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FiLMiC Pro Layoffs Raise Concerns Over App’s Future Under Bending Spoons Ownership

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In yet another black eye for FiLMiC Pro, the entire development and PR team is rumored to have been laid off. Operations, maintenance, and future development of the app are now solely under the management of its parent company Bending Spoons, signaling yet another significant shift in the direction of the beloved application.

Acquisition and Transition to Subscription-Based Model

Bending Spoons, a tech giant known for its diverse portfolio of apps, acquired FiLMiC Pro in a high-profile deal back in 2022. The acquisition sent shockwaves through the mobile filmmaking community as the transition was swiftly accompanied by a fundamental change in FiLMiC Pro’s business model—shifting from a one-time purchase model to a subscription-based service.

Image Credit – FiLMiC Pro

Impact of Business Model Change

FiLMiC Pro was a passion project born out of the minds of content creators who wanted to push the boundaries of mobile filmmaking. They poured their hearts and souls into crafting an app that would empower storytellers around the world. However, with the departure of the original team, it’s hard to imagine how FiLMiC Pro can maintain its innovative edge. Without their vision and expertise, the app risks becoming just another cog in Bending Spoons’ vast app empire.

The transition to a subscription-based model was initially met with skepticism, as many users questioned whether the ongoing development and new features promised by Bending Spoons would justify the recurring fees. Now, with the creative force behind FiLMiC Pro gone, those concerns are only amplified.

Without the original team’s passion and expertise, it’s easy to envision FiLMiC Pro becoming a mere cash grab, devoid of the innovation and creativity that made it a beloved tool among content creators. Many mobile filmmakers found themselves hesitant to constantly open their wallets for weekly subscription fees. Meanwhile, those disenchanted by this change, began exploring alternative options, seeking solace in other apps available in the market.

Emergence of Blackmagic’s Camera App

One notable contender that emerged during this period was Blackmagic’s new camera app, enticing users with its promising features and an appealing alternative to FiLMiC Pro. The competition heated up as users weighed their options, exploring different apps to cater to their filmmaking needs while bypassing the subscription burden that accompanied FiLMiC Pro’s new model.

Layoffs and Future Uncertainty

The decision to lay off the entire FiLMiC Pro team is certain to fuel speculation, leaving the future of the app hanging in uncertainty. Many will no doubt wonder whether the app will maintain its innovative edge.

Bending Spoons’ Plans Under Scrutiny

Amidst these uncertainties, the mobile filmmaking community eagerly awaits Bending Spoons’ plans for FiLMiC Pro. Will the app retain its pioneering status in the industry, or will it face a decline due to these recent shifts? Only time will tell whether the application can regain the trust and loyalty of its user base if its prominence will gradually fade into the background, or if Bending Spoons can address the concerns of users and restore FiLMiC Pro to its former glory.

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Apple’s “Scary Fast” Fall Event Unveils M3 Mac Lineup

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At the much-anticipated “Scary Fast” Mac Event held today, Apple, led by Tim Cook and team, revealed its latest lineup of M3 Macs for the fall of 2023. These new Macs come in various configurations, including the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max Apple Silicon Processors. These MacPro laptops and iMacs are built on Apple’s cutting-edge 3nm Apple Silicon process, promising enhanced performance, heightened reliability, and reduced energy consumption.

Image Credit – Apple

The M3 Processor

The M3 processor, now in its third generation since Apple’s transition from the Intel platform, is crafted using Apple’s advanced 3nm manufacturing process. This marks a substantial leap in performance and efficiency compared to the previous 5nm process, enabling M3-equipped Macs to handle more tasks simultaneously while consuming less power. The chip is also designed to provide robust support for complex applications like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and ray tracing graphics capabilities.

Apple claims that the M3 chip is up to 35% more power-efficient than the previous M2/5nm chip. The 3nm chips boast higher transistor density, packing over 2 million transistors into an area the width of a human hair. This translates to a more than 50% performance boost over previous Apple Silicon models while using only half the power.

These unified chips also bring a revamped Apple graphics processor, which employs dynamic caching to allocate precisely the resources needed to complete a task. This innovation results in over 2.5 times faster graphics rendering, featuring ray tracing, compared to the original M1 chip.

And the evolution doesn’t end there; rumors suggest a 2nm process in development for 2025.

