Roughly three years ago, Kessler launched the kOS app for the first time to provide a control interface for their motion control products, such as the Kessler Second Shooter or the CineShooter. Now, the company has announced a new version v5.1 that brings a few interesting upgrades. Let’s take a quick look at what is new.
The new update of the Kessler kOS app follows the recent launch of the Kessler CineShooter+ motion control system, which introduced several improvements over its predecessor, for instance, an Unreal Engine tracker-less integration. This feature is also included in the recent kOS version v5.1. It will now be possible to synchronize the camera’s motion in the Unreal engine-generated scene with the Kessler motion controller without the need for a tracker. Kessler published a useful tutorial on how this integration works.
Please note that for the Unreal integration, the paid Premium kOS version is required. The full kOS v5.1 release notes include the following:
In case you are not familiar with the Kessler kOS app, here is a brief overview of the supported functions:
The Kessler kOS app is available for devices running Windows, macOS, or iPadOS systems. It now also supports client mode. This allows CineShooter+ (or Second Shooter Pro, Second Shooter Plus) and your device to connect to a location’s Wi-Fi network rather than connecting directly to the hardware’s own network. This can extend the connected range, and (if your existing network is connected to the internet) allow for easier multitasking.
The price of the Kessler kOS app depends on the type of licensing:
For reference, the new Kessler CineShooter+ retails for $3,200.
Have you ever used any of the Kessler motion control systems for your work? What do you think about the new CineShooter+ and the kOS app? Do you use Unreal Engine for your productions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section underneath the article.
]]>Ulanzi’s lineup of lightweight travel tripods, including the Video-Go, the F38, and the Zero Y, prioritized portability. Now, they’ve expanded their range by introducing a heavy-duty tripod with quick-release functionality, the VideoFast Heavy Duty Tripod.
The tripod has a maximum weight capacity of 25kg/55lb to handle various shooting equipment and long-lens setups. It folds down to 88.6cm/34.8in and comes with a carrying bag for easy transport.
The VideoFast tripod has a one-click setup process. With one click, the legs are extended and locked. The tripod has three leg sections, each measuring 51cm/20in, which can be independently adjusted at 21°, 24°, 27°, 30°, and 33° angles. The 5-section tubes and an expanded joint connection provide a high level of stability in various shooting environments, plus, there is a 5-step mid-level spreader to fine-tune angles and provide extra stability. Additionally, the tripod has interchangeable non-slip rubber feet, steel spikes, and a built-in bubble level.
There is a quick-release plate on the tripod and a universal quick-release plate on the head to attach and detach the camera quickly when switching between the tripod and handheld shooting. The secure locking mechanism can be disengaged with one press. The tripod also has a removable center column and adjustable leg angles via the gear mechanism.
The Ulanzi VideoFast’s hydraulic head features a dynamic balancing system, helping to minimize camera shake and smoothly return the head to a level position after pans or tilts. The 6+6+10 adjustment system allows for fine-tuning camera movement through 6 levels of damping (smoothness) on both the tilt and pan axes and the 10-level counterbalance ensures precise camera leveling after tilting. It also features 360° panning and +90°/-45° tilting. The ⌀75mm detachable bowl head has a load capacity of up to 10kg/22 lbs.
The Ulanzi VideoFast Heavy Duty Tripod kit includes the tripod with the fluid head, a carry handle, a pan/tilt handle, an Allen wrench, a storage bag, and a user manual. The carbon fiber tripod retails at $599 (Early-Bird price is $499 from March 25-April 8, 2024), and the aluminum tripod retails at $499 (Early-Bird price is $399 from March 25-April 8, 2024).
You can purchase the VideoFast tripod and find more on their website here.
What do you think about the Ulanzi VideoFast Heavy Duty Tripod? Could you use something like this in your kit? What tripod are you currently using? Let us know in the comments!
