Tag Archives: varavon

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If you've ever had a chance to work with a medium to large size Gimbal Stabilizer, you'll know how difficult it could be shooting for more than a few minutes holding the camera at eye level. About one year ago, I presented a basic idea for a DIY Gimbal Support Backpack (read my article here) that could help operators carry the heavy load more comfortably.

Over the past year, there have been many iterations of this idea, and here's the latest (most detailed) build from Rik at RunPlayBack.com. There's so much information presented in the video and in the written article, that I recommend visiting the link for a step by step build process: https://runplayback.com/build-a-diy-gimbal-support-stabilizer-for-under-100.

runplayback diy gimbal support backpack
Runplayback.com - DIY Gimbal Stabilizer Support BackPack

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FYI, if you've been thinking about grabbing a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera capable of shooting RAW video, today is the last day [march 6th] for this deal. B&H is throwing in the Sandisk Extreme Pro (required for RAW video), along with two spare EN-EL20 batteries (you'll end up with a total of three) for FREE. Here's a link to the deal (link).

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find-price-button Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera Bundle + Sandisk + Batteries

In order to shoot with this camera, you will most likely be looking for a Cage/Rig system to mount additional accessories. Here's a small list of BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera Cages which range from cage only, to full kits with Top handles, 15mm Rails, and HDMI pinch.

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If you didn't catch some of the recent announcements, here's a quick run-down on a few great Sponsored Product Giveaways currently going on. These are officially sponsored by brand names such as Dynamic Perception, the DVEStore, Varavon, Benro, P&C, and many more.

One of the most exciting and generous contributions this week is from Dynamic Perception who is currently offering up a tricked-out Stage One Motorized Slider Bundle!. This is an upgraded kit which includes (2) 20" carbon fiber extensions, upgraded with the Quick Change Motor System, 2 swappable DC motors, and a real-time video controller the AT2. The AT2 controller makes this motorized system very intuitive to use as opposed to programming a module for timelapse.

stage_one_motorized_slider_bundle_tu_201c6278f91149dae18166a90b9ea5bc Stage One Motorized Slider Bundle
A complete Stage One Motorized Slider Bundle ( including 2 20" carbon fiber extensions) upgraded with the Quick Change Motor System, 2 swappable DC motors and the real-time video controller the AT2. It's a pretty tricked out setup sure to make any time-lapser very happy.
Simply add camera, support and creativity; The Stage One Complete bundle adds to our other bundles and includes the rest of the ingredients to start shooting. (Continue Reading..)

Reference Links:
https://dynamicperception.com/products/stage-one-complete-motorized-slider-bundle
https://dynamicperception.com/products/quick-change-system-1-motor-bundle
https://dynamicperception.com/products/at2-motion-controller

Other current and upcoming Sponsored Product Giveaways include a Varavon Multifinder-Uni, BlackMagic Design Intensity Pro from the DVEStore, a Fhugen GH3 Cage via P&C, a Benro Video Monopod with S4 Video Head, a Slidecam 9000 Camera Slider, and a K-Tek KE110cc Audio Boom Pole with internal XLR cable.

varavon_multi_finder_uni_tl_2ffe5ee591be28ab43cf9cae5391d911 MULTI-FINDER UNI
The Varavon Multi Finder LCD Uni Viewfinder is a multi-functional viewfinder designed to better utilize the LCD monitor of a DSLR when shooting HD video. It provides a universal mounting plate, the LCD viewer and a loupe with eyecup that combine to create an adjustable yet stable viewing system compatible with numerous DSLRs. (Continue Reading..)

bmd_intensity-pro_tl_a6b37867b19f8e011b684df18e53f6bd Blackmagic Design Intensity Pro
Want to view your project out to an HD monitor? Want to capture an HD video? Add the incredible quality of HDMI and component IO (Input / Output) to your computer. Simply. Easily. Affoardibly. The Intensity Pro is with out a doubt the best value in HD capture cards in the known universe. (Continue Reading..)