The new M3 Macs break down as follows:

Image Credit – Apple

14 inch MacBook Pro M3

The M3 processor finds its home in the 14-inch MacBook Pro.  The standard 14-inch MacBook Pro features the 8-core M3 processor and a 10-core GPU, delivering a 40% boost in performance compared to its M2 predecessor.

14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro M3 Pro

The M3 MacBook M3 Pro chip, on the other hand, powers both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.  Equipped with a 12-core CPU and 18-core GPU, the 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pros driven by the M3 Pro cater to professionals like software developers, industrial designers, and biomedical researchers.

16 Inch MacBook Pro M3 Max

The 16 inch M3 Max MacBook Pro, boasting a 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU, and support for 128 GB Unified RAM, pushes the envelope by being 80% faster than the M1 Max. This powerhouse is a dream for design work and content creation, empowering 3D animators and video editors to handle multiple 8K streams seamlessly. Additionally, the 16-inch MacBook Pro supports driving two LCD monitors via Thunderbolt 4. The 16-inch MacBook Pro M3 Max offers a level of performance that enables handling multiple 8K video streams with ease.

All M3 MacBook Pros offer up to 22 hours of battery life, a liquid XDR retina display with 600 nits peak brightness, a six-speaker sound system, and a 1080p FaceTime camera. The 16-inch M3 Pro and Max MacBook Pros are also available in a striking new Space Black color, featuring a dark aluminum case crafted through a special chemical process and recycled aluminum construction.

Image Credit – Apple

24 Inch M3 iMac

In a long-awaited move, the 24-inch iMac, now receives a significant upgrade to the M3, bypassing the M2 generation. This revamped 24-inch iMac takes a giant leap in performance while retaining its sleek, slim design and a vibrant array of color options. The M3 iMac boasts twice the speed of the current M1 iMac, enabling it to effortlessly handle multiple streams of 4K video.

The iMac M3 promises to outperform its Intel-based competitors, potentially delivering up to four times the speed, accompanied by a dazzling 4.5K Liquid Retina display. It also features a 1080p FaceTime camera, a robust six-speaker sound system, studio-quality microphones, and the convenience of Touch ID.

Pricing and Availability

The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 starts at $1,599 (U.S.) or $1,499 (U.S.) for education. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Pro begins at $1,999 (U.S.) or $1,849 (U.S.) for education. The 16-inch MacBook Pro starts at $2,499 (U.S.) or $2,299 (U.S.) for education, with an additional cost for the M3 Max Processor.

The new MacBook Pros will be available next week, and users can take advantage of the Apple Trade-In program to receive credit for their old Macs. For trade-in valuations, customers can visit apple.com/shop/trade-in.

The M3 iMac is priced starting at $1299 and will be available in green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver . It is set to ship next week.

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DJI Unveils Osmo Pocket 3 for Easy, Cinematic Mobile Filmmaking

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DJI, today announced the launch of the Osmo Pocket 3, a new mobile pocket camera that is sure to set a new standard for image quality, portability, and ease of use.

Image Credit – DJI

The Osmo Pocket 3 features a cutting-edge 1-inch CMOS image sensor that delivers stunning visuals, even in low light. It also boasts a rotatable 2-inch OLED touchscreen, built-in three-mic array, and long-lasting battery life.

Image Credit – DJI

“The Osmo Pocket 3 is the most powerful and versatile mobile camera we’ve ever created,” said Ferdinand Rüesch, Creative Director at DJI. “It’s packed with features that make it easy to capture professional-looking content, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out.”

The Osmo Pocket 3 is available now from DJI and its authorized retailers. The standard Osmo Pocket 3 is priced at $519, while the Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo, an all-inclusive package, can be yours for $669.