]]>The iPhone 15 Pro was released in September 2023, and thanks to its switch to a USB-C port instead of the well-known Lightning port, it offered new possibilities for content creators and filmmakers. Indeed, the iPhone 15 Pro can shoot in Apple ProRes HQ internally, it has the Apple Log picture profile, you can upload a LUT to it, and you can record externally via the USB-C port.
With these new filmmaking capabilities, many camera accessory manufacturers launched handy solutions to make your life easier, including the MagSafe recording module by Kondor Blue and Angelbird, the Eon Electronics MagDisk, and the upcoming Tilta Khronos, to list a few. Another small American company is now joining the party: the Galileo MagDrive.
The Galileo MagDrive is a MagSafe-compatible clamp that attaches magnetically to the back of your iPhone. The beauty of MagSafe accessories is that they can attach to your phone regardless of whether you have a case on it.
The MagDrive is made entirely out of aluminum. At the back, on the MagSafe connector, you’ll find a USB Type-C port. This port is used to charge your iPhone.
On top of the clamp, you’ll find a cold shoe mount to attach lightweight camera accessories.
At the bottom, there is also a 1/4″-20 mounting point so you can attach the MagDrive to a tripod. There are also multiple 1/4″-20 on the left and right sides of the Galileo MagDrive.
The Galileo MagDrive is compatible with multiple SSD drives with a width ranging from 40 to 58mm/1.57 to 2.28in. It is compatible with the widely popular Samsung T5/T7 SSD drives.
The unit comes with a 20gbps data cable and one 1.5m/4.92ft charging cable to record 4K60p ProRes footage externally right out of the box. Indeed, the iPhone 15 Pro requires a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2 to record ProRes footage externally, so it’s nice that they include it.
The Galileo MagDrive is available now for €84,95/$84.99.
For more information, please visit Galileo’s website here.
What do you think about this MagSafe SSD holder? Do you often record footage externally with your iPhone 15 Pro? What is your go-to external recording solution? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!
]]>By now, CFexpress has become ubiquitous as the de facto memory card standard for professional photography and filmmaking applications. Last summer, this standard even got a boost with the introduction of the CFexpress 4.0 specification, which brings speed benefits to both CFexpress Type A and Type B cards.
A few months later, OWC seized the opportunity to update their Atlas Pro and Ultra CFexpress memory card lineup to the new 4.0 protocol. Now, the company is completing the series with a dedicated USB4 card reader. Let’s take a quick look!
According to the company, their new Atlas CFexpress 4.0 Type B card reader can ensure real-world offloading speeds of up to 3300MB/s, thus making it 4x faster than any USB 3.2 reader. Additionally, the reader is also retro-compatible with CFexpress 2.0 cards, which are supported at their maximum speed capabilities.
The device can be connected to a laptop or mobile device via USB-C and supports USB4 and USB3, as well as Thunderbolt 4 and 3 connections on Mac machines. Moreover, the reader is bus-powered, meaning it doesn’t require an external power source.
The device features a simple, portable design. The enclosure is made of aluminum, has anti-slip rubber feet, integrates a status LED, and packs a high-efficiency, silent heat sink cooling system.
Lastly, the reader is compatible with the company’s proprietary Innergize software (available for Mac and PC), which allows you to monitor the health status of your cards, clean and restore their performance, and update their firmware.
The new OWC Atlas USB4 CFexpress 4.0 Type B memory card reader is now available to order from B&H. The official retail price is $99.99.
For more information, please visit OWC’s website here.
Do you already use CFexpress 4.0 Type B cards? What is your go-to choice when it comes to storing your valuable files? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
]]>At the end of the day, whether the budget of your project is just a few thousand or even tens of thousands of dollars, the entire value of a photo or video production flows into the files generated by your camera(s) and saved on your memory cards. So, when you’re out in the field, you’d better have a strategy to quickly offload and securely store your media once it’s full.
Camera accessories manufacturer PGYTECH recently came up with a 2-in-1 reader/case solution that allows you to store a mixture of CFexpress and SD cards, while also offering the ability to transfer files with blazingly fast speeds. Let’s take a closer look!
