Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
If you’ve got any interest in using a DSLR as a serious video camera, chances are that you’ve heard of the Zacuto Z-Finder. As I have been learning the ropes of shooting video on the 5D Mark II, I’ve found the Z-Finder to be an indispensable piece of equipment for mobile operation of the camera.
Read the rest of the review at Tech Tilt: Zacuto Z-Finder Review.
As you are probably aware, video is a big trend in the professional photography realm right now. Nikon, Canon and Pentax are all producing DSLRs that can record very high quality video. Many photographers are taking this convergence of technology as an opportunity to expand their creative horizons. And, whether you like it or not, video in DSLRs is here to stay.
For those of you wanting to get the most out of your DSLR’s video recording capabilities, you need to treat it a little more like a proper video camera. That means, you need to keep it stable and be able to obtain critical focus. Certainly, a tripod or monopod is a good way to do that. But what if you want to be a little more mobile? There are plenty of solutions for that as well.
Zacuto was one of the first manufacturers to offer a dedicated mobile video solution for DSLR owners. Zacuto’s selection of DSLR video kits have grown to include more entry-level kits. I got a chance to check out some of the more affordable Gunstock Shooter Gorilla Kits at Imaging USA this week and have to say that they are pretty impressive. [Read more…]
Advanced Sound for DSLR’s from Steve Weiss, Zacuto USA on Vimeo.
If there’s one huge gap in the video features of new DSLRs like the Canon Rebel T1i and Nikon D5000, it’s the sound. Simply put, it was an after thought that seriously handicaps these cameras. This video from the guys at Zacuto talks about how fix this problem with a little $349 solution called the Zoom H4n Handy Portable Digital Recorder. They also give you a couple of quick and simple tips for synching your audio with your video in post-production. Good stuff.
Introducing the DSLR Gunstock Shooters from Steve Weiss, Zacuto USA on Vimeo.
Shortly after the Canon 5D Mark II and Nikon D90 cameras were announced last Summer, Zacuto brought us some really cool video accessories to turn these hybrid-DSLRs into pro-capable video cameras.
Well, Zacuto just made things a lot better with their new gunstock rigs for DSLRs.
The key here is not to encage with metal, keeping it light at 6.5 lbs. including camera & follow focus make it the only true portable capable of shallow DOF.
Steve Weiss, product designer, Zacuto USA
They also became much more reasonable in price, going from the $5k range down to the $2k range.
More details on Zacuto’s site.
Zacuto has been in the photography new headlines several times since the announcement of their accessories for the Canon 5D Mark II and Nikon D90, which are specifically geared and the video capabilities of these cameras. (See this post for more.)
Now, Zacuto has put together a shootout of a number of video cameras, including the Canon 5D Mark II and the Nikon D90. Check out the video and the press release below.
Zacuto’s Great Camera Shootout ’08 from Steve Weiss, Zacuto USA on Vimeo.
Chicago, IL – DECEMBER 12, 2008 – When DP Joe Stunzi came to Chicago to test all of the new HD cameras on the market against each other, he initially had hopes of making a short video using the new Canon 5D Mark II. However, Zacuto’s Steve Weiss, Jens Bogehegn & Scott Lynch decided that another 5D MKII fluff piece is not what was needed. “We needed to see the 5DMKII in relation to other cameras”, says Steve Weiss. So the “Great Camera Shootout of ’08” was born. In this video you will hear Joe, Steve, Jens & Scott discuss what they liked and disliked about each of the HD cameras and DOF adapters. “This test is really for independent filmmakers and web cinematographers who are creating content with the look and feel of a 35mm motion picture.” In this video you will see a same shot comparison of: 35mm motion picture, RED, EX3, HVX200, HPX170, HPX3000, Sony EX3, Nikon D90, Canon 5D Mark II, Letus35 Ultimate and Elite DOF adapters, RedRock Micro and more. Follow a discussion by four filmmakers ranging in age from 18-46. They discuss what’s best. You won’t believe the conclusions. Read Specifications of Shoot at zacuto.zenfolio.com/p82280286/h1429ae6c#h1429ae6c and watch the video at www.zacutovideo.com.
Introducing DSLR Cinematography from Zacuto USA on Vimeo.
Photography Bay covered this a while back, but Zacuto just dropped a press release detailing their link of DSLR cinematography gear for the Nikon D90 and Canon 5D Mark II, along with the above video and several resources on their site geared specifically toward these kits and accessories. Obviously, Zacuto is serious about DSLR cinematography.
Has a new niche been born?
Zacuto DSLR setups: http://zacutoDSLR.com
Steve Weiss filmmaking Blog: http://zacuto.blogspot.com/
Zacuto On-line Store: http://store.zacuto.com/
Chicago, IL – November 12, 2008 – Forget everything you know about DSLR cinematography; this is the future of camcorders and Zacuto’s DSLR Baseplate Kits are the new standard for DSLR cinematography. The new Nikon D90 and the Canon 5D Mark II with super 35 (DOF) depth of field are revolutionizing the industry so much that even RED One Digital has taken notice and is redesigning the Scarlet into a DSLR.
Available now, the new Zacuto DSLR kits: Docu, Cine, Newsman, Indie, and Filmmaker are universal and will work with all cameras and accessories. Zacuto kits allow users to make DSLR’s work much like camcorders. All kits are balanced which is critical for smooth movement and less user fatigue in both tripod and handheld use. Zacuto’s trademarked Z-Release (quick release) allows for fast installation of components like an articulating arm, matte box, follow focus, wireless mic, on-board monitor, an audio adapter, and more. Zacuto kits give you all the components you need for your camera package right out of the box and at a discounted price compared to buying the components ala carte. With various price points, no confusion, and the ability to be used with a tripod, steadicam, dolly, handheld and shoulder mount; you can purchase the kit that is perfect for you and your type of shooting. All Zacuto products are made in the USA and come with a lifetime warranty. [Read more…]
Zacuto is another (remember Redrock?) video accessory maker that has joined the trend of pimping out your DSLR for video use. By the way, did you see the latest Canon videos? The Reverie video is back, as well as a wedding video – both with the 5D Mark II.
Zacuto has got kits designed specifically for the new Canon 5D Mark II and Nikon D90. Don’t expect them to go for the price of a nice tripod though (no prices listed yet for the DSLR mounts). One of the other base model kits, the DOF Docu Baseplate Kit, goes for a meager $1216. Granted, that may be a bargain in video world, but pulling in traditional photographers at those prices may be a tough sell.
It’ll be interesting to see how well these accessories are received among photographers (or budding videographers). What do you think? Is there a Zacuto mount on your Christmas list now?