The kind folks over at RIGU have created a coupon code for DSLR Video Shooter readers. So if you are tired of black bags and boring camera straps run over to their website and use to code”DSLRVS10″ to save 10% on all their gear and accessories.

RIGU Camera Accessories

Remember the CineMover? That kick action dolly system I did an episode on a while back? Well its created J.G. Pasterjak is coming out with something new. I can’t tell you how excited I am about what he has put together.

Its called the CineMonster and you should check out his highly entertaining video where he demos this new piece of gear.

Preorders are through KickStarter so head over there are get in on the action!

CineMonster KickStarter Project

If you are looking to get into HDSLR shooting for the first time or need a second camera now is the time to act. With these new double rebates you can save some serious cash on lenses with camera purchases. Check them out:

Canon Double Instant Rebates

Nikon Camera and Lens Bundles

While they aren’t the most exciting gear out there, sand bags are pretty important. I recently found a great set of 4 on Amazon for under $20.

Heavy Duty Saddle Bag Sand Bags

Each bag has 2 double zippered compartments for adding weight.

I use sand in plastic bags as my weight but you could use anything. If you travel a lot I would keep them empty and fill them with rocks or whatever you can find on site.

I like having the stripes as well. This is more of a safety feature than anything else, making light stand legs more obvious to people and easier to navigate around. They also give you a place to put your name so your assistants don’t take your stuff.

The handles on the bags are really tough and allow you to use the bags on booms and C-stands.

There are many uses for sand saddle bags here are just a few:

• Keeping people alive – Nothing is more awkward then accidentally killing your talent with a falling light. Get a sandbag on that stand leg!
• Camera support – Can’t get your tripod low enough? Throw a couple sand bags on the ground and you’re done.
• Boom stabilizing – If you are using a long boom arm throw a sand bag on the opposite end of the arm and keep this balanced.

Probably the most exciting thing coming out of NAB for me was the Blackmagic Cinema Camera.

Basically its a Micro Four Thirds, 2.5K resolution, 13 stops of dynamic range box with a touch screen and a copy of DaVinci Resolve… For under $3,000… As Lenny Pepperbottom would put it, That’s pretty neat.

This little sucker looks like a real winner. I can’t wait to try one and hopefully get a review out to you guys. If you are already sold, or just need a cheap copy of DaVinci Resolve, you can pre-order this fella on B&H right now via the link below.

Blackmagic Cinema Camera

I have used a lot of C-stands on sets in the past but never owned one myself. But B&H Photo Video offered to send me one for review and I had the chance to use it on a several projects.

Impact Master Century Stand

What is a C-Stand?

The C-Stand (also known as century stand) is probably the most valuable tool to a film grip next to there tape and black wrap. Not only is it a heavy duty light stand, but it also includes an arm and grip head. If you really want to learn more about the history of this tool check out Wikipedia’s entry on it.

The C-Stand consists of 4 parts.

• Legs
• Stand
• Arm
• Grip Head

C-Stand Uses

There are almost endless uses for these stands but here are a few of the main ones.

• Light stand – Mount lights to the stand or the arm of the C-stand.
• Holding scrims, reflectors, bounce cards or flags.
• Mounting backdrops.
• Tripod for overhead shots.
• Mic Stand.

Here is a setup using only a C-stand and a reflector:

If you need more control you can easily get 3 mounting points with clamps like in the image below:

The build quality on this stand is incredible. Its build like a tank. The knobs stay tight. I really can’t say anything bad about it. I will definitely be purchasing another one.

Impact Master Century Stand

B&H Photo Video sent me a couple of tripods for review right before heading out of state for a large shoot. Unfortunately I didn’t have enough time to shoot a video review so this article will have to suffice. I was, however, able to used both of these tripods for a large gig this past weekend.

The two tripods are the Pearstone VT-2100 and the Pearstone VT2500B. Both are at different price points and for different shooters. Lets start with the VT-2100.

Pearstone VT-2100 $80

The Pearstone VT-2100 is made of aluminum and plastic, has a telescoping head giving you over a foot of extra height (max height of 64.3 inches), and can hold up to 15 lbs although I would not recommend much more then 10.

(VT-2100 on left)

All the knobs are plastic and aren’t the most robust. So don’t go over tightening them.

The quick release plate works great. I have an older tripod with pretty much the exact same plate design and it has worked great for 3 years. Even though it is plastic.

Actual operation of the VT-2100 is very smooth. There is no speed adjustments so no whip pans.

I think this tripod is a great solution to 3 types of shooters.

1. New DSLR Video Shooters - Anyone getting started with their first camera looking for an affordable tripod should find this helpful. Its very smooth and its fast and easy to setup.
2. Traveling Shooters - The VT-2100 packs down to 25 inches and is under 5 lbs. Which would make it a decent option for a travel tripod.
3. Affordable Second Tripod - Its always handy to have a 2nd tripod. You never know when one might break or if you will need to lend one to your second shooter.

