Are you looking for an affordable and compact camera gimbal? My friend Markus Senior takes a comprehensive look at the new Zhiyun Weebill 3E, which can carry a payload of nearly 7 pounds! And a great deal at $249.
In the ever-evolving world of action cameras, the Insta360 GO 3S emerged as a game-changer last year. But in 2024, it gets a makeover to deliver 4K video performance in a compact, rugged, and versatile package. Whether you’re an adventurer capturing your next climb, a content creator filming a unique perspective, or someone who loves to document life’s moments hands-free, the GO 3S is designed to make it all effortless. Let’s dive into what makes the Insta360 GO 3S a must-have in your tech arsenal.
1. Lightweight & Portable
Weighing in at a mere 20 grams, the Insta360 GO 3S is the epitome of portability. Its compact size allows it to fit comfortably in your pocket or clip onto your clothing, making it perfect for capturing moments on the go. Despite its small stature, it doesn’t compromise on performance, delivering stunning 4K video quality that rivals much larger cameras.
2. 4K Hands-Free POVs
The GO 3S is designed for those who love to capture the action without being burdened by holding a camera. Its 4K video capability ensures that your first-person POV footage is crisp, clear, and full of detail. Whether you’re biking down a trail, surfing a wave, or just walking through a bustling market, the GO 3S captures it all hands-free, providing a truly immersive viewing experience.
3. Magnetic Mounting System & Mount Anywhere
One of the standout features of the GO 3S is its innovative magnetic mounting system. This allows you to easily attach the camera to a variety of surfaces, be it your helmet, bike, or even your car. The included accessories further expand your mounting options, enabling you to capture creative angles that are impossible with bulkier cameras. This versatility makes the GO 3S an ideal companion for capturing those unique perspectives.
4. Interval Video to Automatically Record at Set Intervals
The Interval Video feature is perfect for creating time-lapse videos or capturing recurring moments throughout the day. Set the GO 3S to record at specific intervals, and it will automatically capture those moments, creating a seamless video without the need for constant manual operation. This is particularly useful for documenting long events or capturing the essence of a location over time.
5. Easily Locate with Apple Find My
Lost your GO 3S? No problem. The camera integrates with Apple’s Find My network, making it easy to locate if it ever goes missing. This feature provides peace of mind, knowing that your investment is protected, and ensures that you’ll spend less time searching and more time capturing.
6. 2.2″ Flip Touchscreen for Remote Control & Live Preview
The GO 3S is paired with the multifunctional Action Pod, featuring a 2.2″ flip touchscreen that serves as both a remote control and a live preview monitor. This screen allows you to control your shots from a distance, preview footage in real-time, and navigate the camera’s settings with ease. The Action Pod also extends the camera’s battery life, ensuring you can keep recording longer.
7. 140 Minutes Run Time
With an impressive 140 minutes of run time, the GO 3S lets you capture more without constantly worrying about recharging. Whether you’re on a long hike, a day at the beach, or an extended shoot, this extended battery life ensures you won’t miss a moment.
8. FlowState Stabilization
Shaky footage is a thing of the past with Insta360’s FlowState Stabilization. This technology smooths out your videos, delivering professional-grade stability that keeps your footage steady and visually appealing, even in the most dynamic environments.
9. Waterproof to 33ft (10m)
Adventure awaits, no matter the conditions. The GO 3S is waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters), allowing you to capture stunning underwater footage or shoot in the rain without worry. This rugged capability means you can take the GO 3S virtually anywhere your adventures lead.
10. AI-Powered Editing
The GO 3S isn’t just a camera; it’s also your editor. With AI-powered editing tools, the camera helps you quickly and effortlessly create polished videos. Its smart algorithms can automatically choose the best moments and seamlessly stitch them together, saving you time and effort in the editing process.
11. Transformative Action Pod
The Action Pod transforms the GO 3S into a versatile tool with extended battery life, a flip touchscreen for live preview, and remote control capabilities. This multifunctional accessory enhances the camera’s usability, making it even more adaptable to various shooting scenarios.
