How to make a DIY motorized slider for a Manfrotto high hat style bowl tripod.
How to make a DIY motorized slider for a Manfrotto high hat style bowl tripod using an old gate piston.
#diyfilmmaking #checkthegate
How to make a DIY motorized slider for a Manfrotto high hat style bowl tripod using an old gate piston.
#diyfilmmaking #checkthegate
Insta360, a key player in the action camera market, has unveiled its newest offerings, the Ace and Ace Pro cameras, aiming to disrupt GoPro’s stronghold in the industry. Touted as the smartest action cameras ever created, these devices feature a new 5 nm ACE CMOS image sensor, a Leica-designed Summar IT lens, and a 2.4-inch flip-up LED touchscreen. With groundbreaking features in tow, Insta360 claims these cameras elevate action footage to the quality seen in professional sports broadcasts.
At the heart of the Insta360 ACE Pro system lies an elite 1/1.3-inch CMOS image sensor and a 5 nm chip enabling impressive capabilities. The Ace Pro records 8K HDR video at 24 fps or 4K HDR video at up to 120 frames per second, reaching a maximum bitrate of 170 Mbps. Additionally, it captures 48 MP still images and offers Pure Video low-light image capture. For its part, the more affordable Insta360 Ace is equipped with a smaller 1/2-inch image sensor.
The Ace Pro incorporates a 16mm F2.6 Leica Summar IT lens (F2.4 for the lower-priced Ace) and integrates three microphones for recording 16-bit AAC audio with wind reduction, stereo, and directional modes.
Both cameras harness AI technology to introduce a collection of innovative features. These include denoising footage for sharper images, enhanced brightness, instant video editing tools, and generative AI warp features that overlay dynamic visual effects. The ACE cameras also provide AI generative layers for professional cinematic touches, elevating the appeal of video footage.
“We’re making significant strides in AI, allowing us to introduce features that not only streamline the video creation process for users but also unlock entirely new ways to make shots truly remarkable,” stated Insta360 founder JK Liu.
These cameras pioneer a statistics dashboard overlay, integrating metadata such as GPS, speed, and other metrics from Garmin GPS devices or Apple Watches. This integration results in a video image reminiscent of professional sports broadcasts.
Furthermore, the Ace and Ace Pro enhance image capture through Insta360’s Invisible Selfie Stick effect, employing the AI Selfie Stick Eraser for a more natural third-person angle, rendering the selfie stick invisible. These cameras also feature a 360° Horizon Lock ensuring level videos regardless of the camera angle, alongside 6-axis image stabilization via Insta360’s FlowState technology for steady footage.
The 2.4-inch LED touchscreen flips up, enabling users to frame selfies, video vlogs, and challenging angles effortlessly without disrupting the camera’s magnetic mounting system.
Other notable features include gesture control, instant recording cancellation, 2x digital zoom without loss of detail, photo grabs from 4K videos, and pause/resume recording capabilities to eliminate downtime.
The design withstands depths up to 33 feet (10 meters) and extends to 196 feet (60 meters) using the Insta360 Dive Case. Additionally, it operates flawlessly in temperatures ranging from -4° F (-20° C) to 104° F (40°C).
The Ace Pro’s battery life extends up to 100 minutes while recording 4K video at 30 fps, with PD fast charging reaching 80% charge in just 22 minutes and a full charge in 46 minutes for its 1650 mAh battery. On the other hand, the budget-friendly Ace features standard charging with a slightly larger 1700 mAh battery.
Among the array of innovative features, the stats overlay stands out as one of the most exciting aspects, offering content creators powerful tools to elevate the immersion and entertainment value of their action videos. This integration of statistics provides a unique edge, transforming footage into a more immersive and engaging visual experience.
The Insta360 Ace and Ace Pro cameras represent a significant leap forward in action camera technology. With their impressive hardware specifications, innovative AI-powered features, and user-friendly design, these cameras offer a compelling proposition for content creators seeking to capture stunning visuals of their adventures. The stats overlay, in particular, is a game-changer, providing a unique way to elevate action videos with immersive creativity and providing a unique form of metadata for the audience to enjoy.
