OliviaTech NAB 2012 Coverage Episode 3

May 17 2012 by Olivia in NAB 2012 |No Comments

In this installment of OliviaTech NAB 2012 coverage, we get a sneak peek at:

  • Rosco gives us a preview of their new Light Loop.
  • Ben from GoPro schools me on their Wi-Fi Bacpac and Flat Lens Housing.
  • Wide Open Camera’s Kris and Karol give me an ear full.
  • Konova shows me their motorized Skater Dolly.
  • Swedish Chameleon introduces us to their Gravity Rig and The Tiny

    • More NAB2012 Episodes
    Episode 1: http://goo.gl/RQCUK
    Episode 2: http://goo.gl/c3RsL
    Episode 3: http://goo.gl/fKKOz

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    OliviaTech NAB 2012 Coverage Episode 2

    May 13 2012 by Olivia in NAB 2012 |15 Comments

    In this OliviaTech NAB 2012 Coverage episode we see:

  • Prompter People teleprompters for the iPad, the ultralight series and the standard DSLR series.
  • Wes at SmallHD gives us the scoop on their new DP7 field monitor.
  • Robin at Zacuto details all the specs on their new plasma light.
  • Lawrence from Rubber Monkey (New Zealand) shares with me what he is excited to see at NAB 2012.
  • EasyRig (found here) shows and tells us about their big and mini rigs that are sure to save your back!

    • More NAB2012 Episodes
    Episode 1: http://goo.gl/RQCUK
    Episode 2: http://goo.gl/c3RsL
    Episode 3: http://goo.gl/fKKOz

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    Limited B&H Discounts on CF and SD Memory Cards

    May 11 2012 by Olivia in Storage |3 Comments

    B&H is offering discounts on CF and SD Cards right now for a limited time. Thanks to OTech reader, Kurt for the tip off! Find the discounts following the link (click here).


    B&H CF and SD Discounted Cards- Limited Offer

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    Nexto NVS-AIR – Wireless Data Viewing

    May 9 2012 by Olivia in NAB 2012, Storage |No Comments

    At NAB 2012, Nexto had a new product to show off, the Nexto NVS-Air. The new Air gives users the ability to, via Wi-Fi, send preview footage away from the Nexto to anyone at a different location. You can connect and watch the footage from the Nexto NVS Air on a remote device.

    The NVS-Air can backup both video and stills from SxS and P2/P2E directly via their card slots, CF and SD/SDXC/SDHC via an adapter, and MS memory cards at speeds as high as 90 MB/s for SxS and 80 MB/s for CF. Once bit by bit verification is complete, users may then opt to preview the footage on the drive’s built-in 2.4” LCD screen or play the video and audio with time code on their iPhone, iPad, or Android device. To connect wirelessly to your iPhone, iPad or Android device, users simply set the NVS-Air to Wi-Fi mode and then use either SAFARI or Internet on their device to play the footage. NextoDI also plans to eventually offer an App for iOS devices to further support the preview capability with various cameras.

    In addition to its quick back up speeds and Wi-Fi capability, this high performance drive also carries several other features and benefits to ensure its reliability, durability and flexibility in the field:

    - It comes with a 750 GB internal 2.5” SATA hard drive that is forward compatible to 2TB.

    - Users can make two copies in a single backup to both the internal drive and an external USB or eSATA drive. In fact, it comes with an additional external eSATAp 750 GB hard drive so it is already set up for simultaneous backup.

    - USB 2.0, FireWire 400 and FireWire 800 computer interfaces.

    - Its bit by bit verification ensures 100% backup success, and it also notifies you if the memory card is corrupt or if the hard drive is faulty.

    - Safety features include a free fall sensor that automatically locks the head so no data is lost, rugged housing to protect the unit from external shock and internal shock absorbers.

    - It can also support a Blu-Ray Burner.

    The NVS-Air will come with the external HDD, a rechargeable Li-Poly battery that powers up both drives, a shock protection rubber jacket. a holding case for the external HDD, a carrying case, a Compact Flash adapter, an AC adapter, USB, FireWire800 and eSATA cables, car charger, an external battery holder for four standard AA cell batteries (sold separately) and a two year warranty.

