Aputure has recently released a new and larger LED Video panel. The New AL-528W (uses 528 LED bulbs) uses a digital brightness display to show output by percentage. Rotate the brightness wheel to adjust output from 10% to 99%.
Use the power adapter to power the unit through a wall outlet, or you can use the batteries (Batteries includes Sony F/FM/QM Series) when shooting outside and a Low power warning with red blinking lights when the batteries are low.
Sony NEX shooters rejoiced when Metabones announced a Speed Booster adapter that offered a Full Frame look on the NEX cameras, but also increased the F-Stop of the lens attached. Check out the quick review from ProCinemaTools.com about the Metabones Speed Booster.
So how does this work? In short, it's similar to a Telephoto Extension adapter that multiplies your lenses focal length. The reason why it's able to perform this same technique in 'reverse', is because it is using a lens designed for Full Frame cams, but is directing the image to a much smaller sensor (like the NEX). The Metabones supports electronic functions like Image Stabilization and aperture can be controlled directly from the Sony NEX cameras buttons and dials, but price ranges from $450-$600 dollars (found here).
Recently another Speed Booster'ish Focal Reduction adapter has been released, but it offers no electronic communication. This one is designed for Nikon manual lenses with manual aperture controls to mount to your Sony NEX cameras (metabones does not currently offer Nikon to NEX). You can use this to achieve a Full Frame look from of your Rokinon (Nikon mount) lenses as well. At less than half the price of the Metabones, this adapter is being listed at $198 via eBay (click here)
Focal Reducer Speed Booster Nikon to Sony NEX
When is someone going to make one for the BlackMagic or MicroFour Thirds?
Until you have it in your hands, it's hard to really grasp the concept of the Motorroid Universal Motorized Kit. Typically it is designed to motorize just about any Video Camera Slider on the market. Now, the more I use it, the more random ideas I have of how to incorporate it into simple dynamic camera movements.
Here's a couple of DIY projects (video below) using the Varavon Motorroid Kit in ways it was never intended to be used. Don't take the build quality on these DIY projects too seriously, it was something I whipped up in a matter of minutes to show proof of concept of what can be achieved.
The basic parts comprise of a strong motor and a pulley on the opposite side that can be attached with one bolt (or screw). When used with a cog belt, the system is strong enough to lift a good amount of weight completely vertically. For use with projects that don't need to pull heavy weights like my DIY Motorized Track Dolly or DIY Motorized Jib Crane, simple twine or rope will work just as well. I'm exaggerating with this large Jib, but don't forget about all those Carbon Fiber Mini Video Jibs (found here) which would be fun to motorize for travel projects.
Finally when the Time Lapse Control unit becomes available for this Motorroid kit, it will really open up some interesting possibilities for very smooth and consistent motion control projects. Even on my best day, I don't think I can perform a very slow Crane up movement for several minutes straight with one consistent speed.
Now i'm sure some of you will ask about the track dolly, so if you're looking for a Video Tripod Track Dolly, the only thing I can suggest is GO with the FAT WHEELS -not those thin roller blade type wheels.
Typcially all the high end professional tripod track dolly systems always use the fat skate wheels NOT the thin rollerblade wheels, and there is a performance difference. Here's a link to a bunch of Video Tripod Track Dollies over on eBay (found here)
Video Tripod Track Dolly Caster Wheels
So what's next? Maybe pull a wheeled dolly (Pico Dolly) across the garage floor instead of laying down tracks, or pull a GoPro on a cable cam setup across the park (I may try this one). Hopefully this opens up some ideas for what these new tools can do to add interesting movement to your footage. You can find the Varavon Motorroid Kits following via eBay (click here)
The Skyler MInicam is probably my most favorite little travel video stabilizer. It might look small, but for reference, I often fly a small Sony NEX, to a mid-sized GH3, and up to a large Canon 5D Mark III. The original Skyler Minicam stabilizer has typically been out of reach for many as it lists for over $450 dollars (found here on eBay)
Skyler MiniCam Video Camera Stabilizer
We've seen other products that share a similar design to the Skyler, but this new 2013 XCam version has an improved bearing gimbal that is said to be smoother and now offers the folding leg design making it easier to pack and travel. The top stage still offers a quick release plate and fine tuning knobs making it easier to find the center of balance. The new <XCam 2013 Mini video Stabilizer is offered at just $238 via eBay (click here)
Meet the Cyber-shot™ HX50. The world's smallest and lightest camera with 30x optical zoom capability (24-720mm F/3.5-6.3), it features an advanced 20.4 MP “Exmor R” CMOS image sensor, Wi-Fi (for both transfer of images and remote control), along with GPS logging. Burst mode up to 10 frames per second, and should be available in May at a recommended price of $450. Preorders available now via Amazon (click here)
Here's an early look at what the highly anticipated Canon 5D Mark III firmware may have available. At NAB2013, Jeromy Young of Atomos shows the firmware sending a clean signal and new menu options and working with their Atomos Ninja-2 HDMI Recorder, but keep in mind that the final firmware could be much different. When Canon first announced that there will be a firmware upgrade, they stated it would be released in April (this month). Let's hope they can still make that deadline.
From on camera LED lights, to wireless Audio kits, and portable audio recorders, there's something in your bag of gear that will require AA / AAA batteries. Here's a couple of helpful AA / AAA battery charger reviews that touch on smart-chargers which work on an individual cell basis.
This first video from @HDSLRNOW (follow twitter here) showcases the La Crosse BC-700 (also available in BC-1000) Battery charger. Can charge NiCad and NiMH AA and AAA rechargeable batteries simultaneously, featuring 4 modes: charge, discharge, refresh, and test, 4 separate LCD displays for simultaneous readouts, and offers Overheat-detection to prevent over-charging.
The next battery charger review from Shuttertastic.com is almost double the price of the small La Crosse, but this Powerex Maha MH-C801D offers a large LCD display with Eight independent slots, Selectable soft and rapid charging speeds, Built-in battery deep-conditioning system, and works with a variety of popular rechargeable batteries.
The online store that carries the Wieldy Vest Stabilizer system recently posted up a new crane / jib that uses a cable driven tilt head.
This allows the operator to adjust the angle of the camera by tilting the angle of a Video Fluid Head (much like the Varavon Tilt Found Here). The total telescoped length is 10.5' (feet) but can be adjusted to operate shorter. Check it out from the eBay seller following the link (here).
10.5 Portable Telescoping Tilt Head Video Crane / Jib
Aputure AL-528W LED Video Light Panels
Battery charger. Can charge NiCad and NiMH AA and AAA rechargeable batteries simultaneously, featuring 4 modes: charge, discharge, refresh, and test, 4 separate LCD displays for simultaneous readouts, and offers Overheat-detection to prevent over-charging.
offers a large LCD display with Eight independent slots, Selectable soft and rapid charging speeds, Built-in battery deep-conditioning system, and works with a variety of popular rechargeable batteries.
