Testing out the new @DigiSlider Auto-Pan Motorized Slider
dslr video
FloLight BladeLight Linear Strip High Density High Power LED Video Lighting
I recently had the chance to test a few new LED Video lights. The new BladeLight from FloLight is not your common square LED panel that often works through an array of small (fixed lens) LED bulbs. The BladeLight uses high power COB LEDs packed densely into a single long linear (single) strip. Without any lenses over these COB LEDs, the BladeLight throws at a wide 120 degree beam covering a very broad area in just a short distance. But just in case you wanted your light to throw further or narrow the beam, there is a lens that can be added over the strip of LEDs to focus it to a narrow 60 or even 20 degree beam while feathering out at the edges. Here's a video overview of an early set I was able to test from the FloLight company.
If you're a fan of the efficiency and durability of LED lighting, but missed the long wide soft spread of CFL (kino-ish) Panel lights, these new BladeLights could be something to keep in your radar. The option to add a lens is probably what makes this light most unique along with very functional barndoors to cut (flag) the light for even more creative control. They will also be available in Full Daylight, Full Tungsten, Green LED (to enhance Green Screen use), and eventually a Bi-Color version.
Flolight BladeLight High Power LED Video Lighting
Right now the BladeLights come in an 18" and 36" inch model, but the all Aluminum housing is robust enough so that several lights can be stacked together either horizontally or vertically if you needed it to be longer or larger. The housing allows you to add the focus lens, or a few filters to modify color or diffusion. With the high power LEDs, you can still clip an additional diffusion sheet to the barn doors to soften the light and to create a larger light source without sacrificing too much output.
(TIP: wax paper or parchment paper used for baking are inexpensive, can be found at any grocery store, and work well for diffusing light in a pinch).
Keep in mind the lights i've tested may be a slightly earlier model but should be close to the final production version. They final models are available now and so for the most updated information and availability about the new FloLight Bladelight, visit the product page (found here).
Save $350 OFF Rokinon 24, 35, 50, 85mm T1.5 Cine DS Lens Bundles
If you find yourself swapping lenses throughout a project, or cutting between multi-camera angles you'll find your footage will be easier to match looks if you have a matched set of lenses. Color, Contrast, Sharpness, and more could look quite different if you're just using a random set of mixed lenses. Probably the most talked about affordable set of lenses for video use are the Rokinon Cine DS Lenses. The 'DS' is a more improved version of the original Rokinon manual photo lenses that has better optical coatings and have been 'matched' to have a more consistent look across the set.
Even though I feel Canon L series lenses are optically better, I ended up selling many of my Canon L series Autofocus lenses just because I wanted to work more with Manual Focus lenses, de-clicked apertures, with a matched 'look' when doing video projects. Not to mention I haven't been shooting much with Canon DSLRs. In fact, just one Canon 85mm F/1.2L lens paid for an entire bundle of Rokinon Cine DS Lenses. That's just how affordable a complete set is.
Personal set 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm Rokinon Cine DS Lenses seen w/ GH4 and A7sII
If you're working with many of today's mirrorless cameras, these lenses are highly adaptable and cover a full frame sensor. Unlike camera bodies, lenses like these also hold their values really well, so I feel it's a good investment for people starting out in video. You can always sell them off later if you decide to upgrade to set of true Cine Primes. Though, it's not uncommon to see just how many people are throwing these lenses on even high end cameras like the BlackMagic Design or RED these days.
So if you're looking for a decently matched set of lenses for video work, the '4pc Lens Bundle' is currently discounted an Instant Savings of -$350 OFF which includes the most popular Rokinon focal lengths 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm (found here).
10th Anniversary Sale DJI Phantom 3 and Inspire1 Quadcopters
DjI is turning 10, and celebrating with price drops on DJI Phantom 3 and Inspire1 Quadcopters (including the new Pro version with mirrorless X5 camera) offering up savings of up to $500 OFF. You can check out these deals over at the DJI Website (here).
Camera Motion Research Connex Accessory Pack – 3 Day sale
The Connex Accessory Pack by Camera Motion Research is a custom kit designed to make using your Amimon Connex simple to use for video use. Normally over $300 for this kit, they are currently offering a 25% discount on this accessory pack (found here).
The kit includes a Battery Cage and Antenna Support for the Air Unit (TX), a Battery Cage for the Ground Unit (RX), Power Cables, Shoe Mount adapter with thumbscrews, thin 19 inch Flexible HDMI (A) to mini HDMI (C), two 12V rechargeable Lithium batteries, two AC battery chargers, and spare mounting screws. This kit is an add-on that modifies the Connex so that the TX and RX can be powered with their own portable battery along with simple mounting options to use with camera and remote monitor.
Connex Accessory Pack by Camera Motion Reesearch
The Connex is an extremely reliable full 1080 HD Video transmitter that can achieve 1080p up to 60fps over 1000 Meters away. The omni-directional broadcast means that it is not as sensitive to direct line of sight as other kits, and we've even used the system through obstacles (several walls) without a hiccup. If you're not familiar with this system, I have a product overview of the Connex (here).
