ProLost Holiday Shopping Guide 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 10:11PM 
Man, it’s been quite a year. Let’s buy some stuff.
I know you have this friend: “Yeah, I just got this new (insert name of entry-level DSLR). I really like it. I haven’t really had much time to learn to use it though. I mostly leave it on auto.” When they say “I really like it,” they sound like a coffee shop employee describing the vegan chocolate cookie as “delicious,” i.e. lying. They hold up their camera and sure enough, it has the kit lens. Flimsy and slow, not even worth the $120 it added to the price of the camera, it is the reason your friend is not as excited by their DSLR purchase as they thought they’d be.
Rock their world with a fast fifty—a 50mm prime with a large maximum aperture. For Canon, there’s the no-excuses 50mm f/1.8 II ($100), and the best deal going 50mm f/1.4 ($360). Or show ‘em you really love ‘em with the crazy 50mm f/1.2 L ($1600). For Nikon, there’s the 50mm f/1.8D ($125), and if you want to go big I recommend the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX ($500).
All of these are available on the ProLost Store Fast 50s page.
You also have this friend, or more likely a family member: They have a Canon PowerShot that’s never done them wrong over the several years they’ve owned it. It has a tiny little LCD screen and uses its flash in anything less than searing sunlight. They have no idea how things have improved since they spent $400 on that little beast. A new Canon Powershot that beats this oldie-but-goodie in every way can be theirs for only $150 or so: the Canon PowerShot SD1200IS. It even comes in fun colors.
What’s nice is that Canon has not changed their menu interface much over the years, so there’s not much new to learn with a new PowerShot.
For the director in your life, here’s a weird but amazing gift idea: A green laser pointer. I use these on set for everything from placing background talent to describing the height of a light, or the cut of a shadow. The green ones are visible in broad daylight, and of course demand cautious handling, as they could damage human eyesight if abused. Once you spend a day on the set with one of these in your pocket, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without one.
(There are many cheap laser pointers out there, but they are most likely lower-power lasers being overdriven. Don’t skimp.)
Another great gift for anyone who spends time on a film set is a Gerber 22-41545 Multi-Plier ($52). You can schnick out the pliers with one hand, which was something I first saw on a shoot, and it was such a profound sight that I threw my Leatherman into the ocean.
Do you still know someone who doesn’t have The DV Rebel’s Guide? If so, buy one and bludgeon them about the head and shoulders with it.
Blu-ray is the best way for a movie fan to enjoy their favorite films, and the players are not only getting more affordable, they are also starting to be as good at Blu-ray playback as the Playstation 3. The Sony BDP-N460 ($200 or less) not only plays back Blu-ray disks with the speed and slick interface of the PS3, it also streams Netflix and Amazon on-demand movies via a wired internet connection. Want to use it wirelessly? Pick up the Linksys WET610N Wireless-N Ethernet Bridge ($80).
You’ll want some good Blu-rays to play of course. I recommend a few recent sci-fi classic remasterings: Close Encounters of the Third Kind ($32) (because Spielberg films are film school every time you watch them), The Terminator ($10) (because Jim Cameron was a DV Rebel before there was DV, making this movie for $6 million, roughly the bottled water budget of Avatar), and Galaxy Quest ($17) (because damn it’s funny, and my name’s in the credits).
Lastly, something from the jaw-dropping inspiration department: Stanley Kubrick: Drama & Shadows. From 1945 to 1950, Stanley Kubrick was a photojournalist for Look magazine. Will it shock you to learn that his photos are stunning? Even though he was a teenager at the time? I didn’t think so. This book is a reminder that every photo you make can be a step down the road to becoming a better filmmaker.
Happy holidays from ProLost!
Reader Comments (26)
Great list, Stu. I wish Canon had added MORE swivel LCDs to its cameras instead of having it on less and less models. For point and clicking your kids (almost) nothing beats a swivel LCD.
I'm torn between the Canon 50mm 1.4 and the Sigma 50mm 1.4
anybody have any advice?
I agree about the green laser pointer visibility. Another great use is pointing out the stars at night. It feels like you can actually touch the stars.
And how about fast 30mm or 35mm primes, for the APS-C world? is there anything out there that will create nice pictures without breaking the bank?
