dslr video

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Here's a really great Simple DIY Motorized Video Track Dolly Project I think everyone will get a kick out of. Of course you're not limited to the design i'll be sharing in the video below. Once you see how simple it is to work with the Actobotics parts from ServoCity.com, i'm sure this will spawn a new breed of DIY Motorized projects, so make sure to share what you've come up with by commenting on this blog article.

Every little part used in the project is extremely high quality and precision made, so in the end everything lines up perfectly. It so simple, i'm confident my 12 year old son can easily put one of these things together. Everything used to assemble this high quality motorized track dolly project can be found over at ServoCity.com down to the roller skate wheels, bearings, and tiny hex screws.

Did you notice how quiet this system is? There is only a bit of noise, but you can see how my LAV mic didn't even pick up any noise as it tracked side to side.

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The wheel assemblies position the skate wheels at an angle to use basic pipes as your track. You can choose to use inexpensive PVC pipes, Conduit, possibly Angle Iron, or whatever else you might find convenient for your project.

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Only one drive wheel is needed to make the system move, and you can choose various RPM speed motors depending if you want to track quickly or slowly. With a Speed Controller you will still have some variations in speed as well as having a simple forward/reverse switch.

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Here is a few reference videos from ServoCity.com showing you how to build the Drive Wheel, the Idler Wheel, and also options for assembling a frame to the wheel assemblies.

Building the Wheel Assemblies

Building the Dolly Idler Wheel Assemblies

Frame Building - Aluminum Channel or Tubing

The Frame I have here is using 12" Aluminum Channel and it was able to support over 100lbs of weight with ease. I seriously placed a chair on this frame and took a ride along a conduit track (this is not recommended, but I wanted to try it). Perfect for even the heaviest cameras out on the market including RED, and for rigged up SONY FS700 Shooters.

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I think I want to shrink this down using 6" Aluminum Channels to reduce it down to half it's size. All I need to do is add a flat platform over the frame (i'm thinking thick plastic cutting board material from Ikea) so that I can mount a standard video Fluid Head in the center, and this is will be one seriously light-weight (yet heavy duty) smooth motorized video track dolly.

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Unfortunately they don't sell a complete kit so you'll have to be familiar with every little part required to build one of these DIY Motorized Video Track Dollies. You will also need to add a few wire leads to the motor you choose, and pick up a 12V battery pack. Not really a big deal.

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So to make things easier for you here's a parts list for the different components of the DIY Motorized Video Track Dolly in my video. Keep in mind you can easily come up with a variety of different shapes and sizes by assembling the parts differently. The one I share is also using 12" Aluminum Channel, but you can go smaller or larger depending on your project.

DOLLY DRIVE ASSEMBLY (click here)
(parts below make 1drive wheel mechanisms)
(1) 535044 ¼” Flanged Ball Bearing
(1) 585536 Dolly Wheel Drive Plate B (Pair)
(2) 545324 90° Quad Hub Mount D
(1) 545424 90° Quad Hub Mount B
(2) 595616 2.975" Low Friction Wheels (Grey)
(2) B8M-22M 8mm ID x 22mm OD Ball Bearing
(1) 632106 .250"L x 6-32 Socket Head Cap Screw (pk of 25)
(1) 632116 .5625"L x 6-32 Socket Head Cap Screw (pk of 25)
(1) 633118 Center Hole Adaptors (4 Pack)
(1) 585488 8mm Flanged Standoff A
(1) 555132 Aluminum Motor Mount D
(1) 625106 .250" to 6mm Bore Shaft Coupler
(1) 634074 2.50"L x .250"D Stainless Steel D-Shafting
(1) 595634 1/4" Bore Drive Wheel Adaptor B
(1) 638222 20rpm, 12VDC Precision Gearmotor