The Insta360 Ace and Ace Pro are now available for purchase for $379.99 and $449.99, respectively, through Insta360 direct and authorized retailers.
Blind Spot Gear, a company known for its LED designs for platforms like Netflix and Amazon, has introduced the LumiCard, a pocket-sized camera light designed for mobile filmmakers. The credit card-sized light attaches to iPhones through the magnetic MagSafe connection, providing a compact yet powerful lighting solution.
Designed for Accessibility and Performance
Learning from Past Pitfalls
In the past, credit card-sized LEDs like the Nova light faced challenges such as build quality issues and proprietary Bluetooth triggering. Blind Spot Gear aims to learn from past pitfalls and deliver a product that addresses previous drawbacks.
Key Features of the LumiCard
Additional Options
Additional options include the LumiKit, offering a diffuser attachment to soften the LumiCard’s illumination, and the LumiRing magnetic adapter for attaching the light to laptops during video calls. The LumiBank, a battery bank providing up to 5000 mAh of power, is available for efficient wireless charging of the LumiCard and other MagSafe-compatible devices.
Pricing and Availability
Currently in its early bird Kickstarter phase, the LumiCard is available for backers at around $50, with a special 3-pack offering a 35% discount. The package includes the pocket-sized LED light, mag-safe adhesive rings, and a custom-sized USB-C cable.
Backers can participate in BlindSpot’s Kickstarter campaign, with an expected delivery timeline set for April 2024.
Conclusion
The LumiCard is a promising new product that addresses the limitations of existing smartphone lighting solutions. With its compact size, powerful light output, and flexible activation options, the LumiCard has the potential to be a valuable tool for mobile filmmakers and content creators.
Sony Corporation has unveiled its latest marvel in the Alpha series: the Alpha 9 III mirrorless camera. Packed with cutting-edge features and innovations, the spotlight shines on its new Exmor RS sensor with a global shutter, which promises to revolutionize image capture.
The Alpha 9 III is the latest addition to Sony’s Alpha series, known for its exceptional performance, and it has been eagerly awaited by professionals and enthusiasts alike. With the introduction of the Exmor RS sensor with a global shutter, Sony has taken a giant leap forward in the world of mirrorless cameras.
Exmor RS Sensor with Global Shutter:
The standout feature of the Alpha 9 III is its brand-new Exmor RS sensor with a global shutter. This technological marvel allows the sensor to capture images without the distortion associated with rolling shutters, making it ideal for fast-paced action photography and video recording. The global shutter also eliminates the dreaded “jello effect” in video, ensuring buttery-smooth footage. With 35.9 million effective pixels, it promises unparalleled clarity and image quality.
High-Speed Performance:
Sony’s Alpha 9 III boasts an impressive burst rate of 30 frames per second, making it one of the fastest mirrorless cameras on the market. This blistering speed, combined with the Exmor RS sensor, ensures that no moment will be missed, even in the most dynamic and challenging scenarios.
Impressive ISO Range:
The camera offers a wide ISO range of 50 to 409,600, allowing photographers to capture stunning shots in low light conditions. The Exmor RS sensor’s exceptional low-light performance and reduced noise make it perfect for night photography, astrophotography, and indoor shooting.
Advanced Autofocus System:
The Alpha 9 III features Sony’s renowned Real-time Phase Detection AF autofocus, ensuring that subjects are in sharp focus with incredible accuracy. The camera also offers Real-time Tracking and Real-time Animal Eye autofocus, making it a versatile tool for capturing a wide range of subjects.
4K Video High Frame Rate Capabilities:
For filmmakers, the Alpha 9 III provides the option to shoot in stunning 4K resolution, which is oversampled from a 6K sensor, ensuring edge-to-edge sharpness. The camera also supports up to 120 frames per second (fps) with no cropping, delivering impressive slow-motion capabilities, as well as shooting high frame rate with greater flexibility in post-production.
