dslr video

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If you've caught a bit about the DigiSlider Time Lapse Kit here on the blog, well here's your opportunity to register for a chance to get one FREE (open to international too). DigiSlider is offering up one of their Premium Kits which includes a Digislider, Shoot-Move-Shoot Controller (for stop-move-stop (non-continuous motion), Slow Motor, and a AA battery Case to power everything. All you need is a tripod head and a camera and you are ready to go.

HDR Time Lapse

Vertical TimeLapse

Remember that this is not your average motorized video slider limited to only continuous movement, but a slider with the capability of doing Shoot-Move-Shoot function for advanced Time Lapse photography.

To watch the video and get a bit more information, check out the DigiSlider Premium Time Lapse Kit Product Giveaway page (click here).

Digislider Giveaway Motorized Slider
Register Digislider Time Lapse Premium Kit - Product Giveaway

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The new iQ6 Stereo X/Y Microphone from Zoom turns your iOS device with Lightning connector into a field recorder for capturing the sounds of concerts, interviews, meetings, lectures and more, at up to 16-bit/48kHz resolution. The microphone uses the same two, high-quality, unidirectional condenser mics found in the popular H4n recorder, allowing your recordings to cover a wide area, while still capturing sound sources in the center with clarity and definition.

While it blocks the iPhone 3.5mm port, you can still monitor with a set of headphones by plugging into the headphone input on side of the iQ6. Available now and more information about the Zoom iQ6 Stereo X/Y Microphone can be found at B&H (click here).

Zoom iQ6 Audio Adapter Microphone iPhoneZoom iPhone Mic Adapter iQ6 Stereo XY
find-price-button Zoom iQ6 Zoom iQ6 Stereo X/Y Microphone for iOS Devices with Lightning Connector

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So today I decided to shoot a few samples with the new FotoDiox ND Throttle Lens Adapter. The version I have mounts a Canon FD Lens to a Micro Four Thirds camera, and in these samples i'm using my Panasonic GH4. If you're familiar with 'Variable ND Filters' here's a few things to keep in mind while watching the video below (make sure you choose 1080 HD settings).

#1: Not once did I ever see the dreaded 'X' cross hatch while performing any of these tests. Even when going to it's extremes. I don't care how expensive your ND filter is, with certain lenses you'll eventually see this phenomenon when placing a Variable ND Filter to the front.

#2: Image quality did not appear to degrade as much as other ND filters when I tested my 200mm F/4 lens (which on GH4 is over 400mm). Even expensive 'Variable ND Filters' have trouble maintaining sharpness when placed in the front of lenses past 200mm.

#3: Stare closely at neutral areas like the 'whites' and 'black' areas. This filter in my eyes did not show a strong Magenta cast as most 'cheap' Variable ND Filters would. If anything maybe there's a bit of green, but nothing I would complain about for such a cheap lens adapter.

Now whether or not you have beef with the FotoDiox company is none of my business, but there's no denying that this adapter does what it claims and I think it does an excellent job for the price. There are certainly benefits to adding a Variable ND filter 'behind a lens' as opposed to the 'front of a lens' and it shows in these examples. Referencing the video above not once did you ever see weird 'cross hatching' as the nd filter rotated between it's extremes. It also maintained a fair amount of sharpness when used with a 200mm F4 lens which again on a GH4 is equivalent to 400mm+ on a full frame.

Below you'll find 'Frame Grabs' from the video, but you can click on any image below for a larger view.

Frame Grab Samples from Video with GH4 / White Balance Locked to Daylight Setting
FotoDiox ND Throttle FD Lenses

FotoDiox ND Throttle Birdhouse

FotoDiox ND Throttle Leaf

FotoDiox ND Throttle Clips

FotoDiox ND Throttle Flower

Obviously there are a few pixel-peepers who will nitpick these examples, so here's a bit of advice. If you're the type to complain about trying to get the best quality out of your lenses, then you should not be looking at Variable ND Filters. Instead you should invest in 'Static ND Filters'. A static ND Filter will always provide the best image quality over the most expensive Variable ND filters money can buy.

In summary FotoDiox is offering up a very nice solution for the convenience of using Variable ND Filters combined with a variety of Lens Adapter Mounts all for under $100 dollars. At this time, I can't speak about the quality of using these adapters for Canon EF, Minolta, or Nikon lenses, but i'm personally very very very satisfied with the results I can achieve with my sub $50 dollar Canon FD Lenses.

One of the 'CONS' of course with this type of setup is that it will not allow you to use a 'Focal Reducer' or 'Speed Booster' which might be a hard trade off for some people. So hopefully these short examples are enough reference for concerns such as a questionable loss of sharpness, color shift and or color cast. Once again take a look at the examples, and leave your comments below about whether you think the product delivers to your expectations.