DOLLY IDLER WHEEL ASSEMBLIES (click here)
(parts below make 3 Idler wheel mechanisms)
(3) 585534 Dolly Wheel Idler Plate A (Pair)
(6) 545324 90° Quad Hub Mount D
(3) 545424 90° Quad Hub Mount B
(6) 595616 2.975" Low Friction Wheels (Grey)
(12)B8M-22M 8mm ID x 22mm OD Ball Bearing
(2) 632106 .250"L x 6-32 Socket Head Cap Screw (pk of 25)
(1) 632116 .5625"L x 6-32 Socket HeadCap Screw (pk of 25)
(3) 633118 Center Hole Adaptors (4 Pack)
(6) 585488 8mm Flanged Standoff A

ALUMINUM FRAME COMPONENTS (click here)
(1) 632110 .375"L x 6-32 Socket Head Cap Screw (pk of 25)
(4) 585454 12.00" Aluminum Channel
(8) 545360 Quad Hub Mount C

OTHER (click here)
(1) DMSC6-16-10 Digital Manual Speed Controller (6-16VDC)

For projects like this, I highly recommend picking up these CCTV 12V Rechargeable Battery Packs. They are very cheap (some around just $10 bucks), small, lightweight and should be enough to power your Motorized Track Dolly.
CCTV-5V-9V-12V-DC-Battery-Rechargeable-USB-300x287CCTV 12V Battery Pack
find-price-button 12V CCTV Rechargeable Battery Pack

Whether you are working on this DIY Project or others, these 5.5mm OD + 2.5mm ID Terminal Connectors are pretty standard across many DSLR Video accessories. This will plug directly into many LED Video lights, and will plug directly into your CCTV battery. It's a very simple way to add a terminal plug to the end of wires without soldering. The Male and Female combo connect to each other so you can make a quick disconnect type setup between two wires.

2.5 5.5 Terminal Plug Adapter DIY Cheesycam
find-price-button 2.5mm 5.5mm Male and Female Terminal Connectors

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I just recently received two BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Cameras earlier today. So I decided to unbox one and start shooting around, but noticed some very odd lines in the screen. When I played it back on my screen the lines were very apparent. They are so prominent even focus peaking picks up on the vertical lines. Here's a video explaining the issue.

I'm not new to this camera, in fact I shot for an entire week with a previous BMPCC. I looked through every setting, but because of the weird colors it is reproducing I can't imagine it being related to a simple setting in the menu. My fear is this camera has a bad sensor and just needs to be sent back and replaced. Or maybe i'm just a complete idiot and i'm just missing something.

I really want to love this camera, and was so excited that two of my orders arrived, but the hoops I have to jump through keep adding up. What do you guys think about this issue?

Here's a sample video from the camera and if you look closely you can see the vertical lines. You can also download the original video from Vimeo to playback in full ProRes on your system by (clicking here).

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The Cinevate Duzi had been announced a few weeks ago with nothing more than specs and a few images. Here's a recent video showcasing the more affordable Cinevate Duzi Video Slider.

More information about the Cinevate Duzi slider can be found at the product page: https://cinevate.com/duzi.

duzi_hero
Cinevate Duzi Lightweight Portable Video Slider

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YouTube member PhoneArena

Today Sony has released an innovative idea that merges a complete camera system into two different lens bodies. Controlling the QX10 or QX100 is done through your smart phone.

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Controls not Inlcuded

The QX10 and QX100 may deserve the term innovative, but that might only be used to describe design. Every aspect of the QX10 and QX100 is working backwards from what Sony has praised themselves for previously.

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When Sony designed the NEX-7 they highlighted the fact that they've added more buttons and dials and an improved EVF electronic view finder. The new QX10 and QDX100 relies on a touch screen smartphone and a laggy display. Not to mention lag time when initiating the shutter to fire. Lagging displays played a major part with the slow adoption of mirrorless cameras. Some display like that of Fuji's EVF almost appear as if you're looking through the mirror of a DSLR camera, not an LCD screen.

Sony_DSC-QX100_1002614

The Sony RX100 and RX100 Mark II have been praised to bring a high quality sensor into a very pocketable camera. While the new QX10 and QX100 have sensors similar to the RX100, it can only be as comfortable as sticking a cup in your pants.

