Quick Release Showdown

After using the Sima Quickonnect for all of my sub-$10 quick release needs, another product has shown up on the horizon recently. A clone of the Manfrotto 323 RC2 quick release system, this Chinese knock-off is a solid product that comes in at 1/4 of the price of the original. Both systems are great for allowing you to move your camera between DIY builds, but this Manfrotto clone is the better buy in my opinion.

The New Jersey eBay supplier seems to randomly jack up the price up to $108.48 (why?), so double check before you buy, or use the Hong Kong supplier.
http://tinyurl.com/7mgoezh

Manfrotto Clone, Hong Kong Supplier ($9.30)
http://tinyurl.com/cjdllfh

Sima Quickonnect, Amazon ($8-12)
http://tinyurl.com/7ft44z9

Recap Q&A: Favorite Movie?

Blog: http://www.thefrugalfilmmaker.com
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thefrugalfilmmaker
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New quick release camera mount for $8.48
New Jersey supplier for $8.48: http://tinyurl.com/846f8jq
Hong Kong Supplier for $9.30: http://tinyurl.com/cjdllfh
Amazon link for $10.59: http://tinyurl.com/crkefcz

New material for DIY projects
http://tinyurl.com/d7olxky

Full body greenman suit - $25
http://tinyurl.com/73uedor

Shooting great portraits (or video) with minimal setup
http://tinyurl.com/cgjwfwo

67" monopod for $12
http://tinyurl.com/cmjjqkx

Video production: getting permission
http://tinyurl.com/cysakwf

Off the shelf ring light - $25
http://tinyurl.com/cpj8tvq

Getting better prodcution audio is easier than you think
http://tinyurl.com/dybd5kn

Simple Snorricam for $7
http://tinyurl.com/cm5ad2m

Making fake realistic looking instestines
http://tinyurl.com/d4z5k3n

Refurb Kodak PlaySport ZX5 waterproof cam for $59
http://tinyurl.com/85we57f

Canon T3i vs. Kodak ZX5
http://tinyurl.com/7r45qvz

Sima Quickonnect back in stock
http://tinyurl.com/6p9tlsw

32" Collapsible 5-in-1 reflector - $10
http://tinyurl.com/6o2mys3

Simple Snorricam for $7

Another viewer request, this time I make an attempt at creating a Snorricam, a rig that makes you look like you desperately need a nap. This has got to be one of the simpler rigs I've ever built.  Most Snorricams have lots of padding and straps, but I did away with all of that in favor of a counterweight system.  It isn't as rock solid as the traditional version, but you get to see more of your actor as well as some other nifty options not found elsewhere. Who wants to be like everyone else anyway?

Recap Q&A: What Techniques?

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Twitter Feed: http://www.twitter.com/frugalfilmmaker

If we Cannes, you Can! (e-book, mentions The Frugal Filmmaker)
http://tinyurl.com/86cnb5l

Entry level 720p camera with focus and exposure lock - $78
http://tinyurl.com/7wvn4ab

DIY filmmaker can lights
http://tinyurl.com/7y9adjr

DIY $2.50 rotational spider dolly
http://tinyurl.com/84w38wv

Free downloads for writers
http://tinyurl.com/6o4f3x2

How to make money online
http://tinyurl.com/7rxv8xd

Video camera mount for your car for less than $20
http://tinyurl.com/6vxqso3

Camera tabletop dolly - $40
http://tinyurl.com/723p683

720p vs 1080i HD explained
http://tinyurl.com/7y5wdws

DIY microphone stand & audio mounting
http://tinyurl.com/6qxhcdc

$1 Budget: slate, cap, grenade!
http://tinyurl.com/84d2c96

The Complete Frugal Filmmaker Radio Interview
http://tinyurl.com/6wdryzl

Tascam DR-40 XLR digital audio recorder - $150
http://tinyurl.com/7gyqygj

Production dialogue - microphone placement
http://tinyurl.com/7p7xgr4

Small clapper board - $4
http://tinyurl.com/79ca6dt

Camera L-bracket w/2 shoe mounts - $8
http://tinyurl.com/6n6m6wn

Zeikos multi-coated UV filter review
http://tinyurl.com/7jwpmsh

Tripod to softbox stand
http://tinyurl.com/6rb3pc2

Bicycle camera mount
http://tinyurl.com/885tgqq

Fisheye lens for $6
http://tinyurl.com/7n4dxat

Fisheye lens for $6

Knoptop and Quick FX returns with his version of putting a peephole onto his point and shoot camera. This gives the coveted "fisheye" look of a super wide angle lens that distorts everything. I've seen different videos using this specific hack, but never quite seen it the Knoptop way. And if it uses PVC, you can bet I'm going to pay attention.

Also, check out Knop's "uncut" version that shows more of the parts collection process as well as a trip through the drive-through to get a doughnut. It's classic Dave.