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.

One-click setup and 5 angles

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. 

From tripod to handheld – a quick switch

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 hydraulic head

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.

Ulanzi VideoFast Heavy Duty Tripod – Specs

The tripod

• Materials: Carbon Fiber or Aluminium Alloy
• Dimensions: 88.6x17x16.5cm/ 34.88 x 6.69 x 6.50in
• Net Weight (Carbon Fiber Versions): 4.8kg/10.5 lb
• Net Weight (Aluminium Alloy Versions): 5.3kg/11.6 lb
• Height (with the fluid head included): 78.5cm -164cm/30.9-64.5in
• Collapsed Height (with the fluid head included): 83cm/32.6in
• Load Capacity for Fluid Head: 10kg/22 lb
• Load Capacity for Tripod Leg: 25kg/55 lb

The hydraulic head

• Materials: Aluminium Alloy
• Dimensions (without the handle): 27x13x12cm/10.63 x 5.12 x 4.72in
• Handle Length: 40cm/15.75in
• Net Weight: 2.2kg/4.85lb
• Fluid Head Load Capacity: 10kg/22lb
• Bowl Base Diameter: 75mm/2.95in
• Counterbalance: 10 steps
• Tilt Damping: 6 steps
• Pan Damping: 6 steps

Price and availability

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!

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!

OWC Atlas CFexpress 4.0 Type B card reader – features

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.

Price and availability

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!

PGYTECH CreateMate Card Reader/Case for CFexpress and SD cards

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:

• 3x CFexpress Type-A or 2x CFexpress Type-B cards;
• 3x SD cards;
• 4x Micro SD cards;
• 2x Nano SIM cards.

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.

Size, weight, and design

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.

Price and availability

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!

Veloscura One PL mount focal reducer – now for Sony E

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:

• for Sony FX30 (or equivalent cameras, such as the a6XXX series) – in this case, the adapter offers slightly less rear optic clearance, due to the design of the FX/Alpha body;
• for Kinefinity Mavo and Edge models equipped with the Active E-mount only (please note: Kinefinity’s proprietary KINEMOUNT and E-mount Adapter are NOT compatible).

Besides the difference in the mount on the camera side, the adapter retains the same functionality as its RF mount counterpart, namely:

• 0.71x wider field of view;
• 1-stop increase in exposure;
• user-interchangeable mount with locking design and no wiggle in the camera mount;
• shimmable mount with adjustable back focus (shims are included);
• 1/4”-20 bottom threaded hole.

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.

Lens compatibility

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

• SIGMA Art Full Frame Primes
• DZOFILM Vespid Primes
• Tokina Vista Primes
• Zeiss CP.2 & CP.3 Primes
• Laowa OOOM Zoom
• Vintage Helios Primes
• Vintage MIR Primes

Anamorphic

• Atlas Mercury 1.5x full-frame Primes
• Atlas Orion 2x Primes
• Lomo 50mm & 75mm Squarefront Primes (35mm is currently not compatible)
• Cooke 2x Primes
• Blazar Remus

INCOMPATIBLE

• Nisi Athena Primes
• Laowa Nanomorphs
• GreatJoy Anamorphic Lenses

Price and availability

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!

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.

Tilta Universal and rotatable bubble levels – features

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.

Pricing and availability

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!

NITECORE is a Chinese-based company known for their lighting and battery solutions since 2007 and is part of SYSMAX Innovations Co., Ltd. They have won quite a few awards and notably, they often contribute to their communities by sponsoring events and generously donating their products – something we can appreciate.

The CW10: A compact fan for smaller groups

The CineWind CW10 is the successor to the larger CW30 fan, released only last August, and is aimed at smaller groups of 1 or 2 people. Designed primarily for video and content creators, the fan lets you control your wind speed as desired. Small enough to fit in a backpack, it might also be handy for travel and wedding videographers/photographers, as well as portrait studios.

This portable, miniature fan is very small and lightweight at only 120gms/ 4.23oz and can be powered with any NP-F battery or USB-C via a power bank. Summer noted that the fan was intentionally designed without a built-in rechargeable battery to avoid the waiting time that would incur when the power runs out. The fan has a 32W brushless motor with a maximum speed of 50km/h (31.1mph) and a wind volume of 180 m³/h. An integrated LED display provides real-time information on battery life, charging progress, and wind speed percentage.

One button control

The large on/off button at the top is also a stepless control knob for adjusting the fan’s intensity levels. The fan can be attached to a tripod via a ¼” screw hole in its base.

The casing is made from ABS plastic, and an integrated metal mesh acts as a safeguard to prevent external items, such as hair, from being pulled into the fan during operation.

