dslr video

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9 solutions 9.solutions mini rigging grip gear clamps rods hardware

Earlier this year at NAB2015, I interviewed a company called 9.Solutions (nine dot solutions) regarding their innovative designs for rigging hardware for mounting, holding, clamping, or supporting various different kinds of equipment. Unfortunately the company didn't quite have their website ready, so the interview was not published. But now that things are in place with their new website, I'm happy to finally share this old interview video.

Here's a couple of their company videos demonstrating how some of their innovative clamps and quick mounts work. Far better than your basic super clamps.

Aside from these cleverly designed rigging hardware products, 9.Solutions pricing is affordable when compared to other options in the market. The Double Python Clamps are perfect for creating simple structures with existing stands, cheap pipes from your hardware store, or basic wood planks. Clamp it to a basic light stand to create a boom arm, hold flags, diffusers, or to put up a scrim.

9.solutions rig9.solutions support rigging hardware gear grip

The 3/8" Rods + Gags can be be used to add reinforcement components to a rig or to attach additional Pump Cups for supporting car mounts. Or to be used with mini flags and mini scrims for close up table top and product shots. The use cases are endless.

cheesycam 9 solutions rigging grip gear clamp rods
Example of two 3/8" rods, coupler, and Mini Python clamp to create a small boom arm for your Rode VideoMic Pro or use it place a small hair light above the talent. If you need a beefier system, they offer the full size Python clamp and you can opt to use 5/8" rods.

If you've ever had to rig up anything, I highly suggest you take a look at all their goodies. Most of the products seen in the interview video are available now (link below).

Shop 9.Solutions By Category
gopro-cat-banner rigging-cat-banner
clamps-cat-banner arms-cat-banner

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The DJI OSMO is not a perfect system, but certainly a quality device with outstanding image quality combined with a super smooth gimbal stabilizer. Battery life isn't great, and audio is pretty much non-existent without the aid of an external microphone. Another thing that really bugged me is that although they claimed the X3 camera on the DJI OSMO was similar to the X3 on the Inspire1 Quadcopter, the software (DJI GO) was not the same and lacked many of the color profiles and even lacked D-LOG which I use when I fly.

No worries because today they've updated the DJI GO APP and now you have 10 new color profiles - including D-LOG to achieve even better quality. Youtube member Ian W Arsenault put together this short video to show off these new profiles.

So to be clear you don't need to download any firmware, and you don't need to do an update to the OSMO hardware. All you need to do is update the DJI Go App (ios app store), and that will open up these new options and color profiles on your DJI OSMO.

Tip: If you're planning on picking up an OSMO I highly recommend getting at least one spare battery, and the ND Filter kit. The ND Filters will give you better control over your shutter speed to make the motion blur look more natural.

dji osmo 4k camera gimbal
VIEW-ITEM DJI OSMO 4K Camera Gimbal

You may also check pricing for this product with:
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blackmagic video assist recorder

BAM! BlackMagic Design has just dropped a new 1.1 update for their 5" Inch 10Bit HDMI/SDI Video Assist Recorder/Monitor. I'm super excited about this latest announcement as it finally adds many features to the BMVA that everyone has been dying to have (including me). Focus Peaking, Zebra, Central Zoom (focus aid), and now Timecode over HDMI (does record trigger work now from GH4 and A7s?).

About Blackmagic Video Assist Utility
What's new in Blackmagic Video Assist 1.1
Adds Focus Peaking indication
Adds Zebra indication for setting iris
Adds central Zoom to aid focus
Adds timecode over HDMI
Improved battery information
Performance and stability updates

Download: Firmware for the BlackMagic Video Assist 10bit Recorder Monitor via the Support Page (link).

Video Assist PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
5 Inch 1920 x 1080 Touchscreen LCD
Records 1080p up to 60 fps
ProRes and DNxHD 10-Bit, 4:2:2 Encoding
HDMI and 6G-SDI Video Inputs
Loop-Through Video Outputs
Stores to Single SDHC/SDXC Memory Card
On-Screen Histogram and Audio Levels
Dual Canon LP-E6 Type Battery Slots
AC Adapter Included

blackmagic design monitor recorder
AVAILABLE AT: DVESTORE | BHPHOTOVIDEO | AMAZON | EBAY

 

 

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DVEStore BlackMagic Ursa Mini 4K 4.6K RAW Video Camera DVE Store

What a surprise! While this camera is pretty tough to find right now, DVEStore.com was kind enough to lend me one of their BlackMagic Design URSA Mini Cameras. I really did enjoy the quality coming from the big URSA, but it was a beast of a camera to manage out in the field. It required a heavy duty tripod and couldn't be shouldered for very long without fatigue. The URSA MINI is less than 1/3rd the weight at just 5lbs (camera body) with a more compact form factor, so very easy to move around and travel with.