FotoDiox ND Throttle Adapter
find-price-button FotoDiox ND Throttle Variable ND Lens Adapters

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Here's another overview of inexpensive and unique equipment by HDSLRnow. The extra long Manfrotto compatible quick release plate will allow you to better position your camera for balance, and the inexpensive Shoulder Pad with 15mm Rail Block is a great option for shoulder rigs.

Thanks again to HDSLRnow for a well executed introduction to these products, and make sure to follow via twitter @HDSLRnow. For more information about the products in this article, jump over to the website (click here).

SmallRig-quick-dovetail-1460-Manfrotto SmallRig-shoulder-pad-1485-15mm-railblock
find-price-button Manfrotto 9" Inch Dovetail Plate & Shoulder Pad 15mm Rail Block.

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If you've been following my Instagram feed, I shared an image of a new FotoDiox Canon FD Lens Adapter for Micro Four Thirds. This new lens adapter has a Variable ND Filter built 'inside' of the adapter placing the ND filter behind the lens instead of in front. There are some major benefits to this, which you can hear about in the video below.

The ND Throttle is available in 6 different versions (at the moment) allowing you to adapt several different lens types to either Sony E Mount or Micro Four Thirds. I have already played around with my Canon FD to MFT adapter on the GH4 and BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera. I will be doing more tests this week, but to get more information about the new FotoDiox ND Throttle adapters check out the product page (click here).

FotoDiox ND Throttle Adapter
find-price-button FotoDiox ND Throttle Variable ND Lens Adapters

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For those who have been waiting for a mini ENG camera capable of 4K/60p take a look at the new Panasonic HC-X1000 4K Camcorder. The video below is 10 minutes of non-stop feature after feature, most of it features you would never expect in a camera at this price, so I suggest you watch the video in it's entirety.

The HC-X1000 camcorder sounds like a great package for fast past shooters who want to work with smaller and lighter tools. The 4K 60p option is something I know has been a deciding factor for some people as they consider moving into a new 4K capable camcorder. Imagine if they offered these features on an ILC (interchangeable lens camera), perhaps an update on the AF100?

For complete specs and more information about the camera, check out the pre-order page via B&H (click here)

panasonic hc-x1000 camcorder 4Kpanasonic_hc_x1000_rk_ultra_hd_1077993
find-price-button Panasonic HC-X1000 4K 60p DCI/Ultra HD/Full HD Camcorder

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The new ePhoto R640 18" LED Ring Light recently shared on this website had a great reception. If you were on the fence about trying one of these out, you're in luck since ePhoto has allowed us to give one away!

ephoto r640 led video ring light

The R-640 uses high quality LED bulbs with a CRI rating of 95, color temp at 5400L, and over 1670 LUX [155 FC] when tested at 3 feet. To watch our Product Overview Video and to register for this giveaway (usa residents only), check out the Swivex page (click here).

ePhoto R640 LED Video Ring Light
Using a ring light is a great way to achieve that glamorous looks in your photo and video shoots. The light features 640 Individual LEDs which are softly diffused by the included cover. (Continue Reading..)

ePhoto R640 LED Video Ring Light Giveaway

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I'm a solid supporter of the Sennheiser G3 Wireless Kits, but I do realize that starting from $600-$800+ they can be expensive for people just starting out. The reason you want a good wireless system is not only to be immune for other wireless interference, but you want a kit that can transmit a good full quality recording. Cheaper wireless kits often sound very thin or often referred to as 'tiny'. Sometimes just as bad as an old AM radio.

Sennheiser XLR Wireless
find-price-button Sennheiser ew112-p G3 Wireless Lav Kit

Audio-Technica has recently released a new 'System 10' Digital Wireless System available with a wireless body pack + lav, or wireless hand held mic (for ENG style). The wireless Lav system also comes with a Hot/Cold shoe tray for mounting the receiver and operates on a rechargeable Li-Ion battery (not sure if that's a good thing).

Operating on 2.4GHz with dual antennas to improve reception, these new kits are anywhere from $150-$220 dollars CHEAPER than the G3 systems, but only time will tell if they can perform up to par. For more information about this new kit check out the product page (click here).

audio_technica_atw_1701_l_system_10_digtal_wireless_1060929Audio Technica System 10IMG_400493
find-price-button Audio-Technica System 10 Wireless Mic System Lav or Handheld

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I purchased a few of these elsewhere, but B&H now has the Sandisk Extreme UHS-I Speed Class 3 SDHC Memory Card (Class 10) 65 MB/s cards available now. These are not fast enough for the BlackMagic Pocket Cinema RAW, but a great option for your GH4 4K or 1080p 200MB/s files if you want to stick with name brand.

sandisk extreme 16 32sandisk extreme
find-price-button Sandisk Extreme UHS-I Speed Class 3 SDHC Memory Card (Class 10)