For those of us just getting started with DSLR film making, the information and help we receive from others is invaluable in helping us navigate the terrain.
Koo from NoFilmSchool has recently released a free 100-page DSLR Cinematography Guide eBook for beginners. I’ve skimmed through it (I’ll have to find some time between required reading for school!) and it looks like it serves as a great foundation for those starting out.
One technique that I enjoy witnessing, or attempting to try while shooting hand held, is a nice, smooth tracking, or dollying, shot. There are some ways to attempt these shots using everyday items such as a wheelchair, skateboard, car – basically anything with wheels and a stable base. However, there are some shooting locations where these objects just won’t work due to space limitations. That’s where the indiSLIDERmini, developed by indiSYSTEM, comes in.
I’ve been doing some research on this product, as well as other camera sliders, and I believe that this is the best overall in terms of quality and price. I’ve also read many great reviews on the product as well. At 24″, the indiSLIDERmini is compact for those tight situations and lightweight for easy portability. Just attach it your tripod base, or quick release plate, and you’re ready to create some amazing cinematic shots.
Their base model starts at just $99. If you want to add legs to your slider, which will allow you track and dolly on a flat surface, it goes for $114. I recently ordered the Deluxe model (pictured above) which includes the legs, as well as a pistol-ball grip for added control, for $169.
FedEx tells me that my indiSLIDERmini should be here tomorrow! Expect a review, as well as demo shots, in the near future!
For those of you with the T2i (or any DSLR), you know first hand how difficult it is to shoot with the camera’s LCD in bright conditions. Also, viewfinders allow for better stability and more precise focusing. I have been doing my research LCD viewfinders which mount over the screen and found that LCDVF has just released a viewfinder designed specifically for the Canon Rebel T2i. Apparently, they are available for sale (for about 20% less than their original LCDVF version) through glidetrack.com, but they are currently out of stock. Here’s what the manufacturer has to say about the LCDVF3/2:
Sleek, powder coated carbon steel mounting interface doesn’t block the proximity sensor and allows easy cleaning of the LCD screen. This thin but powerful mounting interface also maintains the button clearance for comfortable camera operation.
LCDVF is the missing link of this hybrid “photovideography” era. The essential accessory, an absolute necessity that enables todays photographers to take advantage of the video features of the new generation DSLR cameras like Canon 550D/T2i.
LCD Viewfinder turns your video enabled DSLR LCD screen into a huge electronic viewfinder for precise image evaluation – it’s like viewing a 42″ screen from 140cm (4.6 feet).
I’ll be sure to let you folks know when I grab one and post a review!
I am someone who absolutely dreads having to end a shoot early, or have to rush shots due to batteries running out of juice. With that being said, I believe that you can never have too many batteries on hand with you on shoots, especially if you find yourself unable to utilize power from an AC outlet.
As I build my video equipment, I try to cut corners where I can so I can save my money for the bigger investments such as lenses, stabilizers and audio gear. When it came to purchasing additional batteries, I decided that going with an off-brand would allow me to stock up on more without having to put a serious dent in my wallet. I know that there’s the risk that the off-brand batteries may not hold a charge as well, or as long, as an OEM battery, but if I can purchase 4 off-brands for the price of 1 OEM, I’ll take my chances.
For those of you who only feel comfortable using OEM batteries, they run about $45.83 (+tax, free shipping) on Amazon.
On eBay, you can grab them for $14.99 a piece (free shipping). They ship from Hong Kong.
For generic replacements, the least expensive on Amazon is from Power2000 at $9.95 and is eligible for free shipping if you purchase at least $25 worth of items.
I happened to go with a seller from Hong Kong on eBay, who is currently selling generic replacements for $5.60 each (free shipping). I purchased three and, for international shipping, they arrived in decent time – about a week. After receiving them, I charged them and took them out with me to a Pete Rock/J. Rocc show that I went to a couple of weeks ago. I recorded off and on for nearly 4 hours, mostly in 1080p/24. I don’t remember what the battery level was at towards the end of the night, but I went out the next day and did another couple of hours worth of shooting before I got the low battery indicator.
Overall, I would say that I was able to get the same amount of life out of this generic replacement, as I do with my OEM battery. As for the quality of the battery and how long before I have to replace it in comparison to my OEM battery, I still have yet to find out. However, I feel as if I won’t have to worry about buying new batteries for quite some time.
Last weekend while I was out filming with a few friends, I managed to snap a few shots of the fog rolling in. It had never dawned on me that filming the fog or, better yet, recording a time lapse would probably provide for a really awesome video, especially if I got to shoot in RAW. This video is from a contact of mine on Vimeo, Spots Unknown, who is based out of San Francisco with a mission of discovering forgotten histories, places, and events of the city. He shot this on the T2i using an Opteka Remote Timer Control.
After a little researching, I came across two remote timers for the T2i that seem to be the most popular. The first is the Opteka Timer Remote Control. It features a self-timer, interval timer, long-exposure timer, and an exposure count setting feature. You can set the timer from 1sec to 99hrs, 59min, 59sec. On the handle there’s a dial that allows you to easily enter in the numeric settings using just your thumb. There’s an alert sound that you can turn on/off and the LCD panel’s backlight can also be toggled on and off. The only concern for me is that it doesn’t have an on/off switch so it continues to run as long as the batteries are in. I suppose you can take them out when you’re finished shooting, but I tend to be forgetful sometimes. Also, some reviewers have reported it being a little large. You can take a look at more specs on the Opteka website.
The second remote, and the remote that I’m leaning towards purchasing, is the Satechi Timer Remote Control. This is also the same price as the Opteka and shares most of the same functions such as self-timer, interval timer, long-exposure timer and can be programmed as an intervalometer. The Satechi includes a backlit LCD display and reminder alert, just like the Opteka. What I like about the Satechi is that it has an on/off switch and has a much more smaller, compact design. I plan to order this within the next few weeks and try it out in various places around the city. Expect a post when I do!
I came across this awesomely, amazing (yes it’s that dope) video on Vimeo the other day. I love underwater cinematography and this short has plenty of it. For those of you with a T2i who might be interested in giving underwater cinematography a shot, Amazon has the Ikelite Underwater Camera Housing for the T2i
I recently purchased the Hague Mini-Motion Cam stabilizer so that I can get some steady hand shots and smooth tracking. So far, I think it was a wise investment as it’s the least expensive hand-held stabilizer out there right now ($112+ shipping from the UK) that works really well. I did a small demo video using it shooting some clothes in my closet, but I think I might need some more practice with it. I also think that an extra counter weight outside of what the stabilizer was packaged with might give it some more stability.
Looks like China sure loves Jackie Chan! The Canon China spokesman just earned his own edition of the popular Rebel 550D (T2i in the states). This edition of the 550D comes equipped with a Canon EF-S 180-145mm lens, a camera case, a strap and an album book – all fit in olive green. Only 2010 units will be available and come with the price tag of 10,000 Chinese Yuan (equiv to US $1465).
source: iTech News Net
