Just a reminder that it's the final weekend to for the P&C GearBox GB-2 Discount. The GB-2 version comes with the rail clamp and a set of 15mm rods if you plan to use a follow focus or mattebox with your setup. You will need to enter a coupon code during checkout to get the $50 dollar discount, dropping the down price to just $99 bucks. More information can be found at the archived P&C newsletter (click here).
P&C GearBox GB-2 DSLR Video Accessory Bracket
Here's a look at how the new Cineroid Retina Display EVF4RVW looks mounted up to a BlackMagic Design Cinema Camera. It's expensive no doubt, but I decided to pick up this EVF and replace the SmallHD DP4 EVF and Zacuto EVF. The Cineroid has a better display using the same Retina tech as the iPhone, Waveform and Vectorscope Displays, and most important a direct 3G/HD/SD-SDI (BNC) + HDMI input (and pass through) to support the BMCC. On this particular EVF i'm also using the Red Fleece Oval Large Eye Cushion.
Blue Star Eye Cushion for LCD View Finders
I didn't want to dive into the features on my own video, since there was one already available that shows off some of what this EVF is capable of and how it can help you when shooting video on just about any camera from the BMCC to smaller GH3 or Canon DSLRs. Even if you are not interested in EVFs, the video below is a good explanation of monitor features in general to help you understand what Zebra, False Color, Peaking, Waveform and Vectorscope displays are used for and why some monitors will cost more than others.
This will not replace my larger monitors in every situation, but it will replace other small EVFs i'm currently using. It is very helpful to use an EVF with the BMCC, but even more useful when shooting with DSLRs because you have to try to nail your color and exposure as best as possible. Compressed footage will not have the same latitude to adjust later in post processing.
Even though I went 'balls out' on the most expensive Retina Display version, Cineroid also makes EVFs that are less than half the price I paid. You can get more information other Cineroid products available at B&H following the link (click here).
Cineroid Retina Display EVF with HDMI HD-SDI Loop Through
For reference i've mounted the BlackMagic Design Cinema Camera into a O-Ring Rig Kit. It's originally designed for DSLR cameras, but it works well to add a top handle,, 15mm rails, and several new mounting points for accessories. You can find that rig via eBay (Click Here).
DSLR O-Ring Rig Kit Handle Support 15mm Rails
Here's a battery organizing tip from Larry [Thanks Larry]. The PowerPax Battery Organizing Caddies
PowerPax Battery Organizer Caddy for AAA, AA, 9V, C/D Cell
Pretty cool solution if you're just working with small batteries. If i'm packing with a larger bag and have to deal with more equipment, i've been working with Tackle Boxes (as seen below). The clear case makes it easy to find what you're looking for and the adjustable dividers can be tailored to what you're trying to fit.
The tackle boxes are a great way to sort camera batteries, AA, AAA, compact flash cards, small cables, etc. Very inexpensive and durable. I can also label sections of the tackle box to determine Used and UnUsed Cards/Batteries. The tackle boxes i've found that work best and cheapest is the 'DEEP' versions from Plano which you can find in your local Walmart or via Amazon (here).
Plano 'Deep' Storage with Dividers
Here's a recent video from Vimeo member Jason Shelton put together with the BlackMagic Design Cinema Camera. He had the opportunity to shoot with the new BMCC for a week and used the following lenses: Tamron 18mm-270mm, Rokinon 24mm 1.4, Rokinon 35mm 1.4, Rokinon 85mm 1.4, and Canon 200mm 2.8.
The BlackMagic Design Cinema Camera was announced in April 2012 (last year) and is still on backorder with every retail store. There are quite a few consistently listed to auction via eBay, but just be prepared to pay a bit more than the $2995 suggested retail price. Check out the listings via eBay (click here).
BlackMagic Design Cinema Camera In Stock
Here's a follow up video about the new Yongnuo YN-300 LED Video Light shared to us by Vimeo member Dzygit. This was an LED light that was posted on this blog a few weeks back, and you can find more comments from other users at the original article (click here).
The tests basically show variable output combined with varying shutter speeds to tests against flickering. Details state that no flickering was detected, and the YN-300 LED Video light can be found via eBay (Click Here)
Yongnuo YN-300 LED Video Light Remote Dimmer
The GH3 has been a tough little camera to find at normal retail price. I've been thinking about a second camera body, and when I saw a deal listed under retail price, I just had to jump in on it. I've been really putting the GH3 to work lately, and it will be nice to have a second camera angle that can match up easily in post. These cameras have been backordered and out of stock at retailers, but not impossible to find. The ones that are available are marked up or on auctions via eBay (click here).
