Atomos has unveiled the Ninja Phone, a revolutionary device that turns your iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max into a professional video recording beast. This innovative kit combines Atomos’s processing muscle with the iPhone’s power, allowing you to capture high-quality 10-bit ProRes footage from any professional HDMI camera.
Now a device that turns your iPhone into an external video monitor is hardly news. Acsoon put the Seemo on the market two years ago. But here’s where things get interesting: Atomos is betting big on the iPhone 15 Pro’s stunning OLED display as a professional monitor. “This screen delivers exceptional clarity and detail,” said Atomos CEO Jeromy Young, “making it a perfect companion for modern mirrorless cameras.”
The iPhone 15 Pro’s OLED tech boasts an impressive 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio and supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. This translates to flawless outdoor shooting with a wider dynamic range, eliminating the need for extra monitors.
The Atomos Ninja Phone doubles down as a high-resolution external monitor, complete with a dedicated app for tweaking camera settings and switching between ProRes and H.265 codecs with full 10-bit color and resolution, and then for storing captured ProRes videos directly to your iPhone for easy editing, or instantly uploaded camera-to-cloud style for smoother cloud storage and workflows. It can even live stream to the internet.
Designed for on-the-go creators, the Ninja Phone comes housed in a protective case with a built-in recorder and mounting points for attaching accessories like lights or microphones. Plus, its flexible power system keeps both the recorder and your iPhone juiced for extended shoots, all in a lightweight package of less than 350 grams (iPhone included) that won’t weigh you down.
The Ninja Phone caters to both seasoned filmmakers and social media enthusiasts. Creators can choose between traditional widescreen or the trendy 9:16 aspect ratio for social media content. It even works with iPads, allowing you to record directly to your iPad Pro for a bigger editing canvas.
The Atomos Ninja Phone is now available for pre-order. The recorder module starts at $399, with the Ninja Phone Case (including a secure cable management system) priced at $59. Shipping starts in June 2024.
Forget hefty cinema camera price tags! DSLR Video Shooter’s Cineback is here, offering a budget-friendly revolution for Sony mirrorless camera owners. This brainchild of YouTube DIY filmmaking guru Caleb Pike transforms your existing a7, a6, or FX series camera into a sleek, pro-style powerhouse for under $300.
Cineback isn’t just about bells and whistles; it’s about empowering creators. “I built Cineback because high-quality filmmaking shouldn’t be a financial privilege,” says Pike. “Cineback lets you achieve professional results without breaking the bank.”
Here’s how it works: the Cine Back module seamlessly integrates with a SmallRig cage, providing a sturdy base for your Sony. V-mount battery support keeps the juices flowing for extended shoots, while a built-in D-Tap hub powers accessories like recorders, monitors, and follow focus systems.
But Cineback’s true magic lies in its adaptability. The modular design lets you swap camera bodies in a flash, saving precious setup time. Mounting options galore let you attach a matte box, wireless follow focus, or even a volt display for precise power monitoring.
“Versatility is king,” emphasizes Pike. “Cineback adapts to your workflow, whether you’re a solo filmmaker or leading a crew. It lets you focus on what matters most – capturing stunning visuals.”
And Pike’s innovation doesn’t stop there. Future plans include Cineback modules for Canon R and Fuji mirrorless cameras, along with Gold Mount battery compatibility for even broader appeal. He’s also working on expanding the Cineback ecosystem with an SSD hard drive recording solution.
For now, the Cineback Module for Sony FX3 and FX30 is available for pre-order on the Camera Forge website for $299. With pre-orders already selling out, be sure to sign up for restock notifications to secure your Cineback and unlock the world of professional filmmaking on a budget.
Key takeaways:
Cineback transforms Sony mirrorless cameras into pro-style setups for under $300.
Modular design allows for easy customization and camera swaps.
V-mount battery support and D-Tap hub power accessories for extended shoots.
Mounting options accommodate matte boxes, follow focus, and more.
Future plans include Canon R and Fuji modules, Gold Mount batteries, and SSD recording.
Cineback is a testament to the power of innovation and a game-changer for DIY filmmakers. So grab your Sony camera, strap on a Cineback, and get ready to unleash your inner cinematographer!
