4DSLR's Zoom H4N Cradle Review

Deejay returns with a long-awaited episode of DSLR Film Noob, since he moved into his new studio (note the different surroundings). True to form, he presents us with an in-depth review of a gizmo that gives the popular H4n audio recorder a cradle that allows for quick-release. Welcome back!

Frugal Clamp 1.5

For those of you that built the Frugal Clamp (think cheap Manfrotto Super Clamp) awhile back, you may have noticed that there was still an unresolved issue. The rubber chair tip was still getting a hole bored into it by the 3/8 screw from the lighting clamp. This led to constant replacing of the chair tip so you wouldn't scar up whatever the clamp was attached to (like your tripod). Today's video addresses this, thanks to a viewer who made a great suggestion and saved the day.

Nuclear Explosion Effect!

Dave's back with another episode of Quick FX, one of his best ever. This particular episode embodies everything I love about Knoptop's style. It begins with a great, unique video tip (how to easily simulate a nuclear blast), followed by a thorough explanation. He then throws in some very funny humor and then a production tip. The end of the show is capped by a bit of clever whimsy. I love this guy!

Recap Q&A: How Do You Raise Money?

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thefrugalfilmmaker
Twitter Feed: http://www.twitter.com/frugalfilmmaker

The Frugal Filmmaker T-shirts!
http://tinyurl.com/7cl5whx

Canon Refurbished Camcorders
http://tinyurl.com/yjzrras

$14 over-the-shoulder Snorricam
http://tinyurl.com/6nc335a

How to create a muzzle flash
http://tinyurl.com/7fn8hf9

DIY DVD packaging for "Did You Kiss Anyone?"
http://tinyurl.com/7yglegj

Backdrop crossbar DIY
http://tinyurl.com/7qgavlf

10 steps to becoming mega successful in video
http://tinyurl.com/7atq4jv

A new approach to financing feature films
http://tinyurl.com/6pbg8df

Sima Quickonnect for $6.80
http://tinyurl.com/7favlll

Ultimate guide to royalty-free music
http://tinyurl.com/83p2tn4

Tripod Dolly
http://tinyurl.com/7fkswvp

$60 DIY camera crane
http://tinyurl.com/7lyah42

Tripod Dolly

While I have made some camera dollies in the past, this one is closer to the real thing.  While a "real" dolly gives you a platform the operator can stand on, this version is made solely to support a camera tripod.  This allows you to pan and tilt while you are tracking, opening up some more dynamic cinematography.  Made from PVC (of course) and a pair of roller skates from Wal-Mart, I like this rig and plan to use it on many projects in the near future.

PARTS LIST

8x 3/4" PVC plugs
4x 3/4" PVC side outlet elbows
5x 3/4" PVC T-joints
1x 3/4" PVC pipe (10')
2x 2" PVC pipe (10')

Roller Derby Men's Cruisers or 8x skate wheels + bearings
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Roller-Derby-Men-s-Cruisers/17353227#rr
8x 5/16" bolts, 1.5" in length
8x 5/16" nuts
8x 5/16" washers
8x 5/16" lock washers

TOOLS USED

Dremel rotary tool on Dremel Workstation
Cordless drill w/ 1/4" & 5/16" drill bits
PVC Ratcheting Cutters
Drill press vise

Recap Q&A: Would You Join a Frugal Crew?

RSS readers click on the title above to reveal the hidden video.

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thefrugalfilmmaker
Twitter Feed: http://www.twitter.com/frugalfilmmaker

Knoptop uses lav as boom mic
http://tinyurl.com/7zxc9bl

The brightest $50 LED video light
http://tinyurl.com/8xy28gb

Are you an "Indie-Friendly" director?
http://tinyurl.com/7geach2

The best free sound effects...ever
http://tinyurl.com/7gnygvg

5 useful cinematography iPad apps for filmmakers
http://tinyurl.com/bnvcpgo

Frugal slider dolly
http://tinyurl.com/6o78qkj

Easy filter removal
http://tinyurl.com/c4udfx4

Filmmaking checklist - make it future proof
http://tinyurl.com/c2rauxt

3-point lighting
http://tinyurl.com/7kppwq7

YouTube is exploring paid subscriptions
http://tinyurl.com/797ugbu

Internet Movie Firearms Database
http://tinyurl.com/6v7vs7w

$1 Budget: Arm, Clamp, Couple!