Key Features of the Osmo Pocket 3

  • 1-inch CMOS image sensor: The Osmo Pocket 3’s image sensor is significantly larger than those found in most other mobile cameras, which gives it a significant advantage in terms of image quality. The larger sensor size allows the Osmo Pocket 3 to capture more light, resulting in sharper images and less noise, especially in low-light conditions. The sensor also supports 10-bit HDR color, which means that it can capture a wider range of colors than traditional 8-bit sensors. This results in more realistic and vibrant images.
  • Rotatable 2-inch OLED touchscreen: The Osmo Pocket 3’s touchscreen is a major improvement over the previous model, which had a fixed touchscreen. The rotatable touchscreen makes it much easier to shoot in different orientations, such as vertical for social media or horizontal for traditional video. The touchscreen is also very responsive and easy to use, making it easy to adjust settings and focus on your subject.
  • Built-in three-mic array: The Osmo Pocket 3’s built-in three-mic array is another significant improvement over the previous model. The array captures audio from all directions, resulting in more immersive and realistic audio recordings. The array also does a good job of reducing wind noise, so you can get clear audio recordings even in windy conditions.
  • Long-lasting battery life: The Osmo Pocket 3’s battery life is impressive, especially for a camera with such a small form factor. The camera can record up to 116 minutes of 4K60 video on a single charge, which is more than enough for most shooting scenarios.
  • Suite of creative modes: The Osmo Pocket 3 comes with a suite of creative modes that make it easy to capture unique and engaging videos. These modes include SpinShot, Motion Lapse, Digital Zoom, and Panorama. SpinShot allows you to create smooth spinning camera movements, Motion Lapse allows you to create time-lapse videos with stunning cinematic effects, Digital Zoom allows you to zoom in on your subject without losing image quality, and Panorama allows you to capture sweeping landscape photos.
  • Effortless editing with the LightCut App: The Osmo Pocket 3 comes with the LightCut App, which allows you to edit your videos directly on the camera. The app is very easy to use and comes with a variety of features, such as trimming, cropping, adding music, and applying filters. This makes it easy to create share-worthy videos without having to transfer them to a computer.

Benefits for Content Creators

    • Exceptional image quality in any lighting condition – The DJI Osmo Pocket 3’s 1-inch CMOS image sensor delivers exceptional image quality in any lighting condition, from bright sunlight to low-light situations. The larger sensor size allows the camera to capture more light, resulting in sharper images with less noise. The sensor also supports 10-bit HDR color, which means that it can capture a wider range of colors than traditional 8-bit sensors. This results in more realistic and vibrant images, even in challenging lighting conditions.
  • Creative freedom with rotatable touchscreen and diverse creative modes – The Osmo Pocket 3’s rotatable touchscreen and diverse creative modes give you the freedom to create the content you want, the way you want. The rotatable touchscreen makes it easy to shoot in different orientations, such as vertical for social media or horizontal for traditional video. You can also use the touchscreen to quickly and easily adjust settings, focus on your subject, and preview your shots.
  • Improved Audio Quality – The camera has a built-in three-mic array that captures sound from all directions, resulting in immersive and realistic audio recordings. The array also does a good job of reducing wind noise, so you can get clear audio recordings even in windy conditions. The Osmo Pocket 3 also supports the DJI Mic 2 without the use of a receiver.
  • Ease of use with intuitive controls and simple editing process – The Osmo Pocket 3 is designed to be easy to use, even for beginners. The camera has intuitive controls that make it easy to adjust settings and start shooting. The Osmo Pocket 3 also comes with the LightCut App, which allows you to edit your videos directly on the camera. The app is very easy to use and comes with a variety of features, such as trimming, cropping, adding music, and applying filters. This makes it easy to create share-worthy videos without having to transfer them to a computer.

All told, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a worthy successor in DJI’s pocket video line. A must-have tool for any content creator who wants to produce high-quality videos with ease. It looks to be the perfect tool for vlogging, mobile filmmaking and content creation, and social media sharing.

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is available now from DJI direct and authorised dealers. It has a retail price starting at $519 or $669 for the Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo, which includes a transmitter unit from the DJI Mic 2.

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Adobe Premiere Pro Fall 2023 Update Enhances Performance, Adds Text-Based Editing

Adobe has released its latest update to Premiere Pro, promising a series of enhancements that will make video editing more efficient and introduce a groundbreaking text-based editing feature.

Image Credit – Adobe

Speedier Editing

The update includes a new high-performance timeline drawing feature that significantly accelerates the editing process. This enhancement results in “buttery smooth editing and trimming,” making the editing timeline more responsive than ever before. Editors can expect faster and more fluid video editing, reducing frustration and saving valuable time.

Another significant addition is the “Save Projects as Templates” feature, which streamlines project organization. This feature enables editors to initiate new projects with bins and sequences already meticulously organized. These templates can be applied to ensure consistent branding, color styles, and asset management across multiple projects, simplifying post-production workflows and enhancing consistency from one project to the next.

Text-Based Editing

One of the most exciting features of this update is the introduction of text-based editing. This game-changing feature includes a batch deletion function, allowing editors to select and delete multiple instances of text with a single click. Deleting text also trims the corresponding section of the video file, offering greater control within the transcript view.

