http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Community » Forum: Production Gear - Recent Posts en Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:17:02 +0000 http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/hague-maximini-motion-cams#post-56379 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:11:41 +0000 claycope 56379@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Howdy. I'm looking at purchasing a steadicam device and can't afford the $4K contraptions yet. After doing some web searching, it seems the Hague products seem to be a good starting point. I've found a few youtube videos on the Mini Motion Cam, but not any home videos with the Maxi Motion Cam. Has anyone used either of these? If so, would you recommend it? </p> <p>If there are other products I should be looking at in a similar pricing range (below $300), please do let me know. Thanks!</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/westcott-photobasics-ulite-kits#post-56243 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:54:19 +0000 Derek_Sine 56243@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Awesome! keep us in the loop. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/westcott-photobasics-ulite-kits#post-56233 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:17:47 +0000 peggig 56233@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks, composite1; I'll definitely get a car sun shade then, and forget the mylar/foamcore project.</p> <p>I ordered the uLite kit today. I'll let you know how it works out.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/westcott-photobasics-ulite-kits#post-56192 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:14:05 +0000 birdcat 56192@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>OT (close but no cigar): The very first accessory I bought (once upon a time) was a foldable silver reflector from Videomaker - Actually it was free with the purchase of two of their DVD's at a trade show.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/westcott-photobasics-ulite-kits#post-56188 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:21:02 +0000 Derek_Sine 56188@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I spoke with Westcott at PMA; trying to get the uLite 2-Light Green Screen kit in for review. I'll keep you posted. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/westcott-photobasics-ulite-kits#post-56159 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:40:10 +0000 composite1 56159@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>You can do the same thing with aluminum foil. However, the reflective sunshades you put in car windows are more durable. The foamcore/mylar setup would be lighter but if anything brushed against the mylar surface it would tear it easily. I've got a 14 year-old sunshade (red/silver) that if it's not in the car window, I'll use it on set. It's taken a beating and is still usable. I think I might have paid $7 for it. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/westcott-photobasics-ulite-kits#post-56134 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 07:06:50 +0000 peggig 56134@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>BTW, has anybody tried using mylar blankets for reflectors? They're very cheap and it seems like they might work. You can get <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Emergency-Mylar-Blanket-Blankets-EB-12/dp/B000FWAX00/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top/185-3714936-8962453" title="Mylar emergency blankets">12 for $11.50 on Amazon</a>, with free shipping.</p> <p>I haven't tried this, but I'm thinking you could cut them to the size you want and attach them to foamcore board or something like that to give them stiffness. I don't know how reflective they are, and I also don't know if you can crumple them to diffuse the reflected light, but I might order some and try this out.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/westcott-photobasics-ulite-kits#post-56126 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:51:13 +0000 peggig 56126@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I'm considering getting a Westcott PhotoBasics uLite 2-Light Green Screen Kit. Does anybody have any experience with the Photo Basics uLite kits, positive or negative?</p> <p>I read the Ghetto Lighting thread and found it very interesting, except I have no experience doing carpentry, electrical work, or anything like that. I also don't have any tools. It seems like, after buying the tools, and making the inevitable mistakes before getting it right, I would end up spending as much as I would just buying a kit.</p> <p>The Westcott uLite 2 light kit is a much better deal than buying the components separately, and the green screen kit costs only about $25 more than the basic 2-light kit, which is less than the cost of a green screen. </p> <p>I would prefer a 3 light kit, but the third light in their 3-light kit only has a 3' stand, and that probably won't work for a separation light. I'd rather have a full-height adjustible stand for more flexibility. So I figured I'd get the 2 light kit and wing the third light for now, until I can afford to spend some more money. (I like the idea of getting one of those silver-sided car window sun shades to use as a reflector.)</p> <p>Also, for about $18, you can get a four-socket fluorescent converter that turns the uLite into sort of a low-end Spider light. That's also appealing to me.</p> <p>The kit is about $200, seems to be lightweight and very portable (the softboxes are collapsible), and gets good reviews on B&amp;H and Buzzillions, but I was wondering if anybody here has any experience with it, or has any other recommendations.</p> <p>Thanks!</p> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/basic-equipment-needed-for-video-editing-suite#post-56092 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 01:58:14 +0000 Editinglinks 56092@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Also is important to define the sources of media you will work and the delivery platforms. </p> <p>For example, in my case some work comes in Digibeta and final edited output must go this format. This implied that besides the VTR I use a Blackmagic Multibridge Pro that allows me to import Video/Audio through SDI. Also some high end cameras can be attached to my system to import through SDI HD and if the production needs it a HDCAM video recorder may be rented. </p> <p>The rest of the equipment handles pretty well HD (even if almost 2 years without mayor updates). FCP station with two displays and a Raid server connected through fibre channel. I say all this because you mentioned that your clientele is scaling and your needs may change pretty soon. If you don't calculate well your clients needs may end upgrading or buying new equipment from time to time. </p> <p>You need a reference monitor for the format you are creating the content to check how everything will look for the client. This is specially true if some of your editing and graphic work will end in the interlaced domain (in the computer displays you watch all as progressive video).