Video Gear

Get reviews and tips on the latest video gear, from cameras like the Blackmagic 4K and GoPros, to lighting, accessories, and adapters.

Introduction

• Welcome to Video Gear Weekly

How Can I Record a Ready to Use Time-lapse Video?

• When would you need ready to play time-lapse video?
• Capturing time-lapse video in camera
• Capturing time-lapse video with a disk recorder
• Evaluating the shots

Getting Accurate Color with a Chip Chart

• What is a chip chart?
• Shooting advice for a chip chart
• Fixing it in post

Lighting with the Lume Cube

• What is the Lume Cube?
• Unboxing the Lume Cube
• Controlling the Lume Cube
• Unique features of the Lume Cube

Registering Your Drone

• What happened with the FAA regulations?
• Important issues
• How to register your drone
• How to label your drone

Using LED Lights

• Using LED lights
• LED ring light
• LED panel light: Aputure Light Storm
• LED panel light: LiteMat

Using External Disk Recorders

• Using external disk recorders
• Atomos external disk recorders
• Atomos Shogun and Ninja Assassin

Extending Your Camera's Battery Life

• Extending your camera's battery life
• The Atomos Power Station
• The Switronix Powerbase-70
• USB power

Making Killer Backgrounds for Greenscreen

• Making killer backgrounds for greenscreen
• Shooting defocused still plates
• Shooting defocused video plates
• Defocusing backgrounds in Photoshop CC
• Shoot plates with a light field camera
• Post-processing a light field camera
• Gear overview

Evaluating greenscreen footage

• Evaluating the keying footage from a Canon camera
• Evaluating the keying footage from a Panasonic Lumix GH4
• Evaluating the keying footage from a Sony a7S
• Blending a key with the background with Light Wrap by Red Giant
• Blending a key with the background with Lighwrap by Digital Anarcht

How Can I Make Post-Production Easier for Greenscreen Projects?

• Improving the quality of greenscreen shots
• Choosing the right acquisition format
• Capturing uncompressed video onset

How Do I Improve the Quality of My Greenscreen Shots?

• Improving the quality of greenscreen shots
• Using a hard cyc greenscreen backdrop
• Studio lighting for greenscreen projects
• Testing the backdrop with a monitor
• Testing the backdrop onset
• Shooting in portrait mode
• Gear overview

How Do I Shoot Greenscreen on a Budget?

• Shooting greenscreen on a budget
• Why shoot greenscreen?
• Lighting two things
• A budget greenscreen
• Using a professional greenscreen backdrop
• Gear overview

How Can I Shoot Better Video on an iPhone?

• How can I shoot better video on an iPhone?
• Securely mounting
• Modifying lens
• Extending power
• Choosing a camera app

How Can I Stabilize the Shot Using a Gimbal?

• How can I stabilize the shot using a gimbal?
• Major benefits of a gimbal
• Using a gimbal for a smartphone or GoPro
• Using a professional gimbal
• Lessons learned

How Can I Attach Cameras in Unusual Places?

• How can I attach a camera in unusual places?
• Mounting to poles
• Mounting to poles for heavy duty mounting
• Mounting to the ceiling and doors
• Mounting with magnets
• Mounting with clamps
• Gear overview

How Can I Get a Low Angle Shot?

• How can I get a low angle shot?
• Cradling the camera
• Using a micro tripod
• Using a mini tripod
• Using a low profile tripod
• Gear overview

How do I Shoot a Pure Black Backdrop?

• How do I shoot a pure black backdrop?
• Using a duvetyne or fabric
• Using a portable backdrop system
• Shooting a black studio
• Gear overview

How do I Shoot a Pure White Backdrop?

• How do I shoot a pure white backdrop?
• Using a paper roll
• Using a portable backdrop
• Lighting a cyc wall
• Gear overview

How Can I Shoot 360˚ Video?

• The V 360˚ camera
• Unboxing the V.360
• Setting up and controlling the camera
• A field test with the V.360
• Evaluating the footage

How Can I Shoot In and Around a Moving Car

• Shooting in and around a moving car
• Mounting camera to windows
• Mounting cameras to the dashboard
• Mounting cameras to the outside of a car
• Mounting with magnets
• Lessons learned
• Gear overview

New This Week

• Shooting in and around a moving car
• Preparing the car for shooting
• Increasing the available light in the car
• Mounting a camera to the rearview mirror
• Toss to next week
• Gear overview

How Can I Create a Lookup Table?

