Sony have recently announced that they reached the second position in the US full-frame camera market due to a growth in sales. Good news for Sony! On Friday, they announced that they are now the #2 manufacturer in the overall full-frame sector of the US camera market. The Japanese camera manufacturer claims this success is due to a very profitable 2017, where their sales of full-frame camera products in the US have so far seen a whooping 23% in growth compared to last year. Despite this area of the market suffering a general tendency to decline in recent times, the company says that these numbers — sourced from the market research of the NPD Group Retail Tracking Service — indicate that they have clearly played a key part in its overall growth. The company attributes this growth to “the popularity of key models”, the a7RII and a7SII — a popularity no doubt due to their relatively competitive prices against full-frame models from Canon and Nikon, as well as their adaptability to various lens mounts thanks to the flexibility of the mirrorless system. In addition, both cameras offer excellent video capabilities, making them much more attractive for serious photographers and filmmakers alike. For more information, check out the official press release from Sony. If you want to take a more in-depth view at what these “key” cameras are all about, take a look at some of our review and comparison articles! Sony a7S II Review – First Impressions & footage Sony a7R II Review – First Impressions & footage Sony a7S II vs. a7R II Test – Which One Is Right for You? And in the meantime, exciting is building up with NAB 2017 just around the corner… Let’s see what the future holds for Sony! Has one of your recent purchases contributed to this shift in the market leaders? Do you think Sony has a chance to go for the top spot? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Shane Hurlbut, ASC has put together a nifty little tutorial on how to make wooden 4X4 frames. The DIY Filmmaking trick can save you $100 per unit and Shane goes back to his early Hire Manager days to show us his carpentry skills. Like anything in filmmaking, building a lighting/grip kit collection fast becomes expensive. In the above video, Shane highlights the cost of a set of 4X4 frames, with each unit costing upwards of $100. When you’re on set, you want options at your nearest disposal. This doesn’t mean one frame per your 20 gels, constantly stripping and switching between each one. Having a selection of pre-clad 4X4 frames is much more practical, you’re more streamlined and can double/triple up in minutes. With this nifty DIY filmmaking tip, you can build a collection of 4X4 frames—this cost effective method nets you around ten frames for the price of one! If you can’t watch the video embedded above, here’s how. Tools & Materials Required: 2X 8 foot 3X1″ planks 1/4″ plywood offcuts Wood glue Drill/Impact screwdriver Jigsaw Chop saw (jigsaw could double up here if you fancy free-handing the 45-degree angle cuts!) Tape measure DIY Filmmaking, Like A Boss Cut your 8 feet planks into X4 feet lengths. Using the shop saw cut a 45-degree angle on each corner of each plank. The short side of the angle needs to be on the same side per plank so each 4 line up nicely in a square. Cut 4 triangles of ply to the size of each corner join. Use wood glue and screws to reinforce. Using another piece of ply and your jigsaw, cut out an ear piece as pictured, ensuring there’s a cut alcove in the inner C shape to allow for safety mating with C stands. Double up on ears per frame so you have the option to mount the 4X4 frame with two stands if required. If spacing is tight, you can always add a hinge. Check out the below video for that: For more info as well as purchase links for all these DIY items, check out Shane’s blog.