I've got a few extra cameras lacking some straps right now like the Sony A55 and GH2. Looks like some fancy new camera straps are out and i'm waiting to get my hands on it. This new line of camera straps are being marketed as 'Carry Speed'. Doesn't really show it in the pictures, but I believe this camera strap also comes with a small zippered pocket over the shoulder to hold extra accessories like media cards, and maybe small batteries. The quick release adapter for the strap swivels the camera to keep it from tangling, and the base plate can remain on the camera with support for a tripod mount. Looks like a solid build with dirt cheap 'Buy it Now' prices compared to relevant straps. What's even more kick a$$? If you've got the patience, they've got a few on auction starting at 1 penny + Free Shipping. Can be found online via the link:
Photography Gadgets
Canon 60d Aftermarket Battery Grip BG-E9
I'm actually sending this from my phone. Its very real...
[Update] Ok, so I was a bit excited and decided to post to this blog via my Cell Phone. I'm back in the studio and shot a short clip of what it looks like. People were getting very skeptical about whether this item was real, or just some type of scam. The seller I purchased mine from actually sent a few emails to other people about not being able to ship the item. This was the catalyst to the chaos. Well I never received that email, and here I am with one in my hand. The design is not based on the BG-E9 (similar loading tray as T2i / 550D ), but more off of the BG-E7. The BG-E7 style is very similar to Canon 7D or Canon 5D Mark II's with rear battery loading trays. Quality feels the same as all of my other Aftermarket battery grips (I have on 5D Mark II & 7D), so I think it's coming from the same factory that makes all of these. The OEM Canon BG-E9 feels a bit heavier, but at about $150.00 difference, is it worth it? Not for me at this time, I can find a better way to spend that extra $150 bucks.
(Above) Images of both OEM BG-E9 and Aftermarket BG-E9
I like battery grips because they add more area to the camera body, and also makes changing batteries fast and simple - especially if you're camera is mounted to something. I have two Canon 60D's so one is happy with the OEM, and the other will be happy with the Aftermarket. So it's real, and it's out there, but I noticed a few other people selling them for much higher prices than what I got it for. I'm guessing after this post it, people will be assured, and open up the flood gates... At least I got mine today.
[Update Update] Follow the link below, and you'll find another Aftermarket Battery Grip with side loading tray like the OEM. These are more expensive than the one I have, but it appears that there is 2 different types of Battery Grips for the Canon 60D.
Silicone Tape for Super Tight Cable Wraps
Thought i'd share my cable wrapping method, as I was reminded about some people I saw relying on Electrical tape to tie down some cabling. There's a better way than using adhesive sticky tape on your gear that ends up leaving all kinds of gooey residue. Sure you can use velcro straps, but it just doesn't hold the same tension as the stuff i'm using which is 'Silicone Fusion tape'.
It's been around for a while, and it really is some brilliant stuff. I've used it for a number of different things including some underwater stuff (Don't ask - another Cheesy DIY project). Anyways, i've been using this stuff to wrap cables or other things on all my camera equipment (photo and video). It's pretty stretchy and provides constant tension to whatever you wrap up. Think of it like an adjustable wide rubber band. Don't be fooled in buying the stuff on infomercials, it's all the same stuff, just marketed differently (and they'll rape you on prices). It's a tough find in some hardware stores, but more than likely they do carry it.
I've purchased many rolls from my local Orchard Supply, Home Depot, etc. If you search online, they often call it 'Rescue Tape', 'Tommy Tape', or 'Mighty FixIt'. For people who love to stand out, they also come in a variety of colors. If you haven't tried it yet, you should. You'll find a ton of uses for stuff like this, especially if you're a DIY kinda guy/gal.
Mini $26.00 LCD Very Usable for EVF Project
So I tested some playback on the GH2 with this mini-lcd, but that wasn't the test I was hoping for when I first got this LCD. The Panasonic GH2 will only output in recording mode through the HDMI. It can only 'playback' through Composite. The Canon cameras can output from Composite, so I brought in the AV cables that are provided in the box. It's great to see that the LCD actually scales the input properly too. Something else that's pretty cool. When the Canon is displaying the Live View, it doesn't use the entire 3.5" LCD. Why is that cool? Because I threw on one of those magnetic frames for my LCDVF for 3" LCD's and it's just about a perfect fit over the displayed image.
The tests with the Canon 60D are awesome, and much more than I expected from a sub $26.00 dollar LCD. It's definitely usuable for my DIY EVF ( Electronic View Finder ) Project. Might not be compared to other EVF's (coming) on the market, but for under $26.00 dollars, i'm not complaining. It does what I need it to do for now. My plan now is to mount a 1/4x20 Nut to the rear of the LCD and use a Friction Arm to position it wherever I want. [Update] Did it.