The PGYTECH CreateMate card reader/case exists in two versions: CFexpress Type-A and CFexpress Type-B. Depending on the model you choose, you can simultaneously store up to:
Additionally, an eject pin is slotted inside the case. This can come in handy to eject cards from their slots, but can also act as a tiny screwdriver in case you need to tighten the screws on your camera setup.
When it comes to transferring files, the reader has two slots – one for CFexpress (again, Type-A or Type-B) and the other one for SD cards. However, keep in mind that you will need an SD to Micro SD Card Adapter if you want to offload your Micro SD cards.
The device connects to a laptop, or even some of the latest iPhone/iPad models, via a built-in USB-C cable. The connection relies on USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology to ensure maximum theoretical transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps for CFx cards (or 312MB/s for SD and Micro SD cards). The reader doesn’t normally require external power to work, but you can still feed it a 5V/2A power input if you want to be 100% sure of having stable data transfer speeds.
Overall, this hybrid solution by PGYTECH seems to be a “must-have” item for outdoor photographers and filmmakers shooting with multiple cameras in remote locations. For example, if you’re a videographer traveling with a Sony Alpha/FX-line camera and a drone, then you can store and offload all your CFx Type-A, SD, and Micro SD cards using a single device with minimal footprint.
The core structure of the case is made of aluminum wrapped by a black or moss-green silicon protection layer on the outside. The accessory measures 130x75x27mm / 5.12×2.95×1.06in. weighs 198g / 6.98oz, and is claimed to be IP54 rated – which should make it drop-, dust-, and splash-resistant.
The case also has a little carabiner that enables you to clip it to a backpack, for example. Honestly, I would never attach a card case on the outside of my camera bag, as shown in the picture below. But still, this can be an extra safety feature if you have a velcro loop inside your backpack, for instance.
The new PGYTECH CreateMate card reader/case for CFexpress Type-A/Type-B and SD/Micro SD media is now available to order on B&H for $99.95.
For more information, please visit PGYTECH’s website here.
How do you store and offload your memory cards when you’re out in the field? What do you think of this hybrid solution by PGYTECH? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
]]>Last summer, a new company called Nodal – founded by cinematographer Joshua Chiara – showed up on the market with a PL to RF mount 0.71x focal reducer that was initially designed specifically for the RED KOMODO 6K camera.
Since then, the new “kid” on the block changed their name to Veloscura and kept working on other mount options for their One adapter. The Sony E-mount version is now available to pre-order, while Micro Four Thirds, FUJIFILM X, and PL to PL are still in the works. Let’s take a quick look!
The Veloscura One focal reducer is designed to diminish crop by a factor of 0.71x when using large-format or full-frame PL mount cinema lenses on a camera with a Super35-sized sensor. In particular, this new version is designed for Sony E-mount bodies and exists in two variants:
Besides the difference in the mount on the camera side, the adapter retains the same functionality as its RF mount counterpart, namely:
Again, these specs are very close to those of the Metabones PL to Sony E-mount T CINE Speed Booster ULTRA 0.71x, which retails for $719. However, Veloscura’s offering should provide more clearance for the rear protruding element of some PL lenses, thus making it compatible with more glass options.
Due to the optics placed inside the adapter, some PL mount lenses with a rear protruding element may still not be compatible with the Veloscura One focal reducer. Here’s a list of glass that is known to be compatible (or not), as published by the manufacturer:
COMPATIBLE
Spherical
Anamorphic
INCOMPATIBLE
The Veloscura One PL Mount Focal Reducer for Sony E-mount cameras is now available to pre-order from the company’s website. Upon placing your order, make sure you select the correct version based on your camera system (Sony FX30 or Kinefinity Mavo/Edge).
The pre-order price of the adapter is set at $899.99, which represents a $100 discount on the official retail price of $999.99. Shipping should begin in April 2024. Finally, Veloscura now also offers a color customization service for $89.
For more information, please visit Veloscura’s website here.
