dslr video

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Apparently this does happen, and it could happen to you. Right now, i've lost two of the locking knobs which fit the pan handle on the Manfrotto Video Heads 701HDV, and the one found on the 561BHDV-1 Video Monopod.

Manfrotto Knob Locking Pan Handle Video Head replacement Video Head Replacement knob for Manfrotto Video Head 701HDV 561BHDV

Luckily they do carry Manfrotto replacement knobs at B&H in case you happen to run into the same problem.

Manfrotto Replacement Pan Handle Locking Knob Video Fluid Head
find-price-button Replacement Pan Handle Locking Knob Manfrotto Video Head

If those little buggers are out of stock, you can always go for the entire Pan Handle part via Amazon (found here).

replacement pan handle manfrotto 701hdv
find-price-button Manfrotto Replacement Pan Handle for 701HDV Video Fluid Head

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Recently we had the opportunity to take the Senna One Minute XL Crane out for a spin. The XL version can be used in a shorter configuration (approx 10ft) or with the full length extension (approx 14ft). The name is derived from the fact that one person can literally setup the entire crane in one minute.

There's a very small learning curve during the first assembly, but your second time around should be a breeze. For many large cranes, you may end up spending extra money on a solid tripod or a very large fluid head. One benefit is the Senna One Minute XL Crane comes with it's own custom tripod with panning base and custom tripod dolly.

The system is ready-to-run (minus counterweights). Every single piece on the Senna One Minute XL Crane serves a very specific purpose which makes for a very straight forward assembly and tear down - without the need for tools.

For more information about Senna products, check out their website at https://www.Senna.hr (click here).

Senna One Minute XL Crane Video Jib
find-price-button Senna One Minute XL Crane

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If you're a Nikon DSLR owner who wants a smaller interchangeable lens camera for travel, here's an awesome deal on a Nikon J1 + 10-30mm Lens for just $199. That's instant savings of -$280 OFF, but only limited quantities at this price. Check it out at B&H (click here).

Nikon J1 camera
find-price-button Nikon J1 Digital Camera + 10-30mm VR Zoom Lens

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I finally decided to modify one of my portable Carbon Fiber Monopods. I specifically chose this Rokinon Carbon Fiber Monopod because it carries a max load of 22 lbs, collapses down to a mere 18", yet can extend to a max height of 65". Not to mention it was just $39 + Free Shipping at the time so I purchased 3 of them. Sorry you missed the deal as it's back up to $70.

Rokinon Carbon Fiber Monopod
find-price-button Rokinon 65" Carbon Fiber Monopod with Carrying Case

I don't recommend this setup if you like to work with heavy gear, but for me this ultra light monopod combined with a swiveling tripod foot should work great when i'm working event coverage with the small and lightweight Panasonic GH3 + 12-35mm F/2.8 OIS lens.

TPD-2_square_largeMogopod Tripod foot
find-price-button TPD-2 TRIPOD LEG STAND FOR MOGOPOD

Here it is finished off with a small Benro Video Fluid Head. The whole system breaks down into three pieces at just 18". Stable, lightweight, and easy to pack.

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Here's a look at two new Edelkrone Products to compliment SliderPlus+(v2) video sliders. The first new product demonstrates Target Module which can track a subject as the camera moves across the slider.

Target Control SliderPLus Edelkrone
Edelkrone Target Module

Next is the Wizard Module that adds motion control to the SliderPlus+(v2) with the ability to record and replay your movements.

Edelkrone Sliderplus Wizard module Motion Control
Edelkrone Wizard Module

For more information on these Edelkrone products, check out the website at https://Edelkrone.com

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A short while back I shared a simple way of wiring up a motorized slider to move back and forth continuously (original article found here). No fancy software or programming, just a basic electro-mechanical system. There are many benefits to having this 'auto-looping' feature. One benefit is that a 'B' camera can continuously slide back and forth without the need for an additional operator, and another benefit is for TimeLapse projects that can continue to capture footage without stopping at the end of a rail.

Throw a few of these around an event and you'll have some great Dynamic Camera Movement footage to cut to without hiring additional crew.

I decided to update the project because some people couldn't quite figure out the circuit. With these new instructions using a numbered socket block, anyone should be able to follow this build, even without understanding the circuit. Hopefully this clears things up for some of you out there, and for those who may have been initially intimidated by the wiring.

Looping-circuit-auto-reverse-polarity_01 copy
Color coded wiring diagram - Click for larger view

I would set this up in a test scenario (loose parts on a table), and once you have it figured out, you can start attaching things to your actual motorized slider. Remember that this is all based on a very specific DPDT Relay + Socket Base Kit (found here).

Step by step Check List for you to follow on building an 'Auto Reverse Polarity Circuit'.
#1 Wire connects to 'NC' on Switch A
#2 Wire connects to one side of the Motor
#2 Wire (also) LOOPS back to Terminal #3
#3 Wire LOOPS back to Terminal #2
#4 Wire LOOPS back to Terminal #7
#5 Wire connects to 'NC' of Switch B
#5 Wire (also) connects to NEGATIVE on Battery
#6 Wire connects to POSITIVE on Battery
#6 Wire (also) connects to 'NO' on Switch A
#7 Wire LOOPS back to Terminal #4
#7 Wire connects to 'C' on Switch A
#7 Wire connects to one side of the Motor
#8 Wire connects to 'C' on Switch B

Troubleshooting
Remember to start this build by having parts loose on a table. You should know exactly what side your switches should be (left/right) so that the Slider is bouncing back and forth properly. If it's still not working correctly, try swapping the wires on your motor. If you have it swapped it will turn in the opposite direction. This circuit is designed specifically for the motor to turn a certain way.

