AGENDA NEWS
The ultimate in audiokit
Australian audio expert Rode has totally revamped its Wireless GO system to include dual channel recording, extended range, internal recording to transmitter units and compatibility with cameras, as well as mobile devices and computers. Each £279/$299 kit now contains two transmitters and a single receiver, allowing capture of two sound sources simultaneously – ideal for recording interviews or two-person vlogs. The Wireless GO II features a 3.5mm analogue TRS output for cameras, plus a digital audio output via USB-C for smart devices and computers. The system also has on-board recording, as each transmitter can record more than 24 hours of audio to its internal memory as a backup recording. This feature is activated via the new Rode Central app, that gives access to firmware updates and advanced features such as activation of the safety channel. This records a second track at -20dB in case the main channel distorts. The award- winning VideoMic NTG and others will be able to use the app in future. The Wireless GO II can switch between mono and stereo modes, with a mute button and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that last up to seven hours. rode.com
SONY’S COOL CINEMA SIBLING Take the guts of the popular Sony A7S III mirrorless camera, house it in a body that has mounting holes for accessories, remove the EVF, but add a cooling fan and obvious tally lights to let you know you are recording. And what you have is the basic spec of the new Sony FX3. It’s almost like a pair of non-identical twins. It’s a new camera that really does blur the lines between the mirrorless Alpha series and Sony’s Cinema Line. It even has badges that say both Alpha and Cinema Line. Coming in at £4199/$3898 – which is £400/$400 more than the A7S III – it is designed primarily for filmmakers, as it comes with a top handle that has full-size XLR audio inputs. The camera also has standard headphone and mic input jacks, too. The spec is identical to the A7S III in terms of the 4K sensor, codecs, frame
rates, phase-detection autofocus, vari-angle screen and stills photography spec, too. It does come standard with the S-Cinetone colour science, which was made available via a free firmware update to the A7S III a few days after the FX3 was launched. The ace up its sleeve is the cooling fan to extend the amount of time you can record in, before heat forces the camera to shut down. A menu allows the fan to always be set to on or off, or set to minimum or auto mode.
The body has three standard 1/4in- 20 threaded holes on the top and one on either side to attach accessories, so in theory you wouldn’t need to fit a cage to the FX3. And the rear controls are labelled with video-specific functions like zebra, peaking and focus magnifier. The top handle has professional-level audio controls and twin XLR inputs. But there is no EVF, not even as an optional extra. If you want a camera with an EVF, you need the A7S III. sony.com
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