ikan News Blog

Nikon, believe it or not! And some feel that it’s about time.

Nikon’s new D7000 is getting a whole lot of attention as a challenge to Canon’s monopoly of DSLRs. Nikon’s shaking things up, so check it out and share your thoughts! Is Nikon making their way up the ladder of top HD film cameras or do they still have quite a bit to go? You tell us!

If you’re down for a cool, new Nikon film camera or if you’re sticking to your beloved Canon, Ikan still has your back with all the most reliable and sensible camera rigs. Head to our website to find yourself a rig that best suits the camera of your dreams! Happy shooting, everyone!

Cheers,

Kerianne

Affordable 3D shooting? You read it right! Sure, it implies that any consumer can march on over to Canon, buy themselves two nifty XF105′s or two XF100′s and pair those bad boys up to capture HD 3D video… and it’s so true.

Inventor of stereoscopy 3D imaging in 1838, Sir Charles Wheatstone, would be oh, so very proud! And now, so are we at Ikan, because we just so happen to have a little somethin’ we like to call the ELEMENTS Stereoscope Rig. Heard of it?

Here’s the deal, after you’ve scrounged through your couches for change to go buy your Canon XF105′s or XF100′s, you can then skip gleefully over to Ikan and badger us about the ELEMENTS Stereoscope, which will allow you to mount both camcorders to one rig for your optimal shooting pleasure. That way, when you’re done configuring all Canon’s built-in assist features for capturing 3D, you don’t have to worry about; 1: spending the rest of your budget on a wallet-burning camera rig, or 2: inventing a “rig” of your own consisting of two friends who you decided to tie together as they attempt to hold the cameras the correct distance from each other.

So, for those of you who are advocates of 3D….. Happy affordable 3D filming!

Cheers,

Kerianne

One day, this beautiful rig could be yours,

courageously mounting your two cameras

as you stride into 3D filming battle!

Director/Producer/Cameraman Federico Pardo used the ikan V5600 Deluxe Kit during the production of the documentary COTTON-TOP.   In the following essay, Fredrico describes the challenges of shooting in the treacherous jungles of Colombia and how the ikan V5600 performs in the harshest of conditions.

The film was shot in November of 2009 in the Tropical Dry Forests of Colombia were physically challenging and the overall ruggedness of the production required a lightweight and reliable external monitor. IKAN production tool for this natural history documentary shot on the new DSLR Canon 7D. As one of the pioneers on DSLR filmmaking I would highly recommend the IKAN demanding field productions.

As mentioned above, the DSLR Canon 7D was the camera used for the production.  During principal photography the camera was the ideal production tool for advanced cinematography. When shooting with the custom made jib in the field, IKAN allowed me to carry it everywhere, its 5.6” screen was the cinematographer when doing macro-cinematography, it from a more comfortable position.

To better understand why IKANʼs V5600 Deluxe Kit was vital during the production, here is a summary of a standard production day. To get to the locations (open savannas, tropical forests or rural areas), we would normally hike a couple of miles or drive on backcountry roads. It was important to carry the gear (camera, monitor, sound, support and lights) with us at all times since I needed to be ready to shoot anytime.

Most valued features of the ikan V5600 Deluxe Kit:

− Compact size and lightweight.
− Easy and fast installation.
− Battery and AC powered.
− Camera shoe mount support.
− Comes with ready-to-install cables.
− HDMI mini component.

The design and performance of the IKAN V5600 monitor is outstanding. Nonetheless,regarding the overview and the use of the V5600 for documentary film production in the field, there are a few elements that are worth reviewing.

1. Monitorʼs ¼ 20 Screw Mount: the first issue I had right after opening the V5600 Kit was mounting the monitor on camera shoe mount. The monitorʼs plastic body is hiding/covering the real thread where the ¼ 20 screw goes. Screwing in the shoe mount wasnʼt easy and it made the plastic squeak showing signs of weakness. Overall, this attachment system doesnʼt feel strong and it would greatly enhanced with a metal piece that holds the screw not only deep inside the monitorʼs body.

2. Monitorʼs ¼ 20 Screw Mount: Additional to the previous comment. Having ¼ 20 screw mounting holes in every side of the monitor would be really helpful.

3. Brightness/Exposure Check: IKANʼs V5600 works great to achieve critical focus, check the frame and supervise camera motion. However, it was extremely dangerous to rely in the exposure by using the monitor. The brightness of the display is not accurate with that of the camera so it is difficult to trust it. This could be fixed with a menu through which brightness/contrast/saturation can be adjusted.

4. Screen adhesive protector: fingerprints, dust, and fog are terrible enemies for a screen. It would have been really useful to have a couple of “invisible” screen protectors. Investing in a screen is as important as taking care of it. I still havenʼt found a protector of the proper size without having to invest in a bigger one (more expensive) and cutting it.