In the audio realm, a multi-channel audio feature enables users to re-transcribe audio files using a specific channel or a mix of multiple channels, providing more flexibility and precision in the editing process.

Other Notable Features

Other notable features in the October 2023 update include:

  • HEVC Hardware Acceleration: Premiere Pro now offers hardware decoding and encoding support for H.265 HEVC files through Intel Discrete Graphics cards using Intel Arc. This enhancement not only accelerates performance but also broadens compatibility.
  • Audio Auto-Tagging: A powerful tool that automatically identifies and tags audio files as dialogue, music, SFX, or ambient sound. These tags can be adjusted via the Essential Sound Panel, making it easier than ever to manipulate audio within your project.
  • More Colorful Grading: Adobe has streamlined color settings and improved tone mapping in this update, making color grading more straightforward.
  • The Lumetri Color pane now consolidates color settings into a single tab, simplifying the process of making changes and viewing results.
  • Managed Effects Plugins: Premiere Pro now simplifies the management of third-party effects plugins through the Video Effects Manager, consolidating all plugins into one menu tab for easy access and organization.
  • Recover and Keep Moving: In the event of a Premiere Pro crash, users can rest easy knowing they won’t lose their work or have to redo settings. The
  • Recovery mode automatically appears upon reopening the application, providing access to projects lost during the crash.
  • The update also includes features such as retaining custom destinations for sharing and editing in Export mode, Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) for streaming video via UDP to various viewing clients, and integration with Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube publishing features.

Conclusion

The October 2023 update of Premiere Pro is now available to Creative Cloud users. With these improvements and innovative features, Adobe continues to push the boundaries of video editing software, providing an enhanced and more efficient editing experience for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a seasoned editor or just starting your video production journey, this update promises to elevate your creative capabilities and streamline your workflow.

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iPhone 15 Overheating Sparks Concerns

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Complaints are surfacing just days after the release of Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone 15. Early users have been vocal about overheating issues that make the device uncomfortably hot to handle, with speculations pointing towards the A17 Pro processor as the primary culprit, especially when the battery charge falls below the 70 percent mark.

Image Credit – Apple

While it’s important to note that not all iPhone 15 users are experiencing this problem, a significant number have voiced their concerns of rising temperatures during the initial phone setup, where users migrate their profiles, apps, and media to the new device. However, once this setup phase is complete, many have reported a reduction in overheating.

Some users, however, also report overheating issues persisting whole gaming, a feature of the iPhone 15 Pro that Apple spent a great deal of focus on during the phone’s keynote announcement. It has been a notable trigger for overheating, to the extent that users have found the device too hot to hold comfortably.

Tech journalist Joanna Stern, known for her work with the Wall Street Journal, raised the issue on X (fka Twitter), highlighting that her iPhone 15 Pro Max reached a scorching 106 degrees Fahrenheit while charging. She also noted that similar overheating problems were encountered with the iPhone 14 models.

Other technorati corroborated these claims, describing how the iPhone 15 Pro Max became unbearably hot around the frame in the area where the phone’s A17 Pro processor is mounted.

The temperature increase seems to mount while the phone is ant 25-60% battery capacity and then decreases once the phone reaches over 70% charge.

Overheating not only impacts user comfort but also raises performance concerns and the risk of damage to internal components. Additionally, battery performance can be severely affected, and there’s a potential risk of users getting burned.

Moreover, the overheating issues could cause throttling of processor heavy applications, which gaming would certainly apply. For content creators, this is a chief concern, especially when capturing long format videos at 4K.

Interestingly, Apple’s keynote presentation for the iPhone 15 Pro highlighted a Grade 5 titanium band frame designed to dissipate heat. However, this design choice raises questions, as direct contact with a hot frame may not be ideal for users.

Apple has an official support page dedicated to handling overheating issues, outlining the normal operating temperature range for their devices and the measures taken when the phone exceeds these limits, such as thermal throttling and display dimming.

It’s anticipated that Apple will address the overheating problem through a future firmware update. In the meantime, users can mitigate overheating by adjusting display brightness, turning off unnecessary features like Bluetooth, and closing apps reliant on location services. Furthermore, it’s advisable not to use the device while it’s charging, and in extreme cases, turning it off and moving it to a cooler environment is recommended.