Caleb Pike’s new Cineback has a retail price of $299, but is currently on sold out on preorder. Pike assures, however, that there will be availability in the new year. Sign up for an email notification at his Camera Foundry website.
In yet another black eye for FiLMiC Pro, the entire development and PR team is rumored to have been laid off. Operations, maintenance, and future development of the app are now solely under the management of its parent company Bending Spoons, signaling yet another significant shift in the direction of the beloved application.
Acquisition and Transition to Subscription-Based Model
Bending Spoons, a tech giant known for its diverse portfolio of apps, acquired FiLMiC Pro in a high-profile deal back in 2022. The acquisition sent shockwaves through the mobile filmmaking community as the transition was swiftly accompanied by a fundamental change in FiLMiC Pro’s business model—shifting from a one-time purchase model to a subscription-based service.
Impact of Business Model Change
FiLMiC Pro was a passion project born out of the minds of content creators who wanted to push the boundaries of mobile filmmaking. They poured their hearts and souls into crafting an app that would empower storytellers around the world. However, with the departure of the original team, it’s hard to imagine how FiLMiC Pro can maintain its innovative edge. Without their vision and expertise, the app risks becoming just another cog in Bending Spoons’ vast app empire.
The transition to a subscription-based model was initially met with skepticism, as many users questioned whether the ongoing development and new features promised by Bending Spoons would justify the recurring fees. Now, with the creative force behind FiLMiC Pro gone, those concerns are only amplified.
Without the original team’s passion and expertise, it’s easy to envision FiLMiC Pro becoming a mere cash grab, devoid of the innovation and creativity that made it a beloved tool among content creators. Many mobile filmmakers found themselves hesitant to constantly open their wallets for weekly subscription fees. Meanwhile, those disenchanted by this change, began exploring alternative options, seeking solace in other apps available in the market.
Emergence of Blackmagic’s Camera App
One notable contender that emerged during this period was Blackmagic’s new camera app, enticing users with its promising features and an appealing alternative to FiLMiC Pro. The competition heated up as users weighed their options, exploring different apps to cater to their filmmaking needs while bypassing the subscription burden that accompanied FiLMiC Pro’s new model.
Layoffs and Future Uncertainty
The decision to lay off the entire FiLMiC Pro team is certain to fuel speculation, leaving the future of the app hanging in uncertainty. Many will no doubt wonder whether the app will maintain its innovative edge.
Bending Spoons’ Plans Under Scrutiny
Amidst these uncertainties, the mobile filmmaking community eagerly awaits Bending Spoons’ plans for FiLMiC Pro. Will the app retain its pioneering status in the industry, or will it face a decline due to these recent shifts? Only time will tell whether the application can regain the trust and loyalty of its user base if its prominence will gradually fade into the background, or if Bending Spoons can address the concerns of users and restore FiLMiC Pro to its former glory.
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
Chief Explorer Billy Campbell of Blind Spot Gear highlighted the need for accessible lighting solutions in smartphone photography. Campbell stated, “While smartphones have transformed photography, the limitations of existing lighting solutions have hindered users from fully realizing their creative potential. LumiCard removes these barriers, providing unparalleled quality and convenience in a device that fits right into your wallet.”
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
Designed in Scotland
Craftsmanship
5 watts of 5600K daylight illumination
TLCI color accuracy rating of >95
24 LED lights arranged in rows of six
Up to 500 lumens of light
USB-C connection for recharging or tethering to the latest iPhone 15
Compatible with Android smartphones
MagSafe adhesive rings
Custom-sized USB-C cable
Additional Options
LumiCard accessories
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.
At the much-anticipated “Scary Fast” Mac Event held today, Apple, led by Tim Cook and team, revealed its latest lineup of M3 Macs for the fall of 2023. These new Macs come in various configurations, including the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max Apple Silicon Processors. These MacPro laptops and iMacs are built on Apple’s cutting-edge 3nm Apple Silicon process, promising enhanced performance, heightened reliability, and reduced energy consumption.