Redesigned Ergonomics:
Sony has improved the ergonomics of the Alpha 9 III with a refined grip and a 5-axis in-body image stabilization system, making it more comfortable and stable to hold. The camera also boasts dual card slots (CFexpress Type A and SD UHS-II), a 9.44-million-dot electronic viewfinder, and a 3-inch tilting LCD screen for versatile composition.
Connectivity and Durability:
This camera is equipped with a built-in 5GHz Wi-Fi for high-speed data transfer and remote control, and it also supports FTP for efficient file sharing. In terms of durability, the Alpha 9 III has a robust magnesium alloy body with weather-sealing, ensuring it can withstand the harshest conditions.
Sony’s relentless commitment to pushing the boundaries of imaging technology has once again paid off, setting new industry standards with the Alpha 9 III. With its Exmor RS sensor with global shutter, high-speed performance, and advanced autofocus capabilities, this camera is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of photography and videography. Whether capturing fast-paced sports action or cinematic masterpieces, the Alpha 9 III is poised to be the tool of choice for professionals worldwide.
The Sony Alpha 9 III, a full-frame mirrorless camera, is currently open for preorders through Sony’s network of authorized dealers, priced at $5,999. It is set to commence shipping in the spring of 2024.
Apple was so confident in their new lineup of M3 Macs that they shot the entire Scary Fast keynote event exclusively on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Talk about cinematic.
DJI, today announced the launch of the Osmo Pocket 3, a new mobile pocket camera that is sure to set a new standard for image quality, portability, and ease of use.
The Osmo Pocket 3 features a cutting-edge 1-inch CMOS image sensor that delivers stunning visuals, even in low light. It also boasts a rotatable 2-inch OLED touchscreen, built-in three-mic array, and long-lasting battery life.
“The Osmo Pocket 3 is the most powerful and versatile mobile camera we’ve ever created,” said Ferdinand Rüesch, Creative Director at DJI. “It’s packed with features that make it easy to capture professional-looking content, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out.”
The Osmo Pocket 3 is available now from DJI and its authorized retailers. The standard Osmo Pocket 3 is priced at $519, while the Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo, an all-inclusive package, can be yours for $669.
All told, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a worthy successor in DJI’s pocket video line. A must-have tool for any content creator who wants to produce high-quality videos with ease. It looks to be the perfect tool for vlogging, mobile filmmaking and content creation, and social media sharing.
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is available now from DJI direct and authorised dealers. It has a retail price starting at $519 or $669 for the Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo, which includes a transmitter unit from the DJI Mic 2.
Early details of the highly anticipated DJI Osmo Pocket 3 have surfaced online, revealing a groundbreaking set of features for the next-generation pocket-sized gimbal oriented camera. Set to be officially released on October 25, 2023, the Osmo Pocket 3 promises to redefine portable videography with its remarkable specifications.
The Osmo Pocket 3 is rumored to have a 1-Inch CMOS sensor capable of capturing 4K video at up to 120 frames per second. This combination is certain to provide sharpness and clarity along with improved cinematic performance, even in low-light conditions.
DJI’s renowned 3-axis gimbal and mechanical stabilization system return in the Osmo Pocket 3, providing buttery-smooth footage, even when shooting handheld.
Photographers and videographers will appreciate the full-pixel fast focusing system, which ensures rapid and accurate subject tracking. Moreover, ActiveTrack 6.0 enhances the camera’s ability to intelligently track subjects in real-time, ensuring that videos are always sharp and engaging.
For those who demand more from their color grading, the camera now supports 10-bit D-Log M color mode for a broader spectrum of color and dynamic range insuring greater flexibility in post-production editing. Stereo recording from three built-in microphones, and intelligent wind noise suppression, provides pristine audio quality to accompany the camera’s visuals. This audio setup caters to a wide range of shooting scenarios, from outdoor adventures to intimate interviews.