From the mundane to the extraordinary, the GO 3S captures it all. Its waterproof design and robust stabilization make it perfect for both everyday vlogging and capturing high-action sports. The camera’s ease of use and advanced features cater to both novice users and experienced videographers alike.
Pricing and Availability
The Insta360 GO 3S is now available in either Arctic White or Midnight Black colors, through Insta360’s official website and various authorized retailers. The camera is priced at $399.99. Additionally, bundles with extra accessories are available, providing even more versatility and mounting options to suit your creative needs.
Insta360 frequently offers promotions, so keep an eye out for special deals and discounts, especially during holiday seasons or major sales events.
Apple CEO Tim Cook unveiled the highly anticipated next-generation iPad Pro during a keynote presentation today. The event also showcased the new iPad Air, but the iPad Pro stole the show with its groundbreaking features.
The star of the show, the iPad Pro, features a revolutionary Tandem OLED display. This innovative design integrates two Ultra Retina XDR OLED screens, resulting in unmatched brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. The nano texture glass minimizes glare while maintaining the P3 color gamut, making the visuals stunning.
Under the hood, the iPad Pro boasts a powerful next-generation M4 Apple Silicon chip, skipping the M3 generation entirely. This chip offers significant improvements with a 4+6 core CPU configuration and a 10-core GPU with advanced rendering capabilities. This translates to exceptional speed and efficiency, surpassing traditional laptop chips while consuming less power.
The iPad Pro isn’t just about raw power. It boasts a state-of-the-art camera system with a 12MP F4 camera and LiDAR Scanner for capturing stunning photos and creating immersive augmented reality experiences. The redesigned Magic Keyboard, with a larger trackpad and improved functionality, transforms the iPad Pro into a versatile productivity tool that rivals laptops.
Apple’s commitment extends beyond hardware. Software updates and app compatibility empower users even further. iPadOS has been optimized for professional-grade applications like Shaper 3D CAD, Z-Brush 3D modeling, Final Cut Pro 2, and Logic Pro 2. These optimizations include faster rendering, multi-camera streaming, and advanced editing features, catering to creative professionals.
Apple introduced the new iPad Air, powered by the M2 chip. This powerful device boasts capabilities like video editing, high-end gaming, and efficient multitasking. It features a sleek design, improved display options, and a camera optimized for video conferencing. The upgraded performance and graphics make photo processing and Apple Pencil use even smoother.
The iPad Air and iPad Pro are available for pre-order today, with shipping starting next week. The iPad Air starts at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch model. The iPad Pro starts at $1199 for the 11-inch variant and $1399 for the 13-inch model. The Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro are optional accessories priced at $299 and $129, respectively.
With these advancements, Apple remains at the forefront of innovation, empowering users to unleash their creative potential and productivity like never before.
[Source: Apple]
In today’s content creation landscape, capturing captivating aerial footage can add a whole new dimension to your work. But for those just starting, the world of drones can seem intimidating and expensive. Fear not, aspiring aerial artists! The DJI Mini 4k drone has arrived, offering an exceptionally affordable and user-friendly option to take your content to new heights.
The DJI Mini 4k isn’t just easy on the wallet at $299, it’s also easy to fly. This lightweight UAV boasts a three-axis motorized gimbal that houses a powerful 4k camera. Imagine cinematic-quality footage at 30 fps, or silky smooth 2.6k video at 60 fps, all with a 100 Mbps bitrate for crisp details. Those are specs that would make some higher-priced drones jealous.
The learning curve for mastering drone piloting can be steep, but the DJI Mini 4k smooths out those bumps. With a single button, you can launch your drone into the sky, and another button brings it back for a safe landing. Preprogrammed flight paths take the guesswork out of capturing creative aerial shots, while wind resistance of up to 38 mph ensures stability even on breezy days. And the best part? A single battery offers up to 31 minutes of flight time, giving you ample opportunity to perfect your craft.