    The Air is said to launch around September of 2012. Nexto has other drive devices available currently, less the Wi-Fi spec, at a range of price points. ** My question is this, would you rather have a handful of CF cards or something like the Nexto? And why…


    Nexto Storage Devices

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    Sirui T-005 Travel Size Tripod

    May 9 2012 by Olivia in Tripods Fluid Heads |1 Comment

    OTech reader Dwayne, recently sent me an email about his Sirui T-005 Tripod:

    “Hi Olivia, I found this tripod on B&H and Amazon. It’s Sirui T-005. It
    folds down to less than 12 inches. I bought it for $129.00 it was a
    great alternative to Gitzo and Benro. The only con was not the ball
    head but plate. I found a replacement plate but retails for $40. Just
    a FYI … I just like a tripod that can fit in my back pack and
    unseen. Love the work you do … keep it up.”

    Gitzo and Benro tripods are great and all, but they can also cost a pretty penny. The Sirui is small for travel and runs at a fraction of the cost. For this summer’s upcoming adventures, this might be an option to consider. Thanks for the tip, Dwayne!


    Sirui T-005 Tripod


    Sirui QR Plate

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    Additional Quick Release Plate for Ravelli AVTP Tripods

    May 8 2012 by Olivia in Tripods Fluid Heads |8 Comments

    OTech reader, Benny sent me this email recently:
    “I saw your post about the Ravelli AVTP tripods (CLICK HERE for the blog post)… I own one but
    cannot, not for the lack of searching the web) find any company named
    Ravelli, much less replacement quick release plates. Any advice or help would be appreciated.

    Sincerely,
    Benny”

    In my inability to find an answer on my own, I reached out to my Twitter and Facebook friends to draw some insight. Greg saves the day with his Amazon find. Mister, Greg.. thank you for your help in finding the solution to this problem as I’ve discovered quite a few people were also looking for the same quick release plate from Ravelli. According to the reviews, this Giottos MH621 Quick Release Adapter is also compatible with the Weifeng 717 and Glidecam HD series. I tested out the Weifeng 717 and it did not work. This QR adaptor can be mounted on the Glidecam’s cheese plate as there are holes at the top. The Giottos MH621 IS in fact a solution for an additional QR plate for the Ravelli AVTP fluid head.


    Giottos MH621 Quick Release Adapter with Short Sliding Plate camera mount


    Ravelli AVTP Professional 55″ 75mm Video Camera Tripod with Fluid Drag Head

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    OliviaTech NAB 2012 Coverage Episode 1

    May 7 2012 by Olivia in NAB 2012 |4 Comments

    NAB 2012 was busting at the seams with new cameras, gear and software- to name a few. In this first installment of an OliviaTech NAB 2012 series of show coverage, we take a look at a few familiar (and some perhaps not so familiar) companies as they show us what they’re showing off for 2012.

    Episode 1

  • Thomas from Glidecam shows off the new XR1000 (found here) and the HD1000 (found here).
  • At the Swit booth we take a look at a single chip array LED light, the S-2050.
  • I run into OTech readers Jason & Lisa who tell me about their NAB favorites..
  • Jehu at Jag35 gives us a preview of their new Red Line.
  • Lilli gives us the scoop on the Fotodiox Lighting with the 876 LED, 508 LED, 411 LED Ring Light and their new wide angle filter holder.
  • And last but certainly not least, Kadir from Edelkrone gives us the specs on their popular Pocket Rig.

    • More NAB2012 Episodes
    Episode 1: http://goo.gl/RQCUK
    Episode 2: http://goo.gl/c3RsL
    Episode 3: http://goo.gl/fKKOz

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    ProJive XLR for Connecting a Professional Mic to your iPhone, iPod, or iPad

    May 6 2012 by Olivia in Audio, iPhone |No Comments

    Felipe from Chile reached out to me for suggestions regarding gear for iPhone4S video shooting. As he was telling me about his audio setup, I realized that he’ll be using the same Fostex AR-4i that I saw a few bloggers shooting with at NAB 2012. I’m seeing more and more iPhone shooters using the Fostex AR-4i. Capturing quality audio means that you must get your subject as close to the microphone as possible. Beyond that, XLR mics typically produce better audio than 3.5mm mini jack mics. Felipe informed me that he’ll be using lav mics (did not specify which) with the Fostex AR-4i to improve the sound for his interview style videos. For those of you who are seriously attempting to test the limits of iPhone shooting, in terms of audio, XLR mics would probably be the best choice. The ProJive’s CableJive is a smart solution for this. It does require a microphone that is self powered. You can also monitor your audio with the CableJive while recording which is really pretty cool.



