dslr video

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Trying to mount a 23" full 1080p HDMI IPS LCD inside of a Pelican 1620 hard case, so we made this custom metal plate. Just waiting for my Vesa mount to arrive to finalize this little build out.

This single display attaches to the 'multi view' of the Blackmagic Design ATEM Production Studio 4K Live Switcher for me to see all my video feeds in a single monitor. The monitor offers (2) HDMI inputs and can be powered via 12V DC so I can run it off batteries.

23 inch IPS LCD HDMI Monitor Pelican Case Cheesycam

[Rant: I have a Love/Hate relationship with this project but i'm getting closer to the finish line..]

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For the price you pay and for the amount of diffused quality light you get from CFL Softbox kits, they are a great option in the studio. CFL Bulbs transmit more light from the sides than from the top of the bulb. Alzo has recently added a video demonstrating this and how their new Alzo 200 Economy Softbox was designed around this principle.

In our studio, CFL lighting is our primary source, but it's not something we enjoy traveling with for a few reasons. While CFLs will generally provide a better diffused light source than LED panels, you can't power them over typical DC batteries when on location. Still it's not totally impossible to find AC to DC battery packs, if you want to carry the extra gear.

One other complaint about our CFL Softbox kits is that it uses 4-5 light bulbs which on a three light kit adds up to 15 fragile light bulbs we need to pack. The Alzo 200 Kit addresses this by using (2) large CFL bulbs and allowing you to remove the entire head unit that stores away in an optional padded Alzo carry bag.

Alzo Carry Bag CFL Lightingalzo-200-in-case-200w
find-price-button Alzo Padding Carrying Case CFL Light

Our CFL Kits also have fairly complicated softboxes that are difficult to setup and breakdown. We don't really mind since we had no plans to transport our kit, but for this issue the Alzo 200 Economy CFL Softbox Kit addresses this by using a special 'umbrella' type pop up soft box.

Alzo Kit CFL 200 EconomyAlzo 200 CFL Kit
find-price-button Alzo 200 Pop Up Umbrella CFL Softbox

The diffusion of CFL Softbox lighting makes it great for infinite white studio setups, or even green screen (chroma) backdrops. They draw very little power and generate almost no heat on your subjects. You can place them very close and still have excellent soft diffusion, but they don't have the control of dimming like LED panels.

Overall Alzo has put together an interesting kit for people that prefer CFL lighting. The Alzo 200 Economy CFL Softboxes have an efficient design for maximum light output and at the same time remaining travel friendly. A good kit for the money, so long as you aren't heavily relying on a DC battery source at your locations. More about these lighting kits can be found at https://AlzoDigital.com.

alzo-200-2light-kit-300w
find-price-button Alzo 200 Economy Softbox Kits - via Amazon

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FYI, if you've been thinking about grabbing a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera capable of shooting RAW video, today is the last day [march 6th] for this deal. B&H is throwing in the Sandisk Extreme Pro (required for RAW video), along with two spare EN-EL20 batteries (you'll end up with a total of three) for FREE. Here's a link to the deal (link).

blackmagic-design-pocket-cinema-camera-bundle
find-price-button Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera Bundle + Sandisk + Batteries

In order to shoot with this camera, you will most likely be looking for a Cage/Rig system to mount additional accessories. Here's a small list of BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera Cages which range from cage only, to full kits with Top handles, 15mm Rails, and HDMI pinch.

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Punch in, set focus, change aperture, and start/stop video with your Canon DSLRs from a remote video handle. Here's a look at the new Aputure VG-1 V-Grip USB Follow Focus Video Remote Handle.

For those unfamiliar, the Canon DSLRs can communicate certain camera settings through the USB port. USB remotes have been around for quite some time, but not many are designed in a comfortable handle-like form factor, and certainly none in this price range.

Aputure V-Grip Handle
Aputure VG-1 V-Grip USB Remote Follow Focus Video Trigger mounted on 15mm Shoulder Rig

The Aputure VG-1 can control focus from an Auto Focus Canon EF lens (not manual lenses), and at times can appear smooth, but this will vary on different auto focus lenses. It uses a type of 'stepping' to get from point A to point B. To help achieve a smoother transition, you can change the size of the steps within the VG-1 remote..

Aputure VG-1 USB Follow Focus REmote HandleAputure Canon USB Follow Focus Remote Rig Handle 15mmAputure USB Remote Canon DSLR Follow Focus Camera
find-price-button Aputure V-Grip VG-1 Remote USB Follow Focus Handle

The VG-1 handle connects via USB, and for extended runs you can pick up an inexpensive USB cable with a repeater (like this). The ideal use of these remotes is when operating a camera from a distance, such as a 30 foot crane, or on a stabilizer where both hands are occupied (fig rig, 3 Axis Gimbals), or to replace one handle on your shoulder rig. Check out the product page for more information about the new Aputure VG-1 V-Grip USB Remote Handle (found here).

new Aputure V-Grip VG-1 Remote USB Follow Focus Handle
find-price-button Aputure V-Grip VG-1 Remote USB Follow Focus Handle

For USA residents, the VG-1 Remote is also available via Amazon (found here)
Aputure VG-1 VGrip Remote USB Follow Focus
find-price-button Aputure V-Grip VG-1 Remote USB Follow Focus Handle

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There are times when you need to send video back to a monitor or switch, but because most DSLR and Mirrorless cameras only offer HDMI out, you are limited to how far you can position the camera. To exceed the limits of HDMI, this HDMI to SDI Converter will allow you to use SDI cables for longer distances.