BlackMagic Design Ursa Mini Review Samples Video Demo 4K RAW 60fps 120

The most stand out feature over the BlackMagic Production 4K camera, is that the URSA MINI offers 4K RAW up to 60fps (yes 4K/60fps!) and for just $2995 (here). That's cheaper than a Sony A7RII. There's additional modes for 1080 up to 120fps if you need faster. If you want even better quality, the URSA Mini 4.6K sensor will offer 4K RAW up to 80fps.

The basic package for the new URSA Mini doesn't come with the top handle, shoulder pad, extension handle, battery plate, or URSA EVF which is all options you can purchase to make a full shoulder rig camera. For now, I've had to improvise by assembling my favorite rig parts together (as seen below).

blackmagic design mini ursa 4k 4.6K cheesycam rig evf shoulder pad battery plate vmount top handle

I would say the 'core' of the rig you see above is the SHAPE C100/C300 Rig setup with the Paparazzi Top Handle + SHAPE Pro Dual Follow Focus. The long 15mm Rails are lightweight Carbon Fiber from PVGear.com. The CAME-TV Shoulder Pad is placed directly under the camera, so it's very well balanced. But when the camera sits this far back, you'll need an EVF upfront. I'm using my Cineroid Retina EVF + Loupe.

I'm using CAME-TV 15mm Handles with Rosette joints. The BlackMagic URSA Mini Remote Handle just happens to be the exact same so I was able to replace one handle with the URSA Mini Remote. Now that I have most of this put together it's time to take it out this week for some test footage. If you guys have any questions about this camera, I have one here in my hands and i'll try to answer some. Otherwise you can get more information by contacting or visiting DVEStore.com

BlackMagic Design URSA Mini 4K 4.6K RAW 80 120 fps DVEStore
VIEW-ITEM BlackMagic Design URSA Mini 4K or 4.6K Cameras

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Here's a nice short piece from YouTube member InStar Films showing off the 4K Video quality of the new X5 MFT Camera mounted on the DJI Inspire1 Quadcopter. Stick around until the end of the video to watch some BTS footage.

For people wondering if they should purchase a Phantom 3 or Inspire 1, here's a few key differences. Obviously the Inspire1 has three different options for better cameras. But aside from X3 and the new higher quality Zenmuse X5 and Zenmuse X5R (4K RAW capable) cameras, the Inspire1 allows for dual operators. One operator can focus on flying and the other can focus on controlling camera movement - keeping a subject in frame.

Being able to raise the landing gears, the Inspire1 also offers unobstructed 360 degree panning of the camera without having to rotate the entire quadcopter. Because you have to rotate the entire orientation of the Phantom quadcopter, this takes more skill to simultaneously fly and keep a subject in camera frame.

The Inspire1 is a heavier system with stronger motors and larger props. The mass, size, and power allows the Inspire1 to endure heavier winds and obtain faster speeds. The new DJI Inspire1 with X5 4K Interchangeable Lens Micro Four Thirds Cameras are available now, and ships immediately.

dji inspire 1 pro x5 zenmuse camera
VIEW-ITEM DJI Inspire1 Pro with Zenmuse X5 4K Video Camera Gimbal

For those who already own the DJI Inspire1 with X3, in order to upgrade, you'll need the landing gear risers, the Zenmuse X5 camera, and the Vibration Absorbing (mounting) Board. You can find the X5 Camera and Mounting Plate available here (link).

dji zenmuse x5 camera upgrade mounting board
VIEW-ITEM DJI Zenmuse X5 4K Video Camera Gimbal

Now it seems like the Inspire1 Quadcopter with X5 camera is a hefty investment, but consider that the X5 can be used off of the Quadcopter and placed onto the new DJI OSMO Gimbal Handle. Overall, you may be saving instead of purchasing a small 4K Interchangeable Lens camera and a Handheld Gimbal system.

OSMO-PC-STORE-EN1200_01
VIEW-ITEM DJI OSMO Handle for X3, Zenmuse X5, and Zenmuse X5R Cameras

Check Other Availability
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Maybe i'm getting older, maybe I'm just working with more gear, or maybe i'm just getting smarter. Regardless, I never like to travel without some aid in transporting equipment. When i'm not flying my go to Gear cart is the Krane AMG Series Gear Carts. But unfortunately when it's time to fly, I need something extra small to check in at the gate.

rocknroller rmh1 portable hand truck

So that's when i'll bring along my RocknRoller RMH1 Portable Hand Truck (I own two of these). I can use it to bring luggage to the gate, and throw it in the bag for check-in. Later through the day I can use it to transport all the gear cases. It's approximately 10lbs, but can lift up to 200lbs. It doesn't fold completely flat, but unlike many other folding hand trucks, this one has a very long 18" nose (bottom tray) which is beneficial when handling large cases.

The wheels may look small, but are designed with a no-flat rubber material for a pneumatic like ride and low rolling resistance. There's also built in stair climbers when you need to pull the cart up a flight of stairs. Perfect? No, but with the long 18" nose, compact size, and run flat tires and priced at $69 dollars, it's pretty darn good and hard to beat. Find the RMH1 Portable Mini Hand Truck on Amazon (Click Here).

