Getting around the deficient audio in DSLR video production is always a tricky problem for one reason or another.  There are several ways to do it , depending on which camera you are using but it also depends on whether you want to shoot separate audio tracks and sync in post using Plural Eyes , or whether you want to record straight into the video track on camera.  The latter route will never be as high quality but sometimes you just don’t have time for the extra step in post of syncing and managing the audio files.  Of course the first step to better audio is just to use better microphones and those all have XLR outputs on them so you need a way of connecting XLR’s to your camera.  A popular solution has been the ZOOM H4N and it’s been good at that price point though it was never really designed for this use.  The H4N is several years old now, predating the so-called DSLR revolution in fact, and was designed to record music, both live and at line level through 1/4″ plugs from guitars.  One of the problems with it is the sensitivity of the 1/4″ line in signal is not at a typical line in level so inline pads are required as well as xlr-1/4″ TRS conversion of you want to record a line level signal and bypass the pre amps in the H4N.  For me, no line level XLR input on the H4N is a big shortcoming for the flexibility of it’s usage.

The Tascam DR-100 was also used by quite a few people instead of the H4N but the original version also lacked the line level input that I would like to see.  Tascam has just recently started to ship two new recorders though that BOTH feature mic and line level XLR inputs.  The updated MKII version of the DR-100 and the brand new DR-40 which now takes over from the H4N as the most affordable XLR recorder on the market at around $200.  Let’s take a look at their main features:

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Amazon deal of the day is a ridiculous 70% off Lexar Pro 32GB SDHC cards.

Having broken my tripod recently I decided to look at what the high end of the market has to offer.  A cheap tripod rarely does you any favors and whilst my previous one wasn’t exactly cheap, I’d often wanted a bit more stability and a generally nicer feel to things.  I did a lot of research, read a lot of reviews, blog posts and forum threads and narrowed things quickly down to Gitzo and Really Right Stuff.

TVC-33s with TA-3-LC HK

I’m a big fan of Really Right Stuff products in general and I use their BH-40 ballhead as well as an MH-01 on my monopod so I was interested to watch their development of a tripod lineup over the last couple of years.  Initially they launched the TVC-33 which promised the support capacity of a Gitzo 5-series but in a size and weight that was closer to a Gitzo 3-series.  Those that have ever handled anything made by RRS will know that they are second to none when it comes to quality of machining and construction.  The new carbon fiber tripods are no different but it comes at a price of course.

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Shortly after the launch of the Canon C300 I interviewed one of Canon’s technical staff about the camera.  At the time he mentioned to me that on top of the announced 3 EOS Cine prime lenses there were also two more in development.  One wider and one longer.  I now have a photo of these two prototype lenses, see below.  It’s rare that unannounced lenses are shown so I thought it well worth a mention.  No focal length is known at the moment, if I had to guess I would say 100mm or 135mm and 18mm?

On top of these primes, it would seem that there are also two new Cine zooms in development on top of the two that were officially announced announced alongside the C300.  The 14-60 and the 30-300 that were announced, are MASSIVE lenses and they don’t really fit the C300 form factor for those who want lightweight rigs.  There’s no way they could be handheld or used on Steadicam rigs but here are two NEW Cine zooms that are much much smaller and would seem to target the more portable market.  I’d imagine these will be comparable in spec to the Angenieux 16-42 and 30-80 that are so popular in 3d rigs and Steadicam rigs at the moment though potentially one could offer a longer range like a 70-200 which is a popular lens for DSLR shooters.

When will we see these lenses ?  Perhaps more info at NAB in the spring of 2012 but given the EF Cine primes that we do know about are not due until next summer I wouldn’t count on seeing any of these new ones on shelves until 2013.

 

The Kenti is the latest addition to the popular Mountain Series of bags from F-Stop, designed specifically with outdoor, nature and adventure photographers in mind.  The Kenti brings some very different design features with it though that set it apart from the other bags in the series.  It is (at time of writing) the only camera backpack that I am aware of that features zippered access on both sides of the bag. Two camera bodies with lenses already attached can be quickly reached and stowed away again in record time, if speed is of the essence in your photography then you should definitely read on.

Bag Design & Features

The pack is constructed from Nylon 330 Denier Double Ripstop PU 1500mm DWR.  In other words is damn tough and pretty waterproof !

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Started by world renowned wildlife photographer Andy Biggs, Gura Gear has gathered a strong following from nature and wildlife photographers in the last couple of years with their Kiboko 30L backpack.  The Kiboko was designed by Andy specifically to hold large super telephoto lenses during travel and in the field.  It’s take a few years but this past Autumn, Gura Gear expanded their lineup to include two new bags; Kiboko 22l and Chobe 19-24L.  We’ll be taking a closer look at the new 22L Kiboko in the coming weeks but today I want to give you my thoughts on the new Chobe shoulder bag.

