Sony has unveiled the next generation of its mirrorless camera designed specifically for content creators: the ZV-E10 II. This compact powerhouse is packed with features to help you take your content to the next level.
Credit – SONY
Enhanced Performance and Superior Video Quality
The ZV-E10 II boasts a powerful new APS-C 26MP sensor and BIONZ XR processor combo. This delivers incredible performance, enabling you to capture stunning 4K video at 60 frames per second. That’s the same sensor found in Sony’s renowned FX30 cinema camera, offering professional-grade quality in a smaller package.
With a wide ISO range and support for 10-bit video recording, the ZV-E10 II excels in various lighting conditions. It also offers industry-standard codecs for maximum flexibility in post-production. Need slow-motion footage? No problem, the camera shoots 1080p HD video at up to 120 frames per second.
Professional Audio and Advanced Autofocus
The ZV-E10 II takes audio seriously. It features a high-quality 3-capsule microphone but also allows you to connect external mics for crystal-clear sound. Plus, the new AI Processing Unit and Phase Detection AF provide Eye AF support that ensures your focus stays locked on your subject, even when they’re moving.
Credit – SONYCredit – SONY
User-Friendly Design and Connectivity
The ZV-E10 II features a fully articulating touchscreen LCD, perfect for shooting in portrait mode. It also comes with a variety of connectivity options, including USB-C, Wi-Fi, and UVC support for easy streaming. The battery life has also been improved, allowing you to capture footage all day long.
Credit – SONY
The New Kit Lens: E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II
The ZV-E10 II comes with a new and improved kit lens. This lightweight lens offers a versatile zoom range and improved image stabilization, making it ideal for everyday shooting.
Pricing and Availability
The Sony ZV-E10 II is available for preorder now, starting at $1098 for the kit with the lens. While it’s slightly more expensive than its predecessor, the ZV-E10 II offers significant improvements in image quality, performance, and battery life. With its compact size and powerful features, the Sony ZV-E10 II is a true game-changer for content creators and vloggers looking to upgrade out of a smartphone.
Canon enthusiasts, get ready for some big news! The much-anticipated Canon R1, a flagship full-frame mirrorless camera, and the next-generation Canon R5 Mk. II, are set to make their grand entrance. According to the latest buzz, these cutting-edge cameras could hit the market as soon as mid-July 2024.
What We Know So Far: Canon’s Latest Registrations
The latest revelations come courtesy of CanonRumors, a trusted source for insider news from Lake Success. They have uncovered information from Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform, indicating that Canon has registered two new camera models for 2024. These models, codenamed ‘DS126928’ and ‘DS126922,’ are now widely believed to be the Canon R1 and the Canon R5 Mk. II.
Image Credit – Canon
The Canon R1
Positioned between Canon’s consumer-grade mirrorless cameras and its professional Cinema line, the Canon R1 promises to be a game-changer. This flagship model is expected to feature a revamped CMOS image processor paired with a DIGIC Accelerator, aiming to deliver outstanding video quality with enhanced resolution and dynamic range.
Canon has hinted that this powerful processing duo will handle vast data volumes at lightning-fast speeds, suggesting that the R1 might support 8K video. Another exciting development is the introduction of a global architecture system. This system is designed to function like a global shutter, potentially eradicating the rolling shutter issues that have plagued moving camera shots for years.
Additionally, the R1 will come equipped with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, making it a versatile tool for professionals on the go. Expect to see this camera in action at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where its capabilities will be tested in the heat of world-class competition.
The Canon R5 Mk. II
The Canon R5 Mk. II is shaping up to be a worthy successor to the popular R5. Rumors suggest it will feature a 45-megapixel stacked backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, offering a faster readout than the R3. This enhancement is expected to improve heat management during long video shoots and allow for rapid 30 fps still image bursts, potentially through a mechanical shutter. However, there’s speculation that Canon might follow Nikon’s lead and eliminate the mechanical shutter entirely.
The R5 Mk. II will also boast Canon’s latest pre-burst capture technology, ensuring photographers never miss a critical moment. Improved eye-tracking autofocus and a smart controller are on the cards, along with a stacked processor design capable of handling high-resolution 8K video internally. There’s also talk of advanced AI-based autofocus functions, allowing the camera to intelligently switch between One-Shot AF and AI Servo AF as subjects move within the frame.
