If you didn't catch the newsletter, the PNC VF-4 LCD ViewFinder and the VF-4 Extension Bracket Bundle is currently on sale for just $99.99 / $109.99. I believe this is the lowest price it has been since it was introduced a few months ago.
For more information about the PNC VF-4 LCD ViewFinder, check out https://PNCGear.com
Glide Gear has offered to give away one of their Hybrid Track Dolly systems that can interchange wheels from basic rolling casters (for floors), or into a set of track casters for various types of pipe tracks. Included in this product giveaway from Glide Gear is also a set of 12 ft. Aluminum tracks that break down in 4ft sections and come with it's own carry bag. The video (below) shows an example of these products.
This combination of folding Tripod Dolly + Portable Aluminum Track is perfect for those looking for up to 12ft of long range camera movement. The track comes with 3 portable 4-ft sections that are assembled for each side, and lock into end clamps keeping the 1.25" diameter tracks at 28" apart. Each kit comes with their own travel bags. If you're looking for a chance to score one FREE, Register for this Product Giveaway (found here).
More information about these Products
Specs: GLIDE GEAR 12 FT ALUMINUM TRACK WITH CARRY BAG
Features:
The SYL-960 by Glidegear is an amazingly versatile track dolly. This unit will allow you to make world class professional films for a fraction of the price of some of the other upper end track dolly's on the market.
Register for this Giveaway >>
Register for the Glidegear SYL-960 Hybrid Track Dolly w/ Swivel & Slide Wheels + 12ft Aluminum Track Product Giveaway - Sponsored by Glide Gear
One way to make your videos a little more interesting is to simply move the camera. Although that sounds easy, performing smooth camera movements handheld can be very tricky. While there are many tools available to do this, nothing is more simple, straightforward, or as easy to operate than a Video Slider. Here's a look at the new 'Duzi', which is the latest, most affordable, and lightest video slider coming out of the Cinevate product line.
On the surface, the Cinevate Duzi is simple, but that's primarily what we want. Something easy to setup, easy to move around, and doesn't get in the way when it's time to shoot. The Duzi is crafted from CNC machined aluminum and stainless steel, with the exception of the solid 19mm Carbon Rods.
Cinevate Duzi Portable Video Camera Slider
The carbon rods not only shed weight, but offer near silent operation when tracking with 8 precision roller bearings. These carbon rods never need to be oiled, and the open design makes it easy to clean and wipe down no matter what conditions you take the Duzi into. Duzi's end blocks offer 1/4-20 threaded holes and 5/8 inch thru holes to support dual stands. A middle cheese plate below the Duzi allows tripod mounting. For additional information, check out the Cinevate Duzi product page: https://www.cinevate.com/store2/camera-movement/camera-sliders/duzi-camera-slider.html
Sony has released two new E-Mount Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras. If you didn't catch that, it's Full Frame in a compact Interchangeable Lens camera body. With uncompressed HDMI output, HD Video shooters might find this interesting, but will probably appeal mainly to still photographers.
The new Sony Alpha A7 & A7R E-Mount Full Frame Cameras share many similar features between each other, but there are some obvious differences including new high-speed BIONZ® X image processor found only in the A7R. A few more Sony A7 / A7R brief specs are listed below, with more info following the jump to the product page.
Sony A7 Full Frame E-Mount Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Camera
• World’s lightest interchangeable lens full-frame camera
• Full Frame 24.3 MP resolution with 14-bit RAW recording
• Fast Hybrid AF w/ phase-detection for DSLR-like speed
• Fast Intelligent AF optimized for full-frame sensor
• Fully compatible w/ Sony’s E-mount and new full-frame lenses
• Direct access interface for fast, natural shooting control
• High contrast 2.4-million dot OLED EVF for eye-level framing
• Simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi® or NFC
• PC control w/ remote video capture control
• AVCHD™:
• PS - 1920 x 1080/60p@28Mbps
• FX - 1920 x 1080/60i@24Mbps
• FH - 1920 x 1080/60i@17Mbps
• FX - 1920 x 1080/24p@24Mbps
• FH - 1920 x 1080/24p@17Mbps
• MP4: HD - 1440 x 1080/ 30p@12Mbps
• VGA - 640 x 480/ 30p@3Mbps
• Full HD movie at 24p/60i/60p w/uncompressed HDMI output
Sony A7R Full Frame E-Mount Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Camera
• World’s lightest interchangeable lens full-frame camera
• Full Frame 36.3 MP resolution with 14-bit RAW recording
• Fast Intelligent AF optimized for full-frame sensor
• Fully compatible w/ Sony’s E-mount and new full-frame lenses
• Direct access interface for fast, natural shooting control
• High contrast 2.4-million dot OLED EVF for eye-level framing
• Simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi® or NFC
• PC control w/ remote video capture control
• New high-speed BIONZ® X image processor
• AVCHD™:
• PS - 1920 x 1080/60p@28Mbps
• FX - 1920 x 1080/60i@24Mbps
• FH - 1920 x 1080/60i@17Mbps
• FX - 1920 x 1080/24p@24Mbps
• FH - 1920 x 1080/24p@17Mbps
• MP4: HD - 1440 x 1080/ 30p@12Mbps
• VGA - 640 x 480/ 30p@3Mbps
• Full HD movie at 24p/60i/60p w/uncompressed HDMI output
Purchase Sony Alpha A7 / A7R - via eBay
Here's a few more BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera related tidbits of information. If you're looking for another inexpensive option for SDHC media, the Transcend 16GB/32GB SDHC 600X UHS-I (found here) / or the the Transcend 64GB/128GB SDHC 600X UHS-I (found here) media seems to work.