The M3 Processor
The M3 processor, now in its third generation since Apple’s transition from the Intel platform, is crafted using Apple’s advanced 3nm manufacturing process. This marks a substantial leap in performance and efficiency compared to the previous 5nm process, enabling M3-equipped Macs to handle more tasks simultaneously while consuming less power. The chip is also designed to provide robust support for complex applications like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and ray tracing graphics capabilities.
Apple claims that the M3 chip is up to 35% more power-efficient than the previous M2/5nm chip. The 3nm chips boast higher transistor density, packing over 2 million transistors into an area the width of a human hair. This translates to a more than 50% performance boost over previous Apple Silicon models while using only half the power.
These unified chips also bring a revamped Apple graphics processor, which employs dynamic caching to allocate precisely the resources needed to complete a task. This innovation results in over 2.5 times faster graphics rendering, featuring ray tracing, compared to the original M1 chip.
And the evolution doesn’t end there; rumors suggest a 2nm process in development for 2025.
The new M3 Macs break down as follows:
14 inch MacBook Pro M3
The M3 processor finds its home in the 14-inch MacBook Pro. The standard 14-inch MacBook Pro features the 8-core M3 processor and a 10-core GPU, delivering a 40% boost in performance compared to its M2 predecessor.
14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro M3 Pro
The M3 MacBook M3 Pro chip, on the other hand, powers both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. Equipped with a 12-core CPU and 18-core GPU, the 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pros driven by the M3 Pro cater to professionals like software developers, industrial designers, and biomedical researchers.
16 Inch MacBook Pro M3 Max
The 16 inch M3 Max MacBook Pro, boasting a 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU, and support for 128 GB Unified RAM, pushes the envelope by being 80% faster than the M1 Max. This powerhouse is a dream for design work and content creation, empowering 3D animators and video editors to handle multiple 8K streams seamlessly. Additionally, the 16-inch MacBook Pro supports driving two LCD monitors via Thunderbolt 4. The 16-inch MacBook Pro M3 Max offers a level of performance that enables handling multiple 8K video streams with ease.
All M3 MacBook Pros offer up to 22 hours of battery life, a liquid XDR retina display with 600 nits peak brightness, a six-speaker sound system, and a 1080p FaceTime camera. The 16-inch M3 Pro and Max MacBook Pros are also available in a striking new Space Black color, featuring a dark aluminum case crafted through a special chemical process and recycled aluminum construction.
24 Inch M3 iMac
In a long-awaited move, the 24-inch iMac, now receives a significant upgrade to the M3, bypassing the M2 generation. This revamped 24-inch iMac takes a giant leap in performance while retaining its sleek, slim design and a vibrant array of color options. The M3 iMac boasts twice the speed of the current M1 iMac, enabling it to effortlessly handle multiple streams of 4K video.
The iMac M3 promises to outperform its Intel-based competitors, potentially delivering up to four times the speed, accompanied by a dazzling 4.5K Liquid Retina display. It also features a 1080p FaceTime camera, a robust six-speaker sound system, studio-quality microphones, and the convenience of Touch ID.
Pricing and Availability
The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 starts at $1,599 (U.S.) or $1,499 (U.S.) for education. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Pro begins at $1,999 (U.S.) or $1,849 (U.S.) for education. The 16-inch MacBook Pro starts at $2,499 (U.S.) or $2,299 (U.S.) for education, with an additional cost for the M3 Max Processor.
The new MacBook Pros will be available next week, and users can take advantage of the Apple Trade-In program to receive credit for their old Macs. For trade-in valuations, customers can visit apple.com/shop/trade-in.
The M3 iMac is priced starting at $1299 and will be available in green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver . It is set to ship next week.
The DJI Mini 2 SE drone is the latest offering from DJI, one of the world’s leading drone manufacturers. This new drone is designed to be compact, lightweight, and easy to use, making it the perfect choice for beginner filmmakers who want to capture aerial footage with stunning quality and ease. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the specifications, features, and price of the DJI Mini 2 SE drone, and discuss why it’s a good option for those just starting out in the world of aerial photography and videography.
