Category Archives: Videos

DIY Tree I got this because it looked like a cool little project, and a neat (if tiny) gift for the missus. So that’s about the extent of my motivations. If you’re trying to put one of these together, I’m hoping that this video might answer a couple of your questions. It’s not really meant to be an educational video, though; More a demonstration of what’s involved in assembly for anyone considering a purchase. Speaking of which, if you want one you can pick one up for about 5 bucks over at banggood.com. And in case you were wondering, this is not a paid advertisement. I actually paid them for this thing, so it’s pretty much the opposite. (If this … Continue reading

This one went up on the ol’ Extras channel because, to be completely honest, it’s not a very good video. I know you might ask, then why bother uploading it at all? Or, why not re-shoot it? Good questions, and ones I ask myself. But I figure that a) there’s a lot of worse crap on YouTube anyway, and b) it’s not really worth re-shooting because the subject matter is never exactly gonna be thrilling. This is a bit of a tangent, but here’s why I’m making YouTube videos in general: Because I like making videos. I don’t so much like being on camera, though. I like planning, lighting, camera setups, editing, and all the little stuff in between. So … Continue reading

I Love Strippers… …but not so much the VISE-GRIP self-adjusting style. And especially not the cheap Chinese ripoff version.

2D Version 3D Version What?? I had the idea that my videos would be better in 3D. Well, maybe not better. More involved to produce, anyhow. And since I make videos mostly for the love of the process than because I like being on camera (I hate it), more complexity equals more fun! Well, maybe fun is the wrong word. But, you know… something. There are other reasons, too. I cover all that in the video. :) I also get into the reasons for choosing Blackmagic Micro Studio Cameras (small, light, 4K, genlock) and why I’m using both a Video Assist 4K and an Atomos Shogun. Which isn’t due to a very good reason at all. Importantly, the 3D version … Continue reading

It turns out that I have more battery chargers than sense, so I built this monstrosity.

Here’s a tiny cellphone from Aiek (your top brand for cheap-ass mini phones, maybe). I got it for $10, and surprisingly it works pretty well! I forgot to mention in the video, but it’s GSM and definitely compatible with AT&T’s network. (I tested it using H2O Wireless, but they’re just a virtutal provider on AT&T’s system.) You can pick one up from Banggood, but unfortunately the price has jumped up twice since I bought it, and now it’s at an unfortunate $18.47 (October 8, 2016). I’m sure it’s sold elsewhere, so hopefully you can grab it for ten bucks from another source. The free delivery option was surprisingly fast to me here in NY at just over a week. This … Continue reading

Here are some collapsible LED “camping” lanterns from Etekcity. The reason I put “camping” in quotes is because there is no sign of waterproofing on these things. I suppose if you’re camping in the desert they’d be fine. Wait, no they wouldn’t be. Because one out of the four didn’t work, and the soldering was abysmal. If you want to see details, I do a tear down in the video.

I’m currently comparing the Blackmagic Video Assist 4K and the Atomos Shogun, and will be doing a review shortly. If you have any questions, comments, or things you’d like to see me cover please let me know in the comments (here or on YouTube). I know that the VA4K is a current product, and the Shogun is a discontinued previous version. So why compare them? Well, because I’m focused on people like me: Low-budget shooters that want good equipment for their money. The VA4K is priced comparably to a used (but excellent quality) Shogun. So for a particular budget, those seem to be the most compelling options for a 4K recorder.

Hey you! Internet user! Are you tired of getting sneeze and other bodily fluids all over your remote controls? Well this Banggood seller has a solution just for you!

I was looking for a super bright projector to use for in-camera visual effects or even simple presentations. I found one for under $150 on eBay that was 5100 lumens! That’s an AMAZING deal, but the projector was a bit more than I bargained for.