• 17 Comments

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It seem like every time I post a video stabilizer review, I often receive the same question - 'How can you adjust focus?'. Typically i'll just answer this question by replying with a text comment, but i'm sure it's still not very clear. Hopefully this article can help visualize a few ways focus can be achieved when a camera is balanced on a stabilizer, thrown on a video crane, or other device where adjusting the lens would be cumbersome or impossible.

One option to adjust focus (without physically touching the lens) can be by use of an electronic follow focus system. In the video below, Vimeo member Nicholas D shares how he's setup his camera on a SteddiePod Stabilizer with a Cinematics USB follow focus [Thanks Nick]. The USB systems will be limited, as they will only work with certain cameras (mostly Canon) and only with compatible auto focus lenses - not manual lenses.

Barber Tech SteddiePod
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Barber Tech SteddiePod		 Cinematics USB Follow Focus
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Cinematics USB Follow Focus

An alternative could be to use dedicated Wired or Wireless electronic follow focus systems attached to the outside lens gear. The benefits to these systems is that they can be used with pretty much any lens that supports manual focus. The throw can be remapped for shorter or longer focus movements at the dial, and higher end systems allow to you store focus points. The full wireless systems are helpful when you need another person to manage focus so that the camera operator can move about freely.

If you plan to work with a Wireless Follow Focus, Camera Motion Research has announced the new Radian Pro kits that will send a Wireless HD Video stream via HDMI to a remote monitor. There are ways to achieve this through a DIY solution, but the Radian Pro claims to use a more commercial version transmitter / receiver that can transmit through a broader range of channels for longer distance, low latency, and clearer image. The Radian Pro is available in both a Unicast or MultiCast version (multiple video streams).

For myself, I may not use a WFF for every project, but I do use Wireless Video when operating on longer cranes/jibs or even just to share a feed for others to view (so they aren't hanging over your shoulder). Add a remote Pan/Tilt head to this combination, and you'll be able to man a camera from a distance away while focusing and zooming. Great when you have to leave a camera somewhere you can't be seen like on stage, or perhaps even at a church during a wedding, or in the middle of a racetrack.

Sorry for the lack of great examples, but hopefully this article is somewhat helpful and gives you ideas of what you can do with such tools. Remember that these are not limited to just these types of Stabilizers (a.k.a Steadicam). These are the same tools that can be used on those amazing Brushless Motor Camera Gimbal Stabilizers everyone has been recently obsessed about.

radian1rp10
find-price-button Camera Motion Research Radian Pro Wireless HD Video Kit via HDMI

• 6 Comments

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Look what just popped in this morning. Unfortunately i'm catching a flight out to New York and won't be available to test it for the next few days.

IMG_3081

IMG_3084 IMG_3087

If you're not familiar, this is the new V-Converter from Aputure which takes an HDMI feed from your camera and outputs an overlay of helpful scopes inlcuding Peaking, Exposure/Zebra, Audio Meters, etc. to any HDMI monitor (including your basic HDMI television). Typically you can purchase a basic monitor for one price, and if you want these extra features you'll pay good money for it. This new V-Converter is designed to add some of these scopes to even the most inexpensive HDMI displays.

More information about the features of this product can be seen on the product listings (found here).

Aputure V-Converter
find-price-button Aputure V-Converter

• 7 Comments

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For those of you shooting with the BlackMagic Design Cinema Camera [or looking into the Production Camera 4K], here's a quick and closer look at F&V's new BMC Cage. Assembly is pretty simple, and the final product fits nicely around the BMCC without obstructing any of the ports, doors, buttons, or screen.

At approx. 1/2" thick frame, the cage is rock solid and thick enough to mount accessories to any of the available 1/4-20" or 3/8" threaded holes over the top and along the sides. The frame can be adjusted to a wider setting if you need additional clearance around the sides. Unfortunately neither the Base or Advanced Kits come with a set of 15mm rails, so you'll need to provide your own.

Although there are cheaper BMCC cages available, I would say the build quality of this new F&V BMC Cage is at a very professional level, could easily match any of the more expensive brand names, yet the F&V BMC Cage Base Unit starts at just $369. More information about the BMC Cage (found here).

F&V BMC Cage BlackMagic Cinema Camera Cage img_2729 img_2692
find-price-button F&V BlackMagic Design Cinema Camera BMC Cage

• 19 Comments

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Just FYI, the Canon 5D Mark III (Body) is down to just $2699 right now (found here). This is shipped and sold via Amazon, not a random third party company. Shop and compare, this is a pretty great deal considering the other major retailers are still listing the camera at over $3399 dollars (see it here). That's about a $700 dollar difference.

Not sure how long this price will be available (or is this a pricing mistake?). It very well could be pricing error since when you select the 24-105mm F/4 kit option, the price jumps up almost $1K ($3779 seen here) which is unusual bundle pricing for that kit. Typically a lens add-on only jumps it another $600 bucks so something doesn't appear correct. Check it out following the link (here).