honu_cage_gh3_tl_eca6adeecfe478f814f6d744009f2f50 FHUGEN HONU CAGE - {GH3}
The Honu Cage - {GH-3} is designed to wrap around the GH-3 camera body as closely as possible while locking into it by fastening to the bottom of the camera and on the top via the HotShoe Lock™. This double fastening system ensures a rock steady mount of the camera even under demanding situations such as using a follow focus. (Continue Reading..)

benro_aluminum_monopod_s4_head_tl_3453aaf7a61c72c3efad9b4dce6cd441 Benro Aluminum Monopod with S4 Head
For the pro on the go nothing provides solid support, flexibility and portability like a Monopod. The BENRO A48TBS4 pairs a matched S4 Video Head with the A48TB Video Monopod with 3-Leg Folding Base and Travel Case. Each Benro Video Monopod Kit is based on an eighth-generation design of single leg tubes and twist leg lock mechanisms. (Continue Reading..)

varavon_slidecam_s900_tu_c265a6d2f417f0a523423439eee11fa8 Varavon Slidecam S900
The Varavon Slidecam S 900 is a camera slider that supports up to 42 pounds. The track is 3 feet long and just under 2 inches wide. The slider can be used for horizontal and sloped tracking and dolly shots, or with available support, you can configure the slider track vertically to get a crane effect. (Continue Reading..)

k-tek_ke110cc_boom_pole_tl_efd79a7e5065001dfc0c51e9212d52f0 K-Tek KE110cc Boom Pole
The K-Tek KE-110CC Avalon Series Aluminum Boompole provides a moderately priced, lightweight boompole solution for ENG, EFP and other field recording applications. Its sturdy aluminum design is tough enough to endure the rigors of road use while remaining lightweight and travel worthy. (Continue Reading..)

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varavon-follow-focus-rigvaravon-follow-focus-pro-finder

Varavon has posted more images of their latest follow focus system with two adjustable hard stops and reversible gear. A quick release type clamp to 15mm rods. Along with the FF, they also offer 'Short Rod Plus' and 'Short Rod Slim' 15mm base rod sets. Varavon seems to have good integration with their existing products to make everything nice and compact. Seen (above) is the new Follow Focus, on short base rails, with Varavon Pro Finder. No definitive pricing information, but if the early listing at B&H is correct, then it's going for more than $500 dollars. The listing is pretty empty so who knows if this is a bundle to include rails and viewfinder too. If you want to see that listing (click here).

varavon-dslr-follow-focusvaravon-follow-focus

I just happened upon the new FF while doing a Video Review on their GH2 EX Solo Loupe - with Support Bracket that just came in today. Hang tight, i'll post that video review in a few...

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Varavon Loupe EX-Supporter for GHx Cameras

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Screen shot 2011-09-15 at 8.45.56 AM

Varavon's latest product is a flip up style ViewFinder called the EX-Solo with models available for all the popular Nikon, Canon 5D / 7D / T2i / 60D, and even small Panasonic GH2 cameras. The ViewFinder attaches using the Tripod base adapter (no sticky frame here), and still provides an access port if you want to mount a quick release. The EX-Solo includes a diopter for those with less than perfect vision and flips up a full 180 degrees when the VF is not in use. The view finder stays put with a few magnets when it's in the closed position. Varavon pricing has always been a bit high, but quality has been top notch in it's other product line. At least it's still cheaper than the high end viewfinders. Looks like they are just getting in stock (click here).

varavon ex-solovaravon view finderScreen shot 2011-09-15 at 8.50.48 AM
find-price-button Varavon New EX-Solo View Finder

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Olivia talks to Eric from International Supplies about a few of Varavon's products. One product is the Slidecam Slim slider that is said to hold up to 41lbs (that's pretty hefty), comes with a Video Head, legs, and travel bag. This new all aluminum Slim Slider will weigh about 2.5kg and be available in 1m length. Sounds pretty cool so far. Varavon has a few different model sliders available, and below is a comparison chart.