Rumored Availability
While exact pricing details are still under wraps, insiders suggest that the R1 and R5 Mk. II will be priced similarly to their predecessors. Expect the Canon R1 to be around $6,499, and the Canon R5 Mk. II to hover near $3,899.
Mark your calendars for July 17, 2024, when Canon is expected to officially announce these cameras. Shipping might start by the end of summer or early fall, just in time for the holiday shopping rush.
The wait is over for Android users! The highly acclaimed Blackmagic Camera app, which made waves in the content creation community and even captured Apple’s attention at last year’s WWDC, is now available on Android. This news is a significant milestone for content creators who rely on their Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel phones to produce high-quality video content.
Image Credit – Blackmagic Design
A Seamless Experience for Android Users
Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are excited to be able to provide customers with Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel phones the same controls as our professional cameras. It’s really exciting to be able to give even more customers the ability to get their footage to the newsroom or post-production studios in literally seconds.”
The Blackmagic Camera app for Android brings the powerful capabilities of Blackmagic’s professional cinema cameras to your smartphone. It’s specifically tailored for Samsung and Google Pixel devices, offering a host of digital film features that mirror the functionality of its iOS counterpart. This integration allows for seamless camera matching during editing and color grading, ensuring your footage maintains the high-quality standards set by Blackmagic’s cinema cameras.
Advanced Tools and Features
The Android version of the Blackmagic Camera app is packed with a plethora of tools designed to enhance your filming experience. Here are some of the standout features:
Heads-Up Display (HUD): Access critical camera data like lens selection, frame rate, shutter angle, timecode, ISO, white balance, histogram, and audio levels without cluttering your screen.
Recording Flexibility: Capture video in both 16:9 widescreen and vertical aspect ratios. You can even shoot widescreen footage while holding your phone vertically, ideal for capturing discreet shots in public.
Autofocus Controls: Adjust focus simply by tapping the screen, allowing you to lock onto specific areas with ease.
Professional Audio and Video Formats: Record in H.264 and H.265 formats with support for professional audio codecs, ensuring high-quality video and sound.
User-Friendly Interface: Quickly adjust settings with a swipe, eliminating the hassle of navigating through complex menus. The layout is intuitive, making it easy to access the tools you need.
Enhanced Workflow with Cloud Integration
One of the standout features of the Blackmagic Camera app is its robust cloud integration. Connect to Blackmagic Cloud to sync, upload, and organize your shots instantly. The app also facilitates team collaboration, offering tools for note-sharing, chat, and clip browsing. This integration streamlines the workflow from shooting to post-production, allowing users to import clips directly into DaVinci Resolve for editing.
Image Credit – Blackmagic Design
Availability and Installation
The Blackmagic Camera app is now available for free on the Google Play Store. It supports a range of Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices, bringing professional-grade video capabilities to Android users everywhere.
This release empowers Android users to affordably produce cinema-quality footage right from their smartphones. Whether you’re a budding filmmaker, a social media influencer, or a professional videographer, if you rely on the Android platform, the Blackmagic Camera app is a must-have tool in your arsenal.
Download it today and elevate your video production game!
Nikon has unveiled the Z6 III, a full-frame mirrorless camera designed to impress both videographers and photographers. Here’s a breakdown of its impressive features:
Cinematic 6K Video:
The Z6 III boasts internal 6K N-Raw video recording at up to 60 frames per second. For even greater flexibility, you can capture ProRes Raw at 30 fps. Need high frame rates? The Z6 III delivers up to 240 fps in Full HD for stunning slow-motion effects.
Image Credit – Nikon
Supercharged Performance:
At the core of the Z6 III lies a next-generation, partially stacked CMOS sensor with high-speed processing circuits. This powerhouse, combined with Nikon’s Expeed 7 engine (found in the Z8 and Z9), unlocks a range of capabilities:
20% Faster Autofocus:
Experience lightning-fast subject detection and focusing thanks to upgraded algorithms. Up to nine different subject categories including human, animal and vehicles, ensure that whatever the image is, the Z6III will be able to identify, lock on, and maintain focus throughout.
