dslr video

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The Panasonic DMC-GX1 was a popular little Micro Four Thirds camera only released about a year ago. At 4mp burst mode, the camera can capture a fast 20 frames per second. Besides the built in pop-up flash, the GX1 still offers a hot shoe for attaching a more powerful external flash. The camera can also accept an optional EVF attachment. If you're looking for a small handheld MFT camera, B&H currently has the DMC-GX1 on sale, for under $240 (body only) via B&H (click here).

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find-price-button Panasonic DMC-GX1 MFT Camera

[Update] Just overnight the camera dropped another $50 dollars down to $199 (body only) via Amazon (found here).

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find-price-button Panasonic DMC-GX1 MFT Camera - via Amazon

This is great deal on a small travel photo camera. Often when i'm trying to figure out the quality that can be achieved from a certain camera or even Camera + Lens combo, i'll jump over to see what images have been captured by doing a Flickr search. There are some really amazing images coming from the Panasonic DMC-GX1, and you can check it out at Flickr (click here).

Flickr DMC-GX1
Images from Panasonic DMC-GX1 MFT Digital Camera - via Flickr.com

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This might be a helpful tip to a few people out there. I used to work as an auto tech (cars), and rolling tool carts were not only an easy way to transport your tools, but also a great way to keep things organized. I'm also using the same practice for my camera equipment.

Here's a peek at a few tool carts i'm using in the studio. These are just basic tool carts you can find at your local hardware or auto parts stores. The tool carts roll close to the set, giving me a table area to work on, while keeping all the gear together and easily accessible. You'll have less of a chance loosing small parts (batteries, SD cards, lens caps).

cheesycam camera video tool cartcheesycam tool cart camera gear

Some of the items on the cart during a shoot include clamps, small hand tools, charged batteries, white balance cards, slate, QR plates, audio recorders, headphones, lenses, camera bodies, microphones, friction arms, HDMI Monitors, cables, and of course gaffer tape. There are expensive dedicated Grip Carts on the market, but for now I seem to be getting by using these inexpensive service carts.

I would first check your auto parts store or hardware store to see if they carry something like this. I purchased the black cart for just $60 bucks at my Lowes, but you can also find many different versions online (here).

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find-price-button Rolling Tool Service Equipment Gear Cart

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A few months ago, Satechi released a bluetooth camera remote trigger that can add additional features your DSLR camera may lack. Here's a fun video from the GearAddix team that shows a bit more about the Satechi Remote in use.

I originally thought this could render your phone useless while it's controlling the camera, but one thing noted in the video (above) is that the app can continue to control the camera even while texting, tweeting, reading emails, surfing the web, etc.

The Satechi Smart Trigger is a fully functional wireless timer remote designed to be controlled from your iPhone or iPad. Use the Smart Trigger app to control your DSLR camera with three unique shooting modes: REGULAR (basic wireless remote), MANUAL SHOT (long exposure), or TIMED SHOT
(techniques like time-lapses).

The Satechi Smart Trigger can be found via Amazon (Click Here)
Satechi BlueTooth Smart Trigger
find-price-button Satechi Bluetooth Wireless Timer Remote For DSLR

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No sense in owning great audio equipment if you don't at least have a decent set of headphones to monitor with. These Sony MDR-V6 Monitor Series Headphones have been around for a long time and are still a very popular affordable set of cans for video shooters.

Today the Sony MDR-V6 is on sale for about 15% off typical retail price [thanks for the Tweet Dave]. Over 1100 reviews at 4.5 stars, you can find the sale following the link (click here)

Sony MDR-V6 Monitor Series HeadphonesSony MDR-V6
find-price-button Sony MDR-V6 Monitor Series Headphones with CCAW Voice Coil

On that note, this may sound quite silly, but yesterday I was working with a set of Tascam's latest TH02 Closed-Back Stylish Headphones, and was pretty blown away. We purchased a set over at NAB and didn't really think too much about them because the retail price was only around $20 dollars (found here). Crazy right? I had three other people from the crew monitor with the headphones and we were all pretty amazed at the quality and price of these new headsets from Tascam.

