Update!! (1/16/12) These items are available on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003FPEA0I/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=knoptop-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003FPEA0I

and here:
http://www.shopinthekitchen.com/store/product/10488/TRUDEAU%26%230153%3B-Twist-Jar-Opener/

They aren’t listed online at Bed Bath and Beyond, or the Target website, but they may still be available in store. 
I contacted the manufacturer and it seems that these items are sold at a lot of Hallmark stores!  Ace hardware and some other places.

*** There are some on ebay if you search “silicone twist jar”***

Today we cover a super useful, super cheap DIY Solution for a ‘follow focus assist’ for your DSLR camera!  Tony Carretti (link below) came up with this idea for using a Trudeau brand jar opener as a focus assist solution and when I saw his video, I had to try it out and share it with you!
Tony Carretti’s Vimeo:
http://www.vimeo.com/20301862

Trudeau Brand Silicon  Twist Jar Opener Info:
http://www.trudeaucorp.com/us/products/kitchen-tools-gadgets/types/kitchen-gadgets/p–0999025.html
Thanks again for taking time to watch my videos!
I appreciate your feedback! 

Mini Movie submitted by:
http://www.youtube.com/AccuracyFilms

Add your 30 second ‘mini movie’ as a video response to this video and we might show it on the next episode of Quick FX!!  ((Keep it clean and make sure it’s no longer than 30 Seconds!))

Be sure to Rate, Comment, and Subscribe!!  More great videos coming soon!!
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/knoptop

Find us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/Quickfx
This episode:
Recorded on the Kodak Zi8
Test footage on Canon T2i
Edited on iMovie 09′

As you will see in the video, I was surprised to see that the macro switch on this fixed focus camera actually gives a nice depth of field!

Please leave a comment and let me know what you think from this Tech Talk overview.

Thanks for watching!

To find out more information about the Aiptek DHD11X SeeMeeHD check out this link:

This episode:

Camera: Aiptek DHD11X SeeMeeHD
B-Roll Camera: Panasonic HDC-TM900
B-Roll Audio: Zoom H1 – w/Furry Head
Edited in: Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD 11

We also hear from Andrew at Accuracy Films, as he shares with us the planning process he takes for his short films and projects.

 
Check out Accuracy Films Channel:
http://youtube.com/accuracyfilms

Watch the B&H Unboxing video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFbLaof2jrM

Light stand Tutorial:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H1_nONQtXY

Contests are a create way to stay busy, and motivated as well as helping you learn to work with a deadline! …and you can win stuff!! Here’s a great resource:
http://www.onlinevideocontests.com

Thanks for watching!

Look for us on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/QuickFX

Also on our website:
http://www.knoptop.com

In this episode:

Camera: Panasonic HDC-TM900K
Mic: Audio-Technica ATR-35S
Edited in Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 11

In the the meantime, this DSLR specific rig was designed to add a low-profile ‘cage’ with handles on my camera, and it was built specifically with this specific camera/lens combination.  This rig is made of a few dollars worth of pvc components.

As mentioned in the video, this specific design was created around my camera and lens.  Lengths of the straight pieces may vary for your design.
If you are interested in the details of this ‘micro rig’ design:

6 – 90°
1 – T-joint
1 – cross joint
The straight tube pieces consist of:
2 – 5″
4 – 3″
The entire design is 1/2″ PVC

H1 Shock mount: (tell’m knoptop sent ya!)
http://www.dslrfilmnoob.com/noob-store/

Sima Quick Release 1/4″ Mount

Look for us on facebook!! More video photos and interaction!!
http://www.facebook.com/QuickFX

Thanks for watching!

This episode:
DSLR Camera Shown in this video:
Canon T2i
Lens Tamron AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di2 lens

Filmed on the Canon Vixia HG20
Edited in Vegas Movie Studio HD 11
Windows 7 64bit

The mini table tripod is made of plastic but still has a sturdy design.  If it was made out of aluminum, it’d be perfect!!  But it’s still a nice little piece of gear to have in the bag.  It is able to support my DSLR camera pretty well!  (Though it may not be designed for that much weight)

It’s also a great handle for my Zoom H1 !! The mini tripod is made by a few companies, the most familiar is Vivitar.
More info available here:
3″ Mini Digital Camera Tripod

If you listen closely, it sounds like there is a ‘whistling’ noise as the wind blows created by the windmuff… Interesting.

I was impressed with how well the windscreen did, it was a windy day! The audio quality of the Zoom h1 was nice, though I think I had my input levels slightly too high as the audio peaked in a few places during my dialogue.  And I’m still getting use to how ‘stereo’ the mic pick up is.  Tilting the mic just slightly and the audio moves from center to left or right.

The ipod audio was surprisingly good! Though placing it in a pocket, you can hear the rustling of the clothes.

But it wouldn’t make too bad of a mic.  …backup, last resort mic.

