HDSLRNOW.com shares this simple tip to provide shelter from the rain by using a small sheet of specialty waterproof Gore-Tex fabric and a few rubber bands to hold in place. I'm sure you can get lucky with a plastic bag, but Gore-tex is very light weight very durable type of fabric that can take a good amount of use. Not a bad thing to have in the bag when you're working outdoors. You can find this same Gore-Tex material via eBay (click here)
Gore-Tex WindProof WaterProof Nylon Fabric
Canon has officially announced a few new cameras and lenses today and continues expanding the line of cameras and lenses that support Auto Focus in Video Mode. The first new DSLR camera is the Canon EOS REBEL T5i. Here are a few Product Highlights from the new Canon EOS REBEL T5i:
· STM Lens Support for Quiet AF in Movies
· 18.0MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
· DIGIC 5 Image Processor
· 3.0" Vari-Angle Touch Screen LCD
· ISO 100-12800, Expandable to 25600
· Full HD 1080 Video with Continuous AF
· 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
· 9-Point All Cross-Type AF System
· Multi Shot Noise Reduction
· Compatible with Canon EF and EF-S Lenses
For shooters looking to carry a smaller interchangeable lens camera, Canon has announced what could be the smallest DSLR camera body on the market - the new Canon EOS Rebel SL1. You can see how similar the features are to the larger DSLR camera bodies.
Here are a few Product Highlights for the Canon EOS Rebel SL1:
· 18.0MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
· DIGIC 5 Image Processor
· 3.0" Clear View II Touchscreen LCD
· ISO 100-12800, Expandable to 25600
· Full HD 1080 Video with Continuous AF
· 4.0 fps Continuous Shooting
· 9-Point All Cross-Type AF System
· Scene Intelligent Auto Mode
· Compact and Lightweight; Weighs 0.8lb
· Compatible with Canon EF and EF-S Lenses
Canon REBEL SL1 Smallest DSLR Camera
These two cameras are nearly identical in specs except that the SL1 does not have a Vari-Angle LCD. Check out the side by side technical comparison here: https://goo.gl/J2rte
New lenses from Canon are similar to previous kit lenses, but now in an STM version to support full time Auto Focus in Video mode. Rather than jumping quickly from one focus point to the next, STM Lenses (Stepper Motor) are designed to be better at producing smooth, precise 'incremental movements' during video.
[Update] The new lens is the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens (Note EF-S lenses will not work on Full Frame Canon Bodies). These lenses will be available separately or bundled with the new Canon EOS REBEL T5i and Canon EOS REBEL SL1.
Additional information about these new cameras, click through the product links below via B&H Photo Video.
(Click Here For) Canon EOS Rebel SL1 DSLR Camera (Body Only)
(Click Here For) Rebel SL1 DSLR Camera w/ EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
(Click Here For) Canon EOS Rebel T5i DSLR Camera (Body Only)
(Click Here For) Rebel T5i DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
(Click Here For) Rebel T5i DSLR Camera w/ EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
(Click Here For) Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
Here's a review of the review of the Rode iXY Stereo Microphone for iOS devices such as the iPhone 4/4S, iPad 1st/2nd/3rd Gen. The Rode iXY provides two 1/2" Cardioid Condenser Capsules with Onboard A/D Conversion and Up to 24-bit/96kHz Recording. Rode offers a free Rode Rec app, or a paid version that offers more features to share the files immediately to the cloud. The Rode REC allows you to manually set audio input levels. Comes with a Foam Windshield for Outdoor Recording and a Reinforced Protective Zip Case when traveling. You can find the Rode iXY Stereo Microphone for iOS at B&H (click here)
Rode iXY Stereo Microphone for iOS iPhone iPad iPod Touch
We'll be tackling quite a few different events and conferences this year, and mic handling is a very important skill for the interviewer otherwise sound can easily be lost. To help prevent those issues when the microphone is not pointing towards the subject properly, we thought we'd try out the Rode Reporter ENG Hand Held Microphone at our next events.
