AGENDA
NEWS
APUTURE’S SMART AND FAST DIFFUSION Aputure has updated versions of two of its popular LED diffusion systems. The new Quick Domes are fast-assembly parabolic softboxes available in three sizes – 90, 60 and 40cm – that can be built or collapsed in seconds thanks to a robust, quick- click frame and integrated handle. The larger domes use a Bowens mount, while the 40cm employs a Mini Prolock mount for the Storm 80c. All have removable diffusion, a light control grid and a carry bag. The Storm 80c three-light kit now has the Quick Dome 40 as standard. The Infinimat line has also been upgraded with a new clear airbag design and interchangeable diffusers. Optional collapsible frames with swappable diffusers offer more versatility, and replacement airbags are available for current owners. Prices have not been released. aputure.com
Action stations as Osmo adds aperture control DJI’s Osmo Action 6 is a landmark action
slow motion and up to 32x intelligent super slow-motion. The introduction of 4K Custom mode allows creators to shoot once and crop for any platform, eliminating the need to reposition the camera for vertical or horizontal output. Stabilisation remains class-leading, and the camera also features 2x lossless zoom, new film tone profiles, subject tracking and portrait optimisation. The Action 6 costs from £329/$379, is waterproof to 20m, freeze-resistant to -20°C, boasts up to four hours of battery life with fast charging and has 50GB of internal storage. Audio gets an upgrade as it supports dual DJI mic transmitters and has improved three-mic onboard audio with intelligent wind reduction. dji.com
camera with a variable aperture lens and a new 1/1.1-inch square sensor for a leap in image quality. The star feature is the f/2-4 variable aperture, making it the first action camera to allow control of depth-of-field. It also improves low- light performance. In Auto mode the camera adapts to light conditions, but Starburst mode changes bright city lights into dramatic star patterns. Paired with DJI’s Macro Lens accessory, the camera can focus as close as 11cm to enable shallow-focus close-ups, something not previously possible on an action camera. The 1/1.1-inch sensor promises 13.5 stops of dynamic range and clean low- light footage, with support for 4K/120fps
LAOWA POWER It’s taken 21 years for any new 200mm f/2 AF lens to hit the market, and now there are two! Hot on the heels of the Sigma version, Laowa has revealed its own. The £2999/$3299 Sigma is made for mirrorless in Sony E and Leica L-Mount, while the $1799 full-frame Laowa 200mm f/2 AF FF comes in Sony E, Nikon Z and Canon EF for DSLR diehards. Mirrorless variants are $1999 – no UK price yet. The Laowa version is around 200g lighter and 30mm shorter than the Sigma and the mirrorless versions come with a built-in 43mm filter holder. The Sigma has a more advanced optical build and more iris blades for smoother bokeh. venuslens.net
THE RODE TO EASIER VIDEO PODCASTS Rode’s new Rodecaster Video
S is a compact, all-in-one production console that puts professional video and audio power into a
creator-friendly form factor and price. For £499/$499, it features three HDMI inputs, dual wireless mic receivers, two combo jacks with ultra-low-noise Revolution Preamps and high-end audio processing. It’s a cheaper and more basic version of the award- winning Rodecaster Video. The Video S handles recording, live switching and streaming to major platforms via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, with ISO recording to USB
drives. Intelligent auto-switching, a two-inch touchscreen and hands-on controls make production easy. You can input up to four NDI streams for streaming output and it can be added to a Rode audio podcasting system via USB-C ports or via the Rode Central software app. rode.com
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PRO MOVIEMAKER
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