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A new Stereo VideoMic Pro, and the VideoMic HD - worlds first 'Digital Recorder Microphone'. Say what?? Yes, Rode actually has a built in Digital Recorder inside their latest VideoMic HD that saves to MicroSD. Cray right? From the looks of it, I'm guessing this will save a copy of high quality audio to it's built in Digital Recorder, and spit out a signal via 3.5mm for the DSLR to record. I think i'll just let the Rode Press Release speak for the new products - below.

RØDE ANNOUNCES NEW STEREO VIDEOMIC PRO

ON-CAMERA Microphone
Tuesday January 17th 2012, Sydney Australia - RØDE Microphones is proud to announce the release of its latest on-camera microphone, the Stereo VideoMic Pro.

VMPS_oncamera_backVMPS_back_left

Building on the success of the VideoMic Pro, which launched in early 2011 and quickly became the defacto standard for DSLR on-camera audio, and RØDE’s original Stereo VideoMic, the new Stereo VideoMic Pro provides a high quality stereo option for videographers, and is ideal for recording music, and the atmospheric ambience essential in building a realistic audio scene.
Based around a matched pair of high sensitivity ½”cardioid condenser capsules in a coincident XY pair, the Stereo VideoMic Pro provides a wide stereo image with natural depth.

rode-videomic-stereo-polar-pattern

The Stereo VideoMic Pro builds on the feature set of the VideoMic Pro, with an ergonomic form factor perfectly suited to DSLR, consumer camcorders and large-sensor video cameras. The integrated shock mounting system provides superior isolation from vibration and mechanical noise that can otherwise degrade the recording quality. Additionally the lightweight yet robust multi-strand cable provides excellent acoustic decoupling from the camera and offers significantly lower noise transference than traditional audio cable.

VideoMic-Stereo

The user friendly designed rear of the microphone body features the power and equalisation controls, including a high pass filter at 75Hz which is designed to cut out the noise generated by air conditioning, traffic and other undesirable low frequency interference.

A -10dB PAD allows the user to reduce the sensitivity of the microphone, making it suitable for recording loud sound sources such as live music or at sporting events.

Like the VideoMic Pro, the Stereo VideoMic Pro features a +20dB level boost specifically designed to provide a higher quality signal with DSLR cameras. When activated, the typically low quality camera preamp level can be reduced, resulting in a lower noise floor and much clearer recording.

“The release of the Stereo VideoMic Pro reaffirms RØDE’s category ownership of the on-camera microphone, and gives yet another tool to filmmakers, content creators and musicians” commented Damien Wilson, RØDE Microphones’ Global Sales & Marketing Director. “The audio quality of this microphone really is outstanding, and I can’t wait to hear some of the great content our customers will create with it.“

The RØDE Stereo VideoMic Pro is shipping now. For more information please visit rodemic.com/svmp

THE WORLD’S FIRST DIGITAL RECORDER VIDEO MICROPHONE
Tuesday January 17th 2012, Sydney Australia - RØDE Microphones is extremely proud to announce the VideoMic HD, a high-fidelity, precision RF bias shotgun microphone with integrated digital recording, designed for use with DSLR and large-sensor video cameras.

VideoMic HD FrontVideoMic HD Left

The VideoMic HD’s audio DNA is directly inherited from RØDE’s flagship NTG3 professional shotgun microphone. Incorporating the same capsule and sharing much of the electronic design of the NTG3, the VideoMic HD is a true condenser super-cardioid shotgun microphone with RF bias technology. This makes it virtually immune to RF interference and condensation that can cause other condenser microphones to fail.

Continuing its history of innovation and ‘industry-firsts’ RØDE has incorporated a high quality digital recorder into the body of the VideoMic HD. This completely removes the requirement for a separate audio recorder, while still also providing throughput of the audio signal to the camera for a superior reference audio track.

File storage is via microSD card and a microUSB port is supplied for convenient file access and possible firmware updates.

VideoMic-HD-Digital-Recorder

An integrated headphone jack with level control allows users to monitor their recording in real-time, while a high contrast LCD display on the rear of the microphone provides visual metering as well as basic recording control.