Quick Specs:
-Ergonomic die-cast body
-Anti-glare matte black finish appears discreet on camera
-Multi-layer wind protection
-Does not require phantom power, enabling the use of field recorders without the ability to supply it
-Extra long balanced handle allows for comfortable handling and allows you to get closer to a sound source
-Removable two-sided polycarbonate/ABS plastic microphone flag for display of your organization's logo
The Rode Reporter uses an Omnidirectional pickup pattern for fairly balanced sound levels whether the microphone is pointing towards the subject or slightly away. There are other microphones that offer an Omnidirectional pickup pattern, but need to be very close to the source. The Rode Reporter Microphone was designed to still perform quite well without being pushed into your subjects face. The uniquely designed mic flag can optionally be added for visibility to brand your company. If you work with an on-camera host or deal with event coverage, make sure to check out the Rode Reporter via B&H Photo Video (click here).
Rode Reporter Hand Held ENG Interview Microphone Omnidirectional
Sennheiser ew112-p G3 Wireless Lav Kit
Here's some footage shot with the Aviator Travel Jib. As far as mini video jibs / cranes go, this is THE MOST Compact Crane i've ever personally had the chance to use. The aluminum version (available in carbon fiber also) is very lightweight and sets up very quickly. No nonsense, and no fiddling around when it's time to set up for a shot. It is just as fast to break it down when it's time to move. I really feel these mini jibs will appeal to the event videographer who needs to travel light and work in confined areas, or to the traveling videographer who wants to recreate these specialty camera movements on location. There's nothing to complain about as far as build quality for this price, and the built in panning base of the Aviator is a HUGE advantage over other systems that require you to bring a strong fluid head.
Filling an empty bag is a good option when you don't want to travel with an extra 4-5lbs of weight, and you can easily fill it up with extra camera gear, or even water bottles. The telescoping poles can be adjusted so that you don't have to use the full 6 feet of extension. As with any tool, the Aviator Jib moves very smoothly but still requires perfect balance with your counter weight, and practice to get the best no-wobble results. The Aviator is one of the more pricier mini jibs available on the market, but it's compact folding design is unique allowing to be extremely compact and fast. The Aviator Jib can be found in both Carbon Fiber and in Aluminum (click here).
The Aviator Travel Jib Mini Crane Carbon Fiber or Aluminum
Vimeo member Marthin Fort put this video together on how to adjust the bearings on the Konova Video Camera Slider
Sean Rivers shares this excellent review on the PhotographyandCinema.com PR-1 Shoulder Rig [Thanks Sean]. The P&C PR-1 shoulder rig is bundled with a basic set of rails, clamps, Swiss Rods, extended handles, and shoulder pad for beginner shooters, but can easily be expanded with other Industry Standard 15mm accessories. The baseplate of the PR-1 was originally designed for smaller cameras, but with a Manfrotto quick release baseplate added, Sean was able to mount up his Sony FS700. You can find additional information about the P&C Prime Shoulder Rig PR-1 (click here)
P&C Prime Video Shoulder Rig PR-1 Bundle Kit
If the product is Out of Stock, you can also check to see if it's available via Amazon (Click Here)
P&C Prime Video Shoulder Rig PR-1 Bundle Kit - Amazon
Here's a recent video showing how to set up and balance the budget Single Arm Vest system with Carbon Stabilizer. I actually have this vest (not the stabilizer) and I feel it's pretty good quality, but I had trouble getting a lightweight setup on the single arm vest to work smoothly and get rid of that slight Pogo effect. In this video they have a fairly heavy Matte Box to add another few pounds of weight to the basic camera.
There's no sample footage from the system, but it's a pretty good instructional 'How to Setup and Balance a Steadicam' video that applies to most stabilizers on the market. This particular one shown in the video can be found for under $600 bucks complete via eBay (Click Here)
Single Arm Video Camera Stabilizer Vest
The Skier motorized Power Pan head allow for remote control pan/tilt video movements. The unique design uses industry standard 15mm rods which can be replaced with longer or shorter rails, allowing for adjustable Vertical and Horizontal axis up to any video camera up to 5KG. More about the Skier Motorized Power Pan / Tilt video head can be seen via eBay (Click Here).
Skier Power Pan Motorized Video Head
