The new Carry Speed MagFilter System Polarizers for high end compact cameras that lack threaded filter mounts are officially available today. If you're not quite sure what this is, you can see an old article posted (here). If you're unsure whether it will fit your camera, you can download and print a template to test with your camera from the product page.
The GoPro is awesome, and the HD Hero 2 improves further on it's video quality. GoPro has pretty much been dominating the wearable sports camera market for some time, but what do you think about Sony's new Action Cam announced today?
From the long list of features and specs of Sony's new Action Cam, there's not a doubt it could steal quite a bit of thunder from GoPro with features like Image Stabilization. Price is way more affordable and it will come with basic accessories like a basic tripod mount / quick release plate (I had to buy separately for my GoPro).
Another cool feature on the Sony Action Cam will be their wireless remote apps for both Android and iOS, while GoPro is still lagging on getting their Wi-Fi remote software out to the public. Check out the video for more specs on the new Action Cam.
This was a small response video to a YouTube comment suggesting I may have purposely dodged bumping the camera around because the MagFilter could easily fall off. I know that several magnets were used during prototyping and only quality magnets were chosen for the final product.
Also to clear other questions up, the metal ring on the camera 'is not magnetic'. It's just a thin metal ring that adheres to the front of the camera. The magnets are 'inside' of the Polarizer filter. Another thing to note is that magnets are completely safe to use around LCD screens and your SDHC or Compact Flash media cards.
The Sony NEX-5n is a very popular camera, and now Sony has followed up with the NEX-5R. I tried the NEX-5n, but didn't like the lack of buttons and dials, so I instead settled with the Sony NEX-7. Now the NEX-5R has borrowed some of the feature sets from the higher end Sony NEX-7 which is good, but probably the most interesting new feature is the ability to download apps to enhance the NEX-5R. One application example mentioned in the video was Remote Live view and remote control through your smart phone. Pre-orders opened up today in a variety of kits and colors via B&H (Click Here).
Sorry for the long wait, but here is the official announcement about the new MagFilter System . This is the Polarizer i've been using with my Sony RX100 cameras. I was able to help with some ideas on this fast and simple filter solution that can be used with many of today's high end compact cameras, while leaving the camera virtually unaltered.
The MagFilter System uses strong magnets within the Aluminum filter body, and attaches to the front area of high end compact cameras systems with a very thin metal ring that adheres to the camera.
Using high quality coated glass optics from Japan, the Polarizer is the first MagFilters that will be available this week. There are two different sizes that can support a variety of cameras. The 42mm MagFilter works on cameras like the Sony HX9V, HX10V, HX20V, HX30V, and of course the new Sony RX100.
The smaller 36mm MagFilter works on cameras like the Canon S95 and Canon S100. I've been testing the Polarizer for a few weeks, and it works to cut glare from reflective surfaces such as water, glass, leaves, and even helps retain information in the sky.
One thing I noticed is that the Sony RX100 seems to retain more details in the shadows when using the polarizer, possibly because it cuts down on those specular highlights in the scenery. With very bright highlights, the Sony RX100 will try to retain this by slightly underexposing. With the highlights being controlled in the scene, it seems like you can get a more balanced exposure - at least that's what i've experienced in some of my tests.
I've had it for about a week and used them through some of my video blogs, Giants BaseBall games at the Park, and casual video shooting. The batteries work as normal, and i'm not really seeing any major difference in run times. We'll see how well they hold up after a few months, but with the 128GB SDXC card, I now have enough power in the bag with these 3 extra batteries + Battery Charger for under $30 bucks.
I've had a few inquiries about possible new LCD View Finders a.k.a Loupes for the new Canon 5D Mark III. I'm still not able to release much information, or full images, but here's some teaser images of one. I received this prototype LCD Viewfinder recently which aligns perfectly to pretty much most of my cameras as well as the new 5DM3.
One thing to mention is that the LCD Screen on the back of the 5D Mark III is just a bit wider than this new ViewFinder (soon to be released) but there's barely a crop. The special bracket designed on this new LCD Viewfinder moves forward / back / left / right / up / down, which allows it to align to a variety of different camera bodies such as the new T4i, 7D, 60D, 5D Mark II & Mark III, Nikon, and more.
To show the flexibility, here i'm have it mounted with the new Sony RX100 camera (not directly). First I have the Sony RX100 mounted to a P&C Custom 717 Quick Release adapter so I can pull the camera off the entire rig quickly. The 717 Custom Plate also gives additional 1/4-20 threaded mounts (seen on right side) if I wanted to add a friction arm with LED light, Audio Recorder, Microphone, etc.
This new prototype viewfinder is mounted underneath the Custom 717 plate. Finally I have the P&C Pistol Grip mounted under the entire setup for easy handling and there's still a 1/4-20 threaded insert under the handle for an additional Friction arm. With the LCD ViewFinder attached, this gives me an additional point of contact for stabilization, and allows me to shoot in broad daylight.
Could this be the Meanest RX100 Rig so far, or the Silliest? Yeah i'll go with the Silliest...
Some notes about this new Viewfinder not seen in the images. It folds up, so if you don't need the ViewFinder you can open it up into a sun shade. It's also designed with a quick release baseplate system. The entire ViewFinder can detach from this little rig by unlocking the knob on the left side (under the 717 QR knob). It has a Glass optical element, and built in Diopter. There's a few more snazzy features but I think I said too much... More to come later about the new ViewFinder so Follow me on Twitter.
Here's another video showing you how those new ND or CPL filters will work when in use with point and shoot cameras. Keep in mind that i'm still working with prototype versions, so end quality in design and glass will be much better. The ring i've attached to the Sony RX100 was originally designed for the smaller lens of the HX20V, but I was was able to use the filters without obstructing the widest focal length of the RX100. As soon as they become available, i'll let you know who you can purchase these from. For updates, please follow me on Twitter.
The RX100 so far has been a better replacement over many of the other cameras i've been using including the Canon S100, HX9V, or HX20V. Check out the RX100 over (click here).