Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
Adorama has launched a new HDSLR viewfinder under its in-house Flashpoint brand. The Flashpoint Swivi offers 3x magnification for LCDs on HDSLRs. Essentially, this is a similar design to the popular Zacuto Z-Finder – albeit targeted at a more entry-level audience. [Read more…]
The Tascam iM2X stereo condenser mic for the iPhone is only $39.99 right now at B&H (reg. $79.98). The iM2X records in 16-bit / 44.1 kHz through the free Tascam linear PCM recorder app and supports the iPhone 4, 4S and iPads through the third-gen.
This price has probably dropped due to the new lightning connectors on current iOS devices, but it’s still a solid deal if you are using an iPhone 4S/4 or an prior-gen iPad. Check it out here at B&H Photo.
Fotodiox’s Aputure V-Control is a new affordable follow focus unit that uses Canon’s USB protocol to electronically drive focus and control other common controls on Canon DSLRs. [Read more…]
RØDE has updated its popular VideoMic, which now uses the Lyre suspension system from Rycote. The new orientation has lowered the microphone profile, and the plastic shoe mount has been replaced with a billet all-metal shoe for extra reliability.
The RØDE VideoMic features a high-pass filter at 80Hz and is designed for use with HDSLRs and other video cameras that offer a 3.5mm mic input. the VideoMic is powered by a 9-volt battery, which RØDE estimates will provide 100 hours of runtime.
The new RØDE VideoMic retails for $169 and should be available later this month. Check it out here at B&H Photo.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
RØDE has unveiled a new lavalier mic for iOS devices. The smartLav is a $60 lav mic that plugs into the headphone jack of the iPhone or other iOS device for close-miking of talent.
The smartLav is designed to be used with the RØDE Rec iOS app, which will allow you to record up to 16-bit/48kHz audio and then edit and publish that audio to a variety of sources. HDSLR shooters can import audio through from their iPhone into iTunes and then pull it into their NLE program for syncing with scratch audio from the camera. [Read more…]
Blackmagic Design has released a software update for the Blackmagic Cinema Camera. The version 1.2 update adds time lapse recording, aperture indicator, ExFAT disk format and Thunderbolt support for Windows.
More details in the complete press release below. [Read more…]
At CES 2013, Rode unveiled the iXY mic, a new stereo mic unit designed for iOS devices that captures up to 24-bit/96kHz audio directly to your iPhone or iPad. The iXY is fitted with a matched pair of 0.5″ cardioid condenser mics aligned at 90-degrees for optimal stereo recording. [Read more…]
Adorama has its Flashpoint All-Inclusive Cinema Bundle on sale for $499.95 through January 25, 2013. The bundle, which is built for turning an HDSLR into a full-fledged cinema rig, is normally available for $599.95, which is a deal in itself given that the shoulder rig, matte box and follow focus would cost over $850 if purchased separately. You can find the Flashpoint Cinema Bundle here at Adorama.
Switronix has a new power cable for Nikon DSLRs that provides access to hours of runtime from any V-mount or 3-Stud battery. The Switronix XP-DSLR-EL15 power cable is compatible with all Nikon DSLRs that accept the Nikon EN-EL15 battery (like the Nikon D800 or D600).
The cables feature a regulated 9.2v battery paddle and an inline female P-Tap connector for 12vdc, housed in an enclosure. The XP-DSLR-EL15 also includes both red and green LED indication to display status of battery power.
Switronix power cables have been available for Canon DSLRs and other cinema cameras for quite some time and have proven popular for extending shoot time in video projects. For more details on the new Switronix XP-DSLR-EL15, check out Switronix’s website. It should be available soon at B&H Photo and other retailers.
Here are a couple of great videos on some common audio recorder comparisons, as well as a look into mic polar patterns and best practices for recording audio with your HDSLR video. In the first video we get a look at the noise levels on the Zoom H4n, Tascam DT-100 MKII, Sound Devices 702, Beachtek DXA-SLR PRO, Edirol R44, Tascam DR-680 and the juicedLink Riggy Micro and Riggy Assist.
This is a great video to bookmark for reference given all of the mic comparisons within. Being a big fan of the Tascam DR-100 MKII, I was rather surprised at how well the juicedLink Riggy preamps performed when recorded direct to camera. They are obviously doing some good work over at juicedLink.
Next, take a look at this video with Olivia Speranza and Robert from juicedLink as he goes over some mic performance and behaviors, as well as other best practices when recording audio for video.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J1K-1UocI4&w=640&h=360][via OliviaTech]