As mentioned before, Iʼm completely satisfied with the performance of the V5600 monitor and it is certain that its kit will be part of my upcoming productions. The main purpose of this feedback is to help ikan stay at the front of the market for documentary film production tools.

Learn more about the work Frederico Pardo on his website at:   http://www.federicopardo.com

Shopping for someone who shoots video or stills either professionally or on the side, is a daunting task. Buying camera gear for someone is a bit like shopping for a teenage girl. The type of gift is as important as the name brand. Get the wrong thing or the wrong name and you can expect an instant request for a receipt. Most gift givers concede defeat almost immediately and go for a gift card from Best Buy or Walmart.

However, if you want to do something more personal this year or impress that special someone with a gift that will say, “I care about what you do and want to support you”, then this gift guide will help you make the right choice.

Storage

No matter what they shoot, everyone needs storage, and too much is never enough. All you need to know is what kind of camera they use. This is easy to find out, because most shooters LOVE nothing more than talk about their camera. Trust me when I say you don’t have to worry about arousing suspicion as much as you do about being trapped while they go on and on for hours about why their’s is so much better than everyone else’s.

 ■SD Card: For those using Canon and Panasonic video cameras, SD Card 16g: no less than Class 6 $44.

■Compact Flash Card: For those using Canon DSLRs (5D Mark II or 7D) you’ll need a compact Flash Card. You can a 16GB card anywhere from $33 to $100.

■Sony Pro Duo: These memory cards are sold in various sizes: 2GB to 32GB and are essential for those using Sony prosumer cameras. They range in price from $10 to $100.

 ■Memory Card Reader: These devices read all of the afore mentioned memory cards and plug into the PC or Mac via USB connection. The range in price from $12 to $30.

■Patriot Flash Drives: Boasting a 200X transfer rate, these little drives are great for video or boosting your memory performance when editing. They range in price from $11 to $50.

■Western Digital My Book Essential: These portable hard drives are awesome. They’re built for video and easy to take with you wherever. They range in size from 500 GB to 2 TB with prices ranging from $50 to $200.

Gadgets

■ikan Cheese Stick Jr: The Cheese Stick Jr. is a simple metal block that contain all of the standard production industry threads (1/4-20, 3/8-16, and M4-.7) which makes your production set-ups easier. They retail for $50.

■The Leatherman Multitool: This all in one gadget replaces an entire tool box and is a must have for any shooter. They range in price from $30 to several hundred depending on the model.

■The Zgrip iPhone Jr: This device allows you to mount your iphone on a handle providing more stability for shooting video with an iphone. $69.

 ■White Balance/Grey Cards: These cards are available from a myriad of different companies. Essentially, they establish a standard for setting white balance to ensure you’re color balance is accurate. They range in price from $5 to $30.

Bags and Cases

If they complain about their current bag, you might inquire as to what they would ideally like. Key fishing questions include hard or soft case and backpack or sling. You’ll need to know what and how many things they want to fit into the bag or case. Standard brands are Kata, Pelican, Porta Brace, Petrol Tamrack and Lowepro. These range in price from $20 to several hundred depending on size and manufacturer.

Prepaid Premium Memberships

 ■Netflix: Even if they already have a Netflix account, they can apply your gift card to their existing account. Plans vary from $13 to $40 depending on how many videos you get at a time.

■Smug Mug Premium Membership(you should be a member of smugmug to make this happen). Smug The web address for http://www.smugmug.com/photo-sharing/gift-subscriptions

■Vimeo Premium Membership: Vimeo was created by filmmakers and video creators who wanted to share their creative work. To purchase a premium account for someone, yYou need to be signed in to your own Vimeo account, which you can create for free. Then, you simply go to that person’s profile page and you will see a “Gift Plus” button that, when clicked, will guide you through the rest of the process.

■Filmschool On Demand Prepaid Tuition: Filmschool On Demand provides filmmakers with an education in the filmmaking process and business side. Their classes are taught by industry veterans with years of experience in production, development, distributions and marketing. If you know someone who has always wanted to make a film, but they were baffled by the business side of the business, then a paid tuition for Filmschool On Demand will be a priceless gift. Right now you can get a coupon for 40% off FSOD. When placing your order, use the code: ikan.

 Magazine Subscriptions

Although print media isn’t as relevent as it was ten years ago, trade magazines are still a great way to stay up to date with industry. Subscriptions to ICG, American Cinematographer, POST, HD Video Pro or Digital Photo Pro, The Hollywood Reporter or The Daily Variety will all be a most welcomed gift.

 iPhone Apps

Is there anything the iPhone can’t do..? If you’re not aware, there have been production applications available for the iphone for well over a year. You can find them all at itunes. Here are just some of the proffesional applications to choose from.

■Pro Prompter Software: For iPhone or iPod touch Price $9.99

 ■The Cinemek Hitchcock: For iPhone and iPod Touch: $19.99is a mobile storyboard and pre-visualization composer designed for Directors, DPs or anyone who wants to visualize their story.

