price-button Seaport Digital Painter's Pole Adapter with 1/4-20 Male Thread

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For anyone looking for long lasting battery power, take a look at these Kayo Maxtar Dual Capacity V-Mount batteries. A few other people have been using these for a while, and I was just recently turned on to them myself. The large capacity means you can run most 1x1 LED Panels Full Power for 6 Hours straight.

Even if your light doesn't take V-mount batteries, most LED Lights (even small on-camera ones) will accept between 7-16V DC input. Instead of toting around dozens of Sony NPF batteries, with a basic P-Tap cable you use v-mount batteries to power your smaller lighting kit all day. (Most common Video Accessories use a 5.5mm OD and 2.5mm ID Barrel tip)

dc p-tap 5.5 2.5
VIEW-ITEM P-tap to DC 5.5mm/2.5mm Power Cable

I've modified several of my cables so that I can power any LED Light, Monitor, Camera, or other accessories without having to hang the heavy battery. Instead I can easily just place it on the floor or use it to weigh down a light stand (instead of a sand bag). Or throw it into a backpack when going mobile with a large 1x1 LED Panel.

These batteries don't have any intelligent features, but they do offer a USB port, basic battery meter, and each come with their own wall charger. If all you're looking for is a set of reliable batteries that can provide power all day, check out the customer feedback on these Dual Capacity Kayo Maxtar V-Mount Batteries (found here).

Kayo Maxtar Professional V Mount battery

VIEW-ITEM Kayo Maxtar Dual Capacity V-Mount Batteries

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Here's a quick look at a Camera Vacuum product that was sent over by a Japanese company called Fujin. The cleaner attaches exactly like a lens and is designed to suck floating particles out of your camera body.

I think the keywords here are 'Floating Particles'. If you have a smudge on your sensor or something wet (mud), it's not going to be much help. But if you happen to be in a situation where there is a lot of dust, dirt, lint, etc it might be able to clear that out. But at a price of over $150 US, I personally don't think I have a need for something like this, but your needs may be different.

Here are some other videos from their YT page.

So I guess they are looking for more comments and feedback, feel free to leave your comments below.

fujin lens cleaner
VIEW-ITEM Fujin Lens Camera Body Vacuum Cleaner

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This Manfrotto 501PL Compatible QR Adapter base has been around for a while, typically closer to the $35-$40 dollar price. Here's a recently listed item that is offering this kit (QR base + QR plate) for just $22 + FREE SHIPPING.

Pretty good deal if you needed the extra adapters for moving your cameras to a Jib, Shoulder Rig, Slider, etc. You can also throw one of these adapters over other (non-manfrotto) tripods heads, so that they will be Manfrotto 501PL compatible. And unlike the more expensive OEM Manfrotto 577, this base has two bubble levels, a standard 1/4-20 + 3/8 thread on the side of the plate (for mounting accessories), and more options to mount under the base.

While it's available (found here).

manfrotto style quick release 577 plate rapid 501pl
manfrotto style quick release plate rapid 501pl 577 adapter
577 manfrotto style quick release plate rapid 501pl 577.jpg
VIEW-ITEM Manfrotto Compatible Quick Release Adapter for 501PL Plate

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DJI today has made available their latest Gimbal Product - OSMO. The Osmo is a handheld system that allows you to use the DJI Zenmuse X3, X5 (Pro), or X5R (RAW) Camera + Gimbals.

Keep in mind that the OSMO is dedicated for use with one of DJI's cameras. While I think anyone with a DJI Inspire1 + X3 camera might be tempted to grab an OSMO, many still believe the quality of the GoPro HERO4 is still better (HERO4 certainly better in low light). You can already get a very stable GoPro HERO4 gimbal for less money, so I don't think I would personally use this for my X3.

DJI OSMO Camera x3 x5 x5r

But if you're looking at using an X5 or X5R DJI Camera system with your Inspire1, then I can see how this will add great value by allowing you to use it both on and off the Quadcopter. The DJI OSMO is already available to order on the DJI website (here).

osmo dji gimbal x3 x5 x5r handheld


DJI Osmo Product Samples from Tested

dji osmo buy now preorder priceDJI OSMO Price review video sample
VIEW-ITEM DJI OSMO for X3 X5 X5R Camera Gimbals