For those of you who picked up a Cinevate Duzi Slider (see our Duzi v1 review here), the MODO add-on will allow you to perform Timelapses with ease.
Say goodbye to cables, chargers, batteries, belts, and programming. Say hello to Modo.
What is Modo?
Modo is affordable, effortless, and precise motion timelapse for the Duzi Slider.
Features:
Complete mechanical drive does not require power or batteries
No controllers, cables, or programming necessary
Effortlessly change from timelapse to manual slider mode in seconds
2 speed capability (24 inches/hour & 34 inches/hour)
Works under extreme weather conditions
Max capacity of 15 lbs when level
Integrated bubble level
Solid CNC machined aluminum
Speed upgrades available (12 inches/hour & 17 inches/hour)
Compatible with Modo multi-axis pan & tilt (coming soon)
- See more at: https://www.cinevate.com/store2/modo.html#sthash.NDE4uRFe.dpuf
Rode is possibly the most popular on-camera microphone especially when it comes to DSLR Video shooters. Rode makes a number of different types of microphones, but as far as compact shotgun style shoe mounted microphones go, they offered three main types. On the low end, there is the "Rode VideoMic Go" (requires plug-in power and no Selectable 10 or 20dB Pad). The middle product is the Rode VideoMic" (can be battery powered with Selectable 10 or 20dB Pad). On the high end there's the more compact "Rode VideoMic Pro" (Battery powered with Selectable -10 or 20dB Pad).
Even though the VideoMic GO was a lower end microphone, it had the best suspension system using the Rycote Lyre. The original Rode VideoMic also received a Rycote Lyre suspension upgrade from a previous rubber band style shock mount. Unfortunately over several years, Rode did not get around to upgrading the shock mount of the more professional and compact Rode VideoMic Pro.
Well the good news has finally arrived. Officially today Rode has announced that much needed upgrade and the latest Rode VideoMic Pro now comes with the Rycote Lyre suspension.
For those who have the original Rode VideoMic Pro, unfortunately you cannot simply buy the Rycote suspension to upgrade your old one. You also can't use your old Furry Windscreen (deadcat), on the new VideoMic Pro. You'll need to use the new Furry Windscreen that will be designed specifically for the VMPR (R for Rycote).
RØDE VIDEOMIC PRO GETS UPGRADE WITH RYCOTE ONBOARD
Tuesday May 19th, 2015, Sydney Australia – Pro-audio brand RØDE Microphones is announcing an upgrade to its number one selling microphone worldwide, the VideoMic Pro.
Originally released in 2010, the VideoMic Pro quickly became an industry standard on-camera shotgun microphone for professionals and enthusiasts alike. With its small form factor, superior audio quality and industry first +20db level boost, it was the perfect companion for DSLR cameras as they became the go-to device for high definition video capture.
Determined to raise the bar again in 2015, RØDE’s all new VideoMic Pro will feature the acclaimed Rycote Lyre suspension system, along with an upgraded microphone capsule, improving both the physical characteristics and audio performance of the microphone.
Already implemented on the VideoMic and VideoMic GO, the Rycote Lyre suspension system is widely regarded as the best microphone shock mounting solution available. Featuring a suspension structure composed of a hard-wearing thermoplastic, it is far more effective at minimising unwanted vibrations, handling and cable-borne noise than traditional elastic suspensions. Virtually indestructible, the Rycote Lyre will never sag, snap, wear out or require rethreading to maintain its effectiveness.
Completing the upgrade is an all-new microphone capsule, giving the 2015 VideoMic Pro even higher sensitivity and lower self-noise, ensuring crystal clear audio capture over a wider dynamic range.
“The VideoMic Pro was a revelation for DSLR users the world over, making broadcast quality audio accessible to everyone at an affordable price” comments Damien Wilson, RØDE’s Global Sales and Marketing Director. “Now we’re taking it to another level. With the Rycote Lyre upgrade, and an upgraded capsule, it’s now even better value for such an amazing broadcast quality product.”