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DJI Unveils Mini 4 Pro Drone, Elevating Aerial Photography with Cutting-Edge Features and Extended Battery Life

DJI has unveiled its latest and most advanced consumer drone yet, the Mini 4 Pro. This miniature UAV is packed with a plethora of cutting-edge features, including a redesigned camera with Dual Native ISO, omnidirectional object sensing, and extended battery life.

Image Credit – DJI

Enhanced Camera Performance

The Mini 4 Pro’s camera is a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Mini 3 Pro. It features a larger 1/1.3 inch CMOS sensor with 2.4μm 4-in-1 pixels, allowing for exceptional dynamic range in low light conditions and superior highlight and shadow detail. The camera also has a wider f/1.7 aperture lens that can be adjusted vertically, making it ideal for capturing both vertical video and still images for social media enthusiasts.

The Mini 4 Pro’s video capabilities are equally impressive, offering 4K HDR video recording at up to 60 frames per second (fps) and 4K 100 fps slow-motion video. Additionally, it provides recording options in DJI’s D-Log M or Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG), offering a vast color range and enhanced editing flexibility.

Image Credit – DJI Global

Versatile ISO Range and Night Mode

The Mini 4 Pro’s Dual Native ISO Fusion feature enables an ISO range of 100-6400 in normal mode, which extends to 12800 in Night Mode. This Night Mode incorporates an improved noise reduction algorithm for clearer, more detailed footage in low-light conditions, making it an ideal choice for professional-level post-production editing and color grading.

Seamless Slow Motion and High-Resolution Photography

Unlike previous models that downscale slow-motion footage to 1080p, the Mini 4 Pro immerses users in 4K quality for every frame captured at 100 fps. Furthermore, it boasts the ability to capture still images at a remarkable 48 megapixels in RAW format, with HDR imaging and scene recognition, ensuring precise details and vibrant color shades.

Image Credit – DJI Global

Cinematic Flight Modes and Video Transmission

The Mini 4 Pro offers three cinematic flight modes—Spotlight, Point of Interest, and the innovative Active Track 360°. Users can fine-tune their shots with a touch-sensitive trace wheel interface, achieving cinematic-quality aerial photography. With DJI’s O4 Video Transmission protocol, the drone can transmit the camera’s video signal in smooth 1080p/60fps Full HD live feed, reaching distances of up to 20 kilometers.

Additional Features for Creativity and Safety

Beyond its remarkable camera capabilities, the Mini 4 Pro offers an array of modes, including MasterShots, QuickShots, Hyperlapse, and Panorama. A Quick Transfer mode simplifies the process of sharing original camera files directly to your smartphone without linking the remote controller.

The drone also incorporates omnidirectional object sensing technology, utilizing sensors placed around the aircraft to identify and avoid obstacles effectively. The Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS) further enhances safety by leveraging four wide-angle vision sensors and two downward vision sensors, creating a protective sphere around the drone. This enables automatic braking and navigation to circumvent obstacles.

Enhanced Flight Control Options

DJI’s flight control modes provide a range of options, including Waypoint flight, Cruise Control, and an Advanced return-to-home feature. Waypoint flight’s automatic route function ensures precise route replication, while Cruise Control reduces operator fatigue during extended flights, resulting in smoother camera movements. The Advanced return-to-home feature plans a safe flight route back to the drone’s take-off point, easily bypassing obstacles. The AR RTH route feature adds confidence during return flights.

Extended Battery Life

Despite the introduction of numerous cutting-edge features, DJI has successfully maintained the drone’s lightweight design. Furthermore, they have managed to increase the flight time, offering users up to 34 minutes of flight time with the standard battery and up to an impressive 45 minutes with the new Intelligent Flight Battery Plus.

Image Credit – DJI Global

Pricing and Availability

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is available for purchase directly from DJI or through authorized retailers at a retail price of $759, which includes the DJI RC-N2 remote controller. Users have the option to purchase the DJI RC2 remote controller for a total retail price of $959. Both options are available as part of the Fly More Combos, which include three batteries, a charging hub, and a shoulder bag, priced at $1099 and $1159, respectively. Notably, the DJI Intelligent Flight Battery Plus is an additional $95 and is not sold in Europe.

With the launch of the DJI Mini 4 Pro, the world of drone photography and videography is set to reach new heights, offering enthusiasts and professionals alike a compact yet feature-packed aerial companion.