Gura Gear Chobe can be purchased from Outdoor Photo Gear.

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The new Dakota components are designed to compliment the Mountain Series packs that I have reviewed in the past.  As well as the products that I’m about to show you, F-Stop have also released a belt system featuring several new lens cases, a large padded waist belt and optional supporting shoulder straps.  I have not had a chance to see or test the lens cases for the new belt system but you can view these on their website.

Tripod Bag

This bag is available in either black or foliage green for a modest $49 and will work with just about any bag you can imagine.  Whilst it’s called the tripod bag, its sufficiently large enough for a two or possibly a three man tent, or perhaps a bedroll.  Those who own one of the previously reviewed Mountain Series packs such as the Tilopa or Loka will be familiar with the tough nylon that this bag is also made from and this version takes it one step further with water proofing rated to 15000mm.  The bag has been designed to handle just about any size size of tripod you can imagine, including larger video specific variations with hefty fluid heads on top.  Any excess material can be neatly rolled up and because the material is thin, there is no real leftover bulk to speak of.

I’ve seen a few tripod bags before and they tend to be bulky, heavily padded unwieldy things.  Well that doesn’t really jive with the Mountain Series packs that this is designed to complement.  These are packs that you want to take anywhere, however far or however wild the ride may be on the way.  As such, this tripod bag offers little in the way of padded protection and instead concentrates on protecting your 3-legged investment from the mud, sand, rain, dust and snow that mother nature might chuck at you while on your adventure.  The line of loops down the side of the bag means that there is always one in the right place for threading a side strap or Gatekeeper through to secure it to your chosen pack.

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MELVILLE, N.Y. (November 29, 2011) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the addition of a new flagship speedlight, the powerful and capable SB-910 speedlight. Building on the versatility of Nikon’s Creative Lighting System (CLS), the SB-910 incorporates an enhanced intuitive operating system and graphic user interface (GUI). The SB-910 speedlight comes equipped with a wide zoom range covering the most popular focal lengths as well as FX/DX-format identification that optimizes zoom settings based on the camera body. This new speedlight also provides more efficient battery usage as well as an enhanced Thermal Cut-Out function.

“As Nikon’s new flagship speedlight, the SB-910 provides exceptional high performance and versatility that users have come to value in Nikon’s Creative Lighting System,” said Lisa Osorio, general manager of marketing at Nikon Inc. “By addressing the needs of photographers that work in challenging lighting scenarios, the SB-910 delivers a new level of portable lighting functionality, with performance and intelligent features that adapt to a wide range of lighting challenges.”

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It’s just that time of year when everyone is trying to get you to buy something !  Canon have just launched their huge winter rebate program and you can make savings on this from now until January 7th!

B&H have a dedicated page to help you get to grips will all the discounts.

This time of year always brings us some wicked deals ! Here is a roundup of this years Black Friday deals from various photography stores and companies.

B&H Photo

B&H have a special holidays page HERE which is a great start.

But the real meat of the deals is the crazy DOUBLE INSTANT REBATES for Canon cameras and lenses.  You can literally save $400 on some deals for this weekend only!!

My particular favorites are the savings on Sandisk cards right now.



Adorama

The guys at Adorama have special Black Friday sales going on for a few days and they include all kinds of products from cameras to memory cards.  They have set up a special Black Friday search page to display the deals.  In particular there are some awesome Lexar memory card deals to be had here.

Amazon

Check out the Amazon Black Friday deals page

 

Really Right Stuff

The guys at Really Right Stuff will give away a small RRS pouch with every order placed on Friday that totals more than $55.  All you have to do is place the order on the phone or online with them and the LB-40 pouch will be yours for FREE.

Think Tank Photo

Think Tank Photo is offering up 11 camera pouches and memory card holders worth almost $300 that you can have added for free to your purchases.  Every time you place an order with Think Tank, when you check out you will be asked which one of the items listed below you wish you receive for free.  There is no limit on the number of orders you can place.  You receive free gear with every order.

To get this “free gear with every order” offer, click on this link:

FREE GEAR LIST
Cable Management 10 ($16.75)
R U Thirsty ($19.96)
LARGE Lens Drop In ($31.96)
Whip It Out ($35.96)
Skin 50 ($22.36)
Skin 75 Pop Down ($28.80)
Skin Double Wide ($35.96)
Skin Strobe ($28.80)
Skin Chimp Cage ($31.96)
Pixel Pocket Rocket ($18.75)
Security Tag ($25.00)

Nik Software

Check out Nik’s special Black Friday deal page HERE and save up to $200 on their software using coupon code BF2011

LensCoat

The folks at LensCoat also have a special page to tell you all about their BF deals but essentially it’s free shipping and a free cleaning cloth on orders over $75

Small HD

Makers of IMO the finest little external monitors and EVF for your DSLR, Small HD, are having a 10% off sale on everything on Cyber Monday

 

 

 

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