30Oct Mic Audio Storage Bins – Quick Tip
I wanted to share this quick tip for storing and transporting your audio (or video) gear. These ‘Tool Shop’ brand storage cases work perfectly for my Zoom H1 and it’s components and my Zoom H4N.
Though these boxes aren’t large enough to carry XLR cables but for me these boxes are the perfect size for my the audio recorders and their components.
If I need to record audio, all I do is grab my audio bin and I know everything I need is inside. (Batteries, connections, wind muffs and shock mount) Also, currently these bins are on sale at Menard’s hardware store for only $4.00 in store, $6.00 online.
These cases are currently available for $3.99 at Harbor Freight!
Click HERE to go to the Harbor Freight Website
(Thanks youtuber: FotoShopped for finding this!)
Here’s the link to the Menard’s website:
Menard’s Hardware
Unfortunately, the bins aren’t deep enough for my GoPro camera and gear (which is why I bought a 3rd one). But I’m sure I’ll find a good use for the extra bin. The bins dimensions are 13.39 x 7.87 x 2.17 inches
My H1 Case contains the following: Neon Drawer liner, Zoom H1 Audio Recorder, FuzzyHead Wind Muff, Foam Wind Screen, Shock Mount, Audio Technica Lav Mic, Vivatar pocket tripod, Neoprene Camera Pouch Clip, Batteries, Misc. 2.5mm adapters and cords.
My H4N Case contains the following: Neon Drawer liner, Zoom H4N Recorder, Handle, Power Adapter, USB cord, Wind muff, extra batteries.
The dual latches off extra security from accidental opening. The handles feature a rubber grip for secure handling as well.
These bins are not water proof and don’t offer a airtight seal, but for the price they have worked out great. I know with larger cases there’s a tendency to load up with too many extras most of which just get piled inside. These sleek cases have just enough room for these small recorders and their components.
If you’re looking for a larger version – I’ve seen this bin setup to carry a GoPro and all of its components:
This episode:
Camera: Canon T2i
Lens: Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspherical [IF]
Mic: Audio-Technica ATR-35S
Edited in Vegas Movie Studio HD 11
Windows 7 64bit
24Oct Behind the Scenes with Lindsay Stomp
I recently came across some behind the scenes of a video on Lindsey Stirling‘s channel where she shows off how she created the visuals and effects in here video.
Lindsey works with Devin Graham for most of her shoots and I’ve posted before about his minimalist approach to capturing some great visuals using mostly camera, wide angle lens and a Glidecam HD – 2000.
With some lights and water sprayers, the results are pretty amazing!
Obviously it helps to have great on screen talent and music to go along with it, but I love the minimalist approach to capturing these great scenes!
Devin’s simple Glidecam HD – 2000 setup allows him to create sweeping cinematic camera moves. Filming in unique locations and shooting during the ‘golden hour‘ will also improve your production value!
I hope seeing some of these behind the scenes will help give you some ideas for planning out your next shoot! It’s great to see artists like this share the tips and tricks they use to create their stuff.
Here’s the final video:
More information about Devin Graham’s gear available here!
22Sep Lanparte Shoulder Rig Review
In this video review, LJ shares his opinion to the new shoulder pad of Lanparte.
He tests out the new shoulder pad and camera rig setup and also gets some insight from a professional cinematographer, JA Tadena to get his thoughts of the Lanparte.
JA Tadena share’s his thought on the Lanparte and I really like that he also shares his honest opinion on shoulder rigs in general, regarding DSLR filmmaking.
To see more great product reviews from LJ Films check out his stuff here:
www.youtube.com/LJtutorials
If you’re looking into a high-end shoulder rig setup the Lanparte may be something worth checking out!
19Sep Jib-Crane Using Tripod Parts!
Here’s a cool video showing how to create a jib-crane using some tripod parts!
The this jib breaks down pretty small and the design allows you to tilt the camera.
The design seems like it could use some more work, but the video will definitely give you some great ideas to get started on your own version!
Here’s another version created by Daniel Schweinert that I think looks great!!
Unfortunatly, I can’t seem to find any more information about the construction or any test video from the completed rig.
But I’m sure this design will give you some DIY IDEAS!
more info here:
http://www.danielschweinert.com/blog/files/tag-homemade.html
For those of you who’d rather just invest in a professionally built Jib/Crane, Amazon has some reasonably priced gear available!
And if you do decide to make your own jib, you may want to check out the the jib stand (below) as an alternative to investing in an expensive tripod!
12Sep The Art of Racking Focus
Evan Luzi, from The Black and Blue, shares some great insight on the art of racking focus. The term racking focus (also known as “pulling focus”) is a term used to describe the shift of the focal plane in the lens, on your subject of your filming.
Evan covers this topic from the perspective of the 1st Assistant Camera operator who, typically in big budget films, pulls focus on the camera. However most of us are all of these positions in one, and we pull focus on the camera ourselves. But the insight and point that Evan shares are worth thinking about the next time you plan out your next shoot!
Check out more about this topic and more film production insight on his website:
http://www.theblackandblue.com
Many people invest in focus pulling systems for racking focus on thier DSLR,
but check out this article where I share a cheap accessory that you can use on your lens that can assist in pulling smooth focus!
Jar Opener – Focus Assist – more info here
08Sep All About DSLR Lenses!
Below is a collection of videos covering just about everything you need to know about DSLR lenses. If you’re just now getting started in DSLR filmmaking, this is a great resource. Start at the top video and work you’re way down.
1) The first video in this list offers a straight forward general overview of DSLR camera lenses, basic functions, numbers and information of the lens.
Here is the equipment mentioned in this video:
2) This next video is an excellent overview from a filmmaker most of you already know, Niko from Corridor Digital! Though he overviews everything quickly, he covers a lot of great information on lenses. After this video, you’ll know just about everything regarding lenses.
Here is the equipment mentioned in this video:
3) The next video in this list offers some insight on lens choices from a group that shoots events and weddings. Though, most of their lens choices are prime lenses (which are very expensive) they do offer some interesting insight for those of you who are in the wedding biz.
The video cannot be shown at the moment. Please try again later.
Here is the equipment mentioned in this video:
Learn More about Canon EF Lenses here
4) And finally, a neat video covering tilt-shift camera lenses. This lens is crazy expensive, but I had to list it so you could see some of the cool features it offers! Also, I like how this video is produced and you can get some additional lighting tips as you see how they use foamboard to shade the onscreen talent!
The video cannot be shown at the moment. Please try again later.
Here is the equipment mentioned in this video:
5) Well, after seeing all of these great lenses and you now know just how expensive they can be, here’s a great video offering you with an alternative to spending a lot of money by investing in old nikon lenses!
I hope this information was helpful! When I first made the switch into DSLR filmmaking, I was overwhelmed with information about lenses. Hopefully these videos will help educate you better on lenses and help you with ideas on what lenses you should invest in for your DSLR production!
As a side note, this is the lens I currently use for all of my DSLR productions. The 17mm wide angle and constant f2.8 are great for indoor shoots! I haven’t needed anything else yet!
Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD SP Aspherical (IF) Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
