Submitted by YouTube member detomaso4ag, here's a simple method to create your DIY Mini Video camera track dolly. For those who don't mind the skate wheels on a pipe track it's a cheap solution to getting smooth gliding camera movements. The trick is getting the wheels drilled in perfectly to the angle iron. If you're slightly off, then the dolly will wobble down the track. For those who aren't ready to tackle the DIY, these mini dollies already exist, found below.
Videography Gadgets
Zacuto EVF in Stock
Earlier the item was out of stock, now it's back in and available. Found below if you've been waiting.
Canon 60D T3i LCD ViewFinder – No Sticky
A look at how the latest version CarrySpeed VFinder attaches to a Canon 60D with that swivel out screen. Right off the bat the metal frames might not line up perfectly, but they are easy to bend into position. If you want something super secure, I say permanently glue the sucker to the metal QR frame.
The 3:2 viewfinder fits perfectly on this Canon 60D and it is slightly slotted to fit the Canon T3i as well. The CarrySpeed viewfinders come with a Neoprene pouch, a Lanyard, Metal Frame, and the VFinder loupe. Not a bad deal for an important tool to help you set focus and dial in proper exposure (especially on those bright days). You might want to add some Anti Fog solution too.
Canon 60D / Canon T3i LCD ViewFinder Quick Frame
[Update] Also available via Amazon below
CarrySpeed LCD ViewFinder
Sandisk Media – Huge Deals!!
Amazing deals on Sandisk media that's hard to resist. In fact, the price break brings the super high speed, undoubtably reliable Sandisk media smack down in Transcend price territory. We're talking about 400x on CF and Class 10 on SDHC media. Sandisk media is often counterfeited, so watch out for things that look too good to be true. Over at B&H you'll know you've got the real deal and warranty to back it up.
It might not be incredibly obvious but all you need to do is add at least (2) two of these items into your shopping cart to qualify for the discount. Available in select Compact Flash and SDHC media. Your chance to stock up while it lasts. A very rare deal indeed..
16GB 60MB/s Extreme CF Media $94.95 buy 2 or more pay $59.99
8GB 60MB/s Extreme CF Media $54.95 buy 2 or more pay $37.49
Budget Follow Focus – Reviewed Again
Another review based around the recent Budget Follow Focus which has been coined as the RJ Follow Focus. (More news on that soon). This review from Just Basl Productions is a bit longer more thorough and should answer any questions you have, and also compares it against another Follow Focus system. A few people have mentioned about the QC (quality control) of these FF's coming out of the factory. Assembly might be a bit inconsistent, so if you receive yours with a little bit of play there are a few screws inside the gear box that can be tightened up.
General Consensus from buyers of the RJ FF? It's good, and for the price - it's great. Oh and don't forget you'll need a set of Rails to mount something like this, and sometimes you can get killer deals with the Gini Rigs.
Davis & Sanford FM18 ATPG18
When you need to support a bit of weight for a new 4ft Jib / Crane or Camera Slider, you'll need a solid base. As an inexpensive solution i've been suggesting the FT9901SLV
(Above) Davis & Sanford FM18 Fluid Head
To carry the most amount of weight, you'll need to grab a set of sticks and a fluid head that isn't based on the bowl mount like this Davis & Sanford (Owned by Tiffen Company) ATPG18 w/ FM18 Fluid Head. Normally sold on Amazon and other spots for about $240
Camtree Micro Dolly IGUS Slider with Pulley System
Roller bearing sliders have a love/hate relationship. Some people love the smooth no friction action, and some people hate the inconsistencies they might get without friction. Thanks for Martin for tipping me off on this review. YouTube member AYFilms gives us a review of the Camtree Micro Dolly. We've all seen IGUS Drylin based sliders
The IGUS rails work on dry (plastic-like) bearings that actually slide (not roll) across the rail. One thing to keep in mind with these friction sliders is you want to center the weight as best as possible. Too much over the side and you'll have unequal tension. The pulley system not only offers additional tension to make sliding more consistent, but pulls the carrier from the lowest point to provide less binding. As mentioned in the video, with the pulley crank removed, you're pretty much 80% the way to making a motorized slider or motion controlled timelapse rig. The Camtree Micro Dolly comes with Pulley system, Quick Release Adapter, and Foam padded Travel Case.
Amazon Discount – Select Kata Camera Bags
Amazon 20% Discount Kata Camera Bags
Thanks to a tip from Conrad about Amazon offering an additional 20% off select Kata Camera Bags for a limited time. Aside from the discount, some qualify for additional Mail-in-Rebates. Double the discount. Definitely not as cheap as the LowePro stuff i'm using (which i'm happy with), or the Pelican Carry On Roller, but Kata's known for making some of the lightest and very durable Photo / Video equipment bags. For those who care to opt for the higher value, there are many different styles from slings, to backpacks, to rollers and more.
To take advantage of this offer, simply add the qualifying Kata bag from the list below to your Shopping Cart, enter promotional code KATADISC, and Amazon will automatically apply the discount off the current Amazon.com price at checkout.
There's a few rules like 'one per customer' you can read more about, and the ones that are available for discount can be found following the link below.
DSLR Equipment Roller Case – Pelican 1510 Carry On
When it's time to pack for a shoot, i'm a roller bag kinda guy. Easier on the back, and a good way to transport heavy gear. Instead of using one very large roller, I use several FAA approved Airline Carry On sized roller cases. It keeps me from making one case too heavy, easier to fit into smaller cars, and still serves a purpose for airplane travel. Now my current rollers I purchased a while back. I'm definitely due to purchase at least two more rollers, and when I do, here's my direction.
Think Tank Security Roller Bag Case
First, I'm sure people will point out the Think Tank Security Carry On Rolling Hard Case
LowePro DSLR Camera Roller Bag Case
Head on over to eBay and do a search for 'Camera Roller'. Yeah you're not going to find any good deals doing it that way either. You'll most likely run into the LowePro x100 Carry On Roller that runs just over $200. Again nice roller, but still not the best deal IMHO. Even the smaller LowePro rollers run quite a bit.
Here's what you should be looking for - The Pelican 1510 Carry On.
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In fact this is the case that's bundled with the Red EPIC camera which starts at $58,000 dollars (shown above). It's a hard case roller that you can grab (empty) for just over $110 dolllars. Waterproof, Dust Proof, and Crush Proof - Can't get that in the LowePro or Think Tank. The Pelican cases have a reputation to be rough and rugged. What's great is that you can build a case to suit your needs, and even replace or repair parts should you ever find a way to do some real damage. New O'Rings? New Locks? New Waterproof Liners? Find a used Pelican and you can bring her back to life. The 1510 is basically future proof.
Pelican 1510 Carry On Size Roller Hard Case
Choose the one with the Pluck Foam inserts and your looking at about $30 dollars more from the empty case. You can also go with the optional Padded Dividers and tack on that lid organizer for small parts. Not looking to use it for your camera gear? Switch out the inserts and change the carry on roller into your Overnight luggage. There's also Laptop dividers you can add to the lid areas. The Pelican 1510 is a modular hard case roller with features other cases twice it's price can't begin to compare to. Albeit not cheap, the Pelican 1510 Carry On sized Rolling Hard Case is a solid roller I think gives the best bang for the buck.