Low-Light Prowess:
The Z6 III boasts an impressive -10 EV focusing performance, ensuring sharp results even in challenging lighting conditions.
Advanced Subject Tracking: The camera automatically detects people, animals, and vehicles, keeping them in focus with nine selectable subject categories.
Rock Steady Image Stabilization:
Capture sharp, steady footage on the go. The Z6 III’s in-body 5-axis image stabilization offers up to 8 stops of vibration reduction. Plus, Nikon’s Focus Point VR prioritizes stabilization for the specific area you’ve chosen.
High-Resolution Stills:
For photographers, the Z6 III offers a new Pixel Shift Mode. This combines up to 32 exposures, resulting in incredible image detail, resolution, and a wider color gamut. Plus, the camera introduces Flexible Color Picture Control, allowing you to create custom presets and unique color blends.
Image Credit – Nikon
A Feast for The Eyes:
The Z6 III boasts the brightest electronic viewfinder (EVF) of any mirrorless camera on the market, with a peak brightness of 4,000 nits and a 5,706k-dot resolution. The 3.2-inch Vari-Angle LCD touchscreen provides versatility for selfies, low-angle framing, and more.
Built to Endure:
The Z6 III is constructed with a blend of magnesium alloy and durable Sereebo plastic, offering a robust yet lightweight build (1.67 pounds). Weather sealing protects the camera from dust, moisture, and even cold temperatures down to 14°F (-10°C).
Bonus: Cloud Connectivity
Nikon is introducing a complimentary cloud service called Nikon Imaging Cloud. This service offers automatic image uploads to your Nikon Image Space, automatic firmware updates, and access to a curated community for downloading custom settings and presets.
While there’s no news on a Z7 III yet, the Z6 III’s impressive features and upgraded tools make it a compelling option for capturing stunning 6K video and high-resolution stills. Stay tuned to see how this powerhouse performs in the real world!
Pricing and Availability:
The Nikon Z6 III hits shelves in late June for $2499.95 (body only) or $3099 with the Nikkor 24-70 F4 kit lens. A new MB-N14 Power Battery Pack with an integrated shutter button and extended recording capabilities will be available later this summer for $359.95.
Are you looking for an affordable and compact camera gimbal? My friend Markus Senior takes a comprehensive look at the new Zhiyun Weebill 3E, which can carry a payload of nearly 7 pounds! And a great deal at $249.
In the ever-evolving world of action cameras, the Insta360 GO 3S emerged as a game-changer last year. But in 2024, it gets a makeover to deliver 4K video performance in a compact, rugged, and versatile package. Whether you’re an adventurer capturing your next climb, a content creator filming a unique perspective, or someone who loves to document life’s moments hands-free, the GO 3S is designed to make it all effortless. Let’s dive into what makes the Insta360 GO 3S a must-have in your tech arsenal.
Image Credit – Insta360
Key Features that Set the GO 3S Apart
1. Lightweight & Portable
Weighing in at a mere 20 grams, the Insta360 GO 3S is the epitome of portability. Its compact size allows it to fit comfortably in your pocket or clip onto your clothing, making it perfect for capturing moments on the go. Despite its small stature, it doesn’t compromise on performance, delivering stunning 4K video quality that rivals much larger cameras.
2. 4K Hands-Free POVs
The GO 3S is designed for those who love to capture the action without being burdened by holding a camera. Its 4K video capability ensures that your first-person POV footage is crisp, clear, and full of detail. Whether you’re biking down a trail, surfing a wave, or just walking through a bustling market, the GO 3S captures it all hands-free, providing a truly immersive viewing experience.
3. Magnetic Mounting System & Mount Anywhere
One of the standout features of the GO 3S is its innovative magnetic mounting system. This allows you to easily attach the camera to a variety of surfaces, be it your helmet, bike, or even your car. The included accessories further expand your mounting options, enabling you to capture creative angles that are impossible with bulkier cameras. This versatility makes the GO 3S an ideal companion for capturing those unique perspectives.
