Keep in mind that the OSMO is dedicated for use with one of DJI's cameras. While I think anyone with a DJI Inspire1 + X3 camera might be tempted to grab an OSMO, many still believe the quality of the GoPro HERO4 is still better (HERO4 certainly better in low light). You can already get a very stable GoPro HERO4 gimbal for less money, so I don't think I would personally use this for my X3.
Product Overview
At just 4.0 lb the LED500 Pro Bi-Color LED Light from Dracast is an ideal choice for location work, interviews and small sets where color accuracy, control and flicker-free output are of major importance. Variable color temperature from 3,200K-5,600K or anywhere in between means that you can quickly match the prevailing ambient or artificial light balance with a simple twist of a knob while others are still applying filters. Dimming is equally convenient via another knob that adjusts the light intensity from 100-0% with negligible color shift. The low electrical draw of just 30W means a timely return on your investment.
The durable anodized aluminum frame is supported by an oversized, U-shaped yoke with locking knobs on each side and a standard 5/8" receiver. The LED500 can be used worldwide, powered by the included 100-240 VAC adapter or by optional 12 VDC batteries. Accessories include optional 4-way barndoors for contouring and control of the LED500's 45 degree beam angle. A carry case is included.
Photometrics
8,850 lux/ 975 fc @ 3.0' (0.9m)
2,400 lux/ 233 fc @ 6.0' (1.8m)
1,050 lux/ 113 fc @ 9.0' (2.7m)
600 lux/ 57 fc @ 12' (3.6m)
DJI is teasing another new announcement for October 9th. The phrase 'Reimagine Movement' is added to a new banner on their homepage. My best guess is that they may finally be releasing a handheld system to operate the X3 Gimbal Camera (from Inspire1) off the quadcopter. It's something they've been teasing for a while, and the catch phrase sounds fitting.
Now that they have also announced the X5 and X5R mirrorless camera gimbals (capable of 4K RAW), a handheld stabilizer to use these cameras off of the Inspire1 would be even more fitting and adding more bang to your buck. Anyone have any other better guesses? Since Beijing is about 15 hours ahead of USA, we should see an update on the site in just a few hours (after this post). Click through to the DJI website to see more.
The recent advancements to support 'Encoders' in the SBGC firmware is now opening up the doors to more stable and more efficient 3-axis gimbals stabilizers. Although we've seen dozens of GoPro gimbals in the past, the first GoPro Gimbal to take advantage of the newly support feature is the CAME-ACTION.
Encoders are such an advanced option to have with SBGC gimbals, that other gimbals without encoders almost feel outdated already. Almost like comparing the old 8-bit SBGC controllers to the 32-bit controllers. It really does make a significant enough difference. So here's an overview of the CAME-ACTION gimbal and why I think it's the most advanced Gopro hand held system to date.
The way the front bracket has been designed, this system does not support the LCD or an extension battery BacPac, but the GoPro can be powered and charged through the gimbal batteries for longer run times. A 1/4-20 thread under the handle makes it convenient to add on top of a monopod or extension pole for extra high or low shots. The new CAME-ACTION GoPro Gimbal with Encoders> is available now at https://CAME-TV.com (here)
The Varavon Zeus Cage is available with one handle (standard model), or two handles (premium model), and an extra handle can be purchased separately. Each handle has a modular design that allows it to rotate in 4 different directions, has two cold shoes built in, dozens of threaded mounting options, and incorporates a 15mm rod clamp.
The Zeus cage itself allows full access to all ports and doors and instead of dedicated HDMI or Audio cable locks, Varavon has designed a modular Cable Clamp that can be attached to any threaded mount on the cage or handles.
For those of you who may be upgrading your DJI Inspire 1 with the new X5 Micro Four Thirds Mirrorless ILC Camera, here's a video tutorial on how to install the new X5 Mirrorless Camera Gimbal.
This video only points out the X5, but i'm sure it's going to be the same for the X5R which is their new mirrorless Micro Four Thirds camera that is capable of shooting 4K RAW. You can get additional information about the X5 and X5R following (here).
Or if you don't already own a DJI Inspire1 Quadcopter, they also have a complete kit available with the X5 already mounted.
Some might see this as overkill, others may see it as an incredibly versatile solution. Especially for those opting to move into the new Sony Camera systems (A7sII / A7RII) that have poor battery life, you'll definitely be looking into some type of external power solution.
The Switronix PB-70 is a unique battery system as it can work as a normal V-Mount battery to power up your LED Lights, but can also double as an external battery solution for many camera systems (including BlackMagic, Canon, etc). Sure you can use other V-Mount batteries to power your camera, but the mounting solution incorporated into this particular V-Mount from Switronix is what makes it clean, simple, and minimal.
A small quick release adapter first mounts under your camera (or cage) similar to a battery grip. This allows the Switronix PB-70 battery to attach under the camera. And under the PB-70 battery itself is another tripod mount, so you can attach another Tripod QR plate directly to the PB-70 battery. It works very similar to standard camera body battery grip.
Of course the Switronix Powerbase does not really have to mount under a camera body, as it only needs a 1/4-20 threaded mount. This can be mounted to the top of a Blackmagic 4K camera, or on a cheese plate off a shoulder rig. By incorporating these creative mounting options into a V-Mount battery is what makes the PB-70 a versatile battery system.
There are smaller, lighter, and cheaper power solutions for the Sony A7 cameras, but the capacity of the Switronix PB-70 means you can run all day (if not several days). And when mounted to your camera, it still has Two P-Tap out for you to power two other accessories at the same time (on camera LED light, external monitor, etc). And when not used with your camera, your investment means you can still use the PB-70 to power your Large 1x1 Studio LED Light Panels - incredibly versatile.
Today I received the new Varavon Zeus Cage designed to fit two of the hottest cameras on the market today - the new Sony A7sII and A7rII. While i'm working on another product overview video, I thought I would have some fun unboxing the new Zeus Cage.
So if you're not a fan of unboxing videos, you may want to skip this article. Otherwise here's a neat unboxing technique that was done all in 'one single continuous take' with no cuts in the video.
There are so many cool features in the Zeus cage, and i'll be sharing more of that information soon in another video. For now you can get more information about the Zeus Cage for the A7sII and A7rII (here).
I was going to just append this video to my original Fotga Sony Remote article, but there are sooo many RX10 Mark II Camera Owners that I decided to just post this up separately to show the functions this remote has with the RX10MKII. You can see with my little shoulder rig, I can continue to have the best stability because I never have to take my hands away from the handles when performing functions on the RX10 MKII.