Arri recently released their new Mini Mattebox, the MMB-2, which has all the quality that Arri’s products are known for in a lightweight package. The MMB-2 has a single 4×4 filter stage and a 4×5.6 filter stage, and is so lightweight that it easily clips on to just about any lens. It also has a 114mm back, which fits exactly onto the Zeiss Compact Prime.2 lenses. If you have still lenses, like Canon EF glass, Arri also make a series of rings that thread onto your lens so the mattebox fits perfectly. Arri also has a dual 4×5.6 filter stage model that gives more flexibility to anyone with a lot of 4×5.6″ filters. Both models are a great fit for cameras like the Sony F3 and the Canon C300. Watch my video above to learn more.

From the very first time I saw an iPad, I thought it would make a great slate. It offered a bright display that could easily be modified for a huge variety of applications, and indeed many different slate apps started to arrive shortly after the iPad was released. The most popular app is simply called Movie-Slate and includes many functions, from detailed camera notes, to music video song syncing, and even timecode jamming.

However, the action of actually clapping the slate was quite limited on these software tools. On set a loud clap is very important for easy syncing in post. So a couple of different companies have released physical slates that can interface with the iPad to improve their performance. iKan’s T-Slate has a very simple design, and works as both a regular slate and an iPad holder. The pad is simply held on with a case and strap. AC Evan Luzi runs a great blog called The Black and Blue, and he has written up a review of the T-Slate, as well as iPad slates in general.

Another option is the MamboFrame, which has a slot for the iPad to slide into. Their design is very slick and solidly built – definitely worth checking out. With options like these, the next time you need a slate, you might be leaving your Expo markers at  home.

Blackmagic Design has just released the successor to the HyperDeck Shuttle, the aptly named HyperDeck Shuttle 2. Identical in almost every way, the big news is that in addition to uncompressed recording, the HyperDeck Shuttle 2 can now also record DNxHD 220x (220Mbit/s, 10-bit). You will need to use a computer with the Blackmagic HyperDeck Utility to switch between uncompressed recording and DNxHD, but at $345, the Hyperdeck Shuttle 2 is certainly the least expensive external recorder on the market today. If you own a Shuttle 2, you can download the firmware to unlock DNxHD recording capabilities for Mac OSX or for Windows. Sadly, the update will not unlock DNxHD recording on the original HyperDeck Shuttle.

Slider systems are getting more and more popular these days, and there are currently a huge variety available. The CamTram came well before the rush of other systems, but still holds its own as a versatile tool, both as a slider and dolly. I put together a series of videos going over the many features and options of the system. Check out the these hands-on videos to learn more about the CamTram and the new accessories that expand the system even further.

Then read our client testimonials to hear what others are saying about their experiences with the CamTram and the creative uses they’ve found for it.

While there are several electronic viewfinders available on the market today, we’re excited to see a new high resolution option that culminated from a partnership between Alphatron and TVLogic. Manufactured by TVLogic, the new EVF035W-3G viewfinder features a 3.5″ display with a stunning 960×640 resolution panel, which is the same size and resolution as the Retina display from Apple’s iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. Aside from the beautiful display, some key features include HD/SDI loop-through and HDMI input/output. The viewfinder is expected to ship this March for $1,395. More information will be available shortly, but in the meanwhile you can check out a sneak preview online. You can reserve yours today by placing a refundable $100 deposit.

OConnor has expanded their range of camera accessories with two moderately-priced devices.  The OConnor OFocus Mini is a two-sided follow focus with a low gear ratio optimized for use with non-cine lenses. This versatile unit includes many features of its big brother the OConnor CFF-1, as well as offering some unique functionality.  The OConnor Universal Baseplate Set is a rod mounting system for any small camera. Its wide range of adjustability means that it is not camera-specific, allowing one to confidently make a long term accessory purchase.

Watch the video above to see more detail on the new OConnor OFocus Mini and Universal Baseplate Set.

We’ve been looking forward to some of the camera accessories from Canadian company Shape WLB ever since NAB, and we were not disappointed when we received our first samples. Shape has been developing handheld rigs for years based on feed back from users, and this attention to detail shows in every product.

Today, I’ll take a look at the Composite F3 Kit for the Sony PMW-F3 and the Double Quick Handle Rosette system. The Composite F3 system includes the popular Quick Handle, which is attached to standard 15mm rods via the Rod Block. By simply depressing the big red button, you can quickly unlock the handles to reposition them to fit your needs. With a comfortable shoulder pad and options for a battery plate or counterweights, the Shape Composite F3 system is a great run-and-gun solution for the F3.

The Double Quick Handle Rosette system attaches to an Arri rosette, which offers adjustment on two axes. Both the quick handles and the arm extensions can be repositioned using the red release knob. They are ideal for attaching directly to the ALEXA or to the PMW-F3 when paired with the Element Technica Riser. In either case, the adjustment takes just seconds.

Watch my video above as I detail some of the features of the Shape Composite F3 and the Double Quick Handle Rosette system.