This week we look at news from Laowa, Austrian Audio, Panasonic, Wooden Cameras, CORSAIR, Grass Valley and Digital Camera Systems.
Venus Optics is delighted to introduce its latest creation, the Laowa 8-16mm f3.5-5 Zoom CF. A unique compact zoom lens suits wide-angle photography and is designed to meet the needs of modern photographers. With a viewing angle from 82.8 degrees to 120.9 degrees, this lens is great for capturing expansive scenes and diverse perspectives for APS-C users. Like most of the Laowa wide-angle lenses, the 8-16mm also has well-controlled optical distortion. It is also able to focus at a close distance and has an 86mm filter thread for more creative options.
This lens has a lightweight and compact design, weighing 463 grams. Its small size, coupled with its expansive field of view, makes it the ultimate travel companion for on-the-go photographers. Moreover, its user-friendly construction caters to both novice enthusiasts and seasoned professionals, delivering a seamless photography experience and proving to be a valuable addition to any camera kit.
The 8-16mm lens also presents a captivating Sunstar effect, courtesy of its 5-blade aperture, adding a visual dimension to photographs. With its versatile 86mm filter thread, you have the freedom to experiment, whether it's using ND filters for mesmerizing long exposure shots, polarizers to intensify your skies, or creative filters to infuse your images with artistic flair.
The Laowa 8-16mm f3.5-5 Zoom CF is currently available for purchase at an affordable price of $549.
Austrian Audio is proud to announce MiCreator Studio, an ultra-flexible pocket recording system that seamlessly combines a condenser microphone and a USB-C audio interface
The new small and compact recording system features a condenser microphone and a built-in audio interface, intuitive on-board controls, a line input and a range of expansion options to accommodate different applications. Users can select among three different microphone sensitivity options, including a 'Low Gain' setting that can handle up to 130 dB SPL. An additional input enables multi-tracking possibilities as well as optional stereo recording.
Key Features:
MiCreator Studio, which includes the single microphone/interface unit, is priced at $199 and is a compact and flexible solution, suitable for most users. The system includes a condenser microphone, line input, onboard controls, and expansion options.
Panasonic Connect Europe’s AW-UE150 and AW-UE100 PTZ cameras have been embraced by the research team at the IDLab at Ghent University-imec in Belgium. The use of cameras for capturing athletes' performances during training and competition analysis has often been plagued by inadequate equipment, insufficient resources, and the need for additional personnel. In this innovative collaboration with Panasonic, Ghent University can now automate the capture of high-speed athletic performances.
The selection of Panasonic's UE150 and UE100 PTZ cameras was a strategic choice, thanks to their adaptability and superior control when it comes to both horizontal and vertical rotation. The UE100 model, in particular, features a direct drive motor that provides smooth pan and tilt movements, low noise, high-resolution image capture, and installation flexibility, making it an ideal solution for in-depth sports analysis.
The UE150 offers high-quality video production, zoom capabilities, and expansive shooting angles. Its compatibility with the UE100 makes it a perfect complement for sports analysis in stadium environments. These PTZ cameras can be seamlessly integrated with timing loop technology, a crucial asset for track cycling, allowing coaches to automatically capture video footage of athletes without the need for a dedicated camera operator.
For more information on Panasonic’s work on this research study with Ghent University here.
Wooden Camera is now accepting pre-orders for their Elite Accessory System designed specifically for the RED KOMODO-X. This comprehensive collection offers to a wide range of users, offering both an Elite System for those seeking a full cinematic setup and a Core System for those who prefer to start with the essentials. The system features a mix of new accessories all designed for the KOMODO-X.
"This camera packs an unprecedented punch in a tiny package," stated Dominick Aiello, Senior Director of Accessories at Wooden Camera. "So we designed a modular accessory system that allows crews to augment the compact camera body dynamically into a full-fledged cinematography system without compromising size or weight."
Key highlights of the Elite Accessory System include:
The Core Accessory System retails for $873.00 and the Elite Accessory System retails for $1,999.00. You can find both of them here.
CORSAIR, a provider of high-performance gear for gamers and content creators, announced the launch of its new keyboard: the K70 CORE. The keyboard introduces CORSAIR MLX Red linear switches, an ultra-responsive mechanical switch that offers keypresses ideally suited for keyboard enthusiasts and gamers. Factory pre-lubrication ensures that each keystroke switch is tightly constructed to reduce stem wobble.
The keyboard’s multi-function rotary dial can adjust RGB brightness, scroll through webpages, and zoom. Next to the dial is a programmable button for controlling media. CORSAIR iCUE software unlocks the keyboard’s full power, enabling to customize per-key RGB backlighting, program macros, remap keys, and more. The K70 CORE delivers on high-caliber durability and design. CORSAIR Red switches reside in a robust aluminum top plate and double-shot keycaps.
The CORSAIR K70 CORE gaming keyboard is available at €99.00
Grass Valley introduces a range of production switcher bundles tailored for sports, entertainment, news, and other high-audience events worldwide. This development includes freshly redesigned Kayenne modular Video Production Center surfaces with the K-FrameTM XP video processing engines, reaffirming Grass Valley's commitment to catering to broadcasters and media & entertainment entities of all scales,.
Listening closely to user feedback and drawing inspiration from the Kayenne design heritage, Grass Valley has introduced touch-sensitive areas, enhanced tactile feedback for 8-keyer recall buttons, new Panel Control and Menu Control Units, as well as readily available standardized cabling. These additions not only pave the way for future customer-driven operational enhancements but also come with a reduced price tag.
Although the Kayenne K-Frame XP bundles are designed for larger productions, Grass Valley ensures compatibility with panels like KoronaTM and Karerra, irrespective of the K-Frame variant (CXP, SXP, low-cost V-series) or software-based switcher powered by AMPP. This flexibility, combined with a growth-oriented roadmap, ensures adaptability when needed.
In addition, K-Frame engines can now be equipped with a JPEG XS board, offering advanced IP inputs and outputs tailored to user requirements. This complements the native JPEG-XS support already present in Grass Valley LDX 100 series cameras and the latest C135 compact camera.
Grass Valley's new production switcher bundles set a promising course for enhancing live production experiences on a global scale, providing users with innovative solutions that cater to the ever-evolving demands of the media and entertainment industry.
For more information, visit Grass Valley.
Digital Camera Systems announces the LDT-F1, a groundbreaking video processing unit that revolutionises celluloid film production. The LDT-F1 addresses the pain points of traditional celluloid workflows, offering increased on-set monitoring options aligning it with the digital film-making experience, coupled with DCS’ production-proven lens data recording system, all in one package.
Key features:
Find out more about LDT-F1 here.