4. Interval Video to Automatically Record at Set Intervals
The Interval Video feature is perfect for creating time-lapse videos or capturing recurring moments throughout the day. Set the GO 3S to record at specific intervals, and it will automatically capture those moments, creating a seamless video without the need for constant manual operation. This is particularly useful for documenting long events or capturing the essence of a location over time.
Image Credit – Insta360
5. Easily Locate with Apple Find My
Lost your GO 3S? No problem. The camera integrates with Apple’s Find My network, making it easy to locate if it ever goes missing. This feature provides peace of mind, knowing that your investment is protected, and ensures that you’ll spend less time searching and more time capturing.
6. 2.2″ Flip Touchscreen for Remote Control & Live Preview
The GO 3S is paired with the multifunctional Action Pod, featuring a 2.2″ flip touchscreen that serves as both a remote control and a live preview monitor. This screen allows you to control your shots from a distance, preview footage in real-time, and navigate the camera’s settings with ease. The Action Pod also extends the camera’s battery life, ensuring you can keep recording longer.
7. 140 Minutes Run Time
With an impressive 140 minutes of run time, the GO 3S lets you capture more without constantly worrying about recharging. Whether you’re on a long hike, a day at the beach, or an extended shoot, this extended battery life ensures you won’t miss a moment.
8. FlowState Stabilization
Shaky footage is a thing of the past with Insta360’s FlowState Stabilization. This technology smooths out your videos, delivering professional-grade stability that keeps your footage steady and visually appealing, even in the most dynamic environments.
9. Waterproof to 33ft (10m)
Adventure awaits, no matter the conditions. The GO 3S is waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters), allowing you to capture stunning underwater footage or shoot in the rain without worry. This rugged capability means you can take the GO 3S virtually anywhere your adventures lead.
Image Credit – Insta360
10. AI-Powered Editing
The GO 3S isn’t just a camera; it’s also your editor. With AI-powered editing tools, the camera helps you quickly and effortlessly create polished videos. Its smart algorithms can automatically choose the best moments and seamlessly stitch them together, saving you time and effort in the editing process.
11. Transformative Action Pod
The Action Pod transforms the GO 3S into a versatile tool with extended battery life, a flip touchscreen for live preview, and remote control capabilities. This multifunctional accessory enhances the camera’s usability, making it even more adaptable to various shooting scenarios.
From the mundane to the extraordinary, the GO 3S captures it all. Its waterproof design and robust stabilization make it perfect for both everyday vlogging and capturing high-action sports. The camera’s ease of use and advanced features cater to both novice users and experienced videographers alike.
Pricing and Availability
The Insta360 GO 3S is now available in either Arctic White or Midnight Black colors, through Insta360’s official website and various authorized retailers. The camera is priced at $399.99. Additionally, bundles with extra accessories are available, providing even more versatility and mounting options to suit your creative needs.
Insta360 frequently offers promotions, so keep an eye out for special deals and discounts, especially during holiday seasons or major sales events.
Blackmagic Design has announced a significant sale on its acclaimed 6K Cinema Camera, offering discounts of up to 40 percent. However, with stock being limited, industry observers are speculating whether this signals the imminent release of a new, higher-resolution camera.
Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design, commented on the sale: “The Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K has been very popular with customers since its launch. Customers have been excited to capture amazing large format images in an extremely portable design that also works with new and vintage lenses they already own, in an entirely new way.”
Image Credit – Blackmagic Design
The discounted Pocket 6K model boasts professional features, including a 6K full-frame image sensor, optical low pass filter, support for Blackmagic Raw and Pro Res video codecs, and camera-to-cloud functions with proxy recordings.
This camera supports a wide range of lenses, thanks to Blackmagic’s involvement in the L-mount alliance. Lenses from Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma offer full metadata transfer for new lenses while maintaining compatibility with vintage lenses. The camera’s short flange distance of 20mm allows for the use of adapters for Canon EF, ARRI PL, and other lens models without compromising image quality.
