Tag Archives: NEX-7

18 Comments

Nikon-50mm-E-Series-Lens-Adapter

I originally picked up this Nikon 50mm F/1.8 E Series Pancake lens for use with the new Sony NEX-7, but I thought I would remind others that are just starting out in DSLR video, that these very inexpensive lenses can be used with your Canon DSLR cameras as well.

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One of the first lenses most people suggest to others (if they are strapped on budget) is the Canon 50mm F/1.8 (found here). It's a fast and sharp prime lens that runs around $120 dollars, and the images will blow away the basic 18-55mm kit lens. The main complaint on this lens is the plastic build quality. If you don't require the autofocus feature, you can shop for older manual lenses which are better built with a smoother focus ring for video.

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Lately i've been seeing a trend with inflating prices on older lenses. I'm constantly being outbid on many of the faster (vintage) prime lenses. Today, there are more mirrorless type cameras that can use these lenses, and more lens adapters available to mate the older Minolta, Pentax, Nikon, Canon, etc. lenses. If you have any collected from an old stash, keep them close. They have more value today, than they did just a few years ago.

Canon5DMarkII-Nikon-50mm
Canon 5D Mark II + Nikon 50mm F/1.8 E Series Lens

If you're just starting out, these Nikon 50mm F/1.8 pancake lenses may not be the sharpest of older manual lenses, but I like the compact size, wide aperture, and the out of focus backgrounds. You can find many of them still for under $75 dollars (click here).

Nikon-50mm-E-Series
find-price-button Nikon 50mm F/1.8 E Series Manual Aperture Manual Focus Lens

Nikon-to-EOS-Adapter
find-price-button Nikon Lens to Canon EOS Adapter

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Steadicam-Smoothee (1 of 2)Steadicam-Smoothee (2 of 2)

I want to say when these things were first released they were over $200 dollars. Ridiculous pricing if all you plan to fly is a cell phone. They have since dropped down in price, and while they are listed at about $180 dollars elsewhere, this month they're on sale at B&H (click here). Not bad if you could possibly do much more with it.

[Update] here's the video

With one of the smoothest Gimbals on any stabilizer ever, I decided to pick one up and see if it can be pushed to carry much more than a small GoPro. So far the Gimbal is made with a metal bearing, and the frame is mostly a lightweight metal. If it's possible to modify the frame to add more weights, then you're looking at an ultra smooth Gimbal on a Merlin-like stabilizer for almost 5 times cheaper than the Merlin itself.

[Update] It's been Modified here: http://cheesycam.com/diy-steadicam-smoothee-mod-cheesycam-baby-merlin/

GoPro-Steadicam-Smoothee-DIY-Steadicam
find-price-button Steadicam Smoothee for GoPro and iPhone

Steadicam-Merlin
find-price-button Original (more expensive) Steadicam Merlin Camera Stabilizer

7 Comments

Sony-NEX-7-Camera

The Sony NEX5n has proved to be a decent little camera especially in low light situations. I tried out the NEX5n briefly but the changing very basic settings through the software menu was a bit annoying. I prefer to shoot with cameras that have quick dials and buttons to change ISO, Aperture, and shutter. So I thought i'd wait out for the NEX-7. I was really interested in getting my hands on a Sony NEX-7, but the problems with production had first delayed, and now limited the amount of units to ever hit retail stores. So far it seems the only way to grab one is through the Marked Up eBay Auctions (here).

Anyone shooting with this camera yet? I've only seen photo and video samples which look really good, and like the Micro Four Thirds cameras, the fact that you can adapt your Nikon or Canon lenses is always a plus. There are some expensive solutions to controlling aperture on Canon's electronic EF lenses, or simple adapters like the Fotodiox with it's own built in Aperture iris. Something i'm looking in to if I can get my hands on an NEX-7.

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find-price-button Fotodiox Pro Lens Mount Adapter with Built-in Aperture iris

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I guess it's just fitting to do a follow up post regarding the other Sony Cameras soon to be released. The NEX-7 and NEX-5n will especially be of interest to existing mirrorless interchangeable lens camera shooters. And unlike the first introduction of NEX cameras, these should both provide you with FULL MANUAL VIDEO controls. Lots of new updates, features, and with cheaper pricing should give Sony a good market share this year.

Many of these cameras I expect to sell out on release date since they are already available for Pre-Order. Don't believe me? In fact, the Sony NEX-7, NEX-5n, and A77 are already listed on Amazon's Top Selling DSLRs and they haven't even been released yet! Check it out here: Best Selling DSLRs Amazon (click here)

Sony NEX-7
find-price-button Pre-Order Sony NEX-7 with 18-55mm Lens

Sony NEX-5n
find-price-button Pre-Order Sony NEX-5N With 18-55mm Lens (Black)