First and foremost, let’s take a look at the specifications of the DJI Mini 2 SE drone. The drone weighs just 249 grams, making it extremely lightweight and portable. It has a maximum flight time of 31 minutes, allowing users to capture extended aerial footage without having to stop and recharge the drone. The drone also features a 12 MP camera that is capable of capturing 4K video at 60 fps, as well as high-resolution photos. The camera is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal, which helps to stabilize the footage and eliminate unwanted camera shake, even in windy conditions.
In terms of features, the DJI Mini 2 SE drone is loaded with advanced technologies that make it easy to use and control. The drone features an intuitive, user-friendly interface that makes it easy to control and fly, even for beginners. The drone also features an obstacle avoidance system that helps to prevent it from colliding with objects while flying, and a Return to Home function that automatically brings the drone back to its starting location in the event of a lost connection or low battery.
The DJI Mini 2 SE drone also comes with a number of creative features that make it ideal for beginner filmmakers. For example, the drone includes a range of shooting modes, including ActiveTrack, which automatically follows a subject as it moves, and Hyperlapse, which creates stunning timelapse videos. There is also a Panorama mode, which allows users to capture panoramic photos with just a few taps of the screen.
In terms of price, the DJI Mini 2 SE drone is relatively affordable compared to other high-end drones on the market. The drone retails for around $369, which is a reasonable price for the features and capabilities that it offers.
The Fly More Combo, which includes the Mini 2 SE, which includes a controller, extra batteries, spare propellers, cables,and a shoulder bag — brings the price up to $519.
However, it’s important to note that the drone does not come with a remote control, which must be purchased separately. The remote control is available for around $139, which brings the total cost of the drone up to around $588.
So, why is the DJI Mini 2 SE drone a good option for beginner filmmakers? There are several reasons. Firstly, the drone is incredibly easy to use and control, which makes it ideal for those who are just starting out. The user-friendly interface, combined with the obstacle avoidance system and Return to Home function, help to ensure that the drone is safe and simple to fly. Secondly, the drone’s compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable, allowing users to take it with them wherever they go. Finally, the drone’s advanced features, such as ActiveTrack and Hyperlapse, make it possible to capture professional-quality aerial footage with ease, even for those who have limited experience.
In conclusion, the DJI Mini 2 SE drone is a highly capable and user-friendly drone that is ideal for beginner filmmakers. Its compact size, easy-to-use interface, and advanced features make it the perfect choice for those who want to capture stunning aerial footage with ease. The drone is also reasonably priced, making it a cost-effective option for those who are just starting out in the world of aerial photography and videography. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced filmmaker, the DJI Mini 2.
Canon, the leading provider of innovative cameras and lens technology, has announced their newest addition: The Canon EOS R8 full-frame mirrorless camera. Packing an impressive array of features into an incredibly small package, the Canon R8 is poised to revolutionize the industry for those content creators looking to break in.
The Canon R8 comes equipped with a 40.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and Digic X image processor for providing high-quality images with accurate colors and excellent detail. Its native ISO range has been extended to an impressive 102400, allowing creators to shoot in challenging light conditions and still get great results.
This camera packs a range of features designed to make capturing stunning images and videos easier than ever. It has an advanced autofocus system powered by Canon’s proprietary dual-pixel CMOS AF II technology, for smooth, accurate tracking with fast and reliable accuracy, even when shooting in low light. It also has up to 10 fps continuous shooting and an electronic shutter with a maximum speed of 1/8000th of a second.
In terms of video, the Canon R8 has 4K at 30/24/25 frames per second oversampled from 6K, and Full HD up to 120 frames per second, allowing you to create stunning slow-motion footage. It also comes with a time-lapse mode, digital image stabilization, and a flat picture profile to give you the flexibility you need to get creative.o
In addition to the features already discussed, the Canon R8 has a range of intuitive new features. Its Multi-Function Bar and Touch Bar make changing settings and shooting parameters quickly and easily. It also has built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with NFC, allowing you to connect to other devices and easily transfer your images and videos.
The Canon R8 is the perfect camera for anyone looking for the highest quality images and videos in the smallest and lightest package possible.
The R8 is available for $1499 body only or $1699 with the with RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM kit Llens