Panasonic released a firmware update for the GH2 camera earlier today with some improvements, one of the features being an option for higher video bitrate (quality). Still nothing as impressive as the firmware hacks out there, but if you're a bit weary on third party stuff, and happened to jump on the current GH2 deal at B&H, the new firmware is a good start. Found here https://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/fts/dl/gh2.html
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Fuji X10, Rokinon Fisheye, Olympus 45mm
Available again, the fast moving Fuji X10 is currently in stock
Fuji X10 Digital Camera
A few other popular items you might have been eyeballing are also available.
Rokinon 7.5mm Fisheye lens for Micro Four Thirds
Panasonic GH2 $200 or $300 Instant Discount
Panasonic GH2 w/ 14-42mm Lens (Black Body)
The Panasonic GH2 camera might be about a year old, but it's still surprising everyone how far they can push the performance with third party firmware hacks. Of all the micro four thirds cameras that had been released afterwards, this is still the best choice. Even without third party support, this little camera does quite a few things better than most large sensor DSLR cameras that require line skipping in video mode.
Right now you can find the popular GH2 camera + 14-42mm Kit Lens with a $200 dollar instant discount (no mail-in) over at B&H. If you opt in for the GH2 with 14-140mm kit, you'll be receiving and instant $300 dollar discount. Just about the lowest price it's been all year [Thanks Ed]. Price checking finds that B&H is listing it about $100 dollars cheaper than both eBay (here) and Amazon (here)
Panasonic Announces GX1 and 3D1 Cameras
You've probably heard the buzz around other websites that Panasonic officially announced their GX1 camera (wasn't a big secret) along with another small 3D camera. Their previous GF2 and GF3 cameras were pretty much released one right after the other, and failed to appeal to a mass market. I have a feeling they're missing the boat again with the GX1 mainly because of pricing. In the mini interchangeable lens camera market, we've already seen the Pentax Q, new Olympus cameras, and the new Nikon V1/J1 cameras
Cheap Velbon Video Fluid Head Review
I'm sure many of you already know about this particular Velbon fluid head
If you're just starting out with a GH2, Olympus Pen, or Sony NEX-5n camera you'll get some truly fluid movements with this sub $30 dollar fluid head. It's no wonder this fluid head gets rave reviews over at Amazon
Size Comparison (Left) Manfrotto 701HDV (Right) Velbon Fluid Head
Don't get the bundled tripods as i've heard nothing but horror stories. You'd be better off buying another one like the 190XDB from Manfrotto (found here). Don't overload the thing. I used a Canon 5D Mark II and Canon 100mm Macro F/2.8 which worked well, but the head does not have a 'balance' feature so it wanted to tilt forward with the heavy lens. It's too bad the build quality comes in short, because the performance is truly amazing for such a cheap head. Often you'll find the head on sale as low as $26 dollars, and for a spare head on your DSLR video slider, track dolly, or even one for your Monopod it's a deal. You can find them on sale at B&H (click here)
Velbon PH-368 Video Fluid Head
or at Amazon (click here) available at both B&H and Amazon (click here)
Velbon Fluid Video Tripod head - via Amazon
CarrySpeed Swi-View Neoprene Swivel LCD ViewFinder Mount
What can I say? It's simple, it works. As you can see it works on the GH2 perfectly without losing view of the entire LCD. Of course it works on the T3i and 60D. The velcro design and stretchy neoprene means it's adjustable to fit a variety of different cameras or even a variety of different view finders. I'm not sure about applying pressure onto the LCD while it's swiveled outwards, but for anyone that has worked outdoors in bright daylight, it's a good way to keep the function of the swivel LCD while acting as a sunshade / VF. $10 dollar tool that folds flat taking up no extra space in the bag. Heck why not. Found via Amazon (Click here)
CarrySpeed Swi-View LCD ViewFinder Neoprene Adapter
Varavon Loupe EX-Solo ViewFinders Nikon / Canon / GH2
Varavon's latest product is a flip up style ViewFinder called the EX-Solo with models available for all the popular Nikon, Canon 5D / 7D / T2i / 60D, and even small Panasonic GH2 cameras. The ViewFinder attaches using the Tripod base adapter (no sticky frame here), and still provides an access port if you want to mount a quick release. The EX-Solo includes a diopter for those with less than perfect vision and flips up a full 180 degrees when the VF is not in use. The view finder stays put with a few magnets when it's in the closed position. Varavon pricing has always been a bit high, but quality has been top notch in it's other product line. At least it's still cheaper than the high end viewfinders. Looks like they are just getting in stock (click here).
Varavon New EX-Solo View Finder
Panasonic GH2 Hack News
GH2 hack footage - 4:3 MJPEG for true LOMO anamorphic 2.35:1 cinemascope from Andrew Reid on Vimeo.
For starters the GH2 was mostly unavailable throughout it's release, but has anyone noticed that the Panasonic GH2 prices have recently ridiculously inflated again? It's been brought back to life with the recent news of a firmware hack mod that will unlock some new features, but also unlock some crazy video bitrates as well. Testing different features so far looks very promising and since hardware wise it's superior to previous Panasonic's, this should bring out quality from a Micro Four Thirds never seen before. If you've already picked up a GH2, it's just a matter of waiting while the firmware is fine tuned, but if you're looking to jump on the bandwagon some average pricing can be found at the auctions (click here).
Lexar follows Buy Two and Save Deal
Earlier I posted some big savings that SanDisk was offering of it's Compact Flash media and SDHC cards. You can find that article here: http://cheesycam.com/sandisk-media-huge-deals/. Lexar is now offering a Buy Two and save type deal on many of their media cards, so if Transcend wasn't good enough, Sandisk doesn't meet your needs, then Lexar might be up your alley. Found below.