In the video below you'll see an example of @SatoStudios using the Connex with CMR Accessory Pack during a music video shoot streaming to an OSEE Monitor. The shot required the gimbal operator (Scotty) to walk backwards up a curved flight of stairs, continue down a long hallway, into a bedroom. With the Connex attached to a DJI Ronin-M gimbal, the operator was free to focus on walking (making sure he doesn't trip up or fall) while Mike Sato remotely controlled Pan and Tilt camera movements using an optional DJI Ronin-M Wireless Thumb Controller from a distance.
Sony’s latest A6300 APS-C Camera with 4K Internal Recording
I could remember just a short time ago it was a struggle to find an affordable interchangeable lens camera with 4K internal recording. Even the original Sony A7s
Sony's recent announcement of the A6300 with 4K internal recording at just $1,000 dollars is very exciting news. 4K Video Internal recording (100Mbps) with an APS-C sized sensor (throw a speedbooster on this one!), offering up with SLOG2/SLOG3 with 14 stops of Dynamic Range, and 120fps HD (100Mbps) high frame rate are just a few notable features. It is certainly offering a lot of what the more expensive A7sII has, with some features far better like the new Auto Focus system.
Now there are some features that are limited such as no headphone out port, and 30 minute video clip lengths. It's not clear if the videos longer than 30 minutes will continue, or if it will just stop. But by using and external recorder, you could probably get around that. Regardless of some of the small cons, for the price there's a lot to like in the new Sony A6300 that could pull a good market share away from current some Panasonic GH4 shooters. This is a camera I think will work very well next to my A7sII and i'm planning on getting one, unless of course Panasonic announces a killer GH5 soon and then i'll have to rethink...
MANFROTTO 504HD Fluid Head & MVT535AQ Aluminum Video Tripod Kit One Day Deal
Another Amazing Deal available now for One Day Only (Limited Time and Limited QTY). Normally this kit runs about $700 US, but for one day the Manfrotto 504HD Video Fluid Head + MVT535AQ Three Stage Aluminium Tripod is going for Just $299 (Found Here).
The Manfrotto 504HD Video Head is a beast capable of carrying up to 16.5 lbs. Unlike the less expensive Manfrotto heads, this one has a 4-Step Counterbalance system and Variable Friction adjustments (most cheap heads are either Unlocked or Locked no variable drag adjustments).
The bowl mount is nice as you can level this Fluid Head quickly without fussing on individual legs. This is certainly a decent deal for anyone looking to pick up a good fluid head (with tripod) right now.
MANFROTTO 504HD Fluid Head & MVT535AQ Aluminum Video Tripod Kit
[ The Manfrotto 504HD Head alone sells for $449+ (Seen Here) and the Manfrotto MVT535AQ Tripod sells well over $240+ (Seen Here).]
MAXOAK 36000mAh 133Wh Power Bank MacBook Pro iPhone iPad
MAXOAK 36000mAh 133Wh Power Bank with MagSafe
This MAXOAK 36,000mAH High Capacity battery is a beast. This one specifically comes with two different MagSafe power cables to give you extra run time on your MacBook Air or even my (late 2014) MacBook Pro Retina.
The MAXOAK 133Wh Power Bank 16.8V (3.5A) and 14.8V (3.5A) output along with two USB ports (2.1A) for charging other devices like your tablets, phones, etc. I could always use some extra battery life when traveling, editing, or when capturing footage on location so this will work out well. (Keep in mind though, that most airlines may limit the size of batteries you are able to fly with at 98Wh. This is rated at 133Wh.)
There's a ton of high capacity batteries out there, but at least this one comes with the MagSafe cables. Which is strange because I thought the MagSafe cables are Patented and didn't think anyone was able to make them. Maybe that's not a problem anymore, or maybe they just didn't catch this one yet. Check out the many reviews on Amazon https://amzn.to/1nLOzwo
MAXOAK PowerBank Charge Laptop and Two USB Devices Simultaneously
Canon 1DX Mark II 4K 60p HD 120fps
I think we can all admit Canon has been slacking in the DSLR Video market, but the new specs on the Canon 1DX Mark II might just help them get back in the game.
Besides upgrading the amazing stills photography features, the new Canon 1DX Mark II will offer Full Frame 4K Video up to 60fps (800 Mbps) and 1080HD at 120fps (360 Mbps). Of course the baked in Canon color science is one that many favor over Sony's cameras too. Here's an introductory video put together by B&H and Adorama.
For the high data rate video, the 1DX Mark II uses CFAST Media, but you can also record externally via the HDMI out. While there are certainly many other video camera options for the price of the 1Dx Mark II, none that I know of has paired this level of professional Photography and Video features together in a small body. So this camera should appeal heavily to hybrid shooters.
