Effective Immediately.

I moved my blog to a new location. its gonna be john-lo.com Please update your RSS Feed accordingly.

Thank you. See you at my new home.

My first Do-it-Yourself (DIY) project.   Inspirited by Cheesycam.com and Just Basl Production tutorial video.  Some of you might say, why waste your time putting one together when you can buy the real thing.  Well here’s my answer to you.  I’m not a videographer, and I am not planning on becoming one.   So why in the world would I go out and spend over thousands of dollars on a rig that I will most likely ended up using a few seconds of video clips.  Maybe when I get much better at it and start making more money from doing it, I will consider.  But for now, this DIY Video Rig Cage will do the trick.  All I wanted was something to stabilize the camera from shacking so much anyway.   Seriously look at this rig.   Doesnt it look like something you can buy at Adorama or B&H Photo??!?!   hahaha!

if you are interested making one yourself, I highly recommend you visit Cheesycam.com and Just Basl Productions Video tutorial.   Here’s a list of stuff I got at Home Depot and Lowes.    If  I didnt list the price, that’s because I already had them in my toolbox at home.

2 – 16″ Strut Channel   $20 included shipping. *
2 – 1/2″ x 12″ Black Steel Nipple  $4.80
1 – 1/2″ x 8″ Black Steel Nipple  $2.43
2 – 3/8-16″ x 6″ Carriage Bolt  $2.10
2 – 3/8-16″ x 6″ Hex Bolt  $1.80
2 – 3/8″ Threaded Rod Coupling  $1.88
1 – Fi-Shock Heavy Duty Ground Clamp – 2″ screw  $2.48
4 – Fender Washers – 3/8 x 1-1/2″ $0.90
4 – Bike Handle Grip from Bell  $14.00 (I am sure you can find cheaper one.  I only needed 3, but they only come in pairs)
Black Flat protective Enamel Spray Paint $5
Primer Spray Paint $4
120/200 grit sandpaper block  $3

1/4-20 x 1-1/4″ screw with nut and locking washer
Get some extra nut, locking washer that will fit both 1/4-20″ and 3/8-16″ screws (depending which one you are using).
some extra Fender Washer 1/4″ x 1-1/4″ and/or 3/8″ x 1-1/4″

* Home Depot and Lowes sell the Strut Channel only in one size – 10ft long.   I don’t have access to a hacksaw, pretty much it was impossible for me to cut this.   Thanks to Google and some looking around, I found a place actually was selling the Strut Channel in two different length, 12″ and 16″.   After speaking with them, I ordered two 16″ Strut Channel.   Totally cost  under $20.   Would have been cheaper, but I didn’t have time to drive out to Long Island, so instead I had them mail it to me.  http://www.gnswireless.com/GNS7084-16.htm So for those that does not have access to a hacksaw or a way to have it cut to size.   This is the best solution.

In case you asked.  I am using a Calumet Quick Release Video Adapter/Plate to hold my Canon 5D Mark II.   The LED Video light is HDV-Z96 that I picked up on ebay for about $61.  I will do a review on it later in the week.

Now that you know a little information about my Rig, here are some images of the Rig and the two videos below.   Like with everything else, it takes time with lots of practice.   So I am sure the next time when you see my video using the Rig, it will be much better then the 1st.

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Damn I look good!   LOL

Here’s a video using the rig.  Like I said, I’m not a video guy.  Still got a lot to learn.  I will say it is 75% better then just handheld the camera alone.

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Here’s a video taken by my good friend William Eng of me in action using the Rig.

If you like to have one made by me, please contact me for a quote.

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Please share….  thanks!!

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After the announcement of a small bug on firmware 2.0.3 yesterday, Canon just releases the 5D Mark II Firmware 2.0.4 which is now available for download.   Come and get it.

http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/firm-e/eos5dmk2/firmware.html

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Just wanted to give everyone a quick heads-up about the new Canon 5D Mark II Firmware 2.0.3 since I mentioned to you all the other day.   Here’s what they said on their website:

Recently we have discovered a malfunction that occurs with Firmware Version 2.0.3, in which the manual recording levels for C1/C2/C3 are changed and the camera becomes unable to record audio if the power is turned off (or if Auto power off takes effect) after registering “Sound Recording: Manual” in the camera user settings.