The VideoMic Pro featuring Rycote Lyre suspension is shipping to authorised RØDE dealers now. For more information please visit www.rode.com/microphones/videomicpro.
Offering true recording versatility, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 is a true hybrid mirrorless camera that blends 4K UHD video with advanced still capture and burst shooting capabilities. Revolving around a 16 MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor and Venus Engine 9 image processor, the G7 features notable low-light sensitivity to ISO 25600, continuous shooting to 8 fps with single-shot AF, as well as a trio of 30 fps shooting rates based on the 4K UHD video recording.
Complementing the fast burst shooting modes is an equally adept DFD autofocus system, which works to quicken focusing speeds and emphasize accurate subject tracking for consistently sharp imagery in fast-paced and trying working conditions. Rounding out the feature-set of the G7 is a contemporary body design accentuated by physical exposure control dials, six customizable function buttons, both a high-resolution EVF and 3.0" tilting touchscreen LCD, and built-in Wi-Fi for wireless sharing and remote camera control. Bridging the gap between stills and video, the Lumix DMC-G7 pairs these two high-resolution mediums with refined focusing and shooting controls for the utmost in shooting versatility.
16 MP Live MOS Sensor and Venus Engine 9
A 16 MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor pairs with an updated Venus Engine 9 to deliver fast overall performance with matched image quality to suit working in a wide variety of lighting conditions with consistent results. Sensitivity ranges from ISO 200 to 25600, with the ability to extend down to ISO 100 for working in bright conditions or with longer shutter speeds. Versatile burst shooting modes also allow you to pair high continuous shooting rates with AF; including shooting up to 8 fps with AF-S, 6 fps with AF-C in one area, and 6 fps during live view. For even faster performance, up to 40 fps shooting is possible with the electronic shutter function or 30 fps at 8 MP using the 4K Photo Modes.
The sensor and processor combination also helps to ensure notable image quality through the use of accurate white balance settings, Live TTL direct exposure metering, and intelligent NR (Noise Reduction) control for clean, natural imagery. Additionally, the Venus Engine 9 aids in reducing image blur caused by diffraction using electronic adjustment to automatically sharpen edges for clearer results when photographing with smaller aperture sizes.
4K UHD Video Recording
In addition to the versatile still shooting modes, the G7 also supports recording 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) video with either 30p or 24p frames rates at 100Mbps in the MP4 format. Full HD 1080p/60 is also supported, in both MP4 and AVCHD formats, as well as HD and SD resolutions.
A built-in stereo microphone can be used during recordings, and features an integrated wind-cut filter, or an optional external microphone can be utilized via the 3.5mm jack for even clearer sound.
The DEC allows you to use a Canon EF or EF-S Autofocus lens and adapt it to a MFT (micro four-thirds) or Sony E-Mount camera. Although the camera itself can't communicate with the lens, a wireless remote will allow you to change iris (aperture) and drive focus.
This is extremely useful when working with Gimbal stabilizers when you can't physically pull focus on the lens by hand. Just clamp the wireless remote to the handle of your gimbal. The exciting news demonstrated for us at NAB 2015 is that they will have a 'DEC PRO' version which will include a 'Focal Reducer' a.k.a 'Speedbooster' optical element offering up a wider field of view and an extra stop.
The DEC PRO version will hopefully be out later this year and will be a huge asset to small sensor cameras like the BlackMagic Pocket Cinema or Micro Cinema cameras. For cameras like the the Sony A7s which already offers a full frame the speedbooster is not required.
With lens adapters, being able to change the iris on EF autofocus lenses are key. For a price even cheaper than Metabones smart adapters, there's a lot of functionality in the Aputure DEC and you can already purchase the original DEC Lens Adapter for Canon EF/EF-s to MFT or Sony E-Mount following the links below.