RocknRoller RMH1 Multi-Cart Mini-HandtruckRocknRoller RMH1 Multi-Cart Mini-Handtruck rock n roller
VIEW-ITEM RocknRoller RMH1 Multi-Cart Mini-Handtruck

You may also check pricing for this product with:
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At some point in time you may find yourself on a project that will require you to send a feed to a remote monitor for others to view. Perhaps you have a client that needs to provide input about your camera settings, lens choice, framing, or movement. Or maybe you have an assistant to help with a wireless follow focus. And when your camera can't be tethered with a cable, eventually you may find a need for a kit to transmit video wirelessly. So here's a look at the CAME-TV 100m Wireless HD Video Kit.

There are systems designed for the home that you can use for a DIY solution, but often this means shorter range and lots of latency. Home kits are usually bulkier, will require you to be innovative about your battery solutions, and you'll need to find a way to mount it to your camera and monitor. Another reason you have to be careful about DIY kits is compatibility with frame rates. The Panasonic GH3 outputs a weird interlaced signal, the Canon 5DM3 and Sony cameras when set to 24p actually output 23.98. The GH4 on the other hand can output 24p, 23.98, and then you have cameras that can output 59.94p. There are a good number of Monitors that can't display these frame rates, and wireless HD Video kits are the same.

If these are reasons that would deter you from DIY home kits, the CAME-TV 100m Wireless Video Kit is clean and simple, easy to operate, minimal parts, and works great for transmitting up to 300 feet+ (depending on conditions). I have tested 1080/24p Cinema mode from the GH4 as well as NTSC 23.98, and 59.94 with no issues.

The more professional solutions are not cheap by any means, but they are designed differently than home solutions. You can find more information about the 100m Wireless HD Video kit on their website: https://www.came-tv.com/100m-wireless-hd-video-transmitter-and-receiver-p-675.html

came-tv_100m_1080p_wireless_hd_video_transmission_3came-tv_100m_1080p_wireless_hd_video_transmission_4
VIEW-ITEM CAME-TV 100m Wireless HD Video Transmitter Receiver HDMI Kit

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Some people want the CAME-Mini2 but also want the Encoder technology from the CAME-SINGLE. Some people want the CAME-SINGLE because it has Encoders, but want a better set of handles. Well, I might get in trouble for posting this, but I believe a few people may have already figured this out if not super curious if this merging the two was even possible.

Basically, if you were to take the 'Dual Handles' from the CAMETV CAME-Mini2 Gimbal and replace the 'One Handle' on the CAME-TV CAME-SINGLE Gimbal, the combination works for the 'Smallest two handed gimbal WITH Encoders' I know about.

Now you can't use it upside down, nor will you have a proper stand to place the gimbal when not in use, and finding a good place for an external monitor might be weird. So it's a bit of an oddball design, but what you do get is a more ergonomic set of handles to carry and steer your gimbal while reaping all the benefits of Encoder technology. The parts can be disassembled for travel so it's still a fairly compact system.

***** Reminder: This assembly is not officially supported by CAME-TV, and performing this assembly may result in damage or void of warranty..

Information about the MINI2 and SINGLE Gimbals can be found at the website at https://CAME-TV.com

14466708960came-single-hero
VIEW-ITEM CAME-TV MINI2 and SINGLE Gimbal Stabilizers

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At NAB, BlackMagic Design announced two new 'Micro' Cameras. One is the 4K Micro Studio Camera and the other the Micro Cinema Camera. While they may look similar in this new Micro form factor, the 4K Micro Studio Camera is the only one capable of 4K video output (there is no internal recording media). The Micro Cinema Camera might be compared closer to the existing BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera as it is capable of RAW recording but only up to 1080p (no 4K).

blackmagic design micro studio camera

The BlackMagic Design 4K Micro Studio Camera is mainly used in live switching and broadcast where it can be placed (due to it's tiny size) just about anywhere and send a live feed back, but you can attach an external recorder (like Blackmagic Video Assist) to record the 1080p output from the HDMI. (4K can only be recorded via SDI out).

blackmagic design 4k micro studio camera
BlackMagic Design Recording Video Assist 4K micro studio camera

Without getting into too many details about either (if you have questions, leave comments), the 4K Micro Studio Camera is now shipping but currently out of stock at your typical big retailers. I just got news from DVEStore.com that they have already shipped existing pre-orders and have a few left in stock ready to ship right now. So if this is a camera you've been researching for the last 8 months, now's the time to grab one (click here).

micro_studio_cam_4k__73191.1428956783.1000.1000
VIEW-ITEM BlackMagic Design 4K Micro Studio Camera In Stock DVEStore

You may also check pricing for this product with:
Amazon | B&H Photo | Adorama | DVEStore | EBAY