NITECORE CineWind CW10 – the specs

• Battery Powered: 6V-8.4V
• USB-C Input: 5V⎓1A (Charging), 9V⎓2A (Operating)
• Rated Power: Battery Powered: 32W (MAX), USB-C Input: 18W (MAX)
• Rotational Speed: 11,000 RPM (MAX)
• Wind Speed: Battery Powered: 50 km/h (31.1 mph) (MAX), USB-C Input: 40 km/h (24.9 mph) (MAX)
• Air Volume: 180 m³/h (MAX)
• Dimensions: 110.0mm x 57.2mm / 4.33″ x 2.25″ (Battery Not Included)
• Weight: 120g / 4.23 oz (Battery Not Included)
• Battery Option: NP-F Battery

Price and availability

The NITECORE CineWind CW10 is priced at around $132, $49.95, has a 1-year warranty, and should be available through Amazon shortly. Please note that a battery is not included.

What do you think of the new CineWind CW10 fan? Is it something you would use on the go? How would you put it to use? Let us know in the comments below.

Since its launch in 2021, the Sony FX3 – that we reviewed here – and a year later, the FX30, both models have proven to be very popular cinema cameras among indie filmmakers, content creators, and small/medium production companies. Indeed, thanks to a compact form factor, both the FX3 with a Full Frame image sensor and the FX30 with a Super35 offer good value for money: In-Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS), 4K recording up to 120 frames per second, 16-bit RAW output via the HDMI output, autofocus capabilities, and much more, all in a compact and lightweight camera body.

Since both cameras fit in the palm of your hand, compromises had to be made, including the lack of built-in ND filters, no SDI video output port, and no dedicated timecode port, to list a few. However, you can use the “Multi” Micro-USB port located on the left side of the cameras to supply them with timecode.

Last year, Tentacle Sync released a dedicated timecode cable for the Sony FX3/FX30. American manufacturer MUTINY is now joining the party with the launch of their TC-R/S box for the Sony FX3/FX30.

MUTINY TC-R/S for Sony FX3 and FX30 – features

The MUTINY TC-R/S for the Sony FX3/FX30 is a compact I/O box that measures 1.3″ x 0.7″ x 1″/3.3 x 1.77 x 2.54cm. Thanks to its compact size, you can mount it directly onto your camera cage via the pass-through 1/4″-20 hole and included screw. The bottom of the TC-R/S features two M3 threaded locating pin holes with 15mm and 10.4mm (ARRI-standard) spacing. Of course, the included 1.5mm locating pin is removable.

To mount the MUTINY TC-R/S directly on the top left side of your Sony FX3/FX30 camera, you’ll need an optional mounting plate if you use the stock XLR top handle. Indeed, the TC-R/S needs to be offset a bit to fit the Sony XLR top handle. The MUTINY mounting plate provides enough clearance and can be orientated in two ways.

The MUTINY TC-R/S has a built-in 6″/15cm Micro-USB cable that connects to your Sony FX3/FX30 Multiport. The TC-RS features a 5-pin timecode input port and a Fischer 3 R/S port. According to MUTINY, the TC-R/S is compatible with every timecode generator, including Tentacle, Deity, Deneke, Ambient, etc. Also, the company mentions that the R/S Fischer port works with “every FIZ wireless follow focus system, including the ones from Preston, ARRI, C-Motion, Tilta Nucleus, Heden, etc.”

If you need a record/stop trigger button, MUTINY has multiple bundles with their Bolt-On V2 R/S trigger. This compact record button can be attached anywhere you want on your camera rig via a 1/4″-20 mounting screw.

Pricing and availability

The MUTINY TC R/S breakout box for the Sony FX3/FX30 is available now for $125. The bundle with the mounting plate is $140, and packages with a Bolt-On V2 R/S trigger button start at $245.

For more information, please visit MUTINY’s website here.

What do you think about this compact breakout box for the Sony FX3/FX30? What is your preferred timecode workaround for the Sony FX3/FX30? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!

The PDT-FP1 is fairly compact, with a weight of about 300 grams. Its rectangular screen is like a rather large smartphone, but the device is significantly thicker due to the cooling system housed in it. The device can be supported by a standard 1.4″ tripod screw for easy rigging, and it uses a unique antenna design optimized for high-speed, low-latency transmission.

Ports and connectivity

The PDT-FP1 comes equipped with four ports – a wired LAN terminal for fast data transfer, an HDMI type A for video transmission, a USB-C for communication, and an additional USB-C for power delivery. These ports supply the device with ample connectivity options while keeping it fairly compact. Sony can’t guarantee compatibility with cameras made by other manufacturers but the device should work with some of them. As for cloud services – currently, it will directly sync with Sony’s cloud services.

Who it is for

Though there are other wireless transmitters around, the Sony PDT-FP1 features a rather unique combination of compact, lightweight design and a Dual-SIM (physical or e-SIM) 5G transmission capability ensuring both stability and speed. These should make it ideal for ENG crews or single operators in need of fast turnover time. It will also work for photojournalists as it enables both video and still transmission. The internal backup has 256GB, as well as a micro SD card slot for up to 1TB. Oh, and it can also double as a monitor.

Price and availability

The PDT-FP1 will be available in Japan around May 2024. Availability in other countries has yet to be determined, as further regulatory process is due. Sony plans to launch the PDT-FP1 globally once these considerations are addressed, with an expected price circulating at around €1300 (around $1,410).