• What Is a Lookup Table?
• Using Adobe Hue
• Applying or modifying a LUT
• Manipulating LUTs with Lattice
• Putting LUTs to use on set

Benefits of Using a Professional Monitor

• Benefits of Professional Monitors
• A look at the Ikan MS21
• A look at the Flanders Scientific CM171
• Benefits of OLED

New On-Set Monitoring Options

• New options to monitor on set
• Monitoring over USB 3.0
• Using a 4K computer display
• Using a 4K studio monitor

How Can I Create Textured Backdrops Using Only Lights?

• Creating a textured backdrop with lights
• Using precut metal gobos
• Ordering your own gobos
• Using a DJ projector to create gobos
• Creating backdrops with effects glass
• Adding a virtual gobo with Tiffen DFX

How Can I Create Affordable Textured Backdrops?

• Creating affordable textured backdrop with lights
• It’s all about creating patterns
• Creating a hand-cut gobo
• Using a pattern backdrop
• Creating a gobo with a transparency projector
• Using a projector to create custom backdrops

Analyzing the GoPro HERO4 Session

• A deeper look at the GoPro HERO4 Session
• Using the Session in the GoPro ecosystem
• Evaluating footage
• Buying advice

Is the GoPro HER04 Session for Me?

• The GoPro HERO4 Session
• What's in the box?
• The technical specs
• Controlling the camera

Shooting with the GoPro 3-Way

• Shooting with the GoPro 3-way
• Using the GoPro 3-way as a handle grip
• Using the GoPro 3-way as a pole
• Using the GoPro 3-way as a micro tripod
• Closing advice

Why Should I Use Lens Adapters?

• Why use lens adapters?
• Choosing and connecting a lens adapter
• Shooting with an active adapter and passive adapter
• Shooting with an optical adapter

The Blackmagic URSA 4K

• The Blackmagic URSA 4K
• Benefits of the Blackmagic URSA 4K
• Drawbacks of the Blackmagic USA 4K
• Blackmagic USA 4K menus
• Evaluating footage

Hacking a Camera with Magic Lantern

• Hacking a camera with Magic Lantern
• How to load Magic Lantern
• Magic Lantern menus: Part 1
• Magic Lantern menus: Part 2
• Sending an HDMI signal out of a camera with Magic Lantern

Wide-Angle Shootout: Part 2

• Wide-angle shootout
• Rokinon 7.5mm lens
• Olympus 12mm lens
• Final thoughts

Wide-Angle Shootout: Part 1

• Wide-angle shootout
• SLR Magic HyperPrime 12mm lens
• Rokinon 16mm lens
• Lumix 14mm lens

Canon 5D Mark III

• The Canon 5D Mark III
• Benefits of the Canon 5D Mark III
• Shooting menu options
• "Auto focus, playback, settings, exposure control, and customizable menu options "
• Evaluating the footage

Using Hardware to Calibrate Computer Displays

• Choosing a meter
• Calibrate with X-Rite i1Profiler
• Calibrating advice

Calibrating Computer Displays

• The importance of calibrating displays
• Calibrating displays on a PC
• Calibrating displays on a Mac

The Panasonic FZ1000

• The Panasonic FZ1000
• Benefits of the Panasonic FZ1000
• Drawbacks of the Panasonic FZ1000
• Panasonic FZ1000 menus
• Evaluating footage

Using a Motion Control Head for Turntable Shots

• What is motion control?
• Shooting turntable shots with the eMotimo TB3
• Final advice on using a motion control assembly

Using a Motion Control Slider for Time-Lapse Shoot

• Powering the eMotimo TB3
• Operating the eMotimo TB3 during a time-lapse shoot
• Final thoughts on using sliders for motion

Creating Slider Shots and Motion Control

• When to use a slider
• Choosing sliders and rails
• Attaching a motor to your slider
• Using the eMotimo TB3 to control your camera

Why Shoot with a Shoulder Rig?