Are you already using a PL-E focal reducer? What do you think of this solution from Veloscura? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
]]>Specifications for the SD Express and microSD Express standards were first issued by the SD Association back in 2018 and last updated in November 2023. However, to this day, it seems like shrinking media storage to fit SSD-like performance and high capacity is still a daunting technological task.
Almost 3 years ago, Lexar teased the development of their SD Express and microSD Express cards. These were expected to come to market the following year, but, apparently, that time has yet to come. Now, tech giant Samsung is trying to beat the clock by unveiling a 256GB SD Express microSD card that should hit the shelves by the end of this year. Let’s take a closer look!
According to Samsung, their upcoming 256GB SD Express microSD card is the result of a “successful” joint effort with a (mysterious) “customer” to develop a(n equally mysterious) “product”, thus supporting the future of “mobile computing and on-device AI”.
Mystery aside, with sequential read speeds of up to 800MB/s, this new 256GB SD Express microSD card promises to outperform the current standard by four times and even SATA SSDs by about 1.4x. All this while still maintaining the tiny form factor that makes it possible to use such cards in action cams and drones, for example. The catch, however, is that there’s currently no camera on the market that supports the new SD Express standard.
The card features a low-power consumption design as well as Dynamic Thermal Guard (DTG) technology to protect it from overheating, even when providing high performance for extended periods.
On top of this, Samsung also announced that they have started mass production of new, high-capacity 1TB UHS-I microSD cards that rely on 8 stacked layers of their 8th-gen 1-terabit VNAND technology.
These cards have all the safety features you would expect from a reliable media storage solution, including protection against water, extreme heat, wear-out, magnetic fields, X-rays, and accidental drops.
There’s currently no official information regarding the price of these new microSD cards from Samsung. The 256GB SD Express microSD card should become available later this year, while the 1TB UHS-I microSD is scheduled to be launched within Q3 2024.
For more information, please visit Samsung’s website here.
What do you think of the upcoming SD Express standard? Are you ready to embrace it? What technological advancements are you expecting from it? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
]]>Tilta launched their Universal lineup of camera accessories in January 2023 with a phone holder and 15mm rod adapters. Later, the company introduced the Universal cable clamp, an affordable, lightweight, and solid way to manage cables on your camera.
Tilta continues to expand their Universal series of camera accessories with two bubble levels: a rotatable version and a screw-on one.
As a filmmaker, one thing I still don’t get after all these years is why cinema cameras don’t have built-in electronic-level displays. Indeed, most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have that option, and I find it so convenient when shooting handheld, for example. To solve that problem, I installed a cheap cold shoe bubble level from Amazon on top of my Canon EOS C70. It gets the job done but doesn’t look as good as I would like.
Tilta just came up with a solution for filmmakers and content creators who need to get their cameras level in a pinch: the Universal screw-on bubble level and the rotatable bubble level.
Let’s start with the Universal screw-on bubble level, which is made of aluminum and weighs only 5g/0.17oz. This little screw attaches to any 1/4″-20 mounting point on your camera cage/rig and doesn’t require any tools. There is a cylindrical bubble level on top of it that indicates when you are perfectly level.
Next is the Tilta Universal rotatable bubble level, which is also entirely made of aluminum and weighs 17.5g/0.61oz. This model attaches to your camera via a 1/4″-20 screw and features a retractable locking pin.
Also, it has a larger bubble level, making it convenient to get a perfect horizon while tilting/leveling your camera up or down. Lastly, the large thumbscrew allows you to rotate it 90° in any direction to suit your needs.
The Tilta Universal screw-on bubble level retails for $6, and the rotatable bubble level is $12. Both products are available now. As a direct comparison, the Wooden Camera round bubble level is $12, while the linear bubble level is $29.
For more information, please visit Tilta’s website here.
What do you think about these small bubble levels? Would this kind of add-on accessory be an excellent addition to your kit? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!