Slidecam-Comparison-Chart

One Slidecam Slim showed up on eBay for an asking price of $550, which is almost twice the price of the current popular Konova slider. Pricing has always been an obstacle for Varavon products so far, so let's hope that's not going to be the retail. You can find other Varavon products including their popular View Finder products on eBay following the link.

varavon-slider-ebay
find-price-button Varavon View Finders, DSLR Armor, Camera Sliders

Or as stated in the video, you can find some Varavon products over at B&H
Varavon Slidecam Mini
find-price-button Varavon Slidecam and View Finder Products at B&H

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varavon-GH2-viewfinder

There's the usual LCD View Finders that might work on the GH2, but a very interesting one from Varavon allows you to flip out the LCD and provide enough support so that you don't break it off. Something that can't be done with the traditional sticky metal frame. The company is the same who provided the unique internal mirror for Low viewing angles I reviewed here: http://cheesycam.com/varavon-lcd-low-angle-view-finder-for-dslr/. Not available yet, but looks like it will be soon. They make some quality products, but pricing was always the weak point stepping into the market. Curious as to what initial pricing will be, or maybe we'll get a peek at this over at Las Vegas NAB. You can see more Varavon news here: https://www.varavon.com/product/newproducts.html

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Ok, I have to keep adding 'Roller bearing' to the description of this DSLR slider. Everyone keeps throwing in names like Igus and GlideTrack, but it's not the same. Those guys don't use actual 'Roller bearings'. I know all about the Igus based sliders, and you can find my version on this blog. My current fixation is about this particular 'Rolling Bearing' slider. If you've ever tried an actual roller bearing slider, you might not go back. The problem is that even the cheapest Roller bearing slider will run you close to $500 bucks. This is why I was excited to see something a lot cheaper show up online.

budget-slider (1 of 5)budget-slider (4 of 5)

So here it is, and what do you need to know? For starters, it's a great deal. Even after posting this slider up, I haven't seen anything else that can come close to this as far as features, build quality, and price. I'm sure i'm going to start getting some 'I made mine for this price...' comments, but unless you're selling it, i'm not considering it as a readily available option.

This slider has a solid rail, no flex. It has 1/4x20 & 3/8" threaded tripod mounts in the center, and on each end. It also has 1/4 x 20 & 3/8" threaded mounts on the sides for 'vertical' mounting. It comes with adjustable legs/feet that can be removed. There's also padded platforms that allow it to be used directly on any surface without worry of scratching or marking the area. There's a brake to lock down the carrier when it's not in use. It also comes with a very slick looking quality travel bag. The Slider moves very fluid with zero lash and can be adjusted if need be. It's also very lightweight, but feels like it can slide even heavier cameras than a DSLR.

budget-slider (2 of 5)budget-slider (3 of 5)

There is one thing to note. The platform is designed only for a 3/8" mount. This means you need a fluid head or some type of camera mount. You can't mount the camera directly to the platform. Not a deal breaker since most sliders require this anyway. The unit slides so easily, it would work perfectly for motion timelapse rigs. Any small motor can easily pull a heavy camera through it's entire rail. Overall it's more than I expected for the price. The first actual 'roller bearing' slider to break this price point, and here it is.

So another great cost saving product first introduced here on Cheesycam.com. If you want to show some support for what I do, hook a brotha up and link back to this article!

camera-slider
find-price-button Konova DSLR Video Camera Slider

Konova Slider - via Amazon
Konova-Slider
find-price-button KONOVA K Slider 3080 NA-8

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Good News. Bad News. Good News. First Good news, the budget camera slider is back online found here: Konova video Camera DSLR Slider

Bad News (well not really bad), this is a Pre-Order listing for the next batch. According to the details, it won't ship until the end of the month. How many will be counted for in this next batch? Who knows, but the first listing was taken down in the same day of my last post. Other good news is that it's come back online for the most recent price we saw it at. Now I know several people missed out on the auction listing and are getting eager about this camera slider and going to buy direct from manufacturer. You could throw some money down, but those are still pre-orders with nothing in stock to ship out. If you want to make sure you're playing it safe on a purchase, eBay is the way to go - Paypal has got you covered. Hopefully a few of them will start coming in from previous shipments so we can get a review online, but here's the new listing if you're already convinced.

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find-price-button Konova video Camera DSLR Slider

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