Another standout feature is the rotatable 2-inch screen, which allows for both horizontal and vertical shooting. This versatility is a game-changer for creators, as it accommodates various social media platforms and display formats. The Osmo Pocket 3’s rotating touch screen simplifies shooting, with a simple screen rotation to start recording.
With its exceptional imaging capabilities, innovative features, and versatile design, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is poised to become the go-to camera for videographers and creators of all levels. Its release is set to mark a new era in content creation, empowering users to capture life’s moments with unrivaled quality and precision.
The leak of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3’s features provides a glimpse into DJIs plans for further leveraging the lessons the company has learned from its drone camera platforms. The camera’s impressive specs, including its 1-Inch CMOS sensor, 4K 120fps video recording, and rotatable screen, make it a clear contender for the best pocket-sized camera on the market.
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 will be officially announced on October 25th, 2023 at 9PM ET. Mark your calendars and get ready for the next generation of pocket-sized videography!
CinePi is an open-source cinema camera project that aims to democratize filmmaking by offering a build-it-yourself camera that enthusiasts can customize to their preferences at a remarkably low cost. The project was inspired by Csaba Nagy’s fascination with cinema cameras and his desire to make them more accessible to the general public.
CinePi is powered by a Raspberry Pi, an easily accessible and affordable single-board computer. Nagy’s first prototype was capable of capturing 2K video at up to 50 frames per second, but with the introduction of the Raspberry Pi 4, he was able to achieve impressive 4K resolution with 12-bit Cinema DNG Raw.
The second iteration of CinePi features a Super8-sized Sony IMX477 image sensor that can record up to 4K video in 12-bit Raw. It is also equipped with a Raspberry Pi 4B processor, a next-generation camera module, support for external SSD recording via USB 3.0, a four-inch high-resolution LCD touchscreen, and a fan-driven Noctua cooling system. Nagy is also working on adding HDMI output while maintaining a simultaneous LCD preview.
The camera is equipped with a high-capacity internal battery and housed in a 3D-printed case featuring 1/4-20 mounting points, Ethernet, USB 3.0, and various other ports. The only downside is the reliance on a screw-on C-mount lens for the Raspberry Pi’s camera module, which often results in using security camera optics of lower quality or hard-to-find Russian-made lenses. However, CinePi users can opt for C-mount lens adapters to maximize image quality.
The total cost of the CinePi project hovers just under $400. The most expensive components include the Pimoroni HyperPixel 4” touchscreen at $75.00, the 8GB Raspberry Pi 4 processor board at $75.00, and the Pi HQ camera module at $50. The remaining off-the-shelf cables, connectors, switches, computer fans, and 3D-printed casing come in at under $22.
CinePi is still in the development stage, but Nagy has released a detailed build guide and all of the necessary software on his GitHub page. He is also working on a more comprehensive user manual and a community forum where CinePi users can share tips and tricks.
The CinePi project has the potential to revolutionize the filmmaking industry by making professional-grade cinema cameras accessible to a wider range of creators. This democratization of filmmaking could lead to a more diverse and innovative landscape of visual storytelling.
CinePi is also a valuable educational tool for aspiring filmmakers, providing hands-on experience with the inner workings of cinema cameras. This knowledge can be essential for success in the film industry, where a deep understanding of camera technology is often required.
The CinePi project is an exciting development in the world of filmmaking. It offers an affordable, accessible, and customizable way to build a professional-grade cinema camera. CinePi is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to revolutionize the industry by making filmmaking more accessible to everyone.
In addition to the above, I would like to add that CinePi is a great example of the power of open-source software and hardware. Nagy’s willingness to share his work with the world has enabled other creators to build and customize their own CinePi cameras. This has led to a thriving community of CinePi users who are constantly innovating and pushing the boundaries of what is possible with this affordable platform.
What does the future hold for CinePi? Well, that depends on how far Nagy wants to take it. But judging from the growing community and the availability of next generation designs, it’s sure to have the potential to change the way that films are made and to make professional-grade filmmaking more accessible to everyone.
