I had the pleasure of using the ALZO Transformer DSLR rig over the past few weeks and am really impressed. I was also fortunate enough to be able to film Betty White for a documentary she has been involved with recently. I have taken a Redrock rig, and my tripod, but ended up using the Transformer for the entire day. The schedule for the shoot got scrapped and completely changed. The Alzo transformer saved my bacon, its so light and was perfect for moving quickly and still giving me stability.
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Wish you could get long smooth slider shots? Only have 80 bucks? Say hello to the CineMover. This is a great simple slider chassis that you can use on any track you can find. Check out the video below to see how its creator J.G. Pasterjak has used it.
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Don’t mess around with cheap card readers! Spend the 25 bucks and get a good one that with last you a while and keep your data safe.
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Over the past year DSLRs have become a powerful tool utilized in cinema. From indie production to hollywood work, they have become a tool that is taken seriously by filmmakers everywhere. And now thanks to Focal Press and Kurt Lancaster, there is finally a physical guide to using them.
There are some cons to publishing a detailed guide like this on paper. But its sooo nice to have a physical book with this many features in ones hands.
Learn to think more like a cinematographer than a videographer, whether shooting for a feature, short fiction, documentary, video journalism, or even a wedding. DSLR Cinema offers insight into different shooting styles, real-world tips and techniques, and advice on postproduction workflow as it guides you in crafting a film-like look.
Also be sure to check out Cinematography: Theory and practice (the second book I mentioned):
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I have been super impressed with this LED panel. Here are some of my thoughts:
- Daylight Balanced – If you have Tungsten (3200K) lights you will need to convert them to daylight or visa-versa.
- Small – These will be awesome for traveling.
- Dimmer – Great feature for getting the luminance perfect.
- Battery – If you can get the battery version I would.
- Light Power – I have the 600 version, seems a wee bit weak for anything other than 1 person interviews etc. You might want to consider getting a 900 or 1200.
Here is the breakdown of the different Models:
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The ePhoto 600 is the Smallest size panel in the series. I found it makes for a great 1 subject light or background light to support larger lights.
- 600LED, 14.8V DC power, Voltage: 110V-230V
- 5400K LED color temperature, with 3 gels
- Size: 12″ x 12″ x 2″ Weights: 5lbs
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The
ePhoto 900 is the second highest powered LED in the light series. I found this to be the best model to by first if you are getting started with LED lights.
- 1200 LED, 24V DC power, Voltage: 110V-230V
- 5400K LED color temperature, with 3 gels
- Light intensity: 1m :9500 lux, 2m :3300 lux 3m :1600 lux
- Size: 16″ x 12″ x 2″ Weights: 6.5lbs
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The
ePhoto 1200 is the most powerful of the LED series and makes for a great indoor key light or outdoor fill.
- 1200 LED, 24V DC power, Voltage: 110V-230V
- 5400K LED color temperature, with 3 gels
- Light intensity: 1m :9500 lux, 2m :3300 lux 3m :1600 lux
- Size: 16″ x 12″ x 2″ Weights: 6.5lbs
You can find a bag for these lights
here.
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Its always difficult to find affordable gear that is of high quality. Well in the case of support rods, I’ve found a great brand that offers a strong affordable set of rods.
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I had a chance to sit down with director Kevin Otterness a while back and talk about what he is up to and many other topics. We covered breaking into film, film education, whether film school is important or not, gear, and how to find and create story. For more information on what Kevin is up to, check out his blog, and/or follow him on twitter @KevinOtterness.
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DSLRs have a tendency to twist while on a tripod or rig. In this episode, I show you how to make an affordable anti-twist plate for your DSLR.
Show Notes:
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As more camera manufacturers develop larger sensor cameras, camera mounts, and lens systems I believe its wise to consider what mount type you invest in. I explain my plan in this episode.
Show Notes:
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Canon Battery Grips
Amazon
| B&H
- Similar button feel to camera.
- Higher quality latches.
- Expensive.
Zeikos Battery Grips
Amazon | B&H
- Affordable.
- Very nice grip feel.
- Wheel has less quality than the Canon.
Vello Battery Grips
B&H
- Affordable.
- Very similar to Canon grips.
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