The cage will allow dozens of new mounting points along the sides of the BMCC, but the top threaded plate may be too shallow to use with accessories. There is another version available that offers more mounting points in the handle.
Typically the cage requires the rail clamp to use a quick release plate, but in the video I share a tip on how to add a longer shaft 1/4 QR plate screw. Remember that this particular screw has a longer shaft, so it will be too long to use directly under a camera. Of course there are shorter versions of these screws if you want to replace all your Manfrotto (or other) screws into tool-less types. You can find these Extended Shaft D-ring Quick Release screws via eBay (Click Here).
Here's an interesting new Quick Release Top Handle that uses a slotted mount to fit a variety of cameras including the BlackMagic Design Cinema, or 4K Production cameras, RED Scarlet, and EPIC. The Quick Release handle can be removed by sliding it off the sides by depressing the safety pins.
The QR Top Handle uses a leather design, and can be adjusted left/right along the rail for perfect center of balance on many different rigs. It's not cheap, but it's a very flexible design that can be used across many different cameras and rigs. It basically just requires a flat surface with 1/4 threads regardless of where the threaded holes lineup.
If you're thinking what i'm thinking, this also means it can be mounted to fit a variety of different DSLR Camera Cages. Check it out at (found here).
QR Top Handle for BlackMagic Design Cinema or 4K, RED Scarlet, EPIC, Cages
Here's an unboxing of the new Aputure Amaran 528 LED Video lights along with a few tests to show the difference in spread (diffusion) and light output. [Note: The readings on the C-500 Light Meter may not be accurate with the full spectrum of LED lighting, but should provide a baseline for comparison between the lights. Do not accept my readings as an accurate source for each manufacturers specifications]
The lights are about the size of an iPad (not as thin), so carrying around a three piece lighting kit should be an easy task. For a very portable solution, these ultra portable Light Stands are a great combination (found here). The three different Amaran LED Video lights share mostly the same features which include a Digital brightness display, Double power supply system (battery or AC), the ability to charge batteries from the unit while being powered by AC, a Battery power indicator, and all come with a nice Carrying case.
The AL-528W is an all daylight color temp rated at 5500K and throws a 75 degree beam angle.
The AL-528S is an all daylight color temp rated at 5500K but throws only at a 25 degree beam angle (spotlight type effect).
The AL-528C throws at the 75 degree beam angle, but can adjust color between 3200K-5500K using two sets of different color LED bulbs.
Batteries can be charged in the LED Light Unit
The unit DOES NOT come with batteries. You will have to purchase a set of Sony NPF style batteries, but you don't need to purchase a charger, since the Amaran LED light allows you to charge the batteries while mounted to the LED light (I haven't tested how long to charge a battery). I have to admit, the digital display does come in handy when you're monitoring power from a glance. Why doesn't all LED lights have this?
The Digital display shows you Kelvin temp and Power output. I don't know how accurate this is, but I can see this being very useful if you're trying to match the color or the brightness between three (or more) different lights. I have more tests to do, but for more information on the Aputure Amaran AL528W, AL528S, and AL528C, they can be found at eBay (click here).
The new Carry Speed VF-4 LCD View Finder was first announced during NAB 2013. The new VF-4 model has improved design and functionality over the popular VF-3 model. Today Carry Speed has announced the VF-4 is officially available for purchase, along with an introductory $50 OFF retail price Coupon (found here).
A few enhancements include compatibility with LCD Screens up to 3.2", repositioned side brackets to allow better access to buttons and dials, angled sunhood for access to touch screen LCDs, and the new VF-4 is slightly lighter in weight but stronger in design. An optional extension bracket is available to fit the VF-4 on taller cameras or camera with battery grip attachments.
More information about the new Carry Speed VF-4 LCD Video View finder can be found at CarrySpeed.com (here)
Jay writes in and shares another small rotating product table. This one is not as inexpensive as the one i'm using, but it has better features. The product I use is cheaper, but only has the option for ON/OFF. The little table is rated to support up to 100 lbs (Jay mentioned his kids could stand on the table), and also comes with Variable speed from 1-10RPM.
It may look small from the images, but the specs state the table weighs 35lbs, so it sounds pretty heavy duty. [Thanks for the tip Jay]. If you can dish out a bit more cash, this rotating product table looks pretty good found via Amazon (click here).
Here's a video from YouTube member Kicapiproduction showcasing one of Wondlan's new Wireless Follow Focus System products. The new WFF is designed into a single unit that contains an 5" 1200x800 resolution HDMI monitor [thanks Kicap].