We apologize very sincerely for the inconvenience, but we are going to stop making this firmware available for download. For customers who have already updated to the new firmware, when using the camera with the mode dial set to C1/C2/C3, please either set the sound recording settings to Auto.

We are currently preparing firmware that will correct this malfunction. As soon as those preparations have been completed, we will let you know on this Web site. In the meantime, we apologize for the inconvenience this represents, but please wait until the fixed firmware is ready.

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Fact:  Never let anything or anyone get in the way between you and your family. 

Canon just released the long awaited firmware update for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II that will or should I say finally gives this camera the cinema feel 23.97 (24p) frame rate and the manual audio controls. If you haven’t done so yet, you need to update your camera now. You can download it at  http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/firm-e/eos5dmk2/firmware.html.

So what was added in this firmware? Here’s a small list (my list)

• Adds 24 fps (23.976 fps) to 1920×1080
• Manual Audio Control
• Add Tv and Av to the shooting mode.
• The ability to display the Histogram in live view when shooting.
• Audio sampling rate changed to 48 KHz

If you like to learn more, please visit http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=GetArticleAct&articleID=3287 with much more details and information on this 2.0.3 firmware for the Canon 5D Mark II

I’ll post a sample video later this week using the 24fps.

Btw, if you are having a problem downloading the firmware due to heavy traffic, shoot me an email and I will get you the file.   Thanks Chris for posting the file to download. 

Fact: My wifey’s Baked Ziti tasted yummy.

Think Tank Streetwalker Pro Backpack

Two years ago, William Eng and I were at the PhotoPlus Expo 2008 doing some window shopping.   We both were interesting looking to buy an everyday backpack, like the Kata 3n1-20.  A great bag I must say for what we wanted for.   But a year later I sold it pretty much what I paid for and replaced with the Think Tank Streetwalker Pro Backpack.   Not that I didnt like the Kata 3n1-20.  It just didnt work for me anymore because of the Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS I have.   No, not that i didnt fix, just didnt do what I wanted or prefer.   So I started to look elsewhere.

Even since I got the Think Tank Airport International v2, i’ve started to like their products.   But I will say that this Think Tank Streetwalker Pro is not built like the TT Airport International.  If anyting I would say I was a little disappointed.  But it’s a great bag.   Just comparing to the quality from Airport International, it’s no match.   Sorry it’s not actually a good review of the bag.    Hopefully the pictures I posted below showing what it looks like inside with my equipment will help demand if it is for you or not.   As you can see, it’s pretty roomy.   I read somewhere that you can actually store a netbook inside – on the bottom of the bag.   well if i have time, i’m gonna try and see if my Asus EeePc netbook will fit or not.  heheh!

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Fact: Today’s temperature is 59 degree.   Hopefully it’s a sign that Spring is coming… YAY!

What person like to carry their gears back to their car after a long day shooting? Well last summer I was asking myself that question while walking back to the car. Few weeks later, I sold all my Lowepro backpacks and got myself the Think Tank Airport International v2.0. Yes its a roller and I can use it as a carry-on on any flight both international and domestic. But of course no matter what, you still need check with your airline and TSA since things does changes everyday thanks to the people who causing such problems.

Here’s some Pros and Cons I have put together about the bag….

Pros:
1) Can be use as a carry-on on a flight.
2) it has wheels
3) my shoulder and lower back doesn’t hurt anymore.
4) it has two locks that’s TSA approved.
5) well built
6) roomy
7) Looks like a normally carry-on luggage.

Cons:
1) Too heavy – depending on your gears you have inside, the airline can still stop you from using is as a carry-on due to the weight. So need to be smart when packing and going to security. I’ve heard story from other photog being stopped at the check point.
2) WAY Too Expensive  <—-  but the money was well spent : the quality of the bag.

Well that’s all i can think of. Here’s some pics inside the bag with my gears. Hope my brief review will help you to decide if it’s the right bag for you and your gears.

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Facts:  I hate rude people.  I hate people who’s fake.  I hate people who thinks they are better then everyone else, especially when they are not.