This week we take another look at some $1 finds, probably for the last time. By "last time", I mean that due to popular demand, the budget for items featured on this show will increase (probably to $10). That way, my options will open up for more diversity, and hopefully I will get more input from those watching that may have a good suggestion or two. I'm not sure if I will be able to feature as many items as I have in the past, but it should open things up a bit.

2" spring clamp at Home Depot - $0.99
http://tinyurl.com/87s7qu4

RCA 3x female to female coupler - $0.99
http://tinyurl.com/88pof8m

Should I Raise the $1 Budget?

RSS readers: Click on the title to reveal the hidden video.

Blog: http://www.thefrugalfilmmaker.com
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thefrugalfilmmaker
Twitter Feed: http://www.twitter.com/frugalfilmmaker

Make this DIY tripod dolly for $20 or less
http://tinyurl.com/d8xo7j7

Tip: Tripod Tricks
http://tinyurl.com/6odee8v

Easy way to protect your lenses against fungus
http://tinyurl.com/8xngv4s

Manfrotto-clone quick release system back in stock at Amazon
http://tinyurl.com/79rugyk

Zoom H4n compared to the Tascam DR-100 MKII
http://tinyurl.com/7hqgg7l

How I produce a "Recap Q&A" episode
http://tinyurl.com/btawsq6

Tip: Tripod Tricks

In this Tip episode, I make a slight departure and looks at a few ways that I've used my tripod in an unconventional way. A tripod's typical job is to hold your camera steady while you pan and tilt. What if you could turn it into a floating, short-range dolly? A limited-space crane? A carpet slider?

All these methods (and I give credit where credit is due) are examined as I show some examples from past projects as well as some new test footage. I hope you find these tricks useful in your own projects.

Recap Q&A: What is the Question?

RSS readers: Click on the title above to reveal the hidden video.

Blog: http://www.thefrugalfilmmaker.com
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thefrugalfilmmaker
Twitter Feed: http://www.twitter.com/frugalfilmmaker

Casting your micro-budget film (part 1)
http://tinyurl.com/2wbvc4n
Casting your micro-budget film (part 2)
http://tinyurl.com/27682ec
Casting your micro-budget film (part 3)
http://tinyurl.com/32anya2

Restoring 8mm home movies
http://tinyurl.com/6vxe4wn
http://tinyurl.com/6ukcphx

The balloon cam
http://tinyurl.com/763v8h6

Thinking ahead to fix your own post
http://tinyurl.com/84o4yy4

How to build an audience for your film Using YouTube
http://tinyurl.com/7vd7mn7

Sima Quickonncect for $6.83
http://tinyurl.com/6ll5yvp

Turning down work will make you more successful
http://bit.ly/LC5arV

12" external monitor for DSLRs for under $100
http://tinyurl.com/7xwg2ky

What about the Twinkie?
http://tinyurl.com/6scgu5d

3 Zoom H1 recording tips I learned the hard way
http://tinyurl.com/6wdfj6j

Greenscreen & bluescreen paint codes
http://tinyurl.com/6sonxsy

$1 Budget: Stop, Clean, Reflect!
http://tinyurl.com/7m8g5vl

What's Knoptop been up to?
http://tinyurl.com/843z6y6

$42 DIY soft light - no electrical wiring needed
http://tinyurl.com/7xqubfl

The most disruptive innovation in filmmaking today: DIY audience building *MUST READ*
http://tinyurl.com/6uvubao

What's Knoptop Been Up To?

If you are a fan of Knoptop and his YouTube show Quick FX (as I am), then you'll be happy to know about his latest video. In it, he shares his new point & shoot camera and its video quality, his experience as an extra on a real film shoot and gives us a link to another show web show he participated in. So don't fret, Dave's been busy and promises more projects in the near future.

Press play!