Agreed with Bates, there's no good 35mm out there. 50s are awesome (I have one for my 7d), but it's consistently too tight.
Funny, i just bought a 50mm f1.2 last night as a gift!
Its replacing a sad kit lens for this first time photographer.
Hey Stu,
Awesome list. The link for the Blu-ray player doesn't seem to work. Oh, and no pics of Russell in front of the tree this year? =( How's he doing?
Anyways, happy holidays! thanks for putting out these lists!
WARNING! Do not look into laser with remaining eye!
And if it's still around, the wonderful docco Visions of Light is a well-guided tour through the history of cinematography.
james,
I have the Sigma 50mm f1.4 for my Nikon and it's a real beauty. It is BIG however. I never have regretted its size though. not sure about the canon though.
Gerber link goes to a blank Amazon page.
Why the 50mm? 50mm on APS-C sized sensors is an 80mm lens! Now I recommend (and own) the 50mm f1.8 'cause at $100 there's almost no excuse not to get one. However if one is going to step up to a $300+ prime, I would recommend something like the Sigma 30mm f1.4. It's a standard lens on the 7D and therefore a bit more practical.
Blu-ray player link fixed. RobShaver, the Gerber link seems to be working for me — maybe try this one instead though?
Hey Stu,
There is another great gift that's pretty cheap for the average film maker to get their juices running. Its a riveting doc on editing called The Cutting Edge - The Magic of Movie Editing. Its going for $5.79 right now at Amazon.com. I usuallly set my clients down to watch this will I import footage. It keeps them out of my hair and gets them all jazzed about getting into the edit. I"ve never met anyone from the casual viewer to another editor who doesn't just love it. I usually buy 10 at a time and hand them out to friends and family who are getting into film work.
http://www.amazon.com/Cutting-Edge-Magic-Movie-Editing/dp/B0009PVZEG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1260818084&sr=8-4
Wow, that's a great idea Stuart! I've never had the balls to force a client to watch a doc about editing before a session — but I've wanted to!
Thanks Stu... another day of spending thanks to you. :)
The Kubrick book is on its way - As a lighter, I do not know how I missed this one.
Thanks for linking the doc, Stu - that's what I get for responding before having enough coffee.
Would recommend against spending so much on a laser pointer. 5mw, green lasers use the same components throughout (a few dollars in materials cost). All have built-in rheostats, if you want to up the output. As for the housing, maybe $2-3 in materials cost. Very expensive, for what Amazon is asking.
Otherwise, I like the list. Grats to the guy that got the 1.2.
Your suggestion of 50mm primes is spot on; I've fallen in love with my Zeiss for Canon 50mm 1.4. Focus confirm still works, and the video I'm getting with it - well, it's more than worth the price of admission.
Happy holidays, Stu & everyone else!
Stu, you owe me 2 beers since I got the 50mm f/1.8 II AND the Tamron.
Stu,
THANKS for keeping up with all this stuff so that I don't have to. I love your blogs & perspective on video 'everything'. You are such a geek in the best ways possible!. Hope you and your family have a great Christmas!
Happy Holidays!
@Boz
a little late to the party, I guess, but I've rather enjoyed the EF 28mm f/1.8 USM lens on my old Rebel XTI and on my new 7D. It's not f/1.2 or f/1.4, but it's still pretty darn fast, and not nearly as tight as a 50mm. Probably one of the more generally-useful primes available from Canon.
Before the 7D was out, I borrowed a friend's D90 for a trip to Guatemala, and he had a fast 50, and I agree with you, it's almost always too tight for a prime.
Stu! I got your book for christmas!!! Super stoked!
Stu, vegan cookies ARE delicious! Especially these I remember from NY a few years back - Liz Lovely Vegan Cookies.
I suppose Ewoks can be tall too, if you only hang out with Ewoks.
I hope Liz gets some biz from hungry vegan ProLosters.
What model Glock? I just ordered the .357 Compact. Can't wait to get my paws on it:) Are you using the Streamlight TLR-1? I'm tempted to add one myself. 40 cal barrel to follow soon thereafter.
It's actually a Walther P99, and it's fake, because I'm not in any immediate need of killing anyone.