The DJI Mini 4k’s powerful motors propel it to a staggering 4,000 meters, letting you capture breathtaking aerial vistas. It maintains a rock-solid video signal for up to 10km, as long as you keep the drone within your line of sight.
Weighing in at under 250 grams, the DJI Mini 4k falls under the FAA’s weight limit for mandatory drone registration in the United States. This makes it fantastic for casual flyers and hobbyists. However, content creators using drones for commercial purposes should always check local regulations, as additional permits or registrations may apply.
At $299 the DJI Mini 4k is a game-changer for aspiring aerial content creators. Its beginner-friendly features, impressive flight time, and exceptional camera quality come at a price tag that won’t break the bank. The optional Fly More Combo, for under $450, offers two extra batteries which boosts its flight time to 93 minutes. With these accessories, the Mini 4K is perfect for those who want to maximize their creative potential. So, ditch the limitations and take your content to the sky with the DJI Mini 4k!
Anticipating the diverse needs of creators across various platforms, RØDE is gearing up to launch the Wireless Me Dual, an expanded kit version of the popular entry-level Wireless Me microphone system. Launching in May 2024, this upgraded version boasts a second transmitter, making it even more versatile and appealing to a wider range of users.
The original Wireless Me quickly became a favorite for its ability to capture high-quality audio for mobile cameras, traditional cameras, and computers. With the Wireless Me Dual, RØDE takes things a step further. It utilizes the same reliable encrypted 2.4GHz digital wireless technology, ensuring crystal-clear audio and rock-solid connection, but with the added convenience of a second transmitter included right out of the box.
This means you can now capture wireless audio from two separate sources simultaneously. Previously, this required purchasing an additional transmitter, but the Wireless Me Dual makes it a breeze, offering a complete solution at a great value.
The Wireless Me Dual packs a punch with fourth-generation RØDELINK 2.4 GHz encrypted transmission, providing a maximum range of over 100 meters. This ensures smooth audio capture, no matter the environment. Plus, RØDE’s innovative Intelligent GainAssist technology automatically controls audio levels, eliminating worries about clipping or unwanted noise.
The Wireless Me Dual doesn’t stop there. It boasts seamless compatibility with the new RØDE Interview Pro Microphone, further expanding its capabilities. This professional-grade microphone features a super-cardioid polar pattern for focused sound capture, a wide frequency range, and excellent handling of high sound pressure levels. This makes it perfect for everything from interviews and podcasts to field recordings.
Whether you’re a budget-conscious content creator using a smartphone or DSLR, the Wireless Me Dual is a fantastic option. However, it’s important to note that the system relies on your camera to record the audio, as it doesn’t have built-in recording capabilities. Additionally, while it includes essential accessories like windjammers and cables, a dedicated carrying case would be a welcome addition for increased portability.
The Wireless Me Dual offers incredible value at a preorder price of $199. This includes two wireless transmitters, a receiver/microphone module, and essential accessories. For those who only need one transmitter, the single-transmitter version is available for $149. Considering the increased versatility and potential for future needs, the Dual configuration might be the smarter long-term choice for many users.
Insta360, a leader in action cameras, has unveiled its latest innovation, the X4. This camera boasts unprecedented 8K 360-degree capture, ushering in a new era for immersive content creation.
At the heart of the X4 lies a cutting-edge AI-powered processor that enables shooting in 8K video with a full 360-degree field of view for unparalleled immersion. It also allows for stunning 4K 60p capture in single-camera mode for traditional action camera usage. Thanks to 360° capture, you can effortlessly choose the perfect angle after filming, offering incredible “after-the-fact” framing. Even during high-action activities, Insta360’s proprietary flow state image stabilization and 360° Horizon Lock ensure smooth, stable footage.
The X4 boasts additional features beyond its core specs. Dual wide-aperture lenses (F1.9) offer excellent low-light performance, while rock-steady H.265 video recording goes up to 8K 30p in 360 mode or 4K at a high 100 fps in single-camera mode.
