dslr video

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The DJI Inspire 1 Quadcopter has seen quite a few delays, but a few customers have already received their units. I just received news that mine just shipped out today (should be here Monday). Although this is an amazing copter as far as feature set goes, people were a bit hesitant about the quality of the built in camera. Here's a couple of the 'most recent' videos uploaded on YouTube.


via Philip Lima


via Multicopter Warehouse

And of course one of it's stand out features is the ability to fly stable indoors. While the DJI Phantom relied heavily on GPS for stability, the Inspire 1 has added several new sensors below the copter that can detect distance from the floor. Here's a video showing stable flight indoors.


via haampie1985

While some may argue that the quality of the DJI Inspire 1 camera may not be as good as the new GoPro HERO4 4K, the Inspire 1 adds so many new features that may outweigh the cons. Some of those features include built in Lightbridge for streaming true HD video back to your device while allowing further distance of control, sensors for stable flight indoors, raised landing gears for 360 panoramic camera movement, and dual remotes for second operator (one flies one controls cameras movements). Not to mention more powerful motors when flying in certain elements.

The new DJI Inspire 1 is available with a single remote or dual remotes, but unfortunately from what I hear DJI is only shipping 'single remote kits'. If you ordered the Dual Remote Kit, the second remote may ship separately - possibly at a later time. While i'm also super excited to get it off the ground, it only ships with one battery and additional spare Inspire 1 batteries are still on pre-order status.

You can find more information or order the product (here).

dji_inspire_1_1097629
find-price-button DJI Inspire 1 Quadcopter 4K Video via B&HPhoto
find-price-button DJI Inspire 1 Quadcopter 4K Video via Adorama

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My first time out throwing the Sony A7s into Picture Profile 7 (PP7) SLOG which shoots crazy flat and has a minimum ISO of 3200. Keep in mind most people hesitate to use ISO 1600 on the Panasonic GH4 and here on the A7s SLOG your minimum ISO is 3200.

Outdoors with bright light pretty much everything will be washed out unless you can add an ND filter (I did not bring one), stop down the aperture, or increase your shutter speed. Indoors under very dim lighting it's pretty amazing. The tricky part though will be your post workflow which I think I failed pretty miserably at.

In the video above i'm just using what FCPX offers, but coloring the SLOG footage is not as straightforward as I thought. I'll have to find some better tools, and I hear many rely on plugins like FilmConvert. I'll have to keep experimenting and practicing.

As far as the Metbones Canon EF Mark IV adapter that I used to pair my Sigma 18-35mm (in crop mode) I had all types of issues. Maybe I need a firmware upgrade on the Metabones but the entire day was pretty frustrating. The recordings would stop every few seconds especially once focus peaking or zebras would kick in. Without being able to use Zebras or Focus Peaking (because of the adapter) I think I failed at getting decent focus on many of my shots. Until this adapter is a little more stable, i'm hesitant to use it on a project. I think I may just have to stick to Sony Lenses.

Sony a7s metabones canon ef adapter
find-price-button Metabones Canon EF Lens to Sony NEX Camera Lens Mount Adapter Mark IV

I can tell battery life is going to be an issue so i'll have to look into external power. The only reason I was able to get through the day is because the Metabones adapter kept failing and I had to continuously shut down the camera. So far the images from the camera seem great if I can just figure out a better workflow or tool for grading. I can't wait to try the 4K via HDMI out with an Atomos Shogun recorder, but the next time out i'll have to bring an ND filter and perhaps only use Sony Lenses.

sony a7s mirrorless camera
find-price-button Sony A7s Mirrorless Digital Camera

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Kamerar is probably best known for offering affordable products, and just last week they recently announced a new affordable 'Mark II' version of their line of video sliders. At first glance the new Mark II sliders appear the same, but the difference is a change on the sliding camera platform. The original Kamerar sliders used a 'dry bearing' similar to an IGUS rail that literally slides on the railing.

Kamerar Slider Dry Bearing
Original Kamerar Slider Dry Bearing

The new Kamerar Mark II Sliders now have 4 Full Roller Bearings that roll across the redesigned track.

Kamerar Mark II Slider Roller Bearing
Kamerar Mark II Slider with Full Roller Bearings

The bearings are smooth enough that you can tilt the slider and allow it to drift over to the opposite end (as seen in the video below). Another added feature is a pulley wheel has been installed on each end allowing you to tether a counterweight that offers smooth control during vertical slides.

The new Kamerar Mark II Video Sliders are found in three different versions starting at $145.00 and up over at https://PNCGear.com (click here).

Kamerar Mark II Video Sliders
find-price-button Kamerar Mark II Full Roller Bearing Video Sliders

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Amazon has a list of discounts available on select Solid State Drives. Compared to other sites there's definitely a savings to be had. While these drives may not be certified for RAW capture in a BlackMagic 4K camera, they should work perfectly fine for other uses such as modifying them for use as an External USB drive for backing up data or handing off footage to your editor. Can also be used in something like the Atomos Ninja2 for ProRes recording.

Every one of these drives on the list has at least 4.5 out of 5 stars, and a few carry a FULL 5 Star customer review rating. Certainly something to look into to see what others are saying.