]]>On the heels of the Leica SL3 release last week, SmallRig has already launched their tailor-made cage kit for the impressive mirrorless camera. Indeed, the Leica SL3 seems to be a promising camera for content creators and filmmakers thanks to its new 60MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS image sensor, a tilting touchscreen and OLED EVF, 5-axis IBIS, and the ability to capture 8K footage internally at 30 frames per second, or ProRes 422HQ footage in 1080p60. Also, the SL3 has many user-customizable buttons and dials, which makes it an interesting camera. However, like most modern mirrorless cameras, there is a need for a camera cage to make the SL3 a proper creation tool and to be able to attach a monitor, microphone, and other camera accessories to it.
The SmallRig cage for the Leica SL3 is made out of aluminum and titanium alloy and weighs 228g/8oz. It attaches securely to your camera via three mounting points: one 1/4″-20 screw at the bottom and two mounting points that connect to the camera strap eyelets.
On the cage’s left, right, and bottom sides, you’ll find 1/4″-20 threaded holes. At the top of the cage, there is one cold shoe mount, a 3/8″-16 mounting point with ARRI locating holes, and four other 1/4″-20 mounting points.
On the cage’s right front side, a built-in grip with silicone padding should provide comfortable handling.
At the bottom of the cage is a built-in ARCA Swiss plate, compatible with the DJI Ronin RS 2/RS 3/RS 3 Mini and Pro gimbals.
On the left side of the SmallRig cage kit for the Leica SL3, you’ll find a removable quick-release cable clamp. This cable clamp is handy for securing both full-size HDMI and USB-C cables.
Lastly, you can customize your SmallRig cage by engraving your name and adding an optional custom magnetic logo plate to the left side of the camera.
The SmallRig cage kit for the Leica SL3 is available to pre-order now for $203.90 and should start shipping at the end of this month.
For more information, please visit SmallRig’s website here.
What do you think about this cage kit for the Leica SL3? Do you consider getting yourself a Leica SL3? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!
]]>When you’re flying a camera on a gimbal, every ounce and every inch counts. As a result, in most situations, it’s preferable to rely on the gimbal’s own battery system to power the camera, rather than adding an extra bulky, heavy power brick. However, while this is a fairly common solution with 12V systems, it’s not always easily applicable to the more power-hungry 24V cameras – such as ARRI film cameras or modern, high-end digital tools like the ALEXA 35 (our Lab Test here) or V-RAPTOR XL.
Almost one year ago, we reported about an interesting solution from American company 1A Tools. Indeed, their original Tilt Stage upgrade consisted of a modification that allowed you to power 24V cameras directly via the Ronin 2’s TB50 batteries. The biggest drawback, however, was that you were required to ship your gimbal to California to have it modified. But with Version 2, that’s no longer the case. Let’s take a closer look!
The new 1A Tools Tilt Stage “do-it-yourself” upgrade for DJI Ronin 2 consists of a small module that needs to be installed in place of the Ronin 2’s original tilt stage, and supplies 21-26V to power higher voltage cameras. The kit includes a red tilt stage cover, a circuit board, a spacer, thermal pads, thermal paste, M2x10, and M2x14 screws, plus a flexible 8 to 6-pin power cable for the ARRI ALEXA 35.
According to the company, installation of the new DIY kit requires only a few simple tools, namely a Phillips screwdriver to remove the original circuit board, a T6x50 Torx key, a 1.5mm Allen wrench key, a heat gun or hair dryer, and tweezers. Furthermore, you don’t have to solder any part. This means that you can decide to take the 24V tilt stage upgrade on or off according to your needs without any fully permanent modification to your Ronin 2.
The 1A Tools Ronin 2 Tilt Stage DIY upgrade (Version 2) is now available on the company’s website and retails for $900. Moreover, the brand offers an upgrade path for users who purchased the original kit. If you’re interested, you can find out more by sending an email to connor@1a.tools.
Lastly, the DJI Ronin 2 Professional Combo kit is currently priced at $8,399 (B&H / CVP).
For more information, please visit 1A Tools’ website here.
How do you currently power 24V camera systems when using the DJI Ronin 2? What do you think of this solution from 1A Tools? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
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