Transcend 16GB/32GB SDHC 600X UHS-I
Transcend 64GB/128GB SDXC 600X UHS-I
If there is one single lens to choose for the BMPC, I would have to go with the Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 lens. This lens can maintain that constant F/1.8 aperture through it's focal range crowning it as the 'World's Fastest Zoom Lens'. It's obvious why this lens has been on constant backorder since it's release.
Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 - B&H
Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 Canon - Amazon (in stock)
The Sigma 18-35mm is available to fit a variety of cameras, but unfortunately it's not available in a direct MFT (micro-four thirds) mount. So to control the aperture you'll have to look into something like the Redrock Micro LiveLens MFT Active Lens Mount.
Without power, it's a high quality EF to MFT lens adapter to be used with manual lenses, but when powered up it can control the aperture settings in any electronic EF Lens. A must have for anyone who shoots with Canon EF lenses on MFT cameras like the BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera, MFT Cinema Camera, or even the popular Panasonic #GH3 (currently on sale).
Includes
SanDisk 32GB SDHC Extreme Class 10 UHS-1 Memory Card Watson LP-E6 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (7.4V, 1750mAh) Canon 200DG Deluxe Gadget Bag Oben ACM-2400 4-Section Aluminum Monopod
Here's an overview of the new Switronix PocketBase power solution for the BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera that runs from common and affordable Canon LP-E6 batteries.
Though it is functional and probably the most affordable off-the-shelf power solution for the BMPC (currently), I can't say that it has all it's bells & whistles in place. The LP-E6 batteries don't have an actual lock, which might be a concern when running around with a BMPC in hand.
In order to get to your SD Card, you'll need to get the camera off the PocketBase by first removing the left side battery to access the unusual thumb screw. I think anyone using this will quickly add some type of QR system. If all of this is too cumbersome, at least the entire PocketBase can be relocated a short distance from the BMPC with the provided long cable.
Greg writes in and shares this newly listed item [thanks Greg]. It's yet another three axis brushless motor gimbal camera stabilizer. I know there's been a few comments about other systems online, and some I think are already up and running. I myself haven't had the time to spend on these types of systems, but the specs on this product state that the gimbal has already been micro adjusted, the system is ready-to-run, supports decent sized cameras like the 5D / D800, and comes complete with the brushless gimbal controllers (BGC) for just under $700 bucks.
Here's a bit of early information on a new product soon to be released by Aputure. Typically if you want professional overlays in a monitor, you'll have to pay good money for it. This new Aputure V-Converter HDMI Extra Scope will take an HDMI signal input and output to another HDMI display with additional features such as Peak Focus Assist / False Color / Zebras / 70 or 100 IRE Zebra Markings / and Brightness Histograms.
Product Description:
Turn basic monitor into professional monitoring
Create your own exciting professional monitoring with V-Converter, and turn low cost basic monitor into one with advanced functions such as PEAK, Zebra marking, False color, Histogram, audio meter, etc. You can also easily add new software updates for new functions via USB in the future.
Big screen HDMI monitoring
When you are working with HDMI video input, you can use V-Converter to convert the incredible functions into big screen televisions or video projectors. Enjoy pleasure of big professional monitoring with unbelievable ease, and check every fine detail precisely.
Amazing editing solution
V-Converter has standard tech monitoring software inside which accurately check brightness, focus, and audio while editing. Imagine the flexibility of being able to reduce much space of editing computer and escape from different projects.
Precision audio metering
You can check 3 colored audio dynamic range with two bright audio level meters on the monitor. Audio bar shows levels in green, yellow and red. View audio scope quickly and directly. Prompt & Precise focus assist V-Converter features PEAK and Highlight focus assist functions. Double functions are perfect to ensure an advantage with correct exposure in the field.
Intensity extreme exposure quality
Gives you 3 functions to gain unmatched exposure quality including False color, Zebra marking and Histogram. Check exposure in ease even with small LCD screen or in bright sunlight.
Amazing HDMI view monitoring
V-Converter is compatible with wide range of HDMI signal input, supports up to 1080p 60FPS signal and converts signal to 720p output. Take V-Converter wherever you need to work, it will let you truly enjoy super monitoring resolution.
The new Aputure V-Converter can take any cheap display, or maybe your 60" HDMI television from home and turn it into a monitoring solution in the studio. Sounds like a fun product that can add big value to outdated or even cheap displays. The V-Converter specs state it will be manufactured by aircraft grade aluminum with a built in Lithium-iOn rechargeable battery. Stay tuned for more updates on this product.