</p> <p>Furniture is expensive but Anthro makes some adjustable desks that are comfortable (I got one time one at around $750) This is their site: <a href="http://www.anthro.com/stands.aspx?computer-cart=creative" rel="nofollow">http://www.anthro.com/stands.aspx?computer-cart=creative</a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/anyone-have-any-experience-with-this-group#post-56084 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:38:51 +0000 Cville 56084@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Yes.  I bought some soft boxes from them thru ebay.  One of the bulb heads had a problem and they replaced it with no problem.  The units are not top of the line but they work quite well for what I am using them for.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/anyone-have-any-experience-with-this-group#post-56078 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:53:00 +0000 CraftersOfLight 56078@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> <a href="http://www.cowboystudio.com/">http://www.cowboystudio.com/</a></p> <p>They seem to have rather good prices on their items. The pictures of the kits look like they would be nice for a small studio. Though they tend to cater to photography, it looks like a lot of it can cross over and they have a Video Lighting section.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/a-bag-of-your-own#post-56025 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:06:58 +0000 Derek_Sine 56025@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Very cool link!</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/a-bag-of-your-own#post-56018 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:43:38 +0000 composite1 56018@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>The time has come (unfortunately for the company wallet) to get a new laptop for field production and client presentations. Other than the cost of the new unit, there's software and accessories. The most important accessory is the bag to carry the thing in.</p> <p>Now, getting a bag you would think wouldn't be that big a deal what with vendors in the numbers rivaling the 'Hoary Hosts' (See Thor Comics for reference.) But, in my zeal to find a laptop that both fit my requirements and visual sensibilities I settled for a large screen (18.4") to be exact. Of those vast number of bag manufacturers, I have only found 4 that have a product that will accommodate the new rig. </p> <p>The most interesting one is an outfit called Timbuk2. They have an interesting hook to their products as you can literally design the look of your bag. Now, they don't come cheap as the one I priced out was $110 (the more elaborate you get the higher the price.) You could definitely create a unique (if not downright hideous) looking bag all your own. At the moment, I'm practicing my mantra of 'good and cheap' right now. However, that bag I designed is in the back of my mind....</p> <p>Here's the link for those of you in the market for a personally designed bag:</p> <p><a href="http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/home">http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/home</a></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dte-recorders-other-than-focus-products#post-56004 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:49:06 +0000 composite1 56004@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Event,</p> <p>Dig around on B&amp;H in the Provideo - Portable Monitors/Recorders - Hard Disk/Solid State Recorders to get an idea what's out there.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/dte-recorders-other-than-focus-products#post-55990 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 06:44:35 +0000 Eventvideoguy 55990@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Does anyone know of any DTE (Direct to Edit) recording devices other than Focus Enhancement product.  I have Sony VX2100 and the Focus product that I had was not compatible.</p> <p>I would love to have something that used memory cards.</p> <p>Thanks</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/good-answer-for-field-flash-storage#post-55475 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:01:58 +0000 composite1 55475@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>There have been a number of products coming out lately that deal with the number 1 issue concerning Flash Media in the field. Yeah, solid-state cards are great since you don't have to digitize the footage but when they fill up you have to take time to download them or buy a buttload of cards which can get expensive. </p> <p>Videographer Paul Joy's video review of Nexto's latest answer to this problem answered a lot of my questions about the rig and as I move further into a solid-state workflow, I see this on my list of future purchases.</p> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/9454378">NEXTO DI NVS2500 Video Review</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/pauljoy">Paul Joy</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/basic-equipment-needed-for-video-editing-suite#post-55225 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:10:17 +0000 grinner 55225@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I built that whole building around producer's needs and my comfort. </p> <p><a href="http://grinnerhester.com/studio.wmv">http://grinnerhester.com/studio.wmv</a></p> <p>I am moving this weekend into a small suite within another production company downtown. It'll be a big change but the wee overhead will allow me to increase volume by dropping my rate to $150/hr. While that makes me the most affordable post house in the midwest, I'll end up bringing home more. win/win</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/basic-equipment-needed-for-video-editing-suite#post-55221 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:55:05 +0000 shippocaio 55221@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> *drolls*</p> <p>grinner...where do you live? Not that im going to your house and steal you editing station... *Gives a suspicious look*  xD</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/basic-equipment-needed-for-video-editing-suite#post-55219 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:37:28 +0000 birdcat 55219@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I'm jealous!