Has it happened to you? You're right in the middle of an interview and all of a sudden one light goes out. It appears the battery in your light has died and so you have to basically start that interview process over. If only you had one central interface to be able to view the power levels of every battery on set, knowing exactly how much time you have left, and which ones need to be swapped out. Well, now there is such a tool.
Our friends with Runplayback.com coverage at NAB 2015 visits the Switronix booth showcasing new battery solutions and battery management systems. Some of their latest items on the floor like the VoltBridge, a battery level monitor platform that utilizes a Bluetooth transmitter and mobile app; the Hypercore Prime, a 2-part designed, TSA travel friendly battery pack and the Hypercine, a block battery that can be used to power multiple battery packs while providing 392wh as one unit.
In my opinion, one of the most popular LED Ring lights available today is the F&V R300 (seen here). Obviously ring lights can provide a unique aesthetic for catch lights, but the R300's were so powerful they can also be used to replace standard 1x1 light panels. They've even offered a softbox for the R300 to suppress spill and add more creative control over.
At NAB 2015, F&V introduced a new larger Z720 LED Ring Light. The larger diameter means the Z720 will work with larger cinema lenses, offer a wider spread, more power output, and provide more of that unique 'ring light' quality even at a distance. The Z720 can still be battery powered, is dimmable by quadrants, color temp adjustable, and can even be controlled wirelessly through an application from a smart device. Perfect when managing several lights simultaneously. The Z720 LED Ring light can also be used in an optional softbox operating as a basic LED Light panel.
With the popularity of the softbox accessory for the R300, F&V has also designed one for their top selling K4000 panels. The new Wifi module seen from the Z720 can also be added to the K4000 panels, and for those wanting a larger light source, F&V offers 2x1 wide led panel options. Take a look at the NAB 2015 booth coverage video below.
NAB 2015, SHAPE gives us an overview of two single handed pistol-grip style Gimbal stabilizers. The iSEE (for GoPro) and a larger iSEE+ designed for small DSLR or mirrorless Cameras. Each gimbal operates on two inexpensive and common Canon LP-E6 batteries, so you don't need to sit around and recharge.
So while most GoPro gimbals don't allow you to use the GoPro in it's waterproof housing, the iSEE is designed for this. Other systems will probably not recommend using gimbals under wet conditions, but SHAPE doesn't seem to have any issues getting their iSEE gimbal wet as seen in the video below.
So if you're looking for a gimbal for any type of water or snowboarding activities, the iSEE may be a good choice. The decision for sticking to a 2-Axis system over a 3-Axis may be for the immediate responsiveness allowing for fast tracking and panning specifically needed in sports. For more information about SHAPE and the iSEE & iSEE+ Gimbal stabilizers, check out their website https://SHAPEWLB.com
Here's a look at the new RodeLink Filmmaker Wireless Audio System. In the video below i'll show you the parts, basic setup, functions, and a quick distance test at the end of the video.
I haven't done extensive tests, but in the short time i've been using the kit, it's been nothing but solid performance. RODE is offering up quite a bit in this kit, along with a lav microphone that can be adapted for use with other systems. Another interesting feature is the RODELINK can be powered via AA batteries or powered through it's USB port. I believe the USB port can be used for firmware upgrades as well.
For the price it's hard to argue that this is a must have piece of kit everyone should have in their bag. If you've been looking to get a wireless kit, I wouldn't wait too long. The price is right, and I feel these items will continue to sell out for sometime. It's still unclear if prices will go up to the list price of $599, but right now Pre-Orders are currently listing for just $399 (found here).
Cinevate MODO - Motion Timelapse System for Duzi Slider
Cinevate DUZI Video Slider v3
" (requires plug-in power and no Selectable 10 or 20dB Pad). The middle product is the 
" (can be battery powered with Selectable 10 or 20dB Pad). On the high end there's the more compact "
" (Battery powered with Selectable -10 or 20dB Pad).
