It’s that time of year again when retailers try to unload older stock before the pre-Christmas rush hits stores. It’s also the best time for filmmakers to grab a bargain on much-needed filmmaking gear!
We’ve searched the interwebs for the best deals around so you don’t have to. So, here now are our top ten Black Friday specials – for all budgets – to help you nab a bargain.
YUNEEC BREEZE 4K QUADCOPTER
This drone has a 13-Mpx 4K (4160 x 3120) resolution sensor and is able to stream in UHD, 4K and 720p. It features a ‘Follow Me’ subject tracking, selfie, orbit and journey modes, with an indoor/outdoor positioning system.
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
It’s currently available at B&H for US$399 (usually $499).
Link: www.bhphotovideo.com/yuneec
NIKON D750 FX-FORMAT DIGITAL SLR CAMERA
Featuring a full frame 24.3-Mpx CMOS sensor and EXCEED 4 image processor. Capable of 1080p recording in 24, 30, 50 or 60-fps with simultaneous compressed & uncompressed formats. It will be available for purchase on Amazon in a number of packages.
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
Prices ranging from US$1796.95 (body only), US$1896.90 (with Nikon 55-200mm lens kit) or US$1896.90 (with accessory bundle). Saving up to $200 of its normal retail price.
Link: www.amazon.com/nikon-d750
ROKINON 135MM T2.2 CINE DS LENS E-MOUNT
Made for Sony E-mount cameras, it features 11 glass elements in 7 groups, along with an ultra multi-coating system. It has an 18.8-degree angle of view on full framed cameras and a 12.4-degree when on APS-C. It’s minimum focusing distance of 30-inches and it has an aperture range of T2.2 – T22.
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
Available from Adorama at a 14% discounted price of US$599 (usually $699).
Link: www.adorama.com
SPYDER5CAPTURE PRO BUNDLE
This colour management tool from Datacolor is designed to provide colour accuracy over the entire workflow from recording to editing, to the final release. The bundle includes the SpyderLENSCAL, the SpyderCHECKR case, target colour cards, the SpyderCUBE (with protective pouch) and the SpyderSELITE colour meter with USB connectivity.
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
Available from B&H at a discounted price of US$269.99 (usually $369.99).
Link: www.bhphotovideo.com
XSTAR-PREM-OR DRONE
This premium drone from Autel Robotics features a quick-release 3-axis gimbal and a 4K camera with a live viewing range up to 1.2-miles (1.9-kms). It also has dual GPS/GLONASS navigation and Starpoint positioning system. It comes with a 64-GB SD card, battery, 1-hour fast charger, hard carrying case and spare propellers.
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
Available for purchase on Amazon for a price of US$699 (usually $899).
Link: www.amazon.com/xstar
UDEMY ‘MILLION DOLLAR SCREENPLAY’ SCREENWRITING COURSE
Instructed by Paul Castro, writer of August Rush and finalist of Coco-Cola’s Filmmaker’s Award – which landed him a $1-million dollar three picture screenwriting deal with Digital Mercury. Castro teaches the secrets of the craft of successful screenwriting. From creating memorable characters to structuring your story. Along with the difference between a screenplay that sells – and one that doesn’t – in this 26-lecture course.
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
The course has a 67% discounted price of A$18 (usually $55).
Link: www.udemy.com
CANON EOS 70D EF-S W/ 18-55MM IS STM & EF 70-300MM IS USM LENS KIT
This refurbished camera deal from the Canon store will save you $670 off the normal retail price! The 70D features a 20.2-Mpx APS-C CMOS sensor with a DIGIC 5+ image processor, 14-bit A/D conversion and an ISO expandable up to H. 25600. Its dual pixel auto-focus works like a camcorder allowing for fast transition of focus. Both the camera body and lenses have a 1-year refurbished warranty from Canon.
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
Available from the Canon store with a price of US$929 (usually $1599.19).
Link: www.canon.com/70D
IOGEAR USB 2.0 EXTERNAL DVI VIDEO CARD
This external video card allows users to extend their desktops by adding another DVI HD display via their USB 2.0 port. It supports both UXGA 1600 x 1200 and 1920 x 1080 displays and features 32-bit colour resolution. It also allows users to add up to 6 external DVI video cards via their USB ports.
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
Available for a discounted price of US$59.95 (usually $64.99).
Link: www.adorama.com/
PANASONIC LUMIX GH4 MIRRORLESS CAMERA
The GH4 is a popular camera choice for indie filmmakers and it rates strongly against other cameras in its price range. Here’s what we had to say about the camera on its release – Is the GH4 Really Worth All the Hype. The camera itself features a 16.05-Mpx Digital Live MOS sensor, capable of DCI 4K (4096 x2160) at 24-fps, UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 30/24-fps, and Full HD at 60-fps recording. It also has a 4:2:2 8-bit or 10-bit HDMI output and a 49-point autofocus. B&H have also added a free $150 gift card as a sweetener to this deal.
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
Available for a discounted price (body only) of US$1197.99 (usually $1497.99), including a free $150 gift card.
Link: www.bhphotovideo.com/
RED GIANT 40% OFF ALL SOFTWARE
Always doing things differently Red Giant’s end of year sale will take place a week after Black Friday on Tuesday the 6th December – so mark it the date in your calendar. The company is discounting all its suites and single products by 40% across the board. It’s a good chance for editors or VFX artists to get hold of Trapcode Suite 13.1, Magic Bullet Suite or a subscription to Universe 2.
Link: www.redgiant.com