Tascam TH02 Headphone Video Monitoring Cheesycam
(above) Monitoring Sennheiser G3 Wireless + Tascam DR-60D with Tascam TH02 Headphones

Checking back on the Amazon reviews, seems like everyone else shares the same opinion. I feel pretty silly for suggesting a set of $20 dollar headphones, but damn these things sound good. If they carry them at your local retailer, you should really give these a try. There's also an excellent video review over at Amazon I suggest you take a look at if you're interested (found here).

TH-02_Collapsed Studio Monitor HeadphoneTascam TH02 Headphone
find-price-button Tascam TH02 Closed-Back Stylish Headphones

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Someone over at YouTube was asking me about a travel bag for a Steadicam Vest, and I had mentioned at times I use a rolling duffle bag. A duffle is an inexpensive way to lug around a bunch of gear including light stands, tripods, monopods, etc. but doesn't always provide the best protection when everything is thrown in one area. This question reminded me about a cool looking Hybrid Rolling Duffle/Hard Case I ran into the other day which might be a better way to haul large odd sized equipment while keeping them separated.

Hybrid Roller DuffleRolling Duffle Hard Case HybridHard Case Rolling Duffle Bag Gear

This unique bag has a hard case at the bottom, might be good for storing items you'd like to have protected such as the Steadicam Arm, Light Stands, Monopods, or maybe even create a padded divider for lighting. The top is a flexible Duffle area for storing larger items like a padded stabilizer vest, cloth backdrops, extension cords, or other grip gear.

The brand name is 'FUL' and so far Amazon reviewers give it a full 5 star rating (see here). Might be worth looking at if you need a good travel duffle that has a separate protected hard case area. I found these same name brand bags listed on eBay starting as low as $62 dollars + FREE SHIPPING (here).

Steadicam Vest Bag FUL Rolling Hard Case Duffle
find-price-button Ful Hybrid Rolling Duffel Bag Hard Case

Available in 7 different colors via Amazon (click here).

Hard Duffle Case rolling bag gearDuffle Bag Hard CaseSteadicam Travel Bag Roller Vest arm
find-price-button Ful Hybrid Rolling Duffel Bag Hard Case

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I purchased a Skyler MiniCam about a year ago. At the time I was looking for a very small stabilizer that was easy to travel with, offered a quick release system, fine tuning knobs, and can fly at least the Canon 5D Mark III camera. I personally felt the price was very good for the build quality, convenience, and features it had to offer, but at approx $500 dollars it wasn't something everyone wanted to dive into. Now we are seeing more affordable versions available, and here is one overview of the XCAM 2013 FL vs the original Skyler MiniCam Mini hand held stabilizer.

The XCAM no doubt shares the same design as the original Skyler MiniCam, and the 2013 XCAM version now offers a folding leg design. For the XCAM, this means you don't have to remove the legs when it's time to pack up. The XCAM is also half the price of the Skyler MiniCam for those who were looking to get into a similar stabilizer.

XCAM Tripod Legs Skyler MiniCam Leg

The tripod style legs from these two stabilizers are not just for design aesthetics, it also allows you to confidently set your stabilizer down without fear of tipping over. Not something you can do with a Merlin, and you may not be as confident doing this with a Glidecam. The spread legs also give clearance for a center mount, used to thread a monopod underneath when you want to be stationary and not have to carry the weight.

Both are excellent stabilizers, with only minor differences shape of counterweights) between the two. (i.e. folding legs, colored qr plate). The new XCam 2013 Mini video Stabilizer is offered at just $238 via eBay (click here)

XCam Mini StabilizerXcam stabilizer
find-price-button XCam 2013 FL Mini Hand Held Video Stabilizer

The original Skyler Minicam stabilizer is available for $450 dollars (found here on eBay)

Skyler Minicam
find-price-button Skyler MiniCam Video Camera Stabilizer

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The video community is running wild with all types of samples from the new Magic Lantern hack that enables RAW output from the Canon 5D Mark III (and soon other cams). The guys over there are doing some amazing work, so make sure you stop by and donate to get this project moving faster. The 11 stops of dynamic range pulled from a full frame sensor camera is an amazing combination to have.

