Random

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shoe-mount-zoom-h1
click image to find shoe mounts

Random post. This blog is sometimes used for me to keep tabs on the random things that run in my head. So while i'm out here in Maui on vacation i'm pretty sure i'll forget this little idea. Redrock Micro makes a cool handle that uses the hotshoe on top of the DSLR. For the Canon 5D Mark II & 7D, the hotshoe can be used with a handle, because the body is designed with a beefy magnesium frame. The cheap shoe mounts that I recently blogged about would make a great starting point for my new DIY top handle, and combined with the Double L bracket stabilizer Idea would make a complete lightweight solution that's easily broken down. It's so handy to have a top handle with your DSLR.

By the way, I've been using the Sima L brackets I received with my GoPro HD + Modified GoPro Underwater Housing by EyeOfMine together in the ocean. The Sima L bracket has nothing I can see that will be affected by the water, and I give it a decent rinse when i'm done. Definitely a great underwater stabilizer too. I've also been using the other one with my Canon SX210 IS, and it's like a match made in heaven. The Canon SX210 IS has built in optical stabilization and a crazy zoom. The extra handle off to the side gives me a more comfortable hold to take super steady video footage even in complete low light. I think i've used this Point and Shoot more than my other cameras on this trip, safe to say I overpacked.

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Today's morning mail bag drops in with some nice surprises. I finally received the two Audio-Technica ATR3350 powered Lavalier Microphones for my Zoom H1. This will be an interesting test. I was already impressed with the Zoom H1 built in mics when doing this BiGeye review, but I was in a controlled environment. We'll see what we can get with a microphone closer to the subject outside on some noisy streets. Right off the bat, the cord is loooooonnnnngg. It's a nice setup if you don't have a portable audio recorder, but not for my use. I'll cut and snip a few feet off soon. Hopefully I don't screw it up, but it's just two simple wires. Audio tests coming soon... More information here: http://cheesycam.com/zoom-h1-lavalier-winner/

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Next, some nice Letus DSLR products drop in. Talk about some damn sexy camera gear (drool). If you have a lust for gear (like myself), Letus is one of those brands that will seduce you like an Empusa. Nah that's too gorey, better yet a Shakira music video. Ok, i'm getting sidetracked, back to the subject at hand. Letus has been a big time name in the film industry and very popular in the DOF adapters before DSLR's changed things. Letus didn't stand around watching times change, they jumped right in with a new line of DSLR accessories now found at LetusDSLR.com.

The Letus Hawk VF is a DSLR view finder wrapped in Carbon Fiber. Is it super lightweight? Surprisingly no. It's a solid piece of gear that when holding it will make you go OOOh. It's built for the finest gentlemen like a Bently, but also comes at a different price. Most view finders we see have somewhat of a squarish box design. Since it's comparable in price as the Zacuto Z-Finder Pro, if I had to make a choice there's no doubt this would be the clear winner. The design of the Letus Hawk VF makes the Z-Finder look like technology from a Buck Rogers episode - biddy biddy beep. The Hawk VF is silky smooth, many many curves - nothing squarish about it, finished with a carbon fiber wrapped design, and a high gloss clear coat of resin. I'll get some more information up with a video soon...

The Hawk VF mounts directly under the camera, no magnetic frames. For cameras with a battery pack, you can get the optional riser plate here: https://www.letusdirect.com/cart/hawk-riser.html
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Also in the box, there's the standard Letus DSLR cage which is the basic foundation that can be used with their growing line of DSLR accesories. It's Rod compatible so you can find ways to adapt many rod type accessories. The entire cage is cheese plate designed for mounting a bazillion different things to it. This cage is thick and solid. I wish I had this thing for the 'egg drop' science project in middle school, anything will survive a drop in this cage. It's a precision crafted beast possibly made from Adamantium. More close up photos and video overview coming soon...

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The Letus Hawk VF & Letus Talon DSLR Cage

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Thursday mail bag continues....
It's called the Q-Strap. Some people are touchy about using the word 'clone' or 'replica', so i'll just say this resembles very very closely, almost exactly similar to the Black Rapid RS-4 Camera Strap. Since this is 'comparable' to the R-Strap the Q-Strap (quick strap) runs less than half the price. The Q-Strap is also one up on the R-Strap since it has a different quick release clip that supports a handstrap and tripod mount. Similar features include a pocket to store extra media cards or batteries. Yes, it's very nice for under $23.00 + Free Shipping.

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click image to find pricing

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varavon-profinder-dslr-lcd-viewfinder

Varavon is a new company that seems to want to make a name for itself in fast growing world of DSLR's. We've linked to this viewfinder before, but it looks like it's recently showing up on eBay auctions and a recent demo video posted at Vimeo.com. Not the most modern design in view finders, but it looks like it's got some beef to it.

In the video (below), I have no idea what this guy is saying, but that viewfinder looks massive!