Image Credit – Blackmagic Design
Key features of the 6K Cinema Camera include:
Full-frame 6K CMOS image sensor with a native resolution of 6048×4032
Dual native ISO up to 25,600 and over 13 stops of dynamic range
True 6:5 anamorphic mode without cropping
Full resolution shooting up to 36 fps, or cropped up to 120 fps
Super 35mm image size support
The camera captures footage to a CFexpress Type-B Card and can upload H.264 proxy files via wifi to the cloud. It also includes support for applying LUTs to raw video footage and metadata transfer from L-mount lenses.
Image Credit – Blackmagic Design
Additional features include a 5-inch adjustable LCD screen with HDR capabilities, a brightness of 1500 nits, and the option to attach an optical-electronic viewfinder. Connectivity options include HDMI, USB-C, and 2 Mini-XLR Audio Ports.
One area of concern has been battery life, but Blackmagic has addressed this with the inclusion of larger NP-F570 batteries and the optional Pocket Camera Battery Pro Grip, which doubles the power capacity and extends shooting time.
Pricing and Availability
The 6K Cinema Camera is now available for $1575, reflecting a discount of $1,020. Blackmagic has emphasized that this sale is limited in time and stock. At this reduced price, the camera offers an attractive option for those looking to enhance their cinematic capabilities or transition from DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. The sale, however, does not include the G2 or Native EF mount models.
Speculation about a new model or that BMD may be dropping it’s participation in the L-Mount Alliance has been fueled by the timing of this sale. Traditionally, Blackmagic announces new models just before the annual NAB Show, but this year only the affordable Pyxis cinema camera has been introduced. While an 8K or higher Pocket model seems unlikely for 2024, the year is still young, and surprises could be in store.
Exciting news for photography enthusiasts and professionals alike—Canon has officially announced the development of its flagship mirrorless camera, the EOS R1. This announcement means we’re finally getting a glimpse into the highly anticipated camera that’s been the talk of the town. And yes, if you’re vigilant enough, you might spot a few prototype versions out in the wild this summer!
Image Credit – Canon
Canon’s vague but tantalizing announcement positions the EOS R1 as a powerhouse designed for professionals. They’re promising top-tier performance and rock-solid reliability. With “never-before-seen advancements” in their dual-pixel AF II autofocus system, expectations are sky-high for sports, news, and video production.
The specifics are still under wraps, but here’s what we know: there’s a new image processor called the DIGIC Accelerator in the works, which will work alongside the current DIGIC X architecture. Plus, there’s a new CMOS image sensor capable of processing massive amounts of data at high speeds. Sounds promising, right?
One of the most exciting aspects is Canon’s development of a global CMOS image sensor. If the EOS R1 features this, it could eliminate the dreaded rolling shutter effect by exposing the entire sensor at once—a feature already seen in some of Sony’s top models. To compete at the professional level Canon is aiming for, this feature would be a game-changer.
But that’s not all. Canon has confirmed that the EOS R1’s image processing system will incorporate AI deep learning to reduce noise and enhance image quality directly in the camera. This means less time fiddling with post-production and more time capturing stunning shots. And with an expanded lineup of RF lenses, both photographers and videographers will have plenty of tools to choose from.
One particularly intriguing feature is the new AF Action Priority function. This AI-powered tool will recognize subject movement and adjust the autofocus frame to capture action more accurately. Imagine using this at a fast-paced sporting event—it could be a real game-changer.
In true Canon fashion, they’re aligning this development announcement with a major event—the 2024 Olympics in Paris. The EOS R1 will be field-tested during this global spectacle, giving us an early look at its real-world performance.
While we still have many questions about the EOS R1’s resolution and overall performance, it’s clear that Canon is aiming high. As we get closer to seeing this camera in action, the anticipation is only building. Keep your eyes peeled this summer—you might just spot the future of mirrorless cameras in action!
Apple CEO Tim Cook unveiled the highly anticipated next-generation iPad Pro during a keynote presentation today. The event also showcased the new iPad Air, but the iPad Pro stole the show with its groundbreaking features.
iPad Pro: A Display and Performance Game Changer
The star of the show, the iPad Pro, features a revolutionary Tandem OLED display. This innovative design integrates two Ultra Retina XDR OLED screens, resulting in unmatched brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. The nano texture glass minimizes glare while maintaining the P3 color gamut, making the visuals stunning.