• Why use a shoulder rig?
• Using rigs by Redrock Micro
• Using rigs by ikan
• Using rigs by Zacuto
• Final thoughts on choosing a rig

Mounting Smartphones Securely

• How to mount a smartphone securely
• Handheld accessories for a smartphone
• Attaching a smartphone to a tripod
• Improving the sound quality on the iPhone 6 with iOgrapher

The Polaroid Cube

• The Polaroid Cube
• Benefits of using the Polaroid Cube
• Accessories for the Polaroid Cube
• Drawbacks of using the Polaroid Cube
• Evaluating the footage

Getting High Camera Angles

• Getting high camera angles
• What is a jib?
• Building a jib and when to use it
• Flying a GoPro HERO4 with a quadcopter
• Evaluating the footage

Advanced Slow Motion with Third-Party Effects

• Using Twixtor to slow footage down
• Using Digital Anarchy to remove flicker from high frame rate footage

Post-Processing High Frame Rate Footage

• Processing high frame rate footage
• Using After Effects to slow down high frame rate footage
• Slowing down high frame rate footage with time warping

High Frame Rate Shootout

• High frame rate shootout
• Footage at 60 frames per second
• Footage at 120 frames per second
• Footage at 240 frames per second

Is the Blackmagic Studio Camera HD Right For Me?

• The Blackmagic Design Studio Camera
• Beneficial features of the Blackmagic Design Studio Camera
• Drawbacks of the Blackmagic Design Studio Camera
• Menu options of the Blackmagic Design Studio Camera

