» Posts Tagged ‘followfocus’

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We’ve already shown off one of the cheaper wireless follow focus systems from JAG35. Now Redrock Micro has partially redesigned their microRemote Wireless Follow Focus system by developing their own motor and creating a new controller (in addition to the iPhone controller). They’ve also got a rig system called the ultraCage that is designed to be form-fitting to cameras like the Canon C300 or the Canon 5D Mark II and 5D Mark III. I had a chance to talk with Brian Valente and Loren Simons at the Redrock NAB booth, and you can see that video embedded below. More »

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JAG35 makes one of the cheapest wireless follow focuses in existence. Now they’ve improved upon their design and made the entire system much more durable. They also are introducing a clever follow focus that is friction based for newer lenses, but doesn’t have to be mounted to the side like many other friction-based follow focuses. I talked with Jehu Garcia from JAG35 and he introduced those products, as well as a custom RED Scarlet/Epic rig and a new slider they are developing. More »

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As with any NAB event, new devices and prototypes are always being announced. I’m sure we will be seeing even more DSLR products than we saw last year, and Manfrotto is attempting to get in on this popularity by announcing new rigs specifically designed for small cameras. While it seems that we get a new DSLR rig every single day, Manfrotto is also going to be announcing other devices that are far more useful and necessary for Canon DSLR owners. More »

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In the past year Okii has put out two interesting tools for Canon HDSLR filmmakers – the Okii FC1 USB Focus Controller and the MC1 USB Mini Controller.  They are both notable for being among the first camera controllers for Canon DSLRs to use the USB protocol — this means you can keep the live view on, either in camera or via monitor, while remotely adjusting camera settings.  Now, although using the USB protocol presents pros, it also has its cons:
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I’ve always thought Kickstarter, IndieGoGo, and other crowdfunding platforms are actually “best” suited for gadgets and technology products where you pre-buy something out of self-interest (as opposed to helping someone make something, as you did with me). Despite this, on Kickstarter Film & Video was the largest category in 2011, which is a testament to the generosity and connectivity of the filmmaking community. Here are a couple of filmmaking-friendly products for DSLRs on Kickstarter, both of which are looking to lower the price point for follow focuses and remote-control helicopters: More »

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There are a couple of USB follow focus controllers out there — the Okii FC1 and Helmsman come to mind — but not all controllers are follow focuses. Instead, some simply let you start/stop recording, adjust exposure, and change settings. Here’s a preview from HD Cam Team of the Okii MC1 USB controller (though at the time of the video the brand had yet to be revealed): More »

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I’ve been keen on Redrock Micro’s microRemote powered follow focus system since it was first announced at least year’s NAB. Redrock makes all manner of DSLR accessories, but their suite of follow focus products could be a breakthrough both feature- and price-wise when they make it to the market later this summer. When I visited the Redrock booth the futuristic iPhone controller was on its way down, but it wasn’t the fancy remote I was interested in: it was the $95 wired finger control that I wanted to get my hands on. Here’s a look at the complete device in action from HDSLR Shooter: More »

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The guys from NextWaveDV stop by the Jag35 booth and check out their new Wireless Follow Focus, which starts at $500. They also stop by the D | Focus booth: More »

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I’ve still not written the long-missing follow focus section of the DSLR Cinematography Guide, mainly because I don’t own a follow focus. I’ve had my eye on the forthcoming Redrock microRemote for a while, but since that unit has yet to see the light of day — and since I haven’t been in production on anything necessitating a follow focus in the meantime — the section has remained neglected. Here’s word of an innovative approach to a follow focus, however, one that uses the USB port on your DSLR to control your lenses (note that you must have the right electronic Canon lenses for this to function). Check out Okii’s new Follow Focus in action: More »

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Jag35, known for ultra-affordable DSLR accesories, has jumped into the electronic follow focus game with a very aggressively-priced unit retailing for under $200. It’s initially available in a wired version, with a wireless unit available sometime in the future. How does the Jag35 measure up? More »

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For a long time I’ve been looking for a way to shoot handheld with BOTH hands on the camera support handles, to maintain a balanced handheld aesthetic similar to that of indie cinematographers like Andrij Parekh (Half Nelson, Sugar, Cold Souls). It looks like Redrock has this functionality in mind with their crazy new microRemote wireless follow focus, which is why I picked the thumbnail at left; however, the real star of the show (certainly from a wow standpoint) is their ingenious use of an iPhone as a control surface. This is a follow focus like you’ve never seen (unless, of course, you’ve seen it before): More »