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Even more new gear – Jag35's Z-frame adapter and GoPro's new LCD BacPac

No sooner had I posted my round-up this morning than a couple more useful pieces of new gear came to my attention.

Jag35 has launched a small but essential bit of kit for users of the Zacuto Z-finder who also want to use the company’s Monitor-X magnifier. I love both of these pieces of kit but up until now I have had to decide between a Jag sticky mounting frame and a Zacuto one – you couldn’t use both systems on the same camera.

A tale of two finders - The Monitor-X and the Zacuto Z-finder

Now you can simply buy a $9.99 adapter that will allow you to mount the Monitor-X to an existing Zacuto sticky frame or Gorilla frame. You can put a Zacuto frame on all cameras and choose either the Z-finder or Monitor-X depeding on your shooting situation. Check it out here.

Personally I love the Z-finder for run and gun with small gunstock rigs like the Redrock Micro Running Man where putting your eye up to the loupe adds an extra point of contact and therefore more stability. I prefer to use the Monitor-X magnifier when I am on a shoulder rig or doing an interview on a tripod and using two eyes is easier. With the new adapter I am looking forward to going between the two options at will.

Next, GoPro have announced that they are shipping their new LCD BacPac, a removable screen for the company’s HD Hero camera. I’ve been a fan of GoPro cameras since I picked up a set at NAB last year. You can put these cameras anywhere and the results are amazing. The downside is the stock unit has no screen built it, so you have to guess where exactly it is pointing. It is possible to run a video feed out of the camera to a monitor, but that isn’t a quick and easy solution for the type of work I do.

The BacPac solves this problem, allowing you to preview shots and playback videos instantly. It comes with a new back for the waterproof case that comes with the original GoProHD, allowing for the increased size of the camera with the BacPac attached.

GoPro HD with BacPac fitted

I only wish the BacPac had been available when I shot my Mongolian racer piece which used the GoPro cameras last year.

Boy Jockey meets GoPro from Dan Chung on Vimeo.

More info and order information is here.

Affordable Shoulder Rig

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