An amateur journey of digital recording
Archive for October, 2010
Schneider Distributes Cam Caddie Stabilizing Handle
Oct 14th
Schneider Optics is pleased to announce the exclusive worldwide distribution of Cam Caddie. This amazingly effective stabilizing handle and accessory holder system is ideal for work with virtually any lightweight still, DV HDSLR and video-enabled DSLR camera. Cam Caddie combines versatility and a price anyone can afford. Every camcorder owner should want one.
Cam Caddie provides a comfortable, solid camera platform that provides stable support and dampens movement while shooting—enabling smooth and steady shots. What’s more, the system can facilitate moves that look like a professional jib arm or camera stabilizer. It is just the trick for capturing dynamic action camera work like skateboarders, sports, weddings, corporate films, walk throughs, and more.
Cam Caddie is the ideal way to add on accessories like a light, monitor, and more to the camera via the built-in mounting interfaces. The well thought-out Cam Caddie system offers optional accessories including the Accessory Shoe – that allows the attachment of lights, flash units, mics, and monitors. The Accessory Wing and Tripod Adapter works with the Accessory Shoe to mount multiple accessories. There’s also a 1/4-20 Flash Shoe Adapter to attach multiple accessories to any flash shoe, hot or cold mount
The Cam Caddie price starts at $59.95. A kit including the Cam Caddie and three accessories has an MSRP of $109.95. To find out more about the Cam Caddie Scorpion and accessories, contact: Schneider Optics, 7701 Haskell Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91406, telephone (818) 766-3715; fax (818) 505-9865; or at: 285 Oser Avenue, Hauppauge, NY 11788, telephone (800) 645-7239/(631) 761-5000, fax (631) 761-5090; www.schneideroptics.com
Vinten Introduces Vector 430
Oct 11th
Vinten®, a Vitec Group brand and a global leader in camera supports, introduces its new Vector 430. Developed in collaboration with leading global customers and bridging the gap between the Vision and Vector ranges, the Vector 430 is ideal for the growing number of applications that use both the compact box lens and large EFP barrel lenses.
This unique and lightweight pan and tilt head incorporates Vinten’s innovative Perfect Balance technology – into a previously unattainable compact package – while boasting an extremely large capacity range of 22 – 94.8 lbs (10 – 43 kg). This means that the Vector 430 provides a single choice for camera operators in the studio or out on the field, when two heads may have previously been required.
Simple to rig and convenient to transport, the compact design of the Vector 430 maintains the trusted performance and functionality of Vinten’s renowned Vector heads, including infinitely adjustable Perfect Balance and smooth TF drag technology.
Telegenic in the UK is one of the leading outside broadcast production companies, which Vinten worked closely with during the development phase of the Vector 430. “We were delighted when Vinten approached us to trial the new Vector 430,” said Telegenic’s head of cameras, Pete Bowen. “We were able to test the new head during the coverage of two rugby matches at Twickenham, where we used the Vector 430 to support the main cameras, which are critical in creating the most compelling coverage.”
“Working with Vinten ensured that the Vector 430 was tailored to meet our exact needs,” he added. “The result is a head with good physical size for our specific requirements, and excellent quality of movement,” concluded Bowen.
The Vector 430 controls have been ergonomically designed to ensure ease-of-use in any situation, whether in the studio or during an outside broadcast. The controls include a retractable counterbalance adjuster, backlit drag knobs and an illuminated LCD display for low-light situations. The base of the Vector 430 includes an integral Quickfix groove for fast and secure attachment. All of these features, combined with a Quickfit wedge adaptor, make the Vector 430 the perfect choice for busy multi-camera productions.
“The Vector 430 fills a hole in the market. In our trials with the prototype at the Dunhill Golf Championships in St Andrews in 2008 it showed its potential,” said Keith Gibson, freelance cameraman and camera supervisor on the European Tour Golf for European Tour Productions and CTV Outside Broadcasts.
Gibson subsequently had the chance to try out one of the first production models at the World Matchplay Golf in Spain in 2009. “It was used by various cameramen in different lens/camera configurations and the reactions were good. It is a flexible piece of kit covering a wide range of requirements making it very useful in the outside broadcast world,” added Gibson.
Peter Harman, Vinten product manager adds, “We are devoted to working closely with our users to understand precisely what they need from camera support in order to direct our R&D team. The new Vector 430 is a product of this process: uncompromised Vinten performance in a compact form with a wide capacity range; suitable for any EFP or LW studio camera combination; and the ability to have complete and perfect control of framing in any situation.”
The new Vector 430 is also available with an extremely high-quality, highly accurate encoder output, the Vector 430i, to meet the growing demand for virtual and augmented reality applications in outside broadcast and studio environments. This head incorporates a new Intelligence Module to provide precise, real-time digital electronic positioning of pan and tilt to enable graphics to be placed perfectly into the live environment. The new Vector 430i also includes a unique optional inclinometer feature developed to solve the challenge of platform movement and compensates any camera position. These features, combined with the functionality of the innovative Vector 430, make the Vector 430i an ideal choice for EFP camera set-ups where virtual reality is required.
For further information, please go to www.vinten.com or contact: Vinten, 709 Executive Blvd., Valley College, NY 10989, Phone: 1 888 2 Vinten, Fax: 845-268-0113, Email: info-cd-usa@vitecgroup.com
Petrol Bags introduces Digibag DSLR Camera Bag
Oct 11th
Petrol Bags™, a Vitec Group Brand, introduces the new Digibag DSLR Camera Bag. This semi-hard cushioned carrier is uniquely designed to safeguard a video-enabled DSLR camera and important accessories while on the go and keep them well organized on location. Petrol Digibag combines a smart, streamlined design in black 900D and ballistic nylon fabrics with features designed to offer the ultimate in convenience and equipment protection.
The Digibag’s top flap opens extra wide for instant access to the bag’s spacious main compartment. The upper section is contoured to fit a DSLR camera with the lens attached. The hinged floor of this section lifts to reveal twin pockets perfect for stashing extra lenses or spare batteries. Two levels of removable internal dividers help secure contents and create pockets for storing a mattebox, camera plate, follow focus, camera light, viewfinder, cables and more. Contents are surrounded and cushioned by layers of soft padded red Brushed Polyester. Additional features include an ergonomic carrying handle, padded shoulder strap, and Petrol Bags’ hallmark dual-directional easy glide zippers.
For further information on the Digibag Camera Bag (#PD221), please go to www.petrolbags.com or contact: Petrol Bags, 709 Executive Blvd., Valley College, NY 10989, Phone: 845-268-0100, Fax: 845-268-0113, Email: info-cd-usa@vitecgroup.com