If you're just starting out with a Micro Four Thirds camera such as a new Panasonic GH5
This is one of the smallest and lightest wide angle lenses for MFT that isn't a fisheye. Because you can also add standard threaded ND Filters on the SLR Magic 8mm F/4 makes it a perfect lens on a small handheld gimbal. It's also perfect to use on the DJI Inspire X5R camera or Osmo Pro. Best of all it's currently on sale via B&H (Found Here)
[video via Youtube Michael Mills]
While I see many people switching over to the Panasonic GH4 and Sony A7 series cameras (like the A7sII/A7RII), there's one product that I wanted to remind people about - the FotoDiox ND Throttle
The easiest and most simple solution that I know of is the FotoDiox ND Throttle. The FotoDiox ND Throttle
It doesn't matter if you're working with a Canon EF autofocus lens, a manual Rokinon Lens, or even high end Cinema Prime Lenses like the
XEEN
FotoDiox ND Throttle Variable ND Filter + Lens Adapter
So while I think Canon L lenses offer great image quality, you can get a (4) piece Rokinon Cine DS Lens Bundle Set for about the price of one Canon L Lens. The DS line from Rokinon are designed to be color matched, same exposure ranges, common focus and iris gear positions, a de-clicked aperture, etc. For me personally I feel they are better for video than standard Autofocus Photo Lenses (image quality aside). If you're looking into a set of Rokinon Cine lenses, I highly suggest starting with the 'Cine DS' line for the reasons stated above.
The image quality is great, and I think you'll really appreciate the longer focus (pull) throw, and de-clicked aperture which lets you set F-stops in smaller increments than you can with auto focus lenses. The built in gear ring is great for follow focuses, and the standard positions make it easier to swap lenses without moving your FF around each time.
Rokinon Cine DS Lens Bundle for Canon EF Mount
Now if you really want to step it up a bit, the Rokinon XEEN Cinema Prime lenses have a standard physical size, lens diameter, better optics, less breathing, etc. To date they are probably the most affordable Cinema Prime Lenses that cover a full frame sensor. They have a 114mm Diameter which is exactly the same as a Canon CN-E Prime, or Zeiss CP.2. You can find great deals on XEEN Lens Sets via eBay (click here).
The CAME-TV CAME-SINGLE Gimbal has hard limits built into the frame to prevent a full 180 rotation. This design protects the wires from tangling up. Most Alexmos gimbals can easily be inverted but typically the camera itself has to remain 'right-side up'. Gimbals like the DJI Ronin or Ronin-M when used in inverted mode actually flip the camera upside down. So in post editing you have to flip your video. After hammering through the software a bit, I managed to find a way to keep the camera fully inverted so I guess it is possible.
At this time I DO NOT SUGGEST attempting to tweak your CAME-SINGLE settings. If you screw up your configuration, it can be a very lengthy process to restore your system due to the new 'encoders' tab. Downloading profiles from the Internet will not guarantee that your system will be restored as 'Encoders' are calibrated individually (per gimbal). Until I find the time to create some type of tutorial on tweaking PID settings, I suggest you keep the default settings as much as possible.
Here's a look at the new RodeLink Filmmaker Wireless Audio System. In the video below i'll show you the parts, basic setup, functions, and a quick distance test at the end of the video.
I haven't done extensive tests, but in the short time i've been using the kit, it's been nothing but solid performance. RODE is offering up quite a bit in this kit, along with a lav microphone that can be adapted for use with other systems. Another interesting feature is the RODELINK can be powered via AA batteries or powered through it's USB port. I believe the USB port can be used for firmware upgrades as well.
For the price it's hard to argue that this is a must have piece of kit everyone should have in their bag. If you've been looking to get a wireless kit, I wouldn't wait too long. The price is right, and I feel these items will continue to sell out for sometime. It's still unclear if prices will go up to the list price of $599, but right now Pre-Orders are currently listing for just $399 (found here).
There was a time when many said the DSLR video market was dead. That eventually every ILC HD camera would have built in XLR adapters, ND Filters, adjustable EVFs, and a more camcorder-ish ergonomic form factor. Unfortunately those features are still only reserved for higher priced camcorders and we find ourselves still needing to 'rig' our small camera bodies with external batteries, portable audio recorders, etc. So the need for 'Cages' are still very apparent.
At NAB 2015 FotoDiox shows off a few cage rigs for small camera bodies that still need to mount additional accessories. Aside from a small cage for the GoPro HERO camera, this is a new line of affordable accessories for the FotoDiox company.
The BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera cage is available now, and other cages shown will be available at the FotoDiox website (here).
FotoDiox Shark Cage for Camera Bodies
|
|
|
|
This is a small compact 12mm wide angle lens. Perfect for your Sony of MFT (BMPCC / GH4) Cameras! Also available in Canon-M, Fuji, Samsung NX, etc. Lighting Deal is live and almost out of stock. Typically about $370+ for this lens, now down to $309.
The rumors are in place that Panasonic will make an announcement this friday (Feb 7th) for a GH4, GH4K, or G4K camera. I shot this image below over at CES2014 last month, which could very well just be a GH3 with a 4K sticker, but i'm guessing they wouldn't pull such a stunt without having a plan in place.
Don't quote any of this, but I did manage to pull one Panasonic rep aside and he confirmed that Panasonic was indeed 'working' on a GH4K camera, and it will be highly based on the GH3 form factor. Most of the features are geared towards 4K Video, while photography features may only have slightly impressive specs over the existing GH3 (burst mode, megapixels, etc).
While mirrorless ILC and DSLR shooters require an extra XLR preamp for audio, the GH4K may have an optional bottom adapter (in place of a battery grip) that adds professional XLR inputs to the camera.
Just a few months back, Panasonic had also released a new SDXC UHS-II compliant flash card microP2 Memory Card with the same form factor as a full-size SD card. It features a maximum read speed of 2Gb/s and a maximum write speed of 200Mb/s using the AVC-Intra200 recording format (excluding 1080/60p/ 50p). It is rumored this card will be required to capture the full data rate from the GH4K. BTW, these cards are available now (found here).
Panasonic SDXC UHS-II compliant microP2 Memory Card
As I understand, the GH4K will not replace the GH3 camera, instead it would be a new more expensive camera targeted to hybrid photo/video professionals. Even so, my guess is it will still be cheaper than a Canon 5D Mark III. If most of what we're hearing on the internet is true, this will be a very interesting camera to add to the bag.
(Note) Even if we hear anything about a 4K mirrorless camera, it could be a long way out before it is delivered. Blackmagic took about 9 months to ship the BMCC after it's NAB announcement.