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Blackmagic Design Unveils Cinema Camera 6K, Going Beyond the Pocket and towards the L-Mount Alliance

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In a groundbreaking move for budding filmmakers looking to elevate their craft beyond the confines of DSLRs and iPhones, Blackmagic Design has officially introduced a revamped Cinema Camera 6K. And this time, it’s going beyond the pocket.

Image Credit – Blackmagic Design

This remarkable camera comes equipped with a full-frame sensor and an impressive suite of features, opening up a world of creative possibilities. Previously known as the Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, the newly rebranded Cinema Camera 6K is set to redefine your filmmaking journey with its outstanding low-light performance and dual native ISO functionality.

Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design, shared his passion, stating, “With the new Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K, we set out to create a camera that empowers emerging filmmakers to break free from the limitations of their DSLRs and mobile devices. We started with the core concept of the Pocket Cinema Camera but gave it a complete makeover, centered around a full-frame sensor and L-Mount. This means that you can now capture stunning large-format imagery in a remarkably compact design that seamlessly integrates with your existing gear. This camera represents a new era in filmmaking, offering you fresh opportunities to tell your story like never before.”

The Cinema Camera 6K’s 6K image sensor, sized at 24x36mm, enables open gate 3:2 image capture across the entire image area. With a custom-designed built-in optical low pass filter, this camera delivers a dynamic range of up to 13 stops and supports a dual native ISO of up to 25,600.

Notably, you can now capture intricate details in challenging lighting conditions, whether it’s bright sunlight or low-light scenarios, all while preserving stunning color accuracy, thanks to Blackmagic’s renowned color science. Additionally, the expansive sensor allows for 6:5 anamorphic recording without any cropping, ensuring more detail and higher resolution compared to previous models. For those seeking cinematic close-ups, you can easily crop to a Super35 image frame within the open gate footage.

The camera’s versatile frame rates include up to 36 fps at 6048 x 4032 in 3:2 open gate, 60 fps at 6048 x 2520 in 2.4:1, and 60 fps at 4096 x 2160 in 4K DCI. If you crave even higher frame rates for dynamic shots, the camera can achieve up to 120 fps in 1080p HD.

For hassle-free recording, you have the flexibility to record to a built-in CFExpress card recorder or external flash media disks and SSDs via USB-C. The camera’s unique feature allows simultaneous recording of 12-bit Blackmagic RAW files and H.264 proxies in full resolution.

Image Credit – Blackmagic Design

To ensure you have precise control over your shots, the camera features a user-friendly 5-inch LCD HDR touchscreen with a dazzling brightness of 1500 nits. It comes complete with on-screen overlays for status indicators and menu options, including histograms, focus peaking, levels, frame guides, and LUTs, all at your fingertips. The monitor’s tilt function, offering up to 180° flat or down 47°, allows you to explore creative angles with ease. Moreover, an optional articulating OLED viewfinder display is available, equipped with a proximity sensor and a 4-element glass diopter with a -4 to +4 focus adjustment, effortlessly attached with a single screw.

One common challenge with pocket-sized cameras has always been their limited battery life. Blackmagic has ingeniously tackled this by designing the Cinema Camera 6K to operate with higher-capacity NP-570 batteries and a secure locking DC power connector, ensuring extended usability throughout your shooting day. You can also choose to incorporate the optional battery grip for seamless battery swaps or use the included AC adapter plug to power the camera and charge the batteries during breaks, guaranteeing uninterrupted use and all-day battery life.

Lastly, through its new partnership with the growing Leica/Panasonic L-Mount alliance, the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K opens doors to an extensive range of lens options, including Leica, Panasonic, and even vintage still photography and cinema lenses. This means you can explore various creative avenues with the lenses you already own.

In an industry that thrives on innovation and creativity, Blackmagic Design has managed to keep the camera’s price point at approximately the same level as before, with a suggested retail price of $2,595. The camera is now available worldwide through Blackmagic Design and authorized retailers.

[Source: Blackmagic Design]

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Adobe’s Creative Cloud Pricing Surge: Innovation or Cash Grab?

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Adobe, a household name in the world of digital creativity, has recently implemented a significant shift in its pricing structure for Creative Cloud subscriptions. Effective as of [insert date], this decision to raise prices has ignited a widespread discussion in the creative community, raising questions about whether this move represents an innovation imperative or a financial strategy.

The Pricing Shift: A Closer Look

Before delving into the motivations behind the price increase, it’s crucial to understand the extent of these adjustments. Adobe has revamped both monthly and annual rates, impacting users across the spectrum.