According to the details of the video, the wireless focus system is rated to have wireless range of up to 100 meters, but the the wireless monitor is only rated for a 30-60 meter range. I'm not sure what's going on with the use of an external HDMI cable to the monitor. It seems like they just threw an HDMI monitor inside of a case along with one of their existing Wondlan Memonic Wireless Follow Focus system (found here).
Wondlan Memonic Wireless Follow Focus system
With more refinement i'm sure they can shrink the entire package down, keep all the circuitry internally, and actually make it one single unit. Looks like a cool system, but might be a bit early on the design right now. The unit isn't posted on their website yet, but i'll keep an eye open to how this new product develops.
Ever wonder how your LED light compares to others on the market? 600 LEDs? 1200 LEDs? Adjustable Color Temp? 5600K? CRI? 2200 Lux? Yadda Yadda Yadda... There's a few dozen LED video lights on the market, but i'm not sure if there are true standards in which they are being tested before the specs are listed on the packaging. Light output can be measured at different distances, and if the rating on the box seems pretty high it's possible it was tested at a distance of 1 foot while another may have been tested at 4 feet away.
There are just too many variables, so I finally decided to run a few tests of my own in a more standardized fashion. I'm starting out by placing various lights at a distance of 4 feet. I'll be able to compare the spread (diffusion) of each light with this method. I'll be using the Sekonic C-500 Color Meter to take a few LUX readings to see which has the highest light output. I'm also able to take color temperature readings and check for color bias (green/magenta cast).
[Note: The readings on the C-500 may not be accurate with LED lighting, but should provide a baseline for comparison between the lights. Do not accept my readings as an accurate source for each manufacturers specifications]
A few things to keep in mind about the various LED lights on the market. Higher output doesn't necessarily make a better LED light. It could just mean one is more spotty instead of diffused. Bi-Color LED lights have much less light output than LED video lights with only one color, but the Bi-Color light can quickly adjust to match ambient lighting as opposed to a light that may be stuck at 6000K and require you to carry filters. An LED light might look great at full power, but adjusting the dimmer or adjusting the color temperature can introduce color shift, color cast, or sometimes banding or flickering.
Not to mention the physical qualities like size, weight, power requirements like battery type, AC/DC adapters, build quality, remote capabilities, available light modifiers, and finally pricing. Some people may want a harsh spot light while others may want a very soft diffused source. Some will request the biggest and brightest, while others will require something more portable. There are many LED video lights on the market, each with their own pros and cons. My goal with this project is simply to set a benchmark test that can compare and contrast side by side a few of the lights available today.
(above) CN600 vs K4000
BTW, If you're wondering what my preference is between the two lights I just tested, I prefer the F&V. Although the CN600 had a stronger LUX reading it is mostly concentrated in the center. The K4000S diffuses better (even without the diffuser on), can maintain better color (less greenish tint compared to CN600), and can quickly be dialed in to match other lighting without carrying around additional filters.
Sure there's a bit of green on the K4000S, but only when it gets down to 3200K. A simple minus green filter or WB shift in-camera can easily correct this. I feel the K4000S pros outweigh any of the cons compared to the CN600 and the F&V K4000 lights are also a bit cheaper for each piece if you opt in for the 3 pc Studio Kit (found here).
K4000 Single Color / K4000S Bi-Color LED Video Light Kits
While the Carry Speed VF-4 is currently not on sale (at time of this writing), here's your chance to get one exclusively from Cheesycam. As part of a promotion to introduce the new product, I'm sponsoring a Give Away that selects one random person to receive a brand new Carry Speed VF-4. To register for a chance to be one of the first to receive a VF-4, just the follow the link to the sweepstakes page (click here).
Enter the FREE Carry Speed VF-4 Give Away - sponsored by Cheesycam
These ultra-portable video jibs fold down to about 30″ inches, but can telescope to a full 6.5′ Feet long. Comes with a travel bag, Mini Jib supporting rod for counterweights, x3 Counterweights, and a Bowl adapter for 70mm/100mm video fluid heads. Pretty sweet price for a mini travel crane, and I suggest you look into more details following the link (click here).
Aluminum Portable Travel Telescoping Mini Jib Crane
inexpensive BlackMagic Design Cinema or Production 4K Camera cages
Extended Shaft D-ring Quick Release screws via eBay (Click Here).
D-Ring Extended Shaft Tool-Less QR Plate Screw
