An amateur journey of digital recording
Posts tagged Canon 7D
Zeikos Canon 7D Battery Grip – First Look
May 22nd
The Zeikos ZE-CBG7D is a aftermarket battery grip for the Canon 7D. According to Zeikos, the ZE-CBG7D uses the same mold as the Canon battery grip. The most attractive aspect of the Zeikos is the price. At $80 before shipping costs, the ZE-CBG7D is about half what you would pay for the Canon version.
At first, I was skeptical how it would look and fit. I was pleasantly surprised. The fit and finish is good. There seems to be some gaps (as you can see from the pictures) but overall it feels like a connected piece of the camera. Like the Canon version, it also has a tray for six AA batteries. This is great if you are in an area where you cannot charge the stock camera battery. I have only been using the grip for a couple of days but I can say it works, feels reasonably good in my hands (I have big hands) and makes shooting in portrait mode much easier. People with very small hands may have some issue holding the Canon 7D portrait style.
If I was getting nitpicky, the texture on the grip is not as nice as the Canon 7D. Also, the gaps on the sides are a little to big to call it a “perfect fit”. However, for the price, this is a great deal. If you are interested in buying the product for your Canon 7D, check out the Amazon.com links for details.
Litepanels Introduces New MicroPro Hybrid
May 22nd
Litepanels®, A Vitec Group brand, introduces the MicroPro Hybrid™ – the first professional LED light to combine continuous output and a “Flash” feature in a single fixture.
This ingenious fixture is the ideal lighting tool for motion-enabled DSLR cameras. The Hybrid’s “Continuous Mode” provides luminous, wrap around soft output that beautifully complements the camera’s video capability. The “Flash” feature produces a 400% brighter burst, which is perfect for illuminating a variety of still images.
Litepanels MicroPro Hybrid™ on-camera light runs off standard AA batteries, harnessing the company’s Emmy Award-winning LED technology in a
lightweight, compact design. The Hybrid offers soft, directional lighting with the same warmth and outstanding color characteristics that make Litepanels an integral part of television, broadcast news, motion picture and still photo shoots worldwide.
MicroPro Hybrid produces 1.5 hours of continuous output from 6 AA batteries or 5-6 hours from Energizer e2 Lithium cells. The system can be run off of either standard or rechargeable batteries. Power can be supplied optionally through a convenient 5-16V input jack located on the back of the unit.
At the top of the Hybrid housing, a convenient integrated dimmer offers instant 100% to 0 dimming with minimal color shift. Output is flicker free and heat free and remains consistent. For greater versatility, an integrated filter holder on the face of the light allows for work with three included color/diffusion gels. Additional filters can be conveniently stored on the back of the fixture. A Strobe Sync Cable included at the base of the unit simply plugs in to enable a strobe function.
The compact, low-profile Hybrid head is ideally suited for mounting on a DV or DSLR camera. It measures 5.5” W x 3.75” H x 1. 5” D (139.7mm x 95.25mm x 38.1mm) and weighs just 10.5 ounces (300g).
For more information on the new MicroPro Hybrid and other Litepanels HD-friendly LED lighting systems, contact Litepanels, Inc., 16152 Saticoy Street, Van Nuys, CA 91406, Phone: 818/752-7009, Fax: 818/752-2437 Email: info@litepanels.com, www.litepanels.com
Band Pro Offers FGV 7D-PL for Cinematographers
May 7th
Band Pro is pleased to offer the new FGV 7D-PL camera, modified by FGV Schmidle. This versatile cinematography tool is a standard Canon 7D permanently retrofitted with a one-piece lens/sensor/base mounting element made of rock-solid steel. Unlike most DSLR modifications, the FVG 7D-PL comes with a one-year limited warranty from FGV Schmidle.
The camera’s mirror and optical viewfinder are removed and the original sensor block is rigidly reinstated in connection with the one-piece 3/8” threaded steel mounting bracket and PL lens mount, which ensures that all critical elements of the camera move as one. A 3-pin Fischer connection is added to allow start/stop control when using a handgrip system or remote camera controls. This makes the modified 7D ideal for remote rigs, car rigs and cranes/jibs.
The 7D utilizes an APS-C sensor, closely matching the size and depth-of-field characteristics of other single-sensor digital cameras. The new FGV 7D-PL is a professional moviemaking tool that can accept most popular PL lenses.
For more information: Band Pro Film & Digital, 3403 West Pacific Avenue, Burbank, CA 91505, Phone: 818/841-9655, e-mail: info@bandpro.com, www.bandpro.com.