Most of us who have ever picked up a video camera have heard of the Steadicam. This minor miracle of technology has allowed camera operators to capture smooth and stable action shots without the use of cumbersome dollies or cranes. Garrett Brown, the inventor of the Steadicam, has recently developed the Merlin 2 for DSLR cameras and the Curve for the GoPro Hero. The built-in mount on the Curve will work with the GoPro HERO, HERO2 and HERO3 models. According to Tiffen, the GoPro LCD BacPac™ is required for use with the Curve, but it probably does not not make much sense to use a Steadicam without being able to properly monitor the shot. The Merlin 2 and the ultra light Curve (weighs in a 1/2 pound) may be just the thing to help us capture great hand-held action without the “shaky-cam” effect. Check out this video of Garrett Brown demonstrating the Merlin 2 and Curve at NAB.

Chris Klapheke at Outdoor Photo Gear (www.outdoorphotogear.com) asked us to check out and review the Ekla Beach Rolly Cart.  This is the video of that review from The Fotobug!  Please note that we received no compensation for this review, but Chris did provide the Eckla Rolly Carts (2 of them).  The opinions in this video are based upon our experience with using the Rolly and our honest opinions!

Note that one thing we mention in the video, but didn’t have time to show is that the cart can also be used as a canoe or kayak cart to allow one person to easily transport your craft to the water!

Brand new invention from Mark Runnals – a tripod quick release mechanism to quickly change tripod heads.  Quickly switch from a ball head to a gimbal head and back.  Now available at www.outdoorphotogear.com and www.naturescapes.net.  Video from The Fotobug Podcast #34 of  – www.thefotobug.com – check us out and please subscribe! (Available on iTunes!).