Konova just announced the availability of their Manual Crank upgrade kit for Konova Sliders. This should work with the smaller K3 and larger K5 sliders assuming you have the new version adjustable legs. If you have an earlier version Konova slider, there is an upgrade kit available for the new legs. Check out the Konova slider and upgrade kits on their website (click here).
Konova Slider Manual Crank System Upgrade Kit
This Kodak Zi10 HD Pocket Video Camera normally runs for $179 dollars (seen here), but today there’s a deal blast for just $39.99. The Zi10 has a 3 inch touch screen, HDMI output, 4x Zoom, image stabilization features, and shoots in full 1080p. These are factory refurbished cameras, but at that price it’s a great deal. You can find them on blast right now following the link (click here).
Kodak Zi10 HD Video Digital Camera
A little bit of creative lighting can go a LONG way in photography and video. One of the major perks of shooting on a DSLR is the ability to get a very shallow depth of field. Keeping your aperture very low (f/2.0, f/1.7, etc.) introduces that beautiful defocused look or bokeh that is so highly sough after. Creating points of light for style and contrast in your images can really give the final outcome a completely different look. A few days ago I talked about the introduction of a rim or hair light and how this technique is used to separate your subject from the background. It also really adds to the overall aesthetics of the image, as this technique gives dimension and depth. Dimension and depth, these two factors take an image from flat to interesting very quickly, but how can you begin to put this concept into practice? There are quite a few ways to doing this but here I’ll focus on lighting. A rim light is the first step. Beyond introducing a rim light, you can also add small pools of light to accent scenes or act as points of bokeh in the background. Each of these techniques will add to the depth and dimensional value of the shots.
Get creative with your lighting sources and usage. Remember, once you defocus what the actual light source is or conceal it and use only the light itself, the viewer only sees what you want them to see. Think about the positioning of the lights as well. Is the light source coming from beneath or above the subject, in front of or behind? Techniques like rack focusing can also further help you to direct the viewer’s focus in video to the focal points you want them to look at. The video below shows some blurred highlights made from hanging Christmas string lights.
Creative lighting with Cheap LED Christmas Lights
Creative Lighting ideas with String Lights / Christmas Lighting
Are you guys using any creative lighting sources for your work? Share!
16.4 Ft RGB Color Changing Kit with LED Flexible Strip, Controller + Remote and 12 Volt Kit
Canon 60D. Tokina 11-16mm 2.8. Flycam Nano (first generation).
OTech reader, Veronica, recently asked me about a few different handheld stabilizers. After some discussion and research, my best bet for the price range she’s considering would have to be the DSLR Flycam Nano. This is a light and relatively affordable stabilizer that uses a stage for the camera, a wheelbarrow bearing gimbal system and a telescopic drop feature that allows you to control balance aside from adding extra counter weights. It is specified that the DSLR Flycam Nano can support a payload of about 4.5 lbs. I personally think that number can be pushed a bit. The only drawback to a heavy load though is muscle fatigue after long shoot times.
As with any stabilizers, the real trick is within finding the perfect balance for your setup. Next comes the art of flying it properly (this take a bit of practice but you get the feel for it quickly). The Flycam does not have the ability to micro adjust so this can get tricky with this particular stabilizer. Any slight adjustments or changes to your setup will throw the center of balance off entirely, keep this in mind.
Tech Specs
Aluminum build
Weights made of MS nikle
Each weight disc diameter: 65mm
Each weight thickness: 4.5mm
The weight fastening screw: 1/4″
Stabilizer weight: 1.60 Kg
Weight of one weight disc: 95grm
Length of Stabilizer: 14.5″
Complete Length with telescopic: 22.5″
Top plate dimensions: 7″ (L) x 4″(L)
Diameter of sled: 23mm
The smaller version is Flycam’s Nano for camera setups up to 1.5 lbs. This version is not as improved as the DSLR version. The stage and bearings have been changed for the DSLR edition to address user concerns about balance (still no micro adjustments for either stabilizer). There are also to be heavier counter weights for the DSLR version.
Tech Specs
Aluminum build
Weights made of MS nikle
Each weight disc diameter: 48mm
Each weight thickness: 4mm
Weight of one weight disc: 54grm
The weight fastening screw: 1/4″
Stabilizer weight: 2.2lbs
Length of Stabilizer: 10″
Complete Length with telescopic: 14″
Top plate dimensions: 5.25″ (L) x 3″(L)
Diameter of sled: 16.25mm
When shooting video, it cannot be denied; lighting plays a major role in the final outcome. Unlike audio, lighting can be shaped more liberally to suit a style or look. There are so many elements to lighting, each with its specific purpose and function. I want to focus in on what a rim light is. What is a rim light? How do you use a rim light? How does a rim light effect the look of your shot? Let’s scratch the surface of this technique and shine some insight on the rim light. In this video of the Diva Ring Light, we use a second ring light as our hair light source to my upper left side.
A rim light is also referred to as a back light, a hair light or even as a shoulder light. The purpose of a rim light is to separate the subject from the background. This light adds dimension and contrast to the shot. It serves to help focus your attention by adding a highlight around the subject. The back light is positioned behind the focal point and illuminates a rim of light which subtly outlines the intended subject. The introduction of this highlight is where the separation occurs. Often times the rim light is brighter on one side and easier to position on either the left or right but this practice doesn’t necessarily apply to every situations.
Note the position of your back light and play around with it. Is the light above or below the eyeline? This can effect the mood and overall look of the image. The treatment of your rim light can vary in orientation, color and intensity.
I just want to open up this technique as I’m curious about what you guys are using and how you’re back lighting your subjects. Do you guys have any tips on rim lighting? Are you using any creative or unusual light sources? Share! I love new ideas.