Zoom H1

ZoomH1 Wind Screen – Furry Head

Thanks for watchinng!

This episode:
Cameras:
Canon T2i – Tamron AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di2 lens
B-roll camera: Panasonic DMC-TZ5
Zoom h1 audio
ipod touch 4th gen. audio
Vegas Movie Studio 11
Windows 7 – 64bit

In this episode we cover a simple yet effect trick to make your rubber and plastic movie props and masks look more realistic! As with any visual effect, the addition of sound effects really makes the effect look even better!

Here are some music and sound effects resources we use!!
http://www.bradleefilms.webs.com (atmosphere, music and MORE!)
http://www.audioaunix.com (soundtracks)
http://www.freesound.org (sound effects)
http://oneproductionmusic.com/weekly-freebie

If you wanna know more about the Prop Gun used in the “Contained” movie:
http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&x=0&ref_=nb_sb_noss&y=0&field-keywords=mp5%20airsoft&url=search-alias%3Daps&_encoding=UTF8&tag=knoptop-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957

Check out these other Knoptop videos:

Make you own Double Clamps! + Episode was shot/edited on an iPod Touch!

Watch the full short film “Contained”

~~~~~~
Filmfights.com - Monthly Film Competitions!
www.filmfights.com

Look for us on facebook!
www.facebook.com/QuickFX

Twitter:
twitter.com/knoptop

Thanks for watching!
Be sure to RATE, COMMENT and SUBSCRIBE!

This episode:
Filmed on the Canon Vixia HG20
Mic: Audio-Technica ATR-35S Lavalier Microphone
Edited with Vegas Movie Studio HD 11 – Windows 7 64bit

I recently purchased a Zoom H1 recorder, and I wanted to talk a little about my first impressions of it.   I was planning to purchase the Zoom H4n, but because so many viewers of ‘Quick FX’ have the H1 or have talked about getting one, I wanted to have one on hand to build some projects around it, and see what it’s all about.

More fun with your H1, check out this extra video on our Facebook page!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150307853621498

More information on the Zoom H1:

More info on the Wind Muff (dead cat) – “Furryhead Windscreen”:

Thanks for watching!

This episode:
Video recorded with the Kodak zi8
Audio recorded with the zoom h1 recorder
Edited with Trial version of Vegas Movie Studio Pro

There are all kinds of DIY projects that show you how to create a custom camera ‘Lens Hood’ or Matte Box! But sometimes the ‘quick fix’ isn’t a DIY!

Check out this cheap, easy to setup camera attachment that works perfectly as a camera lens hood/ matte box!

Here’s more info (and good price) on a rubber lens hood:

(non-name brand)

Check out more great DSLR stuff here:
http://dslrvideoshooter.com

Find us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Quick-FX/148065401913826

Thanks again for taking time to watch my videos!
I appreciate your feedback!

Mini Movie submitted by:
http://www.youtube.com/TheGasconMan

Be sure to Rate, Comment, and Subscribe!! More great videos coming soon!!

This episode:
Recorded on the Kodak Zi8
Edited on Adobe Premiere CS5

More info on the playfull available here:

Check out this other test video of the original camera file:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HVE-4pTh40

Look for us on facebook!! More video photos and interaction!!
http://www.facebook.com/QuickFX

Thanks for watching!

This episode:
Majority of this video was filmed on an iPod Touch 720p using the FiLMicPro App
Kodak zi8 – 1080p
Kodak Playful – 1080p
Edited on Magix Movie Edit Pro 17 Plus
Windows 7 – 64bit

This episode is an experiment using the Samsung camera’s pause feature to cut together the entire show all in camera.  I’m hoping this will allow me to put out more tutorials!! … I have all kinds of stuff I want to share with you, and this may be the ‘quickest’ way to get it to you!

Let me know what you think of this experimental episode in the comments section!

List of items in this build:
Painters Pole or PVC pipe
Plunger or Bulb changer top
Rubber chair tip or some duct tape

I provided some links to some items;
>> Be sure to surf the Web and/ or Visit your local Hardware Store for the best deals! <<

3/4″ PVC pipe and any connectors of choice (coupling, t-joints, elbows)
(available at your local hardware store)

Painter Pole -Telescoping Extension Poles, 6′ to 12′

Small blue toilet plunger top

Or
Bulb Changer Kit

Rubber Chair tips (optional)
Duct tape would work as well.

For more PVC building projects check out:
http://www.thefrugalfilmmaker.com

Find us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Quick-FX/148065401913826

Thanks again for taking time to watch my videos!

I appreciate your feedback!

This episode was recorded and cut  together all in camera using the ‘smart pause feature’  on the SAMSUNG HMX-Q10, more info here:

Time-Lapse video using the iphone app imMotion HD – Watch that here:

Be sure to Rate, Comment, and Subscribe!!

More great videos coming soon!!