Here are some of the key features of the Insta360 X4:
For capturing yourself in action, there’s a “Me” mode that captures a 170° field-of-view flat video with an invisible selfie stick effect. The X4 also offers high-resolution still image capture at 72MP or 18MP in various formats.
A new feature within the Insta360 App, MegaView, minimizes distortion and enhances image quality for all aspect ratios, including social media-friendly vertical formats. The X4 boasts a range of advanced shooting modes like Active HDR, high-resolution Timelapse, TimeShift/Hyperlapse, Bullet Time, and Look Recording.
For user convenience, the X4 features intuitive voice and hand gesture controls. Time Capture functionality automates recording schedules and a suite of editing tools with AI-powered features streamlines post-production.
Built for adventure, the X4 features a rugged yet lightweight design, a 2.5-inch touchscreen display, and removable lens guards for basic protection. Optional scratch-resistant glass lens guards are available for extreme conditions.
The Insta360 X4 is available for $499.99, setting a new benchmark for action camera technology. It empowers creators to capture and share their adventures with unmatched clarity and creative freedom.
ZhiyunTech has unveiled its latest breakthrough in lighting technology with the launch of the Molus X60 series. This ultra-compact video light not only boasts color ratings nearing perfection on the TLCI scale but also incorporates an innovative active cooling system, ensuring extended usage without compromise.
At the core of the Molus X60’s brilliance lies its COB light engine, delivering a formidable 60 watts of power output. Remarkably, this compact powerhouse can sustain full illumination for up to 50 minutes before requiring a recharge, thanks to its efficient design.
The Molus X60 comes in two variants: the bi-color model and the RGB version. The bi-color variant offers a temperature range spanning from 2700 to 6500 Kelvin, accompanied by an impressive CRI rating of 95 and a TLCI rating of 97. Meanwhile, its RGB counterpart elevates color accuracy even further with a stellar TLCI rating of 98, alongside a commendable CFI of 95.
Designed to fit snugly in the palm of a filmmaker’s hand, the Molus X60 emits a meticulously calibrated beam of light, boasting a luminous flux of 2680 Lux at 3.3 feet and 6500K. It caters primarily to social media content creators, solo videographers, and vloggers seeking a lightweight and portable lighting solution for on-the-go usage.
The Molus X60’s DynaVort MKII active cooling system sets a new standard in compact cooling technology. Despite its diminutive size, this cooling mechanism effectively dissipates heat, thereby extending the lifespan of the chip-on-board LED. Furthermore, users have the flexibility to power the light using the supplied adapter, an optional cable, or the additional battery grip, which houses a rechargeable 2550 mAh battery for seamless field operations.
Controlled effortlessly via Zhiyun’s ZY Vega app, the Molus X60 offers comprehensive customization options, allowing users to adjust brightness levels across the entire CCT range with 0-100% dimming capability. Additionally, an array of dynamic lighting effects, including SOS, paparazzi, TV, and more, can be easily activated. The light also features a music mode, synchronizing its output with the rhythm of the accompanying music.
With dimensions of 3.9 x 2.8 x 2.2 inches (10 x 7.1 x 5.6 cm) and a weight ranging from 0.7 to 1.5 pounds (319g – 683g), the Molus X60 epitomizes portability without compromise. Each unit comes equipped with essential accessories, including a mini reflector, diffusion dome, and power adapter with cable. Moreover, with Zhiyun’s proprietary ZY Mount, users can seamlessly integrate various Bowens-mounted accessories using the optional adapter.
Pricing and Availability:
The Zhiyun Molus X60 Bi-Color LED COB Light is available for pre-order at a retail price of $199, while the X60 RGB LED variant is priced at $249. For those seeking added convenience, the X60 Combo Kit, featuring a grip battery and bag, is available for $269. Alternatively, the Pro Kit, priced at $399, includes two grip batteries, a softbox, and a carrying bag. All configurations come with complimentary expedited two-day shipping. Shipping is slated to commence soon.
Check it out at zhiyun-tech.com.
