06.30.2013 | Photography
I’ve always have been interested in doing some high speed camera work, but the problem is, a good high speed camera will start at around $25,000-$100,000. The GoPro Hero 3 – Black Edition can do 240 FPS at standard def, the problem there is you dont have any focus, ISO, or true exposure controls. 
Enter the Casio EX-F1, produced for a short time in 2008, if you can hunt down a new copy, it will cost you more than twice the original price, but if you look around on Ebay, you can find them in the $800 range, depending on their condition. I’ve wanted one since it came out and could never justify buying one until I was out at the shooting range last month and got a few awesome ideas. Im excited to try it out for certain high speed applications.
Strengths: 60FPS stills mode (at full resolution) 300FPS video mode, Allows for manual exposure controls, ISO control, focusing.
Weaknesses: 300FPS is standard def only, has a 1200 fps at an even lower resolution. Fixed lens.
A lot of fire arms youtubers use them to capture bullet path flights and bang for your buck this is probably the best way to go, Check it out:
Was finally able to play around with it this afternoon, I tried a bunch of different things but the best looking result was the water balloon test where I popped it with a scalpel. The footage is decent, even upsized it is still pretty interesting. Here are 2 of my favorite screen shots from the footage, crazy to see a balloon shaped glob of water just sitting there for a split second before it falls to the ground:
Been getting a lot of questions about a possible Fireworks Contest this year, it’ll probably happen so get your tripods ready! Ill announce it soon!![]()
06.29.2013 | Photography
Michael’s custom designed and 3D Printed Adapters are now available for purchase on his store: Maven Adapters – Sky Cam Adapters
Having sold out on three different occasions now, I am happy to announce that we have a limited number of Maven Adapters in stock again. Color is Gray or Black (we will send you what we have). At least now it will be easier for everyone to purchase them online and have them shipped directly from the warehouse instead of me having to run down to the post office personally.
This will probably be the last available batch for a while. The adapters themselves are awesome, fun, easy to use, get your creative ideas going, etc, the problem is, they take a serious amount of time to make, 2.5 hours on the 3D printer alone. So while its a good product, I definitely have a production concern and am looking for a manufacturing partner now. I guess what I am saying is, if I can’t find a reasonable way/cost to manufacture these on a larger scale, Im not sure Ill be making many more of these, if you are interested, get them while you still can. I expect to be sold out shortly.
Im continuing to get a lot of great feedback and sample images from those who already have them and are using them in the field. Thank you to Dave Frye and Steve Morovek for allowing me to share their images:
Daves Wedding Website: Magic Your Way Weddings
Steve excellently demonstrates the change of perspective when shooting landscape or real estate photography when using the Maven Adapter:
Maven Adapters – Sky Cam Adapters![]()
06.29.2013 | Movie Reviews
Its essentially the same movie as “Olympus Has Fallen” and both borrow extensively from Die Hard. Its a rental. ![]()
06.27.2013 | Photography
FINALLY! News of new Canon DSLR technology, I was sad about the rehashing of that same 18MP over and over. Here it is: CanonRumors.com has leaked the specs on the unreleased Canon 70D , this looks very real and they even have a large image you can click on and check out, which I recommend. 
The highlights:
– New Digic 5+ Processor
– New Live View Focusing Technology, up to 5 times faster
– New 20.2 Sensor
– 7 FPS high speed burst
– 19 AF points (Sounds like the 7D’s Optical Focusing System)
– Articulating Touch Screen Monitor similar to T4i, T5i
– Built in Wi-Fi (yay! Love that feature)
It sounds very, very similar to the 7D, in fact, better in many regards. There are a few unanswered questions, such as price, does it have a flash transmitter (most likely will), what is the body made out of etc. We will know July 2 when the announcement is made.
This also seems to suggest that the 7D is going to be replaced in the near future, as the 70D desirability will effect the 7D’s sales. Its just a matter of time now.
Canon Rumors specs on unreleased Canon 70D
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06.27.2013 | Photography
Today Canon released a new firmware update that fixes the achilles heel of the Canon Mirrorless M, it’s auto focusing speed in the One Shot Mode. When I originally reviewed it, I thought it was an outstanding little camera, with the one exception of the focusing issue. Take a look at how fast the new firmware focuses:
Im not sure it will give the Canon M the boost it needs to get into the mirrorless market, but now with the firmware update, and the fact that I am printing my own lens housings on my 3d Printer for the M, (Ill post on this soon). Im not so likely to get rid of it as I thought I was.
If you have a Canon M, you can download the firmware update here: Canon M Firmware update 2.0.2
If you want an awesome training video that will show you how to use it, I have one as well:
Canon M Tutorial Training Video Course![]()