Panasonic GH3 Digital Camera
Unlike many portable jibs, the new Varavon Tilt Jibs can actually tilt the camera when performing vertical movements to keep your subject in frame. This all accounts to a slightly heavier setup than the other Carbon Fiber Mini Cranes shown recently (here), but the Varavon Tilt Jib is strong enough and long enough to support Motorized Pan / Tilt heads like the one I showed off earlier this week (seen here).
The Varavon Tilt Jib is available in a variety of sizes from 3.3ft-12.5ft, and currently the T3 version (9.5ft) is discounted down to $299 for preorders. Not a bad deal at this price. Check out more information following the banner (below)
Varavon PreSale Tilt Jib Discount $299
Years ago Intuit released a belt driven remote follow focus system (seen in video above). The product looked like an excellent idea, but the retail price listed for $3,999 US (seen here). Needless to say it didn't exactly fly off the shelves.
Opteka FFR-900 DSLR Remote Motorized Follow Focus Zoom Control System
Opteka has revised this basic idea and now offers an FFR-900 Motorized Belt Driven Follow Focus System. The FFR-900 doesn't just offer one, but two motors that clamp to 15mm rails to control both focus and zoom on your DSLR lens. Rocker switches to control the motors are mounted to 15mm hand grips, and sensitivity (i'm guessing speed) of the system can be adjusted in a rear controller. The motorized FF is powered through standard Canon LP-E6 batteries (batteries and charger included).
Opteka FFR-900 Rocker Switch Handles & Main Controller
From what I can tell, the motors can be controlled by the main controller, and the rocker switched handles don't need to be plugged in. This could be a handy solution for Steadicam work, but keep in mind that it's basic forward and reverse DC motors. This will work if you're moving around and your focus points continuously change, but unlike a real motorized follow focus system, you can't program multiple focus points in and jump back and forth which is ideal for stationary tripod shots.
While the Intuit version is sold for $3,999 the Opteka FFR-900 is sold for just $399 and is bundled with a modified CXS-300 shoulder support rig. What do you guys think? Is this a Hit or Miss? For additional information, the Opteka FFR-900 Remote Follow Focus system can be found via eBay (click here).
Opteka FFR-900 DSLR Remote Motorized Follow Focus Zoom Control System
For USA residents, the FFR-900 is also available via Amazon (found here).
Your basic Jib / Crane will give you smooth vertical (up/down) movements. With a pan head placed under the crane, you will combine both horizontal (left/right) and vertical movements. Attach a video head to the end of the crane and you'll be able to maintain a subject in frame even when the crane is panning horizontally similar to a track dolly or slider. That's quite a bit of options for a crane, but once you've added a motorized pan/tilt head, it will open up amazing camera movements that are otherwise impossible to achieve through any other tool.
Last week we decided to mount up the Servo City MPT1100-SS Pan & Tilt System to one of our jibs. We were able to capture smooth overhead rotating shots down to low tilt movements. The speed of the motorized Pan/Tilt system can be adjusted through the joystick, and the rotation of the motors can be reversed to the joystick movements to suit your preference. The unit can be mounted right side up, or underslung (which I prefer). It can mount to jibs with a bowl adapter or standard 1/4-20 mounts.
We will be using this new setup for an upcoming project, but as with any tool it does take quite a bit of practice. The MT1100-SS is much smoother than it appears in our first practice video (above). The system weighs only 2 pounds and can support up to a 6 pound payload. For around $649 the kit comes with everything you need to start performing motorized Pan / Tilt movements on your jib and more information about this head can be found at the ServoCity.com MPT1100-SS Pan & Tilt system over at the product page (Click Here).
ServoCity.com MPT1100-SS Pan & Tilt System
For jibs smaller than 4ft. I don't really suggest adding an entire motorized pan/tilt setup. You will probably get best results working with at least an 8ft. or longer jib setup. For larger heavier camera equipment, you will need a stronger system than the MPT-1100SS and instead look towards the PT-2100 (found here). There is also a good number of long jib/cranes available and a small variety of motorized pan/tilt products available via eBay (click here).
Motorized Pan Tilt Head 8-12ft Jib Cranes