Apple has acknowledged the overheating issues plaguing its latest flagship smartphone, the iPhone 15, and has pledged to rectify the issue through a forthcoming firmware update. In an official statement, Apple attributed the overheating problem to two key factors: increased background activity in some third-party applications and a bug within the iOS 17 operating system. The company did not provide specifics regarding the nature of these issues, but did confirm that the iPhone 15 has been running “warmer than expected.”
Numerous users have reported instances of overheating, particularly while using the device in conjunction with charging via the new USB-C cable connection. The heightened background activity during the initial days of use, often driven by the installation of preferred apps and the transfer of data such as photos, videos, and music playlists from previous devices, places additional strain on the iPhone, forcing it to work harder to ensure a swift transition without disrupting the user experience.
Apple’s statement also shed light on another contributing factor: recent updates to third-party apps that have been overloading the iPhone’s A17 Pro processor and other components, following software updates designed to leverage the enhanced performance of the iPhone 15. Notably, Apple mentioned its ongoing collaboration with app developers to deploy fixes aimed at resolving this issue.
Apps like Instagram, which have undergone recent updates to take advantage of the iPhone 15’s increased capabilities, were specifically identified as culprits in overloading the device’s processing system. Apple noted that Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has made efforts to reduce power consumption and lower processor temperatures.
Furthermore, Apple admitted the presence of a bug within iOS 17, described as “impacting some users.” The company assured its users that this issue would be addressed in an upcoming update, with a focus on optimizing power management while preserving the iPhone 15’s acclaimed performance, especially in resource-intensive applications such as gaming and video recording.
Although the imminent iOS 17.1 update is expected to alleviate the overheating problem from a software perspective, concerns persist about the device feeling warm to the touch. Apple emphasized that the titanium and aluminum exoskeleton, exclusive to the higher-end iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models, is engineered to rapidly dissipate excess heat.
However, this advanced technology is not incorporated into the base models, including the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, both of which have experienced overheating issues. Consequently, uncertainty surrounds whether the forthcoming software fix will comprehensively resolve the problem or if Apple will need to continue troubleshooting.
Currently, iOS 17.1 is undergoing beta testing to evaluate the efficacy of the temperature-reduction changes. As of now, Apple has not announced a specific release date for the update. Encouragingly, not all users have reported experiencing the overheating problem, suggesting that it may be a temporary concern for those affected.
Apple remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering a top-tier user experience. Acknowledging the iPhone 15’s overheating issue is a significant step toward addressing customer apprehensions and providing a timely resolution.
Sony has thrown its hat into the wireless microphone arena with three game-changing devices designed to cater to the needs of professionals in videography, podcasting, and live streaming.
ECM-W3/W3S: High-Performance in a Compact Package
Sony’s ECM-W3 steps into the ring to take on the likes of RØDE Wireless Pro and DJI Mic, offering professional-grade sound quality with universal camera compatibility. Its lightweight design, featuring both transmitter and receiver, ensures portability and ease of use. With three 14mm large diameter capsules, it captures crisp audio while reducing ambient noise.
Specifications:
ECM-S1: Streamlined for Live Streaming and Podcasting
For live streaming and podcasting aficionados, the ECM-S1 delivers a simple yet effective solution. Its three capture modes – Monoaural unidirectional, Omnidirectional, and Stereo unidirectional – cover a variety of recording needs. The included pop filter reduces plosives, and its desktop stand is adjustable for optimal positioning.
Specifications:
Pricing and Availability
These cutting-edge microphones come at an accessible price point: ECM-W3 ($469), ECM-W3S ($349), and ECM-S1 ($419). Preorders are now open through authorized Sony dealers. The ECM-S1 is set to ship in October 2023, while the ECM-W3 and W3S will follow in November 2023.
Sony’s new wireless microphones are poised to reshape the audio landscape for professionals and enthusiasts alike.