dslr video

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YouTube member blkphoto sends in this video test using the Rode SmartLAV while shooting with a Panasonic GH3 [Thanks Larry]. If you jump over to 1:43 in the video you can hear the immediate difference between the recording and the sound from the GH3 internal microphone.

The Rode SmartLav is a microphone that connects directly to an iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad. You can download a free version of the Rode Rec app to adjust sound levels and with the paid version of the app you can immediately share your recordings to the cloud.


Rode SmartLAV via GearAddix.com

It may not replace your other high end mics and digital recorders, but as you will often hear stories about Lav mics breaking in the middle of a project, it might be handy to keep a Rode SmartLAV around in the kit. Available at the DVEStore.com (found here)

rode_smartlav_packshot__69011.1358971622.1280.1280
find-price-button Rode smartLav iOS Lavalier Microphone.

The Rode SmartLAV can also be found via eBay

find-price-button Rode iPhone iPod iPad SmartLAV - via eBay

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The new GoPro HERO3 cameras are a world apart as far as performance features from the previous HERO2 cameras, but all of the new bells and whistles caused a few reliability issues. I (like many others) have often experienced issues of the HERO3 Black Edition freezing up to where I need to pull the battery out to reset the camera. This wasn't a big deal for me especially when on dry land, but while out in the ocean snorkeling, there's no easy way to pull your camera out of the housing without getting the camera soaked.

GoPro Hero 3 Update

If you haven't caught the news, there's a GoPro HERO3 Software update that not only claims to improve 'reliability' of the camera, but also enhance the performance. If any of you get the chance to field test this new firmware let me know what the results are. I'm hoping to hear that this new firmware update will resolve those 'freezing up' issues. Head on out to the GoPro website for the firmware following the link (HERE).

Buy GoPro HERO Camera at GoPro.com

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Kamerar.com will be giving away a FREE Video MAX-1 Matte Box this Friday (5/11/13). One person will be selected randomly, contacted via email, and the chosen person will be announced at the Kamerar.com Blog.

To enter you basically like the Cheesycam & Kamerar Facebook pages by first following the directions in the form below. For more information about the Kamerar MAX-1 Matte Box specifically, check out the product page at https://Kamerar.com.

Kamerar GiveAway

Good luck, and if you want to share this post with others on Twitter simply (Click to Share on Twitter)

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Vimeo member SatoStudios threw up this great little overview of the Varavon Mini Armor Video Cage while in use. It may look unusual, but the weird shape was designed to leave clearance to all basic controls of your typical DSLR camera body. The lightweight frame offers just enough mounting areas to put your common video accessories such as a wireless mic receiver, preamp, microphone, and EVF / LCD Monitor.

The original Varavon Mini Armor video cage was camera specific and works with their camera specific Low Angle View Finders, but there is another Universal Armor Rig to fit other DSLR Camera bodies. You can find both versions of the Varavon Armor Mini Cage via eBay (click here).

Varavon Mini Armor Cage Rig
find-price-button Varavon Armor Mini Cage Rig

And if any of you are Golf fans from the Bay Area, here's the video project that day.

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Zacuto has an updated kit to allow the Zacuto Z-Finders to work with the new Panasonic GH3 cameras. If you already have an existing Z-Finder, you'll need the new Gorilla Plate V2 for $129 US Dollars . If you're looking for the complete kit including the Z-Finder Pro, this bundle will run you $395.

Both items can be found via B&H (click here).

Gorilla Base V2 Zacuto GH3Zacuto Z-Finder Gorilla Base GH3 Camera
find-price-button Zacuto Z-Finder Pro Gorilla BasePlate V2 GH3 Frame

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Instead of a basic static cut-away shot to a product, you can add more value to your production with dynamic movements. Common methods might be to use a rotating table dolly, or even a basic video slider. Another very simple method to add movement is to just rotate the product on a motorized table. This is the easiest and most consistent way to get quality footage as the lighting and camera can remain completely still. I've been using rotating tables for quite some time, and have even built a DIY super heavy duty motorized lazy susan (check out the video here) for certain projects. If you're not the builder, here's a few other options.

The smaller version of this motorized rotating table is rated to support up to 20 lbs and i've proved it can do it (and then some). The larger system comes with a 24" round table and is said to support up to 170 lbs (maybe more?). If you're doing any type of commercial product shoots, these little products can add huge value and a simple workflow. Both motorized table systems can be found via eBay (click here).

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find-price-button Heavy Duty Motorized Rotating Table Lazy Susan


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Need a way to power your GH3 longer? I showed an example of a GH3 in a video cage using an external power solution. For those who might be interested in the same solution, here's another fairly popular external battery kit originally put together for Panasonic GH2 shooters, but now states it has recently been revised to work with the new Panasonic GH3 camera.

There is also an optional 12 pin Hirose to 12v cable available if you're looking to power 2/3" video lenses (B4, B3) lenses. The GH3 external rechargeable battery kit comes with a charger, properly sized barrel tip cables, and a GH3 DC Coupler a.k.a (kit found here).

GH3-External-Battery-Kit
find-price-button Panasonic GH3 External Battery Power Kit

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If you're still wondering whether or not it's worth working with an external HDMI recorder with the new Canon 5D Mark III firmware, this excellent video from Vimeo member Stefan Czech should answer any of your questions.

In short, you may not easily see a difference from the file recorded from in camera when comparing it to the recorded file from something like the Atomos Ninja 2, but it will make a significant difference as you start to adjust colors in post. Another benefit of course is running longer than the 29 minute video limit when recording from the HDMI output (great for guys who have to leave a B-cam rolling).

The Atomos Ninja 2 is not just an external recorder, but also doubles as a pretty handy external monitor. New lowered prices were introduced during the NAB 2013 hoping to make the unit more affordable to 5D Mark III shooters who want better quality from post (found here).

atomos ninja 5d mark III
find-price-button Atomos Ninja 2 HDMI Recorder 5D Mark III

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Zeiss has recently introduced two new prime lenses. The Zeiss Touit lenses are available in 12mm F/2.8 and 32mm with F/1.8 complete with Auto Focus support on cameras such as the Fuji's X Mount and Sony E Mount (NEX) cameras. Pricing starts at $900-$1250 US (found here).

New Zeiss Sony E MountNew Zeiss Touit 32mm 1.8
find-price-button Zeiss Touit 12mm F/2.8 and 32mm F/1.8 Sony E Fuji X Mount Prime Lenses

If you're looking for more affordable Prime Lenses for Sony E Mount cameras with Auto Focus, don't forget about the Sigma options. Sigma offers 19mm, 30mm, and 60mm prime lenses with max apertures of F/2.8 for the NEX camera system. No kidding when I say more affordable, in fact you can still get a bundle deal for both a 19mm and 30mm F/2.8 lens for just $199 (here)
Sigma 19mm NEXSigma 30mm NEXSigma 60mm NEX
find-price-button Sigma 19mm 30mm 60mm F/2.8 Prime Lenses for Sony NEX.