PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
Insta360 ONE 4K 360 Videos, Photos, and Live Streaming Camera
What camera geek doesn't enjoy a fun novelty item? These little Fake Lens Table Drink Coasters protect the finish of your furniture, but stack together to replicate a Canon lens. Available in 3 different colors. Could be a fun gift idea for photographers.
Product Description
This seemingly innocuous replica of an 85mm lens is composed of five coasters held together by magnets. The coasters can be easily split apart for use, and them brought back together to rebuild the disguise. Silicone pads on the top and bottom of each piece help absorb moisture and keep your drink from sliding.
Most people have heard about Gen Energy V-Mount Batteries earlier this year at NAB or the Cinegear Expo touting their 'Shock Proof (drop proof)' design, but here's a quick video talking about other clever features you'll find in these V-Mount batteries.
Outside of feeling confident you won't break your battery throwing it around in your gear bag, I like the Gen Energy's ability to reset the protection out in the field (without placing it back on a charger), and how you're able to leave the Battery Meter LED Lights on. This can be handy if you have it working on an LED Light and you need to glance at the power from a distance.
The little features found in Gen Energy batteries definitely give a sense that this company has an attention to detail and are working hard to put out a high quality v-mount battery. When comparing the price + capacity versus other popular brands, I would say it's pretty much comparable. It's neither cheap nor expensive. But if you're specifically looking for a robust battery with exceptional battery management built in, I see no reason not to consider the Gen Energy v-mounts -
available at B&H (found here).
If you're looking to get wide shots on your Panasonic GH4 / GH5 cameras, consider the Venus Optics Laowa 7.5mm F/2.0 UWA Lens for MFT Micro Four Thirds cameras. This is a great sharp, fast, wide angle lens that renders straight vertical lines and minimal distortion. The Ultra Light Version has a reduced weight for drones, but that also makes it a perfect lens when working with those smaller hand held gimbals. The F/2 will get you more light in dim lit interiors, and the fact that it can accept a filter is great when you need to throw an ND Filter on outdoors. The Venus Optics Laowa 7.5mm F/2.0 MFT Ultra Light is back in stock today (via B&H) found here.
Venus Optics Laowa 7.5mm F/2.0 MFT Wide Angle Lens Ultra Light
For the most part, the Sony A6500 Image Stabilization works pretty well. But there have been rare occasions where I catch a quick stutter in my video footage. I don't really feel like it's been a big problem, but in any case Sony's latest firmware update improves (or fixes) image stabilization during movie mode (found here).
The Falcon Eyes DVR-160TVC LED Ring light is good for closeup type work that needs broad diffusion. Color temp adjustments and quad section controls allows for more creativity, while the option to power from Sony L-Series batteries are a plus.
One issue I have with the Falcon Eyes DVR-160TVC is the camera bracket always needs to be attached in order to mount the light to a stand. When putting it back in it's case, you'll have to go through the hassle of dismantling the bracket. I personally think it would have been better if there were an optional mount placed directly on the LED ring light - even a simple 1/4"-20 thread.
The diffusing panel over the LED bulbs cuts down about half the light output. It would have been nice if there was a quick and easy way to remove the diffuser when you want extra light output.
Overall the DVR-160TVC LED Ring Light offers some good features and good CRI color. But at close to $200 US (found here), it's definitely on the high side of other LED Ring lights and is going to leave a lot of room for other options for people to consider. But not many of those options offer bi-color temp adjustments or quad section controls, so that's may be something to consider as well.
Falcon Eyes LED Ring Light DVR-160TVC
So many of today's digital accessories run off of Sony L-Series batteries there's no reason why you shouldn't have them available as part of your gear. And for the next 7 hours you can get in on this huge discount for Anton Bauer's NP-976 6600mah batteries (that's a huge capacity). Seriously though, you'll be missing out on this deal if you don't pick up a few of these. Save -$40 OFF, now just $39.95 each.
ProAm USA is offering up One FREE Slideways Pro 48" Carbon Fiber Slider 'Complete Kit', which includes a Tandem Leg Tripod, & Video Fluid Head. To enter, simply use the form below (USA & Canada Residents over 18 only). To increase your chances of being selected you can Submit an Entry Form Once a Day. Entries start today and run for the next two weeks, Good Luck!
Super good deal on a portable digital audio recorder I find myself using all the time. Right now you can get an additional -$30 OFF a (Blue color) Zoom H1 Portable Digital Audio Recorder (found here).
Zoom H1 Portable Digital Audio Recorder
The small form factor of the Zoom H1 can also be used as a handheld microphone (tip: add a Foam Windscreen) during interviews, or attach an AspenMics H1 Clip to use as a belt worn audio recorder paired with a Lav Mic. Many people will use this technique during weddings to mic up the groom and officiant. Often this is better than working with a wireless audio kit if you're concerned about audio drop outs or wireless interference issues.
With the latest Zoom H1 firmware installed, you can also use the H1 as a USB Audio interface with your computer. For computers that don't have an easy Mic input, it's a way to use your Zoom H1 Stereo Mics as your computer mic or whatever mic you have connected to the 3.5mm input on the H1. This can be used for podcasting or recording Screen capture videos and tutorials.
Sony A6500 Mirrorless 4K Digital Camera