I'm guessing once the ML menus have been refined and the workflow to process the RAW images becomes easier, this will create a second wave demand on the 5D Mark III. If you're looking for one, the Canon 5D Mark III currently retails for $3400+ (no current rebates), so as a reminder there are still deals available for Brand New, USA Warranty, Canon 5D Mark III cameras at below $2890 (check here).

Canon 5D Mark III
find-price-button Canon 5D Mark III (Body) Deals

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Monopods are not normally associated with smooth dynamic camera movements like what can be achieved with a Steadicam, wheeled dolly, or crane, but 2013 looks like the year to break that mold. In this article, i''ll list a few Monopods that are trying to take stabilizing video along with creative movements to the next level. Let's hear your thoughts in the comments section.

STEADICAM SOLO

First up is a the new Steadicam Solo. A familiar Steadicam setup that doubles as a full sized monopod. The folding sled moves the counterweights out of the way when you need to operate the system from a stationary point. The handle can be used with or without an optional Steadicam Vest when you have to fly for long periods of time.

Steadicam Solo Stabilizer Monopod,jpg copy
Steadicam Solo Stabilizer Monopod Adobe PDF

Speedly Stabilizer Monopod

Prior to the Steadicam Solo, a similar Monopod / Steadycam has already been available (seen above) sometimes called the 'Speedly'. This one offers a few interesting additions.

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speedly adaptersSpeedly Adapter

Besides transforming quickly between a Video Stabilizer and a Monopod, the gimbal can be relocated along the post and can be used as a makeshift crane/jib (probably not a very good one). The bottom weights can be swapped for a monitor, and there are quick release adapters at the post to throw on various other stabilizers without compromising the balance of your setup. You can find the Speedly Monopod / Stabilizer via eBay (here).

Speedly Streadicam Monopod Stabilizer Solo
find-price-button Speedly Multi-Function Monopod Video Stabilizer

Wondlan Magic II
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Another new product that attempts to offer the stability of a Monopod with the convenience of a Stabilizer is the latest Wondlan Magic II. It looks like your basic hand held stabilizer, and offers many features similar to the Speedly. One main difference is the adjustable Tilt Head. This is a very simple, yet clever design that many stabilizers seem to miss out on.

Wondlan Magic IIWondlan Magic II quick release

Most Steadicams only offer a level horizon, but many shots require a different angle i.e. looking up, looking down, or just managing the headroom. It's advertised to work like a make-shift crane, provides a quick release system at the post to maintain balance position when the camera is remounted, and quick release adapters to be used on other mounts. The post can also be used as a handle. You can find the new Wondlan Magic II Stabilizers online (Click Here).

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find-price-button Wondlan Magic II Stabilizer Monopod

Cinematics Scorpion King

Next up is Cinematics' Scorpion King Monopod / Dolly. Adding wheels to monopods has been done before, but they've come up with a creative way of using one wheel on the back to control steering. I'm sure the other uses such as a shoulder support may help to stabilize footage, but looks fairly awkward in use. You can see more images of the Cinematics Scorpion Monopod (here)

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find-price-button Cinematics Scorpion King Monopod Dolly

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Did you know, the new GH3 battery grip relocates the tripod mount to the right side? We're not talking millimeters here, it's way off to the right. This new position can be highly problematic as it will throw off the optical center of your lens when you want to mount your camera to rigs, and use matte boxes, or even follow focus systems. So one solution is to just not use a battery grip, the other is to use an adjustable 15mm baseplate like Stewart Eastep has shared. [Thanks Stewart].

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If you need to get proper alignment back on a set of 15mm rails, check out a few of the adjustable baseplates on the market. Here Stewart is using one of the CAVision adjustable baseplates which offer up/down as well as left/right adjustments found via B&H (click here).

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find-price-button CAVISION Adjustable BasePlate with 15mm Rails