What do you think of the new Sony PDT-FP1 Launched – A Portable 5G Data Transmitter? Let us know in the comment section!

The Ovide KOKO is a powerful 10-inch monitor-recorder that was launched in June 2023. This powerful device features no less than six 12G-SDI input/output ports and an HDR DCI-P3 touchscreen, and it can record footage in Apple ProRes directly onto a standard 2.5″ removable SSD. Furthermore, the Koko can record one 4K camera or four 1080p60 cameras simultaneously.

With a weight of 1.3kg/2.86 lbs and large dimensions of 25 x 16.9 x 3.3cm/9.84 x 6.65 x 1.29in, the KOKO is not the lightest or most portable monitor-recorder on the market. To make the filmmaker’s life on set easier, SHAPE released a director’s monitor kit designed explicitly for the Ovide KOKO.

SHAPE Director’s Monitor Kit for Ovide KOKO 10″ – features

The SHAPE director’s monitor kit for the Ovide KOKO 10″ consists of four main components: two side handles, a sun hood, a camera strap, and a 5/8″ pin bracket.

Since the KOKO is entirely made out of aluminum and has a surfeit of 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 mounting points on all sides, the SHAPE side quick handles with ARRI anti-rotating mounts are attached directly to the monitor-recorder. This design allows you to reposition the handles on the KOKO easily while keeping the benefit of SHAPE’s push-button technology.

Next is SHAPE’s custom sun hood for the Ovide KOKO. The sun hood attaches via velcro strips around the monitor and is secured via an elastic band at the bottom. One good thing is that the sun hood doesn’t block any of the monitor’s mounting points.

Carrying a heavy monitor by hand all day is never a five-star experience for a client or director, so you’ll find a universal camera strap in the kit with a pair of quick-release attachments.

Lastly, SHAPE includes a 5/8″ pin bracket that attaches to the bottom of the Ovide KOKO. This bracket is compatible with standard light stands/C-stands and features ARRI anti-rotating pins, so you can be sure your monitor won’t go anywhere during a break.

Price and availability

The SHAPE director’s monitor kit for the Ovide KOKO 10″ is available on their website now for $303/€309.

For more information, please visit SHAPE’s website here.

What do you think about this kit? Have you already shot with the Ovide KOKO? Have you had a chance to experience SHAPE’s push-button handles? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!

PolarPro is famous for its innovative approach and fresh perspective. Though fairly new to the market, the company has designed and produced some original takes on common accessories. PolarPro produces relatively high-end accessories, aimed mostly at hybrid shooters, single operators, and outdoor creators. That said, the company’s products may be utilized in a wide range of use cases and scenarios. Aside from optical and operational quality, PolarPro tends to emphasize design and user experience. The new Defender Pro line follows that same principle.

Defender Pro Body Caps

The PolarPro Defender Pro (So many Pros!) body caps are robust and metal-encased. They come in four mounts – Canon RF, Canon EF, Nikon Z, and Sony E-mount. No luck for FUJIFILM or LUMIX users this time. The caps come in three ‘adventure-inspired’ colors – Black, Forest (dark green), or Desert (golden-brownish). All of them look nice and rugged, and will also enable some color coding (although I’d love to see more vivid options that sacrifice style for better color coding and identification). The Defender Pro caps are noticeably thicker than common body caps, using extra depth to conceal a nook that can hold an AirTag or memory cards in three different rubber inserts, all included in the box.

The inserts are located on the internal side of the cap, fitted with a press-lock mechanism for added security. They are all user-replaceable and can be switched freely depending on your needs. One contains an AirTag, one contains a single CFExpress Type A card, and the third can accommodate two Micro SD cards, with one SD stacked on top of the other.

Defender Pro lens covers

Alongside the Defender Pro body cap is a newly designed line of flexible lens covers compatible with the same press-lock cap and inserts. In line with its predecessor, the Defender line comprises a hardened plastic front with a flexible rubber “skirt” that securely grips the front of the lens. These come in two sizes – Large (83-90mm) or Medium (70-80mm). The relevant measurement is taken from the outer diameter, not to be mistaken with the filter diameter. The Defender Pro lens covers come in the same color trio – Black, Forest, or Desert (though the rubber doesn’t have quite the same effect as the metal on the body caps). The front of each cover contains the same recess designed to hold the AirTag or memory cards.

Somewhat modular system

Polar Pro promotes this system as somewhat modular since the internal caps, whether they contain an AirTag or a memory card, can be swapped with every other cap or lens cover. One may decide which piece of gear gets which AirTag or memory card. As with every modular design, the prospect of choice sounds excellent, but I have to wonder about the magnitude of the utter mess this level of modularity might generate. Bear this in mind so you won’t reach for your emergency SD card to find out it’s a misplaced AirTag…

Price and availability

All products in the PolarPro Defender Pro line are priced at $49.99, be it a body cap or a lens cover, no matter the color or size. They are available as a special order at B&H and on the PolarPro website.

Do you find this system appealing? Can you see how it could up your gear management game? Let us know in the comments.