Wireless kits with HDMI input, like the Radian Pro Kit from Camera Motion Research allow a camera operator to move freely, but they will still have limitations and can be prone to drop outs if the feed has to be sent through walls, the receiver is too far, or if there is interference. Running an SDI cable with the Wireless HDMI Receiver attached at the end can help you minimize the distance your between your wireless system while still having the entire camera system over 100 feet away.

Radian Pro Wireless Camera Motion Research
find-price-button Radian Pro Wireless HD Video System with HDMI

So if you're looking for a way to get your cameras moved further from where you need to send your feed, these HDMI to SDI (not SDI to HDMI) converters are probably the cheapest you can find. It does require power, or in my case, i'm using an adjustable voltage Tekkeon battery pack. I've also tested this converter with a BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera, and it works if you're looking to send a long video feed from that camera. Check it out via Amazon (click here).

Cheap Budget HDMI to SDI Converter GH3
find-price-button HDMI to SDI Converter Supports 720P/1080P

100 foot ft BJG SDI Cable
find-price-button 100 foot Black BJC 3G HD SDI cable, BNC to BNC

Other Products You May Be Interested In
If you need a cheap SDI to HDMI converter, like when adding an inexpensive EVF to a BlackMagic Cinema Camera, here's the one shown in the video.

Cheap SDI to HDMI Converter
find-price-button USB Powered SDI to HDMI Converter

If you can afford to spend more on a product that converts an HDMI signal to SDI, can be powered for 11+ hours through a Sony NP-series battery, and also adds conversion, check out the more expensive Atomos H2S Converter (here).

964935connect-converter
find-price-button Atomos H2S or S2H Connect Converter

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Fotga recently opened up their product line to include a new S-450 Hand Held Stabilizer for under $150 dollars. Judging from what I can see in the photos, it's probably comparable to the size of a Glidecam HD2000, so you're looking at supporting cameras around 6-8 lbs max.

fotga s-450fotga hand held stabilizer
find-price-button Fotga S-450 Hand Held Video Stabilizer System

The new Fotga S-450 includes a top stage with fine tuning knobs (left / right / forward / back), and the baseplate includes a swing out set of legs to prevent the stabilizer from toppling over. A telescoping post means it can collapse to support small cameras, or telescope out for heavier setups.
DP3049_8Fotga Baseplate Stabilizer Hand Held Steadicam
find-price-button Fotga S-450 Hand Held Video Stabilizer System

The system can be broken down into several pieces for easy travel, and the handle accept a vest (not sure which type). For more information and additional photos, check out the Fotga S-450 Hand Held stabilizer via eBay (found here)

Fotga Hand Held Stabilizer S-450 ProFotga Steadicam Stabilizer
find-price-button Fotga S-450 Hand Held Video Stabilizer System

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For all of you GoPro Hero camera fanatics, here's a new modular GoPro Hero Camera mounting system from the team at Wide Open Camera and Snake River Prototyping. The design is simple, yet it allows mounting for all of the GoPro Hero Cameras, including current waterproof or skeleton housings available today. Watch the demo video by Jared Abrams (below)

If you want to save a few bucks, the modular system may be sold in pieces (baseplate / arms) once it's listed at their website https://WideOpenCamera.com/Products. Additionally you can find the Wide Open Camera mount for All GoPro Cameras via Amazon (here)

Wide_Open_Camera_Mount_GoPro_Cameras
find-price-button Wide Open Camera mount for All GoPro Hero Cameras

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I was just advised about NikonHacker.com, a forum for improving the qualities on limited Nikon DSLR cameras. I love the quality from Nikon, just couldn't get past some of the limited video features compared to other affordable DSLRs/Mirrorless cameras. So i'm excited to see what new features they will be able to 'unlock' from possibly some of the more affordable Nikon cameras.

I'm not sure how many people remember the DSLR Video revolution, but much of it was circled around the release of the Canon 5D Mark II. What some may not remember was how limited the camera's 'manual' functions were and how many people would come up with workarounds. No manual audio levels, no manual aperture settings, etc.

The Magic Lantern firmware hack to improve video qualities on the Canon DSLRs pushed the cameras further into the industry. Panasonic also received a big 'push' when the GH2 camera was hacked with higher video bitrates. With this website working to improve the quality of Nikon DSLRs, let's see if Nikon will finally have a bigger 'push' into this industry as well. If you're a Nikon shooter, check them out at NikonHacker.com.

NikonHacker Nikon Hack Firmware Beta Software

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Kata-Mini-Backpack

If you're a fan of Kata camera bags, then you might be interested in the 50% OFF Kata Minibee 110PL Camera Backpack sale. Here's a few images of my own personal Kata Minibee Backpack to show some of it's features.

Kata Mini Bee--2 Kata Mini Bee--3
Kata Mini Bee--4 Kata Mini Bee--5
Kata Mini Bee--6 Kata Mini Bee--7
Kata Mini Bee--8 Kata Mini Bee--9

It's a great small backpack, very comfortable to wear all day, built to withstand abuse, and we use one during our travels. No worries about broken straps, broken zippers, rips or tears. Well padded with many quick access pockets, and still room to fit a laptop.

Kata bags aren't cheap, and that's a good reason to share this 50% off discount. More about the Kata Minibee 110 PL Camera BackPack at B&H (click here).

Kata-MiniBee BackpaclKata Backpack DSLR VideoKata-Backpack
find-price-button Kata Minibee 110 PL Camera Backpack