It seems to mount under the camera, and has some use for low angle shots through some funky mirror design. The price is extremely high for any LCD Viewfinder loupe, especially for a company that hasn't made a name for itself in DSLR country. I personally don't think this thing is going to flying off the shelves anytime soon, but if you care to peek, here's the link to the Varavon Profinder LCD Viewfinder Loupe

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Another item Varavon is throwing out is their Camera slider called the 'Slide Cam'. Not a bad looking design with the black and red motif, but again price is going to kill 'em. Nothing special to talk about this camera slider, it basically slides a camera. But again if you care, Here's the link to the Varavon Slide Cam.

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sigma-50-500-canon-t2i

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This is project 'overkill'. This is the setup for those who might feel a bit inadequate with their camera body and need to throw on some type of intimidation factor. LOL. The Sigma looks huge on the Canon T2i and there's a battery pack on. Imagine what it would look like without. Someone wanted to see what this would look like, it's crazy. It's so forward heavy, I wouldn't be able to shoot with this thing if it were on the T2i. It does take some awesome photos with great range http://cheesycam.com/sigma-50-500mm-quick-test/

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Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus Lens

Update on the Sigma and Canon Lens
I screwed up big time talking about reviewing the Sigma 50-500mm vs. the Canon 100-400mm. The Sigma is in a different class, and I was confused by the price. They both sit around the $1600 dollar range. In fact the lens that I really should be comparing to the Canon 100-400mm is the Sigma 120-400mm F/4.5-5.6 that has the same aperture range and costs only $900 dollars. I'll see if I can return this Sigma 50-500mm and review the other. It won't be anytime soon though, so for now i'm not going to do Lens vs. Lens, i'll just review them seperately. I did get to shoot with the Canon 100-400mm on the 5D Mark II and is there such a thing as 'love at first click?'. I'm blown away by this lens on how fast and sharp it is. The colors and contrast that come from a lens with this range is amazing. The optical stabilization works awesome, I was able to do some handheld video at 400mm with decent results. Imagine if I had a Tripod. Next article post will be around the Canon 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6.

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Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Autofocus Lens

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Above: Canon T2i + Battery Grip + Sima L Bracket next to Zoom H1 Portable Audio Recorder

I'm not going to try and do audio tests, I think we know what the Zoom products are already capable of. We're already sold on audio, no need for further tests. I will note on my videos if I ever have it in use though, so you can see what the results would be. If you haven't already purchased a Zoom H1 Portable Audio recorder, i'm sure you're just looking for other deal breakers or deal makers such as the size, switches, button functions, build quality, etc. Here's sorta a sneek peek around the gear from my first unboxing. I've dropped my Zoom H4n and wasn't too worried about it. It survived quite well. This Zoom H1 item feels really really hollow and fragile, so it's not something i'm looking forward to ever drop. It's all mixed feelings right now, but the true selling point is it's $99 dollars. If it were $150 dollars i'd be more on the fence. I'm a fan of the lightweight, but not the plastic build. I'm a fan of the easy to access buttons, but not a fan that you can't lock those controls. Still it's something I suggest every DSLR shooter carry if you don't already have a portable audio recorder. In fact, with the Audio-Technica LAV mic, I think it will be a perfect fit to replace many situations where you would be using a Wireless type setup.

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Extremely random. The video below just shows the new 3pcs lighting kit from this article http://cheesycam.com/new-800w-barndoor-softboxes-3pcs-lighting/ was used to record the Zoom H1 video.

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ccam

There's quite a few sources talking about the huge information leak on Sony's new Alpha DSLR's named the 'A580' and the 'A560', but so far the most important feature is finally recording in 1080. I'm sure there's a few more tricks up Sony's sleeve, but unless it's doing RAW video, fixed rolling shutter, or found a way to do super slo-motion in 1080, we've seen it all. I'm not sure if they'll have special features to convert die hard Canon or Nikon fans, but if the price is right maybe they can find a way to at least get in the HD DSLR video game. I have no information on pricing and availability yet, but i'm still digging for more information. Engadgets got a bit of read too: https://www.engadget.com/2010/08/20/sonys-alpha-a580-and-a560-leak-out-with-1080i-video-recording-m/

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fig-rig-stabilizer-iphone
click image to jump to Flickr

An iPhone is a small device, and so far many of the stabilizers have been short handles. Earlier this week Tate Nations showed us his version of the DSLR Cage Fig Rig painted Red. Tate probably had a lot of left over strut rail to come up with this other use. This has to be the first Fig Rig i've seen for use with the iPhone. Some might think it's overkill, but remember there is an iPhone Cinema Kit out there that will run you about $900 bucks.....now that's 'overkill'. Overkill or not, it's DIY, pure fun, and i'm sure it provides excellent stabilization. Very cool DIY which would be interesting to see people's reactions when this hits those events.

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new-cheesycam-product

I tend to share alot of information on this blog, but there are still many things I keep under wraps. One of the new ideas i've been mapping out with PhotographyandCinema.com is close to final design and should make things quite interesting. It will be an extremely versatile tool for budget film makers, and making traveling abroad much easier. This all came about from my own personal experiences packing and traveling into an entirely new product design. It's not as easy to DIY so this is another product that will retail at PhotographyandCinema.com. As usual tons of thought went into the design to keep things as cheap as possible for the budget film community. I have a feeling, you're all going to enjoy this next one...