■LlamaSlate: This wonderful app gives a clap or beep to mark the beginning or end of a take. I can also input the quality of each take and then go back in the edit and check what I thought at the time.

■Screenplay: is a $2.99 app for the iPhone, and has all the basic functionality of Final Draft: It offers formatting, scene elements, auto-complete character names, pagination and scene re-ordering.

 ■f/8 DoF Calculator: f/8 comes with presets for more than 800 camera models from Canon, Casio, Epson, Fujifilm, HP, Kodak, Konica, Kyocera, Leica, Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, Ricoh, Samsung, Sigma, and Sony.

Training Videos

 Training videos are great gifts provided you choose a subject in the person’s area of interest. Also, don’t make the mistake of buying someone a video for beginners if they are an expert and vice versa. Here are some great training DVDs. Google search the titles for information on where to buy.

■Learn Canon 5D Mark II Cinematography by Philip Bloom. If you shoot video then you don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the pioneers of D-SLR cinematography.

■Learn 2 shoot Great Video On Your Canon 7D by Philip Bloom. This DVD takes you through all aspects of shooting video with the Canon 7D in video mode.

■First Light Video Introduction to Editing with Final Cut Pro Training DVD. This DVD is designed to teach editors how to work in Apple’s Final Cut Pro editing suite. The training outlines the basics of editing.

Gift Certificates

If you’re still at a loss, you can get a gift card from a store that specializes in camera gear.

■B&H Video Gift Cards range from $30 to $200.

■Filmtools gift certificates range in price from $20 to 1000.

ikan Products

The best thing about ikan products is they are the most bang for your buck.  You will be hard pressed to find the same items with as much value at the same price.  Here are some cool ikan products that won’t break you, but will be welcomed by anyone with a camera. 

■ikan Cheese Stick Jr.   This innovation in camera connectivity allows you to mount your arms, your power supplies, lights, monitors, hard drives or anything using a ¼-20 or 3/8-16 or M4-.7.  $49.95

■MA206 & MA210  $79.95 and $99.95 Sturdy, functional, reliable, and priced just right, our new   adjustable monitor arms will make setting up your gear quick and easy.

■AC107 69.95.  This device allows you to pull 12 volts of power from either Sony, Panasonic or Canon DV Batteries.  It’s portable, mountable and is a great power sollution especially if you have spare DV batteries. 

■Monitor Sunhoods $24.95 to 99.95.  If your special someone has an ikan monitor, you might find out if they have a sunhood.  If not, then one of ours will make a great gift. 

Check out the ikan website at www.ikancorp.com for more gift ideas, especially if your shopping for yourself!

Santa says we have to give away gear if we want presents ourselves. Therefore, ikan is giving away a free V5600, 5.6 inch, HiDef monitor for Christmas. To qualify, you have to tell us how the ikan V5600 will make a difference in your life in 2010.  

Don’t limit yourself to merely posting text — make a video, use pictures but make sure you post them by 12/23/09 on our Facebook page  at  http://www.facebook.com/ikanseeit

We’ll announce the winners 12/25/09.  Again, no medium will be rejected; just be creative.  Please feel free to post any questions or comments.

Merry Christmas from ikan!

ikan V5600 5.6″ TFT LCD Monitor $699

The V5600, a 5.6-inch LCD monitor that is the perfect size for new Hi-Def enabled DSLR cameras.  With the crisp 1024 x 600 resolution panel, critical focus is achievable in a compact unit weighing under one pound.  YUV and AV inputs, in addition to the HDMI input, give flexibility in connecting to your device.  Switchable aspect ratios and safe area guides make the V5600 a necessary addition to any electronic field production kit.

Specifications:

HDMI, Component, & Composite Inputs – 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i – Safe area guides for 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios – Diagonal 5.6″ TFT  LCD – Resolution: 1024 x 600 – LCD Brightness: 165cd/m2 – Contrast Ratio: 200:1 – Viewing angles: 80/80(R/L), 55/55(U/L) – Operating Volts: DC 12-24V – Dimension: 5.75 ”x4.625”x0.82 – Weight (lbs) 0.7

The following is a report from Grady Sellards who presented for ikan at Collision Conference this weekend:

We did get several plugs during the demonstrations, particularly from the Sammy’s rental group who were using the camera for workflow demonstrations (pictured below).  

I believe the hit of the show was the Cheese Block Jr.  I think your going to get several large piece orders for that and the arms.  

The light got a lot of attention as well, and many direct comparisons to Light Panel’s offerings were made, with ikan coming out ahead, both in LUX rating and coverage.

Brian of Redrock, was extremely helpful, and upgraded the ikan rig, leaving me with all the spare parts.  

Most people felt that each monitor line had it’s place, and the 5600 certainly dominated the integration with the camera directly due to size and weight.