Using a Portable Backdrop

• Using a portable backdrop
• Using an pop-up system
• Using a FlexiFill

Advanced Options for Quadcopters

• Advanced options for flying quadcopters
• Using the Vision App for remote viewing
Spotter
• Flying with a Two-Person Team
Controller
• Flying with a Two-Person Team
Recording with an External Recorder
• Recording with external recorders
• Features to look for in an external recorder
• Drawbacks of external recorders
• Shooting with an external recorder
Using a Dolly
• Using a dolly
• Skatewheel and skateboard dollies
• Setting up a dolly
• Setting up a professional dolly
GoPro HERO4 Battery Shoot Out
• The challenges of powering the GoPro HERO4
• Battery options for the GoPro HERO4
• Which battery runs the longest in the GoPro HERO4?
• Which GoPro HERO4 battery charges the fastest?
• The form factor and price of GoPro HERO4 batteries
• The winning battery
Is the Sony HDR-AS15 HD Action Camcorder Right For Me?
• Overview of the Sony HDR-AS15 HD Action Camcorder
• Beneficial features of the Sony HDR-AS15
• Drawbacks of the Sony HDR-AS15
• Evaluating the footage
Lighting with LEDs
• Lighting with LEDs
• Benefits of LED lighting
• Intensity and color temperature
• Accessories on a budget
Expanding your Makeup Kit
• Expanding your makeup kit
• Why build a makeup essentials kit
• Hair and makeup
• Essential grooming items
GoPro Parallax Time-Lapse
• Creating a GoPro parallax time-lapse
• Cheap motorized slider
• Second axis with timer head
• Putting it together and setting the shot
Recording Better Audio for a Tablet or Phone
• Recording better audio to a mobile device
• Splitting the audio jack
• Attaching a shotgun mic
• Attaching a Lavalier mic
• Attaching a professional mic
• Professional mic with a consumer adapter
Using Gimbal
• Using a gimbal
• Advantages of a gimbal
• Using a monitor
• Controlling the camera
• Evaluating the footage
Mastering a Wireless Mic
• Attaching the receiver
• Attaching the transmitter
• Best practices
Working with a Wireless Mic
• Working with a wireless mic
• Benefits of using a wireless mic
• Drawbacks of using a wireless mic
Mounting a Disk and Recovering Files
• Mounting a disk and recovering files
• Recovering media
• Mounting a disk image
The Olympus OM-D E-M1
• Is the Olympus OM-D E-M1 right for me?
• Beneficial features of the Olympus OM-D E-M1
• Drawbacks of the Olympus OM-D E-M1
• Menu options of the Olympus OM-D E-M1
• Evaluating the footage
Shooting Video with an iPad
• Shooting video with an iPad
• Mounting the iPad in an iOgrapher
• Attaching a lens to an iPad
• Attaching a light
• Evaluating the footage
How to Mount GoPro Cameras
• Mounting a GoPro
• Jaws: Flex Clamp
• Cages and clamps
• GoPro Chesty chest harness
Enhancing Audio Inputs
• Using audio inputs
• Beachtek
• Abox adapter
• GoPro adapter
Is the Canon C300 Right for Me?
• Shooting with the Canon C300
• Beneficial features of the Canon C300
• Drawbacks of the Canon C300
• Evaluating the footage
Filters for Your Lens
• Using filters for your lens
• Clear filters
• Color filters
• Polarizer
• ND filter
Developing Time-Lapses with GoPro Studio
• Developing GoPro time-lapses
• Importing
• Processing
• Evaluating footage
Creating a Panning Time-Lapse with a GoPro
• Creating a panning time-lapse
• Building a timer head
• Using a pro head
• Setting up the cameras
Is the Garmin Virb Elite Action Camera right for me?
• The Garmin Vibe Elite
• Beneficial features of the Garmin Virb Elite
• Drawbacks of the Garmin Virb Elite
• Evaluating the footage
Working with Small Lights
• Small lights
• Battery operated lights
• Lowel Blender
• Lowel Portable Spotlight
Choosing a Pair of Professional Headphones
• Professional headphones
• When to use and not use headphones
• Types of headphones
• Additional headphone features
• Why you may want to use multiple headphone types
Using a Parabolic Slider
• What is a Parabolic Slider?
• Building the Slider
• Setting Focus
• Adjusting the Speed of Movement
• Evaluating the Results
Working with the DJI Phantom 2 Quadcopter
• DJI Quadcopters
• Calibrating the Quadcopter
• Flying Strategies
• Evaluating the Footage
Shooting with Ultra Fast Primes
• Ultra fast primes
• Benefits of using fast primes
• Challenges of using fast primes
• Evaluating the footage
Keep Your Gear Safe
• Keeping Your Gear Safe
• Keeping Gear Dry
• Using Camera Wraps
• Using Lens Wraps
Is the Panasonic GH4 for Me?
• Introduction to the Panasonic GH4
• Beneficial features of the Panasonic GH4
• Drawbacks of the Panasonic GH4
• Menu options of the Panasonic GH4
• Evaluating the footage
How to Stop the Shine on Your Talent
• Making everyone look their best on camera
• What does a makeup artist or stylist do?
• Products used to fight shine
• Applying Anti-Shine
Modifying a GoPro
• The adaptable GoPro
• Stealth
• Adding filters
• Shooting Anamorphic footage
• Evaluating the footage
Alternatives to the Zoom H4n
• Introduction to the Zoom H4n
• Recording to an iPad or iPhone
• Attaching directly to a camera
• Using a Tascam recorder
• Recording to a laptop
Is the DJI Phantom 2 Vision Quadcopter Right For Me?
• DJI Phantom 2 Vision Quadcopter
• Beneficial features of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision Quadcopter
• Limitations of the DJI Phantom 2 Vision Quadcopter
• Essential accessories for the DJI Phantom 2 Vision Quadcopter (Field)
Using a Loupe
• Using a loupe
• Attaching a loupe
• Adjusting the diopter
Charging Batteries On the Go
• Charging on the go
• Starting out fully charged
• Using an inverter
• Using a solar charger
• Using a battery pack
• Strategies to extend battery life
Using Cheap Lenses
• Cheap lenses
• Lomography
• Fujian
• LensBaby
• SLR Magic
• Evaluating the Footage
Is the Sony a7 Right For Me?
• Sony a7
• Beneficial features of the Sony a7
• Drawbacks of the Sony a7
• Menu options of the Sony a7
Using Tripod Top Sliders
• What is a Tripod Top Slider?
• Attaching the slider
• Mounting and balancing the camera
• Shoot strategies
• Evaluating the footage
Remotely Controlling Video Cameras
• Remotely controlling cameras
• Setting up the CamRanger
• Panning with the CamRanger PT Hub
• Evaluating the results
Using Camera Rails
• What are camera rails?
• Adapting a tripod to hold multiple cameras
• Shooting strategies
• Using a micro rail
• Evaluating the shots
Using Micro Tripods
• What is a micro tripod?
• Mounting a phone to a micro tripod
• Mounting a GoPro to a micro tripod
• Mounting a DSLR to a micro tripod
• Evaluating the results
Is the Blackmagic 4K Right for Me?
• Introducing the Blackmagic 4K
• Beneficial features of the Blackmagic 4K
• Drawbacks of the Blackmagic 4K
• Menu options of the Blackmagic 4K
• Evaluating the footage