Image Credit – Apple
Under the hood, the iPad Pro boasts a powerful next-generation M4 Apple Silicon chip, skipping the M3 generation entirely. This chip offers significant improvements with a 4+6 core CPU configuration and a 10-core GPU with advanced rendering capabilities. This translates to exceptional speed and efficiency, surpassing traditional laptop chips while consuming less power.
Image Credit – Apple
More Than Just Power
The iPad Pro isn’t just about raw power. It boasts a state-of-the-art camera system with a 12MP F4 camera and LiDAR Scanner for capturing stunning photos and creating immersive augmented reality experiences. The redesigned Magic Keyboard, with a larger trackpad and improved functionality, transforms the iPad Pro into a versatile productivity tool that rivals laptops.
Image Credit – Apple
Software and App Support
Apple’s commitment extends beyond hardware. Software updates and app compatibility empower users even further. iPadOS has been optimized for professional-grade applications like Shaper 3D CAD, Z-Brush 3D modeling, Final Cut Pro 2, and Logic Pro 2. These optimizations include faster rendering, multi-camera streaming, and advanced editing features, catering to creative professionals.
iPad Air: Powerhouse for Everyday Tasks
Apple introduced the new iPad Air, powered by the M2 chip. This powerful device boasts capabilities like video editing, high-end gaming, and efficient multitasking. It features a sleek design, improved display options, and a camera optimized for video conferencing. The upgraded performance and graphics make photo processing and Apple Pencil use even smoother.
Pricing and Availability
The iPad Air and iPad Pro are available for pre-order today, with shipping starting next week. The iPad Air starts at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch model. The iPad Pro starts at $1199 for the 11-inch variant and $1399 for the 13-inch model. The Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro are optional accessories priced at $299 and $129, respectively.
With these advancements, Apple remains at the forefront of innovation, empowering users to unleash their creative potential and productivity like never before.
In today’s content creation landscape, capturing captivating aerial footage can add a whole new dimension to your work. But for those just starting, the world of drones can seem intimidating and expensive. Fear not, aspiring aerial artists! The DJI Mini 4k drone has arrived, offering an exceptionally affordable and user-friendly option to take your content to new heights.
Image Credit – DJI
Powerful Performance at a Beginner-Friendly Price
The DJI Mini 4k isn’t just easy on the wallet at $299, it’s also easy to fly. This lightweight UAV boasts a three-axis motorized gimbal that houses a powerful 4k camera. Imagine cinematic-quality footage at 30 fps, or silky smooth 2.6k video at 60 fps, all with a 100 Mbps bitrate for crisp details. Those are specs that would make some higher-priced drones jealous.
Image Credit – DJI
Effortless Flight for Epic Results
The learning curve for mastering drone piloting can be steep, but the DJI Mini 4k smooths out those bumps. With a single button, you can launch your drone into the sky, and another button brings it back for a safe landing. Preprogrammed flight paths take the guesswork out of capturing creative aerial shots, while wind resistance of up to 38 mph ensures stability even on breezy days. And the best part? A single battery offers up to 31 minutes of flight time, giving you ample opportunity to perfect your craft.
Fly Farther, Fly Freely (with Caution)
The DJI Mini 4k’s powerful motors propel it to a staggering 4,000 meters, letting you capture breathtaking aerial vistas. It maintains a rock-solid video signal for up to 10km, as long as you keep the drone within your line of sight.
Image Credit – DJI
Lightweight Design, Lighter Regulations (But Do Your Research!)
Weighing in at under 250 grams, the DJI Mini 4k falls under the FAA’s weight limit for mandatory drone registration in the United States. This makes it fantastic for casual flyers and hobbyists. However, content creators using drones for commercial purposes should always check local regulations, as additional permits or registrations may apply.
Affordable Skies Await
At $299 the DJI Mini 4k is a game-changer for aspiring aerial content creators. Its beginner-friendly features, impressive flight time, and exceptional camera quality come at a price tag that won’t break the bank. The optional Fly More Combo, for under $450, offers two extra batteries which boosts its flight time to 93 minutes. With these accessories, the Mini 4K is perfect for those who want to maximize their creative potential. So, ditch the limitations and take your content to the sky with the DJI Mini 4k!