I think it's only fitting to share this next video from The Onion that spoofs such backwards innovation.

With a price tag of $499 and useless without a decent smartphone, the QX10 and QX100 brings image quality that can already be captured in a cheaper and more pocketable point and shoot system, and the only innovation they bring is to promote glorified 'selfies'.

Still, if you want more information on the QX10 and QX100 they are already available for pre-order via B&H (here).

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find-price-button Sony QX10 and QX100 Smart Lens Cameras

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Typically most shooters enjoy working with Prime Lenses (fixed focal length lenses that don't zoom) due to their wide apertures and sharper image quality. Although there are literally dozens of choices for prime lenses, the list drops to a smaller number for prime lenses that offer the highly sought after 'Image Stabilization' feature.

So if you're a Canon user looking for a good image stabilized lens, here's a few recently released Canon EF prime lenses with IS. Besides just Canon cameras, keep in mind that Image Stabilization with these EF Prime lenses are also supported with the BlackMagic Cinema Camera EF Mount. These are also a native EF mount (not EF-S) so they are designed to cover both APS-C and full frame sensors like those found on the EOS 5D bodies.

Canon EF Prime Lenses with Image Stabilization

Canon 24mm Prime Image Stabilized
Canon 24mm F/2.8 USM IS 		Canon 28mm Prime Lens Image Stabilizer IS
Canon 28mm F/2.8 USM IS 		Canon 35mm Prime Image Stabilized
Canon 35mm USM IS

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If you didn't catch some of the recent announcements, here's a quick run-down on a few great Sponsored Product Giveaways currently going on. These are officially sponsored by brand names such as Dynamic Perception, the DVEStore, Varavon, Benro, P&C, and many more.

One of the most exciting and generous contributions this week is from Dynamic Perception who is currently offering up a tricked-out Stage One Motorized Slider Bundle!. This is an upgraded kit which includes (2) 20" carbon fiber extensions, upgraded with the Quick Change Motor System, 2 swappable DC motors, and a real-time video controller the AT2. The AT2 controller makes this motorized system very intuitive to use as opposed to programming a module for timelapse.

stage_one_motorized_slider_bundle_tu_201c6278f91149dae18166a90b9ea5bc Stage One Motorized Slider Bundle
A complete Stage One Motorized Slider Bundle ( including 2 20" carbon fiber extensions) upgraded with the Quick Change Motor System, 2 swappable DC motors and the real-time video controller the AT2. It's a pretty tricked out setup sure to make any time-lapser very happy.
Simply add camera, support and creativity; The Stage One Complete bundle adds to our other bundles and includes the rest of the ingredients to start shooting. (Continue Reading..)

Reference Links:
https://dynamicperception.com/products/stage-one-complete-motorized-slider-bundle
https://dynamicperception.com/products/quick-change-system-1-motor-bundle
https://dynamicperception.com/products/at2-motion-controller

Other current and upcoming Sponsored Product Giveaways include a Varavon Multifinder-Uni, BlackMagic Design Intensity Pro from the DVEStore, a Fhugen GH3 Cage via P&C, a Benro Video Monopod with S4 Video Head, a Slidecam 9000 Camera Slider, and a K-Tek KE110cc Audio Boom Pole with internal XLR cable.

varavon_multi_finder_uni_tl_2ffe5ee591be28ab43cf9cae5391d911 MULTI-FINDER UNI
The Varavon Multi Finder LCD Uni Viewfinder is a multi-functional viewfinder designed to better utilize the LCD monitor of a DSLR when shooting HD video. It provides a universal mounting plate, the LCD viewer and a loupe with eyecup that combine to create an adjustable yet stable viewing system compatible with numerous DSLRs. (Continue Reading..)

bmd_intensity-pro_tl_a6b37867b19f8e011b684df18e53f6bd Blackmagic Design Intensity Pro
Want to view your project out to an HD monitor? Want to capture an HD video? Add the incredible quality of HDMI and component IO (Input / Output) to your computer. Simply. Easily. Affoardibly. The Intensity Pro is with out a doubt the best value in HD capture cards in the known universe. (Continue Reading..)

