Instant Expert: DSLRs and Accessories: Deck Out That Camera!

ITEM

COMPANY

MSRP

WHAT'S NEW AND OTHER COMMENTS

Optimos System

Optimos

$1,500–$3,500

Optimos, which debuted at the 2012 NAB Show, is a multi-function camera system that easily and quickly transforms from a simple slider to a number of different camera support and device configurations such as a dolly, wheelbarrow, monopod, cage, shoulder rig, jib, car mount and stabilizer. Supports up to 200 lb. Three different systems are available: Juventos, Invictos and Maximos Pro. Distributed by International Supplies.

Okii FC1 USB Focus Controller

Okii Systems

$400

FC1 uses Canon’s USB protocol to allow control of functions on Canon EOS DSLRs including focus, ISO, aperture, video start/stop, digital zoom and camera settings. The handheld unit weighs 5 oz. with batteries. The FC1 uses the auto focus motor in lenses to control focus, even while recording video. The HDMI output can be used in tandem with the controller. Okii is represented in the U.S. by Zacuto.

Scorpion

Zacuto

$2,565

The consummate DSLR support rig. Announced at NAB 2011, Zacuto spent a year perfecting this rig before shipping. Configurable for either shoulder, it starts with the Zacuto DSLR Baseplate, which allows any DSLR to be mounted to the rig and the rig to be mounted to a tripod. Scorpion kit includes support rods, handle, mount for optional electronic viewfinder and more. Includes a counterbalance on rear for perfect weight distribution. Zacuto, as usual, gets it right.

Electronic Follow Focus Remote Control

Manfrotto

$TBA

So new we don’t even have a price yet! First electronic follow focus for Canon DSLRs. Available in a clamp mount, and pro mount for larger shoulder rigs. More than a follow focus, it also controls all camera functions. This is definitely the year of the electronic DSLR control device.

Nikon Gold DSLR Rigs

Redrock Micro

$514–$2,333

Redrock Micro’s popular Captain Stubling, RunningMan and DSLR Field Cinema bundles are available in configurations to support Nikon D4 and D800 cameras.

EOS 5D Mark III

Canon U.S.A.

$3,499 (body only)

Not exactly a DSLR accessory but the DSLR itself. The long-awaited successor to the EOS 5D Mark II includes a host of improvements and new features, from an extended ISO range, dual memory card slots (CF and SD), and 22.3-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor to a new DIGIC 5+ processor that will greatly reduce moiré and artifacting. Shoots 1080 and 720 HD video with manual exposure control, multiple frame rates and embedded timecode.

D800

Nikon

$2,999 (body only)

While we’re talking about new cameras for DSLR filmmakers, let’s not overlook the D800. Features a 36.3-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor, a 91,000-pixel RGB Matrix Metering System, EXPEED 3 image processing engine, Full HD 1080p video and low-light video capability. Perhaps most importantly, it has clean HDMI output for external monitoring or recording to external devices.

i-Cuff Pro

i-Cuff

$45

Seems like the i-Cuff has been around for ages. It continues to be a favorite of still and video photographers. i-Cuff Pro fits nicely over the viewfinder of Canon or Nikon DSLRs to provide a cushioned, comfortable and light-sealed soft viewfinder. A true industry classic.

DSLR extreme Deluxe

DVTEC

$699

I’ve used DVTEC’s rigs for years because they’re strong, well made and versatile. The DSLR extreme Deluxe is a variation of DVTEC’s DvRigPro, but designed for DSLRs. This shoulder rig includes a shock absorbing waist support system as well, freeing hands to operate the camera. Also check out DVTEC’s other DSLR mounting options.

PD620

Petrol

$TBA

Introduced at the 2012 NAB Show, the PD620 is a carry-on size roll-away camera carrier. Front lid unzips to reveal a central compartment contoured to comfortably fit up to two DSLRs with lenses attached. Includes detachable internal dividers, padding and computer pouch. In short, this Rolling DigiSuite DSLR Camera Case is everything you expect from a Petrol bag.