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. [...]

Here in Maui, i’m taking the Sony NEX-7 out for a more thorough review (I love it BTW). I’m using the lightweight shoulder pad on a Carry Speed camera strap system. There’s a PMA Las Vegas interview with Carry Speed (found here). Carry Speed is quick to attach or remove from the camera. The camera [...]

When shooting on a monopod, my only qualm is the lack of steadiness that a tripod offers. This is due to the points of contact with the ground. Obviously, as its etymology suggests, a mono-pod only has one (mono) foot or limb (pod). If I only had one foot, I would have serious issues with [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Zeke from Nice Industries shows me his Nice Clip. The Nice Clip is a light weight, low profile clip that sticks to your lens cap so you can clip your cap to your strap, camera bag, pocket, shirt, hat – wherever you want. No more pocket lint covered caps. No more “where did I put [...]

Chris from ThinkTank photo shows us four of their roller bags at PMA CES 2012. I’m a huge fan of the design and build of ThinkTank products so I was especially excited to take a peak at their roller gear. These bags take the term “secure” to a whole new dimension! Chris shows us the [...]

Well, we did it.. the guys and I survived PMA (Photo Marketing Association) and CES (Consumer Electronics Show) this year in Vegas. With the convergence of digital imaging and consumer electronics, PMA decided to move the show to CES, although at a separate location (Sands Convention Center). Here is what PMA stated: • The traditional [...]

OTech and cheesycam reader, Brennan Robideaux, recently bought the Benro AD71FK5 Video Fluid Head Tripod Kit after seeing it featured on Cheesycam.com. Brennan shot a video review of the specs and gave us some example shots at the end of his video (thanks, Bren). The one noticeable qualm with the AD71FK5 was the quick release [...]

When shooting video on a tripod, a video head that provides smooth panning and tilting is crucial. A true fluid head contains fluid cartridges. The cartridges are a system made with two parts that slide one on the other. Inside the system is a special fluid that controls the movement making it extremely soft and [...]

Here is a little teaser I shot on my iPhone 4S of the Cinema Skater dolly carrying a 5D Mark II. The DSLR is sporting the Swivi LCD monitor. The video fluid head is the Manfrotto 501. I’ll have a full video review of this new skater dolly from Kamerar up soon! Cinema DSLR Tri-Wheel [...]

My buddy, Robert, from juicedLink (widely know for their quality audio products) came out with a hands free rig for DSLR shooters. I’m curious to hear what you all think about it. In the video above, Robert shows us what is included in the DIY119B Hands-Free Rig Kit and what the process is for assembling [...]

In the video above, GoPro’s HD HERO2 and HERO are compared for low light capabilities and overall image quality. A sample of the 120fps and an internal/external mic sound test are also shown. At 120fps, only the 170 degree wide angle view is available to shoot at in WVGA. The optional Wi-Fi BacPac and Wi-Fi [...]

B&H is offering the Manfrotto 501HDV Fluid Head & 055XPROB Tripod Kit for a low price with a rebate until December 15 of 2012. The sticks will carry a payload of 15 lbs. and the fluid head can support up to 13 lbs. This isn’t a heavy duty tripod and it’s made out of aluminium. [...]

Vimeo user Benjamin Dowie shot this incredibly impressive video on his Apple iPhone 4S. I had to watch this a few times to really believe what I was seeing with my own eyes. The detail, the sharpness, the freakin depth of field (from a phone!) the overall look of this video and quality of the [...]