honu_cage_gh3_tl_eca6adeecfe478f814f6d744009f2f50 FHUGEN HONU CAGE - {GH3}
The Honu Cage - {GH-3} is designed to wrap around the GH-3 camera body as closely as possible while locking into it by fastening to the bottom of the camera and on the top via the HotShoe Lock™. This double fastening system ensures a rock steady mount of the camera even under demanding situations such as using a follow focus. (Continue Reading..)

benro_aluminum_monopod_s4_head_tl_3453aaf7a61c72c3efad9b4dce6cd441 Benro Aluminum Monopod with S4 Head
For the pro on the go nothing provides solid support, flexibility and portability like a Monopod. The BENRO A48TBS4 pairs a matched S4 Video Head with the A48TB Video Monopod with 3-Leg Folding Base and Travel Case. Each Benro Video Monopod Kit is based on an eighth-generation design of single leg tubes and twist leg lock mechanisms. (Continue Reading..)

varavon_slidecam_s900_tu_c265a6d2f417f0a523423439eee11fa8 Varavon Slidecam S900
The Varavon Slidecam S 900 is a camera slider that supports up to 42 pounds. The track is 3 feet long and just under 2 inches wide. The slider can be used for horizontal and sloped tracking and dolly shots, or with available support, you can configure the slider track vertically to get a crane effect. (Continue Reading..)

k-tek_ke110cc_boom_pole_tl_efd79a7e5065001dfc0c51e9212d52f0 K-Tek KE110cc Boom Pole
The K-Tek KE-110CC Avalon Series Aluminum Boompole provides a moderately priced, lightweight boompole solution for ENG, EFP and other field recording applications. Its sturdy aluminum design is tough enough to endure the rigors of road use while remaining lightweight and travel worthy. (Continue Reading..)

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folding-motion-9-rig

Here's a look at the new Motion9 folding DSLR Rig. The https://www.ihmedia.co.kr company sent this review unit over for me to take a closer look at, and so we put together a short video of how this Motion9 Folding Shoulder Rig unfolds from a form factor about the size of a large battery grip.

At first glance the Motion9 Folding Rig looks like an interesting concept, but since several additional parts outside of the main body are needed to complete the assembly, it's technically it's not as compact as you think. I'll admit that it's well made, and it doesn't feel cheap. The entire system is based on machined metal with a nice anodized black coating.

folding rig motion 9motion9-v-rig-folding
Motion9 Folding VDSLR Rig

I can see that the main focus of the product was to design something ultra-portable for travel, but there were just too many issues that would make it cumbersome for fast paced shooting. First off, even with practice, transforming the rig can take several minutes and breaking down after a shoot can take just as long. There are too many small screws and thumb knobs that I can already tell will easily get lost during a small production.

The Motion9 VDSLR Compact Folding Rig will add mass and stabilize your shots, but because of it's limited adjustments it didn't feel quite balanced for me personally. The system is not based on industry standards, so forget about expanding with aftermarket accessories such as a replacement shoulder pad or perhaps a different top handle. The only areas that are standard are the short 15mm rails.

I'll give them credit for not simply copying another idea and working towards a totally unique design, but I personally don't think it's a very practical system. Especially with a price tag of over $400 dollars, there are just too many other options for a compact rig, or options to simply build your own from standard 15mm clamps and rails. What do you guys think about this? What's your feedback on this product?

More photos and info about the Motion9 Folding DSLR Rig can be found on ebay (here).
Motion9-folding-rig
find-price-button Motion9 DSLR Folding Rig - Compact Portable Rig Stabilizer

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Today B&H has dedicated another page to just Nikon rebates. Dozens of products from DSLR Camera Bodies, Flashes, and Lenses qualify for instant rebates. The more you buy, the more you save - so bundling items will yield additional discounts. If you're in the mood for Nikon, check out what's going on over at the Nikon Rebate Page (here)

Nikon Rebate Page
Nikon Instant Rebates DSLR Camera Bodies, Flashes, Lenses