Audio capture and output can be configured in a number of ways thanks to the microphone’s innovative output selection. In its default mode the VideoMic HD’s audio is recorded and outputted as a dual mono signal. When in ‘safety recording’ mode, the microphone captures and outputs the standard audio signal on the right channel and a -20dB attenuated signal on the left channel. In case of unexpected boosts in the audio the user has a safety backup channel of audio that can be referenced. A third output setting allows for dual mono audio capture and a balanced signal output using the optional RØDE VXLR 3.5mm to XLR adaptor.

rode-videomic-hd-digital-recorder

The VideoMic HD offers a 3.5mm mono line in that supports ‘plug in’ power, allowing for the connection of a secondary microphone such a lavalier or headset. The microphone’s fourth output mode allows the tracking of the line-in to one of the stereo channels, both on the on-board recorder and through the 3.5mm output jack.

The microphone body is constructed from rugged, lightweight die-cast aluminium and features a quick release cam lever for simple and secure mounting in any universally sized camera shoe mount.

Drawing on the design architecture of the award winning RØDE Blimp, the VideoMic HD features a unique windshield and suspension structure. The capsule and line tube are completely suspended inside the microphone, providing superior shock mounting and isolation from physical sound sources through the microphone body, and the outer geodesic structure provides strength while offering superior wind protection to foam windshields. A DeadCat VMHD furry windshield is supplied with the microphone to provide protection in high wind environments.

For more information and to register your interest to be notified when the microphone begins shipping, please visit rodemic.com/vmhd.

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canon-c300-EOS-order-cameraCanon-C300-PL

The Canon C300 needs no introduction. Initially the $20K number came up somewhere during it's announcement, and it appeared Canon failed to bring a solid camera to market at a decent price point. Now product pages are showing the number is officially just under $16K (body only). [Thanks Omar].

Sure it's not a 4K camera, but hard working fellows can throw a camera like this in to their current workflow and get projects done without fuss. Compared to all the equipment you'll require to get started with a basic RED Scarlet package, that price is a little easier on the eyes. Surprisingly it's the same price whether you choose the EF or PL mount C300. B&HPhotovideo.com is already taking pre-orders following the link (click here).

Canon-C300-Camera
find-price-button Canon EOS C300 Body EF or PL Mount

BTW, there's also two Canon CN-E Lenses available in both EF and PL mounts. A 14.5-60mm and 30-300mm lens that will set you back over $42,000 dollars (each). Here's the good news though, if you opt in for that EF mount, it might just work on your Canon T2i too..(joking guys...joking)


Canon-30-300mm-CN-E
find-price-button Canon CN-E 30-300mm T2.95-3.7 L S Cinema Zoom Lens


Canon-14.5-60mm CN-E PL
find-price-button Canon CN-E 14.5-60mm T2.6 L S Cinema Zoom Lens

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Canon-Powershot-G1X-Camera

More specs available for view about Canon's latest G1X camera. With a sensor almost as large as the Canon 7D and ISO noise rumored to be better using the latest High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor with DIGIC 5 Image Processor (up to 128oo ISO), this will be an interesting camera when you don't want to carry an interchangeable lens camera or something as stripped down as a pocketable point and shoot.

Canon G1X Lens Adapter Filter Speedlite Underwater Housing

58mm filter thread available on the lens, optional lens extensions can be mounted (i.e. wide angle), hot shoe to accept external Canon Speedlites, and a waterproof housing will be available also for some underwater action. I was pretty impressed with the video quality on the pocketable S100 with Digic 5 processor, but the S100 does not have an imaging sensor as large as the G1X. I can't wait to start seeing some samples. You can check out the long list of features on the recently available Amazon pre-order page (click here).

Canon-G1X-LCDCanon G1X Electronic Dial
find-price-button Pre-Order Canon G1 X 14.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera Image Stabilized 1080p

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Finally got around to playing with the Jag35 Wireless Follow Focus V2 prototype. First time getting it working (somewhat). There's a procedure you need to do before throwing on something like this on your camera, so i'll need to run through the manual and get things ironed out.

