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Zacuto: The Great Camera Shootout 2011: episode two

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Brent Pierce

Zacuto continues their “Great Camera Shootout” today by releasing part 2 of the extensive camera comparison. These tests and comparisons are super informative and really in depth. They have more information on their website.

Here’s episode 1 below. Episode is on their site. Click the link below the video.

LINK: The Great Camera Shootout 2011: SCCE ~ Episode Two

DSLR intervalometer for $20

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Brent Pierce

Everyone loves doing timelapse photography, right? One of the main reasons someone would not dive into the timelapse world, is the fact that name brand intervalometers, or “timer remotes,” are way too overpriced. Well, lucky for us, there’s a “knock-off” timer remote on Ebay that does everything you would need it to do. I personally own the Canon 60D version, and I recommend this to anyone that asks about purchasing an intervalometer.

This timer remote comes in at roughly $20 and is very simple to use. There are 4 main setting that are available:

SELF TIMER: (Labeled as “SELF”) A timer countdown to a shutter release. Example: set a 10 second timer so you can run in on a family photo.
INTERVALOMETER: (Labeled as “INT.”) A recurring timer that releases the shutter in desired intervals. Most common setting for timelapse photography.
LONG EXPOSURE: (Labeled as “LONG”) Controls the shutter speed if not controlled in camera. This setting goes beyond the maximum 30 second exposure in most cameras.
FRAME: (Labeled as “FRAMES”) Set a desired amount of shots.

You can combine any of the 4 setting with each other. For instance, If you want to start a timelapse in 6 hours, have it take 60 photos that are 15 seconds apart, then you would have your settings like this:

SELF: 6:00:00
INT.: 0:00:15
FRAMES: 60

This would be useful for setting a sunrise timelapse if you don’t want to wake up early. The intervalometer will wake the camera up from it’s timeout-sleep when it starts the shutter releases, so no need to worry about wasting battery. There is also a simple shutter release button that will take a picture. You can lock the remote by holding down the “light” button for 5 seconds. Unlock it the same way. Good to know, especially if the camera is setup around alot of nosy people. You can reset ALL of the settings back to zero by pressing “mode/light/side button” simultaneously.

This timer remote is seriously a steal at this price. It’s on Ebay, by the seller “LinkDelight.” They have various models listed. The corresponding camera models are listed in the title of each listing, so make sure you get the right one for your camera. Some versions of the timer have a few different camera models that they work with, so don’t let that throw you off.

This thing is very simple to use. In fact, I did the below astro-timelapse with this timer remote.

Click the image below.

RED Epic with Tom Guilmette

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Brent Pierce

Tom Guilmette just got his hands on a RED EPIC and created a quick video blog showing briefly what the EPIC is capable of. Looks like a killer camera. I can’t wait until the day I get to use one. Check it out at the link.
Click here.

Letus 40% off sale. Thursday only!

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Brent Pierce

THIS DEAL IS OVER!

Earlier this week, Letus Direct, an awesome company that makes killer DSLR accessories and rigs, had a 40% off sale via Planet5D that lasted only 1 day. I didn’t have enough time to let you guys know. But, lucky for you guys, they’re doing it again on Thursday.

This sale is huge. 40% could mean hundreds of dollars, depending on what you buy. I snagged a couple products last time. The discount only applies to DSLR products by Letus, and unfortunately excludes the Hawk Viewfinder, and their new Follow Focus (which is actually only in pre-order).

If you’re looking to build your own DSLR shoulder rig, for some reason, Letus’ offset rail block (or “bridge” as they call it) is the cheapest on the net. I’ve looked everywhere and this is the best price by far, especially with the 40% off.

So head on over to Planet5D to get the coupon code and remember, you have to purchase on THURSDAY for the coupon to take effect. Not before, not after.

Click here.

New USB follow focus by LCW

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Brent Pierce

There’s a new usb follow focus on the market. Light Craft Workshop, the people that made the popular 3-stop polarizer, are introducing their newest product, a usb follow focus. It’s not the first time we’ve seen a usb follow focus system, but it’s always good to have more competition in the mix.

A few benefits from having a usb follow focus, vs a normal gear driven follow focus:

You can be far away from the camera, watching an external monitor. This could be great in multiple situations where the focus puller cannot get near the camera.
This system can record a “focus move” to perform later.
Ability to adjust settings via the usb controller. ISO, aperture, shutter speed, EV +/-
Ability to enable recording.

This USB follow focus from Light Craft Workshop, aptly name “The Helmsman,” will cost you $460, but it may very well be worth it. Here’s the details straight from Wide Open Camer’s product page.

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The Light Craft Workshop USB follow focus unit for Canon cameras has a ton of features. We will be taking pre orders for “The Helmsman” USB follow focus and should be shipping by the week of July 18th, 2011. Please stay tuned for more info. Here is the current info supplied from the manufacture.

“This is a USB controller that you can plug in to your Canon camera (e.g. Canon EOS 1D MK IV, 5D MK II, 7D, 60D, 600D (T3i/ Kiss X5), 550D (T2i/ Kiss X3), 1100D (T3/Kiss X50) and other Canon cameras with same USB protocol).”

1. Lens follow focus
2. Adjust follow focusing speed
3. Enable recording
4. Enable live view on LCD monitor
5. Enable live view magnification
6. Enable auto focusing and light metering
7. Customize auto focus zone
8. Customize and memory focusing point
9. Customize ISO, Shutter speed, Aperture, EV+/-
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It’s in the pre-order stage right now, but SHOULD be available next week. I’ll try to get my hands on a review unit to give you guys the scoop.

Click here to pre-order.