Pearstone VT-2500B $150

All in all the VT-2500B is a decent tripod. But I don’t know if the price to quality ratio is a desirable one. Lets start with the pros.

I like the operation of the tripod with a lightweight rig/camera package.

I really like the bowl and level setup. This makes getting level shots on any terrain fast and easy.

The leg clamps and center mount make closing up the legs very fast and efficient.

Things were looking good for this mid-grade tripod until I tried mounting my Cinevate slider… Now the Cinevate Atlas 10 FLT is a man’s slider. All metal and pretty heavy. I mounted my slider to the VT-2500B and locked the head down and performed a couple slide shots and to my disappointment the whole head rocked back and forth… I isolated the wiggle down to the base of the tripod bowl. It seems that there is a gap that was created to get smoother pans but when weight is applied to an extreme left or right, the tripod rocks to that side. (see gap in image below).

This is kind of lame.

So if you use a slider on one tripod you might consider the D&S Provista tripod for $15 more than the $150 VT-2500B.

Other than that I think for the price this is a decent tripod.

I have been using the H4n for as long as I have been shooting on HDSLRs. It has taken good care of me and I have not had any major problems with it. So if people think I am being unfair to the H4n they should also try the Tascam DR100… They might find themselves picking one up. Even though the H4n has become the most used audio recorder by HDSLR shooters, I believe the DR100 MkII has a serious edge on it.

Gear Mentioned:

Tascam DR100 MkII

Zoom H4n

There is a wonderful world of manual lenses out there. This guide is dedicated to using Nikkor lenses on Canon, and other camera mounts.

Here is what we will be covering:

1. [1:45] Different Types of Nikkor Lenses (NON-AI, AI, and AIS)
2. [5:25] How to Adapter the Nikon Mount to Canon and Others
3. [9:49] Why Use Manual Nikkors?
4. [12:50] Where to Buy Nikkor Lenses
5. [14:20] How to Customize These Lenses for Video

Links and Notes:

• Nikon compatibility chart I mention at xxx in the video can be found here.
• KEH.com for lenses. Remember EX is the best but if you need to save money and don’t mind a slightly more used lens then the BGN rating will get the price down a little farther. My own rule is if I am spending more than $300 on the lens I get EX or EX+. I’d hate to buy a 50mm F1.2 for $500 at the BGN level and have it be in bad shape.
• Here is a list of the AIS lenses I have bought from KEH:
• 28mm F2, 35mm F2, 50mm F1.4, 85mm F2, 100mm F2.8.
• You might want to check out this article on spotting the difference between NON-AI, AI, and AIS if you do a lot of garage sale or craigslist shopping.

Gear Mention in this video:

Nikon to Canon EOS Adatper

Canon Rear Cap

52-77mm Step-up Ring

Front Lens Cap

Also check out the lens gears from WideOpenCamera.com.

Do you have any tips for adapter Nikkors to different camera mounts?

1. Got it Cheap

I got a good deal on a used body. Of course now I am kicking myself because Canon is selling Refurbished 5DmkII’s for under $1800 at the moment (new going price is $2199 today on B&H). This HAD to happen a few days after I got a really good offer and bought a used one… Oh well. My point is if you are patient you can find a good deal. The 5D and 7D are both super tough cameras and I feel very safe buying used because of that.

2. I Don’t Think the Price of the 5D2 Will Go Down

I could be wrong but I really don’t think the price of new 5DmkII’s will be going down anytime soon. If you read the comments from this post a lot of people are excited about the 5D3 only because they think the 5D2 will go down in price… The 5D2 still holds a lot of value, so I don’t think we will be seeing a price drop because the demand isn’t going away.

3. Its About Time

I’ve been shooting with the 7D for 2.5 years and have loved it. Still has a lot over the 5D. BUT da-mn that full frame sensor image is incredible. I’ve shot with the 5D before but owning one and using it with all my lenses has been soooo much fun. And still having an APS-C now gives me double the lens use.

4. Resell Value

The pro level DSLR bodies seem to hold a lot of value over the years. So I think I will get a decent amount when I sell of my camera bodies to upgrade down the road.

5. I Need It

Lets not forget why we be buy gear in the first place… I’ve said before a lot of what I do involves interviews and a lot of the time these interviews are in tight areas. That larger sensor is going to be so nice in an A/B camera setup. She outa tag team nicely with the 7D. So bye bye Sony 5n. Its been real.

Conclusion.

If you can afford the 5D3 then go for it (good write up here on that subject). I don’t think it’s a wise move in my situation. A 5D2 is a fun cam and heck, it’s been good enough for some big gigs so I am happy.

So what’s your take on the subject? You making any moves to/from a 5D?