Image Credit – Adobe

Individual Plans –

Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps: Previous Monthly Rate: $52.99 per month. New Monthly Rate: $59.99 per month. Previous Annual Rate: $599.88 per year, New Annual Rate: $635.88 per year

Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan (including Photoshop and Lightroom): Previous Monthly Rate: $9.99 per month, New Monthly Rate: $12.99 per month, Previous Annual Rate: $119.88 per year
New Annual Rate: $155.88 per year

Adobe Creative Cloud Single App (e.g., Photoshop or Illustrator): Previous Monthly Rate: $20.99 per month per app, New Monthly Rate: $22.99 per month per app

Business Plans –

Adobe Creative Cloud for Teams All Apps (Annual): Previous Annual Rate: $839.88 per user per year, New Annual Rate: $869.88 per user per year.

Adobe states, however, that this new pricing structure will include “generative credits that can be used with Firefly-powered features across select Creative Cloud apps.” Adobe Firefly will be incorporated into the all apps price plan as a result. These select plans will also include access to Adobe Express Premium plan.  Moreover, Creative Cloud for students and teachers plans do not indicate a price increase at this time.

Now, the pivotal question emerges: What drives these changes? Are they warranted, or do they hint at a cash grab?

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Adobe’s Latest Innovation Drive: Latest Features in Premiere Pro and After Effects

Adobe has consistently emphasized the need to fund ongoing innovation, infrastructure maintenance, and support for their expansive user base. The benefit of an annual subscription, is that updates come as they are finished, and not just every year. Users no longer have to buy a new version of Creative Cloud annually, they get a new version several times a year at a much more affordable price point.

One just has to look at the most recent update, to see how Adobe is keeping up with the bleeding edge of features wanted by creatives, especially in an emerging AI dominated workflow. A deep dive into recent features added to Adobe’s software applications, Premiere Pro and After Effects, provides a glimpse into the ongoing innovation:

Premiere Pro:

  • Enhance Speech: Leveraging artificial intelligence, this feature elevates speech quality in videos, even in challenging audio environments.
  • Text-Based Editing Improvements: A more streamlined text editing experience includes the ability to edit multiple text layers simultaneously and apply effects to text layers non-destructively.
  • Performance Optimizations: Adobe optimized Premiere Pro for speed, enabling the rendering of multiple clips in parallel and utilizing GPU acceleration for effects rendering.

After Effects:

  • Live Text Templates: Simplifying the creation and editing of text templates, this feature ensures that changes to the source text file are automatically reflected in the After Effects template.
  • Motion Graphics Templates: These templates enable the creation of complex animations and visual effects without the need for coding skills, democratizing motion graphics creation.
  • Performance Optimizations: Similar to Premiere Pro, After Effects now boasts performance enhancements, including parallel rendering and GPU-accelerated effects rendering.

These feature updates underscore Adobe’s commitment to equipping users with state-of-the-art creative tools. However, as Adobe enforces a price increase for Creative Cloud subscriptions, the question lingers: Is this adjustment primarily driven by the need for innovation, or does it lean towards financial motivations based on an inflationary landscape?

While Adobe’s vision is clear – to empower users with cutting-edge creative tools – the debate over whether this price shift aligns perfectly with its mission continues. Adobe users, spanning from individual creatives to large enterprises, find themselves at a crossroads, contemplating the financial implications of these changes. In this evolving landscape of digital creativity, their choices will be instrumental in shaping the future of creative software pricing and innovation.

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Blackmagic Camera App Emerges to Challenge FiLMiC Pro**

Blackmagic Design, renowned for its high-end cinema cameras, has just unveiled the Blackmagic Camera app, providung a viable alternative to subscription based professional-grade filmmaking tools on the iPhone. This development not only elevates the potential of iPhone videography but also presents a compelling alternative to FiLMiC Pro, which recently transitioned to a subscription-based model.

Image Credit – Blackmagic Design

The Blackmagic Camera app is set to redefine iPhone filmmaking with an array of features that make it a serious contender for the title of the best iPhone camera app. Some of its standout features include frame rate control, shutter angle adjustment, white balance customization, ISO settings, and focus assist. It also supports recording in Apple ProRes, HEVC, and H.264 codecs, ensuring high-quality video capture.

