Hell of the East Vid

Went out to a remote part of Essex yesterday; the flatlands between the Blackwater and Crouch estuaries where the so-called 'Hell of the East' bike race was being held. Private roads,often full of potholes, and rough farm tracks to form part of the course, a homage to the famous Paris Roubaix race in France and other classic early season races held in Belgium. The race was in doubt this year but sponsors stepped into save it and two or three bigger teams entered to make good fist of the racing itself. So, inevitably there was more press interest and more photographers! I have shot the race three times now and decided to forgo stills and practice my video DSLR technique instead. It ain't easy! Under two minutes footage from a three odd hour race. Hey ho. Still learning. Always learning.

Nikon D300s video first outing

I sold my D90 as soon as I saw the D300s was on the cards (and then Nikon launched the mighty D3s, but that's another story).

I have a D300 and absolutely love that camera to the extent that I use it over my pro spec D2Xs. The screen, and most importantly, the files are superior in every way. So to own a virtually identical body with HD video capabilities was a no brainer.

And last week I got to give it a little run out at a local cyclocross event. The results are OK IMO, but could be way better.

I struggled viewing the rear screen in the bright sunshine, which made any tricky focusing with a shallow depth of field impossible.

There is this little item which would make life easier but at over 300 quid I can't see myself buying it anytime soon. In fact the cost of some of the latest VSLR rigs is getting on for twice the price of the camera body itself! Instead, I have just purchased one of these

which is definitely more useful for achieving decent shots from a caffeine addict. I already own a Hoodman Loupe which I reckon I can cannibalise to meet my needs. After that it's look out Scorcese. Or something.