News roundup: DJI's gimbals and drones, lenses from Great Joy, and Sony Xperia powerups

This week we are looking at some of the interesting news for filmmakers from DJI, Great Joy, and Sony Xperia.

DJI Ronin 4D Firmware Update - worth upgrading from RS 2 and RSC 2?

When a camera meets a gimbal. Yes - we are talking about the DJI Ronin 4D and the new features that truly make this a favourite piece of gear for many filmmakers. According to DJI, there are many new features both coming up now and with their next firmware update. For the first one, we are looking to have the following updates:

• Added ability to record and playback the transmission image and audio – High-Bright Remote Monitor.
• Added force mobile feature to control the gimbal – High-Bright Remote Monitor.
• Support for up to 1080p/60fps HDMI signal display input – High-Bright Remote Monitor.
• Added support for anamorphic display de-squeezing – High-Bright Remote Monitor.
• HDMI/SDI output frame rate individual settings – remote monitor expansion plate.
• HDMI output audio ability - remote monitor expansion plate.
• Added ability to mark the focus points and limit points – Three-Channel Follow Focus.
• Fixed issue: Ronin 4D transmitter occasionally failed to start linking in a low-temperature environment.

Upcoming firmware update later in August:

• New Codec – Pro Res 422 LT: Provides footage quality close to ProRes 422 HQ with a much lower bitrate and is more storage-friendly.
• 3.5mm Audio Time code Input: Supports Audio Time code input to sync time code between different cameras.
• Anamorphic De-squeeze Display: Support the de-squeeze factor setting to allow users to monitor the screen at a normal aspect ratio when using an anamorphic lens
• Clean HDMI Video Output: The HDMI port on the main body supports clean video output of up to 4K/ 60fps.
• HDMI Output with Time code and Recording Signal Information: Supports the use of third-party monitors for sync recording and time code sync.
• Comprehensive Parameter Settings with the Right-hand Grip: Perform nearly all screen functions with the right-hand grip to improve operation experience when operating with both hands.
• Tap Twice to Zoom In Any Area: Tap twice to zoom in and drag to check details
• Auto Loop Playback: Repeatedly playback footage automatically.
• Fixed Issue: Jitter of the Z-Axis during tilting.
• Fixed Issue: Abnormal sounds when switching ND filter after installing the E-mount unit.
  
  Here is a very interesting video from Dan Watson, a filmmaker with plenty of expertise with DJI kit