    CableJive: ProJive XLR Microphone Adapter for iPhone, iPod, iPad and Android Devices



    Fostex AR-4i Audio interface for iPhone4

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    Canon Double Cash Instant Savings

    May 6 2012 by Olivia in Cameras, Lenses |No Comments


    Are you in the market for a new DSLR? A 5D Mark III perhaps? Maybe you’re also looking to purchase some new lenses for those summer gigs? Right now Canon is offering rebate savings on B&H and Amazon where you can double up on rebates with your purchases. This Canon double rebate deal is only valid until June 2, 2012 so if you’re looking to buy, now is the time.

    On B&H you can choose your camera and lens to see what your rebate total will add up to. It’s kind of like building a burger from a menu.. sort of.

    Canon DOUBLE CASH Instant Savings



    Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

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    Oh, the Possibilities with a Frio Universal Hotshoe Mount

    May 6 2012 by Olivia in Camera Accessories |No Comments

    The Frio universal hotshoe mount allows you to connect, combine and create. Your typical hotshoe is constructed out of metal so it can conduct an electrical current to communicate with a flash causing it to fire when the two are connected. A cold shoe has no metal therefore no electrical current can be passed through. So technically, Frio is a universal coldshoe mount that can connect to any standard 1/4 male thread, giving you the ability to securely mount any of your hotshoe gear. The Frio has a dual locking system to ensure the safety of your stuff! The lock makes certain that your gear won’t go flying off of the mount. Removal is easy and must be deliberate.

    Although this video was published about a year ago, OTech reader, Craig, recently asked about it for his Vagabond Mini. Craig wanted a solution for mounting his hotshoe compatible accessory onto a light stand. Frio offers both a hotshoe mount and 1/4-20″ threaded versions so you can maximize your mounting possibilities with peace of mind- and who doesn’t love that? You can find the Frio universal cold shoe adapters on Amazon (click here).


    Frio Universal ColdShoe Adapters

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    Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 ASPH Micro 4/3 Lens

    May 4 2012 by Olivia in Lenses |3 Comments

    Example video with the Leica 25mm F/1.4 which is probably equivalent to 50mm on the Micro Four Thirds camera. A very sharp lens with a wide aperture for out of focus images and great for low light shooting. The bokeh on this bad boy is going to look absolutely stunning. So far, I cannot find a retailer that beats B&H’s bottomed out $539 price point on the Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 ASPH Micro 4/3 Lens. Find it at B&H (click here).


    Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 ASPH Micro 4/3 Lens

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    Varavon Slidecam Lite Modifications

    May 4 2012 by Olivia in Info, Stabilizer |7 Comments

    Varavon has improved their Slidecam Lite Slider by resolving some minor issues that now make the newest version even better. In the video above I compare their original Slidecam Lite rail design that was equipped with a passthrough 1/4-20″ and 3/8-20″ hole to their newest design which leaves the slider rail as a single solid metal piece with the 1/4-20″ and 3/8-20″ threads at a dedicated base plate for mounting. In the original version, the holes could pose as a problem when the older braking system was sitting low. Another Slidecam Lite update is the placement of the brake. Now, the carrier brake pad is located on the outside of the trolley which is easier to access.

    I shot this video in Maui this February with the Sony NEX-7 on a Slidecam Lite.

    Varavon Slidecam Lite Sample w/ Sony NEX-7 from Olivia Speranza on Vimeo.

    The Slidecam Lite is one of the smoothest, most affordable, and most portable little sliders on the market. The Slidecam Lite is available in 24″ (2 feet) and 32″. You can find the Varavon Slidecam Lite following the link (click here).