This should also work perfectly with my GoPro HD camera as well, since the GoPro lacks it's own LCD. Here's another cool little kicker, since you're all wondering how it's powered up. As I expected, it doesn't even require 12Volts to run. I attached it to a simple 9Volt battery. Yes 9 volt battery people, that's all it takes to power this bad boy up. One thing I was noticing though is that the exposure wasn't as good with the 9 Volt battery. I think even though it turns on, it's under powered and causes the display not to look as good as it can be.
If you're searching for this mini monitor too, this is how the LCD looks (below). It's a bit confusing since resolution is listed differently depending on the auction, but I think they are all the same. It's a 3.5" LCD with Composite input. If you see one like this, it's probably it. More to come with these Mini-LCD's from Cheesycam for sure.....
Mini LCD Monitor with 960×480 PixelsTranscend Class 10 Shows Up
Just picked up three more 32GB Transcend Class 10 SDHC cards. Too many cameras, not enough cards to go around especially with the new Sony A55 and Panasonic GH2 i've been playing with. I've been pretty very happy with my other Transcends, so i'm going to continue shooting with them. I think it's still the best deal for reliable SDHC cards. I did notice that the stickers have changed from the previous Class 10 cards. Wonder if that makes them even better....
Egg Timer and Rotisserie = Timelapse Motion
Egg timer, Rotisserie, and a GoPro HD Camera. It's not a riddle, but that's what Vimeo member Tony Rodriguez used as the recipe for making this DIY Motion Controlled Panning Timelapse rig. Not the first time i've seen a GoPro on a simple Egg Timer, but this I believe is the first time i've seen it put onto a Motion Controlled Slider. The whole setup is a Go Pro 960 mounted on an egg timer and a homemade dolly (igus slider) and using a Battery Rotisserie Grill Motor that moves 2.5 RPM (revolutions per minute). A few images of the rig (below), but if you need more information you can holla at Tony here: https://vimeo.com/18331363
Checked around eBay and this might the same battery operated motor being used. Very clever use of this motor, and i'm sure this will drum up new DIY ideas to use this in other projects:
Rotisserie Battery Powered Grill Motor
Ravelli AVT Video Camera Tripod with Fluid Drag Head – Worth It?
I've received several inquiries about this particular Tripod with Fluid Head, but i've no clue. Since there's a continuous amount of questions, maybe this post will spur up some comments about it. Marketed as the Ravelli AVT Video Camera Tripod with Fluid Drag Head, it's possible it could be sold under different names as well. I think I remember seeing something similar over at B&H Photo Video. Quick release plates look very similar to Manfrotto designs, so I wonder if it's cross compatible.
Other Technical details:
* Compact And Light Yet Still Supports Cameras Up To 16LBS
* Geared Center Elevator With Hand Crank
* 3 Channel Quick Release Locking Leg Sections
* New Horizontal Quick Release Latches. (allowing you to release all leg locks at once)
* Padded Foam Grips On Two Of The Three Legs To Safely Grab And Move Your Tripod
Anyone seen this on the streets, or have any more information if it's better than the Fancier or Weifeng stuff?
Ravelli AVT Video Camera Tripod with Fluid Drag Head
Fluorescent Ring Light for Video
Video Ring Light 150w & 300w Portable Battery Kits
After tackling the DIY ring light project and expressing some things you need to keep in mind before starting out, it may not be for everyone. So if you're not the DIY type, here's a ring light that Serge is sharing with us through the comments. Looks like it could be something to consider. I thought i'd post a single article on it for others to get more visibility about this product. [Thanks Serge]
Big Thangs – Small Budget
Here's a couple of inspiring videos that do a great job showcasing low budget gear with great results. First up is another tutorial from Vimeo Member TLA Productions (showed us the use of the DIY Ring light for use in Video), but this time he's showing us the RedHead lighting kit. Yeah this is the same stuff i've been talking about for a while now, but I really haven't been able to show you guys how well they work. TLA Productions does a better job at this, and it's great to see other people using it.
RedHead Lights and Kits can be found here:
RedHead Lighting Kits for Continuos Video Lighting
Next is a great little documentary short from Vimeo member Hello Stranger. Shot using the cheap $24.00 dollar shoulder support, a 50mm F/1.4 and a Sigma 20mm F/1.8. For Audio, it was just a Zoom H1. Just goes to show you that it's not all about expensive gear behind the picture. Pretty cool video, and if you want to show support with a vote, it was shot for the Nikon Contest at https://www.festivalnikon.fr/videos/view/id/251