The Diva Ring Light comes in either a 12 or an 18 inch diameter ring all found at the store (click here).
18 and 12 inch Diva Ring Light Beauty Ring
Amazon Deal of The Day- $69.99 for Adobe Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements 10. This is already a little over 53% fulfilled! If you missed this week’s earlier Adobe Deal from B&H, now is your chance to grab it from Amazon’s Limited time Gold Box offers!!
Adobe PhotoShop Elements and Adobe Premiere Bundle
This is an awesome sale for a tool that can add high production value to your videos. While other sliders might be too heavy and are overkill for smaller cameras, here’s one to be considered. Varavon makes the lightest roller bearing sliders available on the market complete with bag, and adjustable legs / feet. Two versions are available from 24″ to 32″. You can find them on sale right now following the link
Varavon Slim Video Camera Slider SaleVaravon Lightweight Roller Bearing Slim Slider
This Belkin 300w DC/AC inverter is going for 74% off right now on Amazon
A lot of readers ask me about the portability of the Manfrotto 561BHDV-1. Here is a common question from OTech reader, Ryan:
“Hi, I just ordered the Manfrotto 561BHDV-1 and noticed on the specs that the minimum height is 2.5′ is this with the head or without? My main concern is that I am traveling and was hoping to bring this with in my pack. I am a little worried about the length and overall size. What do you think? We will be backpacking a little and on the move. Maybe not worth lugging that thing around? Oh, and is it easy to take the head off? Everyone seems to love this thing, but not sure how well it travels. Thanks for your insight and your hard work!”
Ryan, the Manfrotto 561BHDV-1 is 2.5′ WITH the head and just above 26″ without the head attached. My suggestion for traveling is this, if you don’t mind detaching and packing the head separately, it’s a relatively compact monopod for the quality and versatility you will get with it. The only real downside is the speed of setup. The head only adds a few inches, but this certainly is something to consider when you’re traveling. With those few inches comes the pan bar! Here is a full review of the Manfrotto 560 and 561 monopods.
 Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod 
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 Manfrotto 561BHDV-1 Fluid Monopod w/ Head 
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Just a few days ago, the web was hyped up with discounts for Adobe Lightroom 3 for just $80 dollars. I missed out in sharing that information with you guys, but it turned out to be a good thing. Today Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 (for Mac and Windows) and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and Adobe Premiere Elements 10 are BOTH going for only $69.95 today only at B&H. There is a limit of one of one each SKU number per person. That means you get $200 off of the retail price for Lightroom 3 and $60 off retail cost for Photoshop and Premiere Elements 10. Awesome deal if you’re looking to buy! You can put that money towards other toys.. like iPhone apps and an Ollo lens. lol
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 Software for Mac & Windows
Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 & Premiere Elements 10 for Mac & Windows
Bloggers out there often times are recording themselves in a room.. all alone. One aspect of videos that I cannot stress enough is solid audio. Your viewers are more likely to sit through a crappy shower curtain backdrop than they are to willing to suffer through screeching peaks or inaudible words. You can get a lavalier microphone to plug into a Zoom H1 for around $20 these days. They’re good enough to get the job done. I would know, I use them from time to time for OTech videos. If you want to keep your setup to a minimum and cut back on as many costs as possible, how about recording directly into your external recorder? Booming a microphone from below might be easier but can totally ruin a shot. Booming the mic from above is going to give you nice sound but, wait.. that’s right, you’re alone. No boom operator. A simple and really inexpensive solution (cheaper than light stands) that I blogged about back last summer is a mic stand with a 1/4″ thread adaptor. Mic stands typically have a 5/8″ male thread, while photo and video gear commonly houses a 1/4″ female thread.
I wanted to breathe some new life into this old video as we used this technique today in the studio and it worked- wonderfully! Hope this helps someone out!
Snapseed is my absolute FAVORITE photo editing app at the moment. Today, as a sweet treat to you all, Snapseed is sharing the love by offering iOS users the regularly $4.99 app for FREE! And the Apple desktop version that retails for $19.99 is 50% off! Saweet. Happy Valentine’s Day <3
Normally a kit like this will cost you This same kit will cost you $1599 (see here) and that’s even with the Instant rebate going on, but right now there’s a deal blast going on for a few minutes for $1299. Great Deal!
With all of these incredible Micro Four Thirds cameras surfacing, I’ve been feeling a bit blue over the lack of lenses available to accomodate this growing market. The smaller size of mirrorless cameras makes for great action shooting. Researching tonight I delved into fisheyes. A fisheye lens is an ultra wide angle lens that gives a spherical view of the environment you’re shooting. The 180º field of view is responsible for the curvature at the edges of the outer corners that gives this lens its distinct look. Fisheye lenses are capable of allowing you to get in close to your subject. This perspective can really exaggerate the fisheye and look very cool for video.
I like YouTube user, JardannM’s usage of his Rokinon 8mm fisheye in the video above. It’s a simple clip but notice how he bends lines and changes up the perspective to emphasize the ultra wide angle. Using a wide angle lens will also reduce the appearance of micro vibrations and hand shake, which is why it’s common to find it camera footage that requires the operator to move around quickly.
Quick Specs
180 degrees angle of view
Aperture range of F/3.5 ~ 22
180 degree angle of view
Built-in petal type hood
The Rokinon 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye is also available for other popular camera companies like Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, and Olympus.
Rokinon 8mm for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus
Another very popular lens is the 7.5mm Fisheye found for smaller Micro Four Thirds cameras (found here).
Rokinon 7.5mm Fisheye for MFT
The desktop software version for SnapSeed was announced at PMA in Las Vegas, and originally released for $19.99. Today I noticed that it’s currently on sale for just $9.99! You can find SnapSeed for the desktop on the App Store or a link to their website at http://www.snapseed.com.
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