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

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

In this OliviaTech NAB 2012 Coverage episode we see:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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