</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/basic-equipment-needed-for-video-editing-suite#post-55210 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:55:36 +0000 grinner 55210@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I'd go custom. Everything 3 grand an under was almost cool when I was lookin' IN the end, it was best to fab exactly what I wanted for a 3rd of the price. I like em to sit high so I can tuck up under and rest my whole mousing arm. I need lots of room too.</p> <p><img src="http://grinnerhester.com/edit2.jpg" /></p> <p><img src="http://grinnerhester.com/edit1.jpg" /></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/basic-equipment-needed-for-video-editing-suite#post-55202 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:54:21 +0000 yourvideographer 55202@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I went shopping for a desk for about a month and I looked at everything.  I really did not want to settle on cheap stuff that I would have to replace in 2 or 3 years or after moving somewhere.  I did not want to pay thousands of dollars for those custom editing desk.  So I found a desk at Guitar Center, here is the link to the desk on the manufacturer's website.  I am sure if you go to Guitar Center they will point you in the right direction.  I was with in a week to buy that desk at Guitar Center, but instead I found one on Craigslist and saved $200 on it.  It is a Great Desk.  It is very sturdy!  I have been using it for the past 6 months.  I like the construction of it, because all I did was screw the four legs on it, but I bought from craigslist, you may have to do a little bit more buying it from Guitar Center.  You can't go wrong with this Desk, I hope this Helps!     </p> <p><a href="http://www.kkaudio.com/GCproducts.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.kkaudio.com/GCproducts.html</a></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/looking-to-buy-a-hd-video-mixer#post-55141 Sun, 14 Feb 2010 02:11:05 +0000 grinner 55141@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>You looking for a switcher?</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/looking-to-buy-a-hd-video-mixer#post-55140 Sun, 14 Feb 2010 01:54:46 +0000 kiwicdn 55140@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Looking to buy a HD Video Mixer ... any advice or suggestions?</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/the-running-rig-camera-stabilizer#post-55087 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 03:40:00 +0000 roblewis56 55087@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Maybe I missed something, but the articles about stabilizers don't seem to include any video taking using them. Too bad.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/looking-for-a-battery-operated-lapel-mic#post-54865 Sat, 06 Feb 2010 16:05:49 +0000 grinner 54865@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> BandHphoto has wireless lavs from many makers.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/looking-for-a-battery-operated-lapel-mic#post-54860 Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:28:21 +0000 JaredPenland 54860@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hey thanks for the great suggestions! I ended up getting the Audio Technica ATR35s lavaliere and it is exactly what I needed! Thanks!</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/the-running-rig-camera-stabilizer#post-54850 Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:00:37 +0000 EarlC 54850@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Might be time to place an advertisement in Videomaker, Constantine.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/the-running-rig-camera-stabilizer#post-54811 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:15:09 +0000 roblewis56 54811@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>A have found a monopod with a ball head also makes a good shoulder<br /> steady. Rotate the ball head so the monopod is nearly parallel with the<br /> base of the camcorder and along the optical axis leaving just enough<br /> room for your left hand. Grasp the monopod handle with your left hand<br /> with the monopod shaft on or pressed against your right shoulder and<br /> your left upper arm pressed next to your body. Your left forearm forms<br /> a triangle with the monopod and your upper body. This triangle steadies<br /> the camcorder yet allows flexible movement for hand held shooting. <br /> This leaves your right hand free to control the camcorder and a clear<br /> view of the screen. Keep your feet about a foot or so apart and further<br /> steady yourself against a stationary object if available. </p> <p>A table top tripod with the legs extended but not spread can be used similarly, particularly with a small camcorder.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/the-running-rig-camera-stabilizer#post-54791 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:35:26 +0000 Constantine 54791@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello just an update for all 5D-7D style DSLR camera shooters...<br /> &lt;!-- m --&gt;I have a new rig THE SCORPION RIG that is a very<br /> modular shoulder mount with belt and back spring support system<br /> adjustable for any weight camera up to 2.5-3 kgr <br /> the complete package includes main rig, belt, back spring support system.<br /> It weights 300grams full carbon rods , and you can view the prototype version AT:<br />   &lt;!-- m --&gt;<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toYvByvPl5M">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toYvByvPl5M</a>&lt;!-- m --&gt;<br /> THIS IS JUST A QUICK VIDEO just to show of the system and how it works.<br /> Soon a production model will be available at the 500 euro range complete.<br /> It can also support smal HD camcorders up to 3 kgr.<br /> Thanks<br /> Constantine </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/lighting-equipment-recommendations#post-54741 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:58:45 +0000 composite1 54741@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Greg,</p> <p>Take a look at the 'Ghetto Lighting' post. Lighting on the cheap but good lighting.</p>