    Varavon Slidecam Lite 24″ and 32″ Portable Video Slider

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    Sony Bloggie 1080p Touch Screen Bloggie – Daily Deal

    May 4 2012 by Olivia in Cameras |No Comments

    Great price on refurbished Sony 1080p Touch Screen Bloggie Camcorders. It’s a daily deal via eBay and in just a few hours has already sold almost 1,300 units. You can find it on eBay following the link (click here).


    Sony 1080p Camcorder Touchscreen Bloggie

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    Canon’s 60Da Now Available on B&H

    May 4 2012 by Olivia in Cameras |3 Comments

    Canon’s 60Da, dubbed the Astrophotography DSLR, shows off an almost carbon copy thumb print to the 60D but differs significantly with its new IR filter. The new IR filter has been upgraded to optimize infrared light sensitivity. What does this all mean? The 60Da’s IR cut filter is modified to achieve a hydrogen-alpha (Hα) light (656nm) transparency approximately three times higher than the EOS 60D allowing crisp, clear images of reddish, diffuse nebulae. The 60Da is the best drawn DSLR arsenal for capturing photos of space. Where average cameras put your long exposures in danger of too much noise, the 60Da is promising to outperform.
    It sounds like this camera will be available in limited quantities so I’m curious whether this will be picked up for the collectors, professionals or hobbyists. Thoughts?

    Quick Specs
    Interchangeable Lens DSLR
    Canon EF
    APS-C (22.3 x 14.9mm)
    CMOS
    DIGIC 4
    18MP
    Infrared Light Sensitivity: H-alpha light transparency (656 nm)
    5.3 fps Continuous Shooting
    9 AF points (cross type)
    Frame Rates
    1080: 30, 25, 24 fps
    720: 60, 50 fps
    480: 30, 25 fps


    Canon 60Da DSLR Astrophotography Camera

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    DIY Lighting for Studio Sets – LED Pinspot and Router Speed Controller as Dimmer

    May 1 2012 by Olivia in DIY, Lighting |18 Comments

    Recently a quick music video was shot in our studio and I wanted to give you guys some ideas for creating your own inexpensive sets. Here I show you how a simple and cheap DJ Pinspot LED Light and some cheap outdoor flood lights to add interest to the scene. The flood lights are using basic light sockets and are just tie strapped to the truss. One nice option is that these flood lights come in a variety of colors if you wanted to add a splash of color to your scene.



    Colored Outdoor Flood Lights

    We plugged all four lights into a surge protector, and connected the surge protector to a Router Speed Controller which gave us the ability dim the lights. This is a great tip, because most Tungsten or Halogen light kits you purchase may not come with a dimmer and you have to purchase this separately.


    (DIY Light Dimmer Switch) SE Stepless Speed Controller

    Here is a snapshot of the set shown in the video above. This is the set completely naked.

    To mount our lighting for the set, we used simple tie straps to mount the light sockets onto an inexpensive DJ Truss system. These Truss systems are very lightweight, yet sturdy frames for mounting our background and rim lights. The kit can be broken down and transported in bags if you need to setup in a remote location.


    DJ Truss System Portable Tripod Lighting System with T Bars

    There are also four can lights (located above the flood lights and in front of me) with colored gels to create the lighting for this set. The router speed controller is a cheaper way to dim video lights, than if you were to purchase a dedicated video light dimmer. You can also find ways to DIY one for yourself, but if you’re not familiar with electrical wiring, the Router Speed controller is found for around $20 dollars.

  • We are using 4 100W Outdoor Flood Light bulbs, the Router speed control should be able to handle up to 1000W, has a voltage capacity of 120 AC and a built in fuse of 15 amps for safety.
  • This speed control has variable speeds or full run via a speed knob and an on/off option with a rocker switch.

    • Another lighting trick I show is the single DJ pinspot LED spotlight. This $35 light produces a very tight spotlight effect in a dark studio. We were having a hard time getting a solid spot light using other LED video lights, and this simple spotlight really added the impact as a creative light source. It’s not a very powerful light, but our 5D Mark II and Mark III cameras are able to handle this with a higher ISO setting. This particular Pinspot LED came with color gels and an extra lens included in the box to change the beam angle. If you guys have other cheap and creative lighting tips, please share in the comments.


    Pinspot DJ Led Powered Metal Housing

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