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One of the most notable aspects of the Blackmagic Camera app is its seamless integration with Blackmagic Cloud. This allows users to not only record but also share media with others worldwide. Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design, expressed the app’s revolutionary potential, saying, “Blackmagic Camera is a truly revolutionary workflow for creating feature film quality content using an iPhone. Now they can get their footage to the newsroom or post-production studio in minutes!”

Image Credit – Blackmagic Design

Key Features of Blackmagic Camera:

– **Aspect Ratios**: Shoot in 16:9 or vertical aspect ratios, providing flexibility for various content formats.

– **Stealth Mode**: Shoot in 16:9 while holding the phone vertically with this unique stealth mode.

– **Codec Support**: Capture footage in Apple ProRes, HEVC, and H.264, with automatic proxy generation for efficient editing.

– **Camera Controls**: Take command of frame rate, shutter speed, exposure, white balance, tint, and color space, ensuring precise control over your shots.

– **Monitoring Tools**: Utilize focus assist, zebra, frame guides, histogram, and 3D LUT monitoring to refine your compositions.

– **Timecode Recording**: Record time of day or run time timecode for precise synchronization.

– **Audio Recording**: Choose between PCM, IEEE Float, or AAC audio recording with support for 44.1 or 48 kHz sample rates. VU or PPM audio meters provide audio level monitoring.

– **Media Management**: Access a thumbnail view of all recorded clips in the media tab, simplifying clip selection.

– **Integration with Blackmagic Cloud and DaVinci Resolve**: Seamlessly record to your iPhone, select recorded clips to share via Blackmagic Cloud, or sync automatically for efficient post-production.

**Comparison to FiLMiC Pro**

FiLMiC Pro, once a go-to choice for iPhone filmmakers, recently adopted a subscription-based model, which has raised concerns among its user base. Many content creators have been seeking alternatives that don’t burden their wallets with recurring subscription fees.

Blackmagic Camera is not just an alternative; it could be a FiLMiC Pro killer. Offering many of the same professional tools, including manual controls and high-quality recording, it does so for free. Moreover, Blackmagic Camera is lauded for its user-friendly interface, making it accessible to a broader audience.

The question arises: Could Blackmagic Camera dethrone FiLMiC Pro? While FiLMiC Pro still retains its popularity and loyal following, the free and user-friendly alternative presented by Blackmagic Camera is poised to make a significant impact. The app’s impressive feature set and the absence of subscription fees are compelling factors that could sway content creators in its direction.

Only time will tell whether Blackmagic Camera will emerge as the ultimate FiLMiC Pro killer. For now, the competition is heating up, and content creators have a powerful new tool at their disposal in the form of the Blackmagic Camera app.

**Download Blackmagic Camera on the App Store** (iOS only)

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Apple Unveils iPhone 15 Series with New Features for Filmmakers

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Apple today unveiled the iPhone 15 series, its latest lineup of smartphones. The new lineup includes four models: the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Image Credit – Apple

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are the most advanced iPhones ever made, and they offer a number of features that are specifically designed for filmmakers.

These features include:

– A new 48MP camera system with a tetra-prism design that is equivalent to 7 camera lenses
– ProRes video recording
– Support for instant upload or recording to external drives for 4K60 video with LOG
-Support for the ACES color standard
-The ability to capture 3D special video for use with Apple Vision Pro

Image credit – Apple

These features make the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max the most powerful mobile filmmaking tools ever created. They are a great option for filmmakers who want to shoot high-quality video on the go.

In addition to the new camera features, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max also have a number of other features that are beneficial for filmmakers, such as:

– A powerful A17 Pro chip with a 3nm process
– A new mute switch replaced with an action button that can be customized with a variety of functions
– A new Super Retina XDR always-on display with standby mode
– A new ceramic shield screen
– A new grade 5 titanium enclosure with a brushed texture

Image Credit – Apple

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the first iPhone that is truly designed for professional filmmakers. It has all of the features that filmmakers need, such as a powerful camera system, support for ProRes video recording, and a high-quality display.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is also the most expensive iPhone ever made, but it is worth the price for serious filmmakers. It is a powerful and versatile filmmaking tool that can help you create stunning videos.

 

Image Credit – Apple

Pricing and Shipping Dates

iPhone 15: Starts at $799, the iPhone 15 Plus: Starts at $899, while the iPhone 15 Pro: Starts at $999, and the
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Starts at $1199. All models are available for pre-order today, with shipping on September 22nd.

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