Kingston 240GB SSDNow Kingston Digital 240GB SSDNow V300 SATA 3 2.5 (7mm height) with Adapter Solid State Drive SV300S37A/240G
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kingston digital 120GB Kingston Digital 120GB SSDNow V300 SATA 3 2.5 (7mm height) with Adapter Solid State Drive 2.5-Inch SV300S37A/120G
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samsung evo ssd hard drive Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-7TE120BW)
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samsung pro ssd drive 512GB Samsung 840 Pro 512GB 2.5-Inch SATA 6Gbps Solid State Drive (MZ-7PD512BW)
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Price: $300.00
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Intel Solid State Drives Intel 520 Series Solid-State Drive 120 GB SATA 6 Gb/s 2.5-Inch (9.5mm height)
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intel 730 ssd drives Intel 730 SERIES 2.5-Inch 240 GB Internal Solid State Drive SSDSC2BP240G4R5
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silicon power s70 120GB Silicon Power S70 120GB MLC 2.5" 7mm SATA III 6Gb/s Internal Solid State Drive
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HyperX Fury Kingston Kingston Digital HyperX FURY 240GB SSD SATA 3 2.5 Solid State Drive with Adapter
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Here's a stark contrast between two different gimbal stabilizers. One is the Nebula 4000 - a handheld pistol grip style 3 axis gimbal for small cameras. The other is your typical 3-axis gimbal frame. While the goal is to have the smallest stabilizer possible, there are cons to going with something too small for cameras like the GH4 and A7s.

Dave Dugdale over at LearningDSLRVideo.com has recently picked up the Nebula 4000 to use with his GH4 camera and has been sharing a few different tutorial videos. Here's the first video showing his initial setup process.

Granted that with some practice you'll be able to balance your camera faster. You may also get better results with a lighter or shorter pancake lens instead of the 12-35mm F/2.8 on the GH4. Obviously the tiny form factor makes this a great compact tool, but it also comes with many cons. The pistol grip design will make low mode shots quite awkward, and a GH4 sized camera will have limited tilt up/down movements before it starts hitting the back roll motor. While I think the Nebula 4000 may be a well made product, it might be best used with smaller cameras (or at least ones with very compact lenses) and when you don't need to re-balance your camera setup.


nebula 4000 3 axis gimbal stabilizer
find-price-button Nebula 4000 3 Axis Gimbal Stabilizernebula 4000

The DIY 3-Axis Mini Gimbal Frame Project
In Dave's video you'll notice he may reference a project gimbal i've been working on. For a camera the size of a Panasonic GH4 or Sony A7s, I personally feel there's a minimum size that would allow you to get the most of your camera while still remaining portable and compact. Over the last year, I've built a couple of mini gimbals from scrap parts simply for personal use. Just recently, I decided to take notes of everything I wanted to have in a compact gimbal and had a custom designed frame machined from aluminum. Here's a look at an early prototype i've been using for several weeks with my GH4.

[Update 12.23.2014] These are unreleased videos I shot a while ago as I was documenting the process. I decided to release this today that shows some additional information.

Another recent balancing video

So far from my knowledge, this DIY Mini Gimbal frame has the potential to be the most affordable compact system for GH4, A7s, or BMPCC cameras that allows use of a Manfrotto quick release, provides access to the HDMI + Audio ports, and offers tool-less adjustments for quick balance. So far i've only made 4 of these gimbals and i'm working on a 'DIY Build Video' to show how anyone can wire up their own gimbal. The idea is that hopefully a few more of these frames can be made. If you're interested in this project leave some comments and keep following the blog.

Cheesycam DIY Mini Gimbal Panasonic GH4 Sony A7s BMPCC Pocket Cinema LX100 NEXcheesycam diy gimbal frame mini gh4 a7s stabilizer kitcheesycam diy gimbal frame kit mini stabilizer gh4 a7s
Cheesycam DIY 3-Axis Mini Gimbal Frame for Panasonic GH4 Sony A7s

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varavon wirecam cable cam

Varavon has been teasing their Wire Cam (cablecam) product for a few years now, but they state they will officially open sales starting next week. We'll just have to wait to see. Here's the latest video demo using the BirdyCam2 gimbal placed below the Wire Cam.

The Wire Cam can be used with any 3 axis gimbal stabilizer, or with your camera mounted directly (though it won't be stabilized). You can already find a parts list, more video samples, and additional information at the Wire Cam product page (click here).
varavon-wirecam-kit
read more button Varavon Wire Cam - Remote Cable Cam


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Here's a very quick and simple look at the SLR Magic 1.33x Anamorphic Lens Adapter that can add an Anamorphic aesthetic to just about any lens you can fit it on. Compared to other Anamorphic Vintage lenses out there that can get quite heavy and require additional supports and adjustments, the SLR Magic Anamorph is pretty simple and basically screws on like a filter.

I have yet to go out and shoot as it's been storming out here in California, but at least you get an idea of what it is and how you can attach it to any lens in your kit. It will work on anything from a Micro Four Thirds camera to a Full Frame Canon 5D Mark III. It really depends on the lens you are mounting the SLRMagic to.

The image seen by the camera are 'slightly skewed', but to make life easier you can use an external monitor to scale the image in real time. The MustHD Monitors are an affordable line that offers this ability so that you can better frame, compose, and focus your shots. If you want to see some real world examples, you guys can take a look at the many other samples over on Vimeo (found here).

For information about the SLR Magic and optional Diopters bundle check out the product listing over at B&H
slrmagic anamorphot gh4
find-price-button SLR Magic Anamorphot Lens Adapter