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There are many questions about DSLR Viewfinders, and one of the most popular right now is if the LCDVF T2i / 550D combination will work or not? I believe the Zacuto Z-Finder DSLR viewfinder is about the same size as the LCDVF so this video should apply, but correct me if i'm wrong (drop comments for our readers - feedback?). Since I have the 5D Mark II , Canon 7D , and Canon T2i / 550D , I thought I would share some video footage of the LCDVF cropped area when placed over the Canon T2i LCD. The T2i LCD is a bit wider so there is some slight cropping. There is also a sensor you need to be aware of that automatically turns off the display (not for video more) when something blocks it. There may be a custom function to disable that, i'll have to dig into the manual more. Hope the video helps clear up some questions.

The 5D and 7D batteries are the same and they both use Compact Flash cards. There are some things that just totally throw me off about the Canon T2i / Rebel 550D, like having to buy SDHC cards, different batteries, and the LCDVF not fitting perfectly. Because of this, I haven't spent much time with it, but as far as video quality, the Canon T2i / Rebel 550D has been a solid performer keeping up with the 7D quite easily. I'm not a fan of traveling with too many different types of gear, but you can't complain when Canon is putting out such high quality equipment for a dirt cheap price. Times are a changin'.......

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Well, my $5.00 dollar camera suction cup tripod mount mount came in today. Can't wait to test this baby out with my GoPro HD Sports Camera. So far mounting it to odd things in the office, it seems very sturdy! It actually held up my Canon 7D + Tamron 18-270mm Image Stabilized lens (Not that i'd try that setup hanging off my windshield).

Camera Saving Tip #1:
The first test everyone should do when buying a Suction Cup Camera Mount is to mount something in similar weight and size (not your camera!) and drive it around hard to see if it holds on well. Once you feel your product is up to par, then go for the real deal. I'm thinking Can Of Soda is larger, heavier, and not as wind resistant than the GoPro HD Sports Camera. If that don't fall off, i'm in the clear.

You can find the $5.00 Camera Suction Cup mount here.

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It's no secret, people have been building DIY Camera dollies for a long time. You can follow the instructions on the video above, but in my experience, it's a bit tricky to get things lined up perfectly. If you don't have it aligned correctly you get a little wobble or binding in your movement. If you want to save yourself some time and money you can buy pre-built dolly wheels here, and then just get a piece of wood for the stage.

caster-track-wheels
find-price-button Swiveling Caster Video Dolly Track Wheels

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Caught this video by accident and had to share with others. Great little review on a Quad LED lantern by Coleman that can be used for lighting small areas or small products for video. Definitely something that could come in handy for some extra fill light on Macro shots. You can find the Coleman Quad LED lanterns here.

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Don't count out the Steadicam Jr.! This design might be old, but it's the same basic principle as the latest Merlin going for $800 dollars. I picked up the Steadicam JR as my first Stabilizer for around $118 dollars for my Canon 5D Mark II. Remember these things were designed to fly VHS Cameras (heavy). In fact, the Gimbal that is used on the Steadicam Merlin IS THE EXACT same Gimbal design on the old Steadicam Jr. You can find Steadicam Jr's at auction for dirt cheap if you look hard enough. Check out these Steadicam Jr's on eBay. Click Here.
steadicam jr merlin design

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The Hague MMC ( Mini Motion Cam ) is a small stabilizer similar to the Steadicam Merlin design by Garrett Brown. It was ruled out in my books as being totally unsuitable as a Camera Stabilizer for DSLR's when I first tried it out. The Hague stabilizer is small, lightweight, and cheaper than most other similar stabilizers, but it just couldn't handle the weight of the 5DM2 or 7D. Well after receiving the Canon T2i with Kit lens, weight is no longer a problem. The HD video quality from the T2i being similar to the Canon 7D, I'm happy to put this Hague MMC back in my hands as a Stealthy little stabilizer.If you're an owner of the new Canon T2i a.k.a 550D with the 18-55mm kit lens, and want to get into a stabilizer check out th Hague MMC. Click Here..

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This video above is a great example of a Macro tip most new DSLR Videographers don't know about. You know, I started in Photography and know quite a bit of tricks when it comes to working on a budget. It just dawned on me that many of these Photography tips would translate well for Videographers. If you want that special macro close-up of those wedding rings, and can't afford the new Canon 100mm IS macro, here's a cheap trick to get that EXTREME CLOSEUP! It's called the Reverse Macro Technique. There's different combinations you can try to get better Macro effects but the video above explains this well.

If you want to be Extreme DIY Lens Hacker, check out the video below where YouTube member lozzless hacks up a cheap kit lens for a reverse mount and still maintains Aperture controls and Auto Focus. Wierd.

Another Technique is to move the lens away from the camera body. You can do this in a few different ways, and one of them is by use of Macro Extension Tubes. By stacking these tubes between the camera and your lens, you can get some awesome Macro shots.

Another method of moving the lens away from the body for cheap is by use of a Macro Bellow. It's cheap and comes on a Macro rail for you to move in and out for that fine tuned focus.

Not sure about Nikon or other Cameras, but Canon makes a 250D Lens that mounts to the front of another lens and provides Macro Closeups. I have not tried it, but reviews on the web say it's awesome.

Items for Macro

So hopefully the above tips helps you get in closer on those special Macro video shots, and all without dishing out a thousand bucks...

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Let's face it, many of us put the 5D Mark II on the back burner when the 7D and T2i came around. With poor audio quality, no frame rate options, and a high price tag, it wasn't much for video. The only thing it had going for it was the Full Frame. With the new Canon 5D Firmware out to improve on those limited abilities, the video above posted by David Dang makes me fall back in love with my Canon 5D Mark II all over again. Now go sell your 7D's and T2i's, then click here to buy the Canon 5D Mark II!

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Posted this a while ago, but thought i'd share it on the blog. There are many ways to fire your Flash off camera when doing photography. You get much better lighting and shadow details when you can control your light source. The video above provides some information about a popular cheap set of Wireless Triggers you can find on eBay. These are the exact same Triggers shown in this video. I purchased the 3 receivers and 1 Trigger package.

Cheap eBay Wireless Flash Triggers
cheap wireless flash trigger