Hopefully this has been helpful for those struggling with this project...

How It Works:
Two 3 Pin NO+NC Momentary Micro Switches (as found here) at each end reverse the polarity of the motor each time they are triggered.

DIY Slider micro switch 3 pin NO NC
Example of 3 pin NC/NO Momentary Micro Switch

A 12V DPDT Relay (as found here) is either 'Always ON' until the slider reaches the opposite switch which drops power to the relay.

12V DPDT Relay DIY Slider Motion Control
12V DPDT Relay with Socket Base

In one direction, the relay is technically 'STUCK ON' by way of a tricky little feedback loop in the circuit. To turn the entire slider on or off, i'm just using the switch from the battery. In this example, i'm not using a speed controller, but one can easily be added.

Additional Parts Suggested for this Build.

5.5 2.5 DC Male Plug Tip
DC Tip 2.5 5.5		 12V-CCTV-Battery
12V Super battery


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Here's something fun I was playing with earlier, which could be of interest to those who travel with small cameras but want a little more out of them. In this setup, i'm adding a Raynox Ultra Macro Adapter to the RX100 Mark II. Since this version has a hot shoe, why not throw on a Macro LED light? Here's the results from my setup.

This is the closest the Sony RX100 Mark II can focus on a US Quarter.
quarter

Here's how close I can focus with the Raynox Macro Adapter.
quarter-macro

Now i've tried a variety of other Macro filters (diopters), and various techniques, these Raynox Adapters I feel have the best quality smallest, and simplest setup. FYI, In order to use this Raynox adapter it needs to attach to a 'zoom' lens with a threaded filter. You need to zoom into the adapter to get the macro effect.

RX100 Filter Holder Adapter Macro Raynox
find-price-button Raynox Super Macro Lens Adapter

The Sony RX100 does not offer a threaded filter, so to mount the Raynox you would need to grab the PNC MagFilter. The MagFilter can be used on virtually any point-n-shoot camera that lacks filter threads. A very thin metal ring adheres to the camera's lens and a special Magnetic Filter Holder quickly snaps in place. The design keeps your compact camera 'compact' as it should be. Not only handy for this Macro adapter, but to also add CPL, ND, or other creative filters.

MagFilter_Threaded_large
find-price-button PNCGear MagFilter System 52mm, 5mm, 58mm Threaded Adapter

The camera is literally on top of the quarter so it blocks light, plus it's a good idea to stop down your aperture in macro mode. Adding an LED Macro light helps shed light on the subject. It's a bit spotty, but i'm using this super cheap flexible LED Macro light (found here).

LED Macro Light Flexible
find-price-button Flexible Shoe Mount LED Macro Light


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End of the year, hundreds of items on sale, but here's three great deals worth mentioning.


Canon 5D Mark III Body
The Canon 5D Mark III is available via Adorama for just $2699
Regular Price $3408.95 Sale Price $2699.00 Price at Checkout + Free Shipping and 2% Adorama Rewards (found here)


Canon-70-200-ISII
The Canon 70-20mm F/2.8L IS II Lens drops down to just $1699!
Regular Price $2499.00 Sale Price $1799 after MIR Price at checkout + Free Shipping and 2% Adorama Rewards (found here)


Canon 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II (newest version) USM Zoom Lens - Just $1699
Regular Price $2299.00 Sale Price $1699 after MIR Price at Checkout + Free Shipping and 2% Adorama Rewards (found here)

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Rumors stated the new Mac Pro would have been released this past Monday, but actually the official release was this morning. Pricing starts at $2999 for the basic model, but like the MacBook Pro there's not much room for upgrades after the purchase. So to purchase the best right out of the gate, you're sitting close to $9600.

Apple Mac Pro Desktop 4K monitorApple 4K Mac Pro

The basic $2999 model comes with a 3.7 GHz Xeon E5 quad-core processor, 12GB RAM, 256GB PCI-e based flash storage, and a Dual FirePro D300 Graphics card.

For about $9600 dollars, the best you can upgrade to is a 2.7 GHz Xeon E5 12-core processor, 64GB RAM, 1TB PCI-e based flash storage, and a Dual FirePro D700 Graphics card.

Apple 3 4K Monitors 12 Core Mac Pro

Keep in mind, this is a desktop that will still require a display. You can opt in for a single Thunderbolt display tacking on another $1K, but this beast was really designed for 4K output. Apple offers to throw in a Sharp 32" 4K monitor for an added $3600 dollars. Congratulations, you're now sitting at $13,200 for a 4K desktop system they say will last you for the next 10 years [with enough horsepower to add another two 4K monitors]

So has anyone already committed to getting the new Mac Pro? Check out Apple.com for more info on the new Mac Pro Desktop (click here)