DIY DSLR inspired Logo T-Shirt. Some of you might have seen me wearing this T-Shirt during the Express35 Event Rig review (click here). A few people mentioned it could be of interest, so here it is available online starting today. Just a simple acronym DIY with an image of a DSLR. Shirts available in a few variety of sizes and colors. Find it below.
This is so random, but might also be useful. For people with kids, how often have you looked at that BOB Jogging Stroller
I was shopping for another cart that can carry a decent amount of weight and include some nice size tires to tackle a variety of terrain. This Kill Shot Deer cart looked pretty interesting (and not so much stroller-like) as it's rated to pull 500lbs over terrain and still folds down a bit. But to make it work for my gear, I think I might need to add another set of caster wheels to the front. There's some additional dimensions following the link below. So random, ok back to work.
After recently posting up the Palo Alto adapter from PhotographyandCinema.com, I decided to take mine out for a spin (literally). With this little adapter and a cheap Shurline Pole, you can get some really cool views in both Photos and in videos. It's more than strong enough for something like the Sony HX9V. This time out, I decided to see what it would look like if I spun it around pointing towards myself. It's definitely weird, but stems more ideas on some cheap yet creative camera movements. I'm seriously going to stack two of these poles together to see if I can double the height....
Now that Apple has announced upgrades to it's MacBook Air lineup, the previous models have dropped in price significantly. I'm personally using the (older) top of the line model 11.6" version, because it's easy to travel with and mainly for just emails and internet browsing. I tried an iPad, but the limited browser and lack of keyboard made it impossible as a mobile blogger. Having USB ports allows me to download and backup from my Compact cameras.
Do you need the latest model? Even with upgraded horsepower, I don't see myself using these systems for photo or video editing, it's just too small. My version is now discounted about $350 dollars from when I purchased it (not too long ago). So if you're looking for a solid travel system with the longest battery life, and instant on, these older MacBook Air systems are the bees knees..
Good point brought up in the comment section about the SmallHD DP4 EVF 'not' having a lens cap to cover the glass. This could be tragic if you happen to leave it out in the sun. Since the SmallHD EVF uses standard 46mm threaded filters, the solution should be as simple as a basic lens cap available pretty much everywhere: Lens Cap for SmallHD Diopter
If you want one fast, there are a variety available on Amazon including some with Leica and Panasonic logos. They use the same 46mm size on many of their lenses (click here)
To make sure you prevent losing it and have it handy at all times, grab a set of very inexpensive lens cap keeper leashes (also good for your other lens caps) found below.
Lens Cap Keepers
Geek Post. iPhone Fan Boy post. Call it what you want, but there's an audience for everything. There's a small variety of these RangeFinder-like iPhone cases to make you feel like you can afford a Leica. Nope, I no longer have an iPhone myself. I switched to Android. Found here.
iPhone Retro Camera Cases
A while back I posted about some available 12V DC batteries you can use from Ryobi. They've been working great and many people have adapted them on Timelapse rigs and motion controlled sliders. Here's another option. Now I'm fairly weary about posting no name battery packs, so i've been testing these for a few weeks now before I decide if they are any good.
CCTV 12V DC Rechargeable Li-iON w/ 5V DC USB Port
I originally purchased two of these CCTV Battery packs because of the 5V USB option. These little batteries hold quite a charge and i'm able to fully bring my dead cell phone or iPad back to life (charging through USB) several times over before needing to recharge the Pack again. These USB chargers are the most handy thing when you can't be tied to an outlet (like when traveling).
They also come with a double sided barrel connector to power up 12V DC items, and those have been coming in quite handy as well. The connector fits most standard Camera accessories, but you can always get additional ones to power up other accessories that will run on 12V or 5V DC. [Note] At Radio Shack it's 'AdaptaPlug Size N', elsewhere the common plug is 5.5mm OD and 2.5mm ID Male Plug. The battery uses negative from the outside and sends positive from the inside. Just make sure you have the inside as Positive and the Outside as Negative when making your DIY plug. You can see what that looks like, and find some easy DIY tips here: 5.5mm Male DC Plug Tips
I've been able to power up the Z96 LED light, the 312 LED Video lights, the SmallHD DP6 LCD monitor (and other monitors), the 352 LED Ring Light, and the list goes on and on. So many times you'll catch one of your accessories out of AA's or Sony's, and this backup battery solves them all. [Update] The Zoom H1 can be powered via USB, just figured that out when my AA battery was dying out on location.
I haven't done any real battery testing to see if the 3800mah /12V DC specs they list on the website is actual, but they do hold a charge and power up all my accessories for quite some time. Fairly light weight so all it takes is a bit of Velcro to hang it on the back of your Lilliput LCD monitors, or Portable LED lights that can accept DC in (like the Z96 or 312 LEDs). Unfortunately my 900 LED lights require 14V DC to be at it's 'Brightest' setting, but these little 12V DC batteries will power them up as well. Definitely not a bad price, and I have a few more on order. Trust me, i'm still putting them through the ringer. You can find them (click here).
CCTV 12V DC Rechargeable Li-iON w/ 5V DC USB Port
[Update] Some of these items might not ship with the correct barrel adapter which is 5.5mm OD and 2.5mm ID. A comment left by Luca has links to some adapter cables. [Thanks Luca]
I found these DC cables that should fit quite nicely. The problem is, they're quite short:
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300585910349&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:ITSo here is an extension cable:
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390338648476&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_3613wt_1141
Gotta give credit where credit is due. According to Wikipedia, a Rube Goldberg machine, device, or apparatus is a deliberately over-engineered machine that performs a very simple task in a very complex fashion, usually including a chain reaction. The expression is named after American cartoonist and inventor Rube Goldberg. Here's a very clever photography 'gear' themed Rube Goldberg. Be prepared for about 4 minutes of video via YouTube member 2dPhotography.
Here's a basic tip that everyone should use. Imagine someone coming in to your well kept space and unloading gear onto your cherished hardwood floors or fancy carpet. Shooting on location in million dollar homes or expensive venues? If you want to make sure you're starting out on the right foot with your host, there's one very small thing you can do. 'Lay down moving blankets'.
The first thing you should do is drop down quilted moving blankets wherever you drop your cases, tripods, light stands, or anything else you plan to bring to a borrowed location. Quilted moving blankets are a very inexpensive investment that will not only show your professionalism, but will make your host more comfortable about using their space.