Each motor has a certain amount of rotation, so you have to line up your focus and zoom rings to have enough movement either direction. There's also adjustments that can be made for how much travel will be achieved when spinning the knob for focus or moving the slider for zoom. Not enough time tonight....

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GoProHD Hero 2 Dive Housing Flat Lens Fix Blur Underwater Cheesycam Blog
(above) Possible GoPro Flat Lens Housing - Winter 2012

For years people have known that the stock GoPro Hero curved lens housing caused soft images underwater. We did a test not long ago showing how different a flat lens is compared to the stock GoPro (click here).

Several different companies addressed the problem with aftermarket flat lens kits, but where was GoPro's answer all this time? Well earlier today, Michael wrote in and shared some information about a GoPro Hero 'Dive Housing'. He's including some images from the GoPro product manual. States it would be available in Winter of 2012, compatible with HD Hero and HD Hero 2 cameras, for an MSRP of $49.99. I couldn't find any more information on the internet about this so far, looks like some exclusive stuff, spread the word. [Thanks Michael].

From the Manual

Dive Housing
Available Winter 2012

The Flat Lens Housing provides maximum photo and video sharpness underwater in all resolutions.

The HD HERO's standard housing features a curved lens to maximize a wider field of view above water while keeping the lens as small as possible. While brilliant for above water use, the curved lens reduces the sharpness of photos and videos when used underwater. The Flat Lens Housing features a large, flat, lens that capture sharp photos and video above and underwater in any resolution setting. Waterproof to 197ft/60m, the Flat Lens Housing is ideal for diving, snorkeling, and any underwater filming scenario.

The Flat Lens Housing is compatible with the HD HERO, HD HERO2, and all GoPro Mounts and Accessories.

GoPro HD Hero Flat Lens Dive Housing
Click image for Larger View of Product Manual

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Adobe's new Lightroom 4 will have the ability to make minor edits to your video files. The edits are mostly around white balance, color saturation, and exposure type settings. While most professionals might not find this handy, some corrections like pulling a blue color cast away from underwater footage might be easier through Lightroom 4. I think we'll see quite a few videos being color corrected this way. Currently in Beta, you could download it (here).

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While Sony is having a hard time keeping the Sony NEX7 camera available, Fuji will be releasing their latest X-Pro1 interchangeable lens camera very soon. This is definitely a camera to look in to if you're all about stills. It seems most of the marketing is based around Photography tapping in to that rangefinder market. There's not a lot of samples about it's video quality. Even still, I'm sure this camera will disrupt a bit of business from the M43 crowd along with Sony's ILC audience who wanted a nice small high quality interchangeable lens camera. With the new adapter for Leica lenses, it may even sway some of that high end market from Leica's very expensive bodies..

Prices are sketchy online, and there is currently no price listed over at the product page at B&H (here)

Fuji X-Pro Video.

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508-led-video-light-front

Looking for a large off camera LED light panel? One of the advantages of LED lights is the ability to run on battery power, but a majority of large panels run only off of V-Mount batteries. A single V-Mount battery could run well over $150 dollars + the price of a charging station. That's a very expensive additional cost for the convenience of powering off the grid. Then maybe you'd be interested in the upcoming 508 LED video light. A light that Herbert seems to have his hands on first. [Thanks for the pics Herbert].

508-led-video-lightback-508-led

Here's where the new 508 LED video light becomes interesting. Using the same body as the popular 312 LED light, the new 508 can still be powered by those super inexpensive Sony Style Batteries. Generic versions of these batteries run under $7.00 dollars. Of course because it's using the body of the 312, the new 508 can still accept an external DC input if you wanted to run it off of something like my Tekkeon battery pack.

Now as excited as I am about the new larger LED panel that's being powered off of cheap Sony style batteries, there's two things i'm fairly concerned about - Power output and Price. Is this large panel just more bulbs with the same power output? If so, then the price should be under $320 dollars because any person could just as easily grab two 312 LED video light panels and place them side by side, adding up to a 624 LED light source. Not to mention it would be easier to store away too once you break it down to two pieces. Hmm..sounds like an interesting test we need to tackle.

508-led-video-light
find-price-button 508 LED Video Light Panel