Turns out that the 33 foot limitation for diving with your GoPro Hero 12, and 11, is largely due to water pressure affecting the physical buttons on the GoPro itself. By engaging DIVE MODE, your Hero can go a lot deeper thanks to the Hero’s gesture controls. Check out this video:
Adobe has released the latest version of Premiere Pro, featuring significant advancements in audio editing powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and seamless integration with the popular social media platform TikTok. The 24.2 update focuses on streamlining post-production workflows, equipping users with powerful tools to elevate their editing experience.
A standout feature is the Enhanced Speech AI tool, which offers professional-grade noise reduction and dialogue isolation capabilities. With a single click, users can significantly improve the clarity of voice recordings, removing unwanted background noise.
For users with NVIDIA RTX graphics cards, the update leverages on-device AI processing to deliver up to 75% faster performance, especially when using the Mix Amount setting in the Essential Sound Panel.
Premiere Pro now includes Audio Category Tagging, which utilizes AI to automatically categorize audio clips into dialogue, music, sound effects, or ambient sound. This feature saves editors time and effort in organizing their audio tracks.
Additionally, Interactive Fade Handles allow for precise control over audio transitions, enabling editors to apply customized fades and transitions between clips with ease.
A key highlight of the update is the native integration with TikTok. Creators can now export videos directly to the platform from within Premiere Pro. Built-in project templates ensure videos adhere to TikTok’s specifications, including safe zones for optimal display on various devices.
The update also supports engaging TikTok subtitles through plugins like SubMachine by Creative Workflow, enhancing accessibility and audience engagement.
Beyond audio and social media integration, the update introduces several other enhancements, including:
The 24.2 update is available now. Also, for a limited time, new users can benefit from a special offer, saving 40% on the Creative Cloud All Apps plan, which includes Premiere Pro, until March 3, 2024. The subscription price reverts to $54.99 per month after the promotional period.
[Source: Adobe Blog]
Videographers and content creators, rejoice! Zacuto, the renowned camera accessory innovator, has unveiled the Micro Boom, a lightweight and portable on-camera boom pole poised to revolutionize your audio capture experience. Say goodbye to bulky equipment and extra crew members; this miniature marvel promises high-quality sound recording, solo style.
Imagine a telescoping boom that extends from 14 to 35 inches, crafted from featherweight carbon fiber for effortless portability. That’s the Micro Boom, designed to fit seamlessly into your mobile content creation workflow. No more wrestling with external XLR setups; the integrated 3.5mm cable streamlines microphone connection, getting you recording faster. And the best part? It’s universally compatible, mounting directly onto smartphones, mirrorless cameras, camcorders, and even professional cinema cameras using NATO rails or optional adapters.
Tired of compromising audio quality in noisy environments? The Micro Boom brings the microphone closer to your subjects, capturing crisp, clear sound even in less-than-ideal settings. And forget the need for a dedicated audio technician; this handy tool empowers solo filmmakers to capture high-quality interviews and testimonials with confidence. Whether you’re vlogging on the go, conducting mobile journalism, or tackling on-location shoots, the Micro Boom is your versatile audio companion.
Looking for even more control over your audio? Look no further than Zacuto’s Micro Mixer, the ideal companion to the Micro Boom (sold separately). This compact powerhouse allows you to mix two microphones simultaneously, fine-tuning levels and panning with intuitive dials and switches for real-time sound management. Perfect for interviews, podcasts, live streaming, and any scenario demanding refined audio, the Micro Mixer elevates your sound game to new heights.
The Micro Boom is available for pre-order at $125 for the first 150 to order, rising to $165. Shipping will occur in March, 2024. Conversely, the Micro Mixer is sold out, but interested parties can register for email notifications to be alerted when it’s back in stock.
With its compact design, universal compatibility, and focus on solo operation, the Zacuto Micro Boom is poised to be a game-changer for creators seeking to elevate their audio without unnecessary complications. Paired with the Micro Mixer, it offers a powerful and portable audio recording setup that’s sure to capture the hearts (and ears) of both seasoned professionals and aspiring content creators alike.