Canon 5D Mark III Body
find-price-button Canon 5D Mark III (Body) $2699

[UPDATE]: Looks like I was right. There was a pricing error and it's back to normal $3399 price. Anyone get in on this deal and saved $700 bucks???

[UPDATE #2]: Price jumped back down to $2699 for a few minutes and then back up to $2999. Not quite the same deal, but still priced $400 cheaper than current retailers at this moment.

• 16 Comments

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If you didn't catch the newsletter, the PNC VF-4 LCD ViewFinder and the VF-4 Extension Bracket Bundle is currently on sale for just $99.99 / $109.99. I believe this is the lowest price it has been since it was introduced a few months ago.

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For more information about the PNC VF-4 LCD ViewFinder, check out https://PNCGear.com

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Glide Gear has offered to give away one of their Hybrid Track Dolly systems that can interchange wheels from basic rolling casters (for floors), or into a set of track casters for various types of pipe tracks. Included in this product giveaway from Glide Gear is also a set of 12 ft. Aluminum tracks that break down in 4ft sections and come with it's own carry bag. The video (below) shows an example of these products.

This combination of folding Tripod Dolly + Portable Aluminum Track is perfect for those looking for up to 12ft of long range camera movement. The track comes with 3 portable 4-ft sections that are assembled for each side, and lock into end clamps keeping the 1.25" diameter tracks at 28" apart. Each kit comes with their own travel bags. If you're looking for a chance to score one FREE, Register for this Product Giveaway (found here).

More information about these Products

Glide Gear Track DollyGlide Gear Cheesycam Giveaway Track Dolly
Specs: Glide Gear SYL-960 Video Camera Track Dolly Hybrid

  • Folds up with carry bag for easy transportation and storage
  • 4 high quality polyurethane wheels made specifically for track movement
  • Wheel assembly has full 360° swivel with slider capability
  • 6061 anodized aluminum alloy with stainless steel hardware
  • Includes wheeled castors and wrench for conversion to tripod dolly
  • Track wheel assembly has 4-wheels per assembly unit
  • Heavy duty, it can accommodate cameras up to 35lbs
  • Legs can slide out to make it 5" longer
  • Comes with a full 5-year warranty

    • SYL-960SYL-101-set
    Specs: GLIDE GEAR 12 FT ALUMINUM TRACK WITH CARRY BAG

  • 12-ft track with 28" width and 1.25" rails
  • 3 portable 4-ft sections for each side
  • Weight: 15 lbs
  • Hollow pipe construction

    • Features:

  • Lightweight
  • Smooth running
  • Comes with its own carry bag for convenience and portability
  • Works great with the Glide Gear 960 Track Dolly

    • syl-960_video_camera_track_dolly_hybrid_tl_4e0045101f314b0f6e7331335526064a
    SYL-960 Video Camera Track Dolly Hybrid with 12' Track - Product Giveaway

    The SYL-960 by Glidegear is an amazingly versatile track dolly. This unit will allow you to make world class professional films for a fraction of the price of some of the other upper end track dolly's on the market.
    Register for this Giveaway >>

    Register for the Glidegear SYL-960 Hybrid Track Dolly w/ Swivel & Slide Wheels + 12ft Aluminum Track Product Giveaway - Sponsored by Glide Gear

    Swivex.com Sponsored Product Giveaways
    Swivex Promotional Sponsored Giveaways

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    One way to make your videos a little more interesting is to simply move the camera. Although that sounds easy, performing smooth camera movements handheld can be very tricky. While there are many tools available to do this, nothing is more simple, straightforward, or as easy to operate than a Video Slider. Here's a look at the new 'Duzi', which is the latest, most affordable, and lightest video slider coming out of the Cinevate product line.

    On the surface, the Cinevate Duzi is simple, but that's primarily what we want. Something easy to setup, easy to move around, and doesn't get in the way when it's time to shoot. The Duzi is crafted from CNC machined aluminum and stainless steel, with the exception of the solid 19mm Carbon Rods.

    Cinevate Duzi Cheesycam Review
    find-price-button Cinevate Duzi Portable Video Camera Slider

    The carbon rods not only shed weight, but offer near silent operation when tracking with 8 precision roller bearings. These carbon rods never need to be oiled, and the open design makes it easy to clean and wipe down no matter what conditions you take the Duzi into. Duzi's end blocks offer 1/4-20 threaded holes and 5/8 inch thru holes to support dual stands. A middle cheese plate below the Duzi allows tripod mounting. For additional information, check out the Cinevate Duzi product page: https://www.cinevate.com/store2/camera-movement/camera-sliders/duzi-camera-slider.html

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    Sony has released two new E-Mount Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras. If you didn't catch that, it's Full Frame in a compact Interchangeable Lens camera body. With uncompressed HDMI output, HD Video shooters might find this interesting, but will probably appeal mainly to still photographers.

    The new Sony Alpha A7 & A7R E-Mount Full Frame Cameras share many similar features between each other, but there are some obvious differences including new high-speed BIONZ® X image processor found only in the A7R. A few more Sony A7 / A7R brief specs are listed below, with more info following the jump to the product page.

    Sony Alpha A7 E-Mount Mirrorless Camera
    find-price-button Sony A7 Full Frame E-Mount Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Camera

    • World’s lightest interchangeable lens full-frame camera
    • Full Frame 24.3 MP resolution with 14-bit RAW recording
    • Fast Hybrid AF w/ phase-detection for DSLR-like speed
    • Fast Intelligent AF optimized for full-frame sensor
    • Fully compatible w/ Sony’s E-mount and new full-frame lenses
    • Direct access interface for fast, natural shooting control
    • High contrast 2.4-million dot OLED EVF for eye-level framing
    • Simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi® or NFC
    • PC control w/ remote video capture control
    • AVCHD™:
    • PS - 1920 x 1080/60p@28Mbps
    • FX - 1920 x 1080/60i@24Mbps
    • FH - 1920 x 1080/60i@17Mbps
    • FX - 1920 x 1080/24p@24Mbps
    • FH - 1920 x 1080/24p@17Mbps
    • MP4: HD - 1440 x 1080/ 30p@12Mbps
    • VGA - 640 x 480/ 30p@3Mbps
    • Full HD movie at 24p/60i/60p w/uncompressed HDMI output
    Read More Button

    Sony A7R E-Mount Mirrorless Full Frame Camera
    find-price-button Sony A7R Full Frame E-Mount Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Camera

    • World’s lightest interchangeable lens full-frame camera
    • Full Frame 36.3 MP resolution with 14-bit RAW recording
    • Fast Intelligent AF optimized for full-frame sensor
    • Fully compatible w/ Sony’s E-mount and new full-frame lenses
    • Direct access interface for fast, natural shooting control
    • High contrast 2.4-million dot OLED EVF for eye-level framing
    • Simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi® or NFC
    • PC control w/ remote video capture control
    • New high-speed BIONZ® X image processor
    • AVCHD™:
    • PS - 1920 x 1080/60p@28Mbps
    • FX - 1920 x 1080/60i@24Mbps
    • FH - 1920 x 1080/60i@17Mbps
    • FX - 1920 x 1080/24p@24Mbps
    • FH - 1920 x 1080/24p@17Mbps
    • MP4: HD - 1440 x 1080/ 30p@12Mbps
    • VGA - 640 x 480/ 30p@3Mbps
    • Full HD movie at 24p/60i/60p w/uncompressed HDMI output
    Read More Button

    Purchase Sony Alpha A7 / A7R - via eBay

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    Here's a few more BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera related tidbits of information. If you're looking for another inexpensive option for SDHC media, the Transcend 16GB/32GB SDHC 600X UHS-I (found here) / or the the Transcend 64GB/128GB SDHC 600X UHS-I (found here) media seems to work.

    [Update 11.06.13] There are mixed experiences on some Transcend Cards experiencing dropped frames. Transcend has yet to respond to the comments.

    transcend 16GB 600X blackmagic pocket cinema cameraTranscend 32GB 600x SDHC BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera
    find-price-button Transcend 16GB/32GB SDHC 600X UHS-I

    9030221003464
    find-price-button Transcend 64GB/128GB SDXC 600X UHS-I

    If there is one single lens to choose for the BMPC, I would have to go with the Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 lens. This lens can maintain that constant F/1.8 aperture through it's focal range crowning it as the 'World's Fastest Zoom Lens'. It's obvious why this lens has been on constant backorder since it's release.
    Sigma 18-35 LiveLens Redrock MFT GH3 Pocket Cinema
    find-price-button Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 - B&H

    Sigma 18-35 LiveLens Redrock MFT GH3 Pocket Cinema
    find-price-button Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 Canon - Amazon (in stock)

    The Sigma 18-35mm is available to fit a variety of cameras, but unfortunately it's not available in a direct MFT (micro-four thirds) mount. So to control the aperture you'll have to look into something like the Redrock Micro LiveLens MFT Active Lens Mount.

    Without power, it's a high quality EF to MFT lens adapter to be used with manual lenses, but when powered up it can control the aperture settings in any electronic EF Lens. A must have for anyone who shoots with Canon EF lenses on MFT cameras like the BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera, MFT Cinema Camera, or even the popular Panasonic #GH3 (currently on sale).

    BlackMagic Pocket Cinema RedRock Micro LiveLens EF MFT Adapter
    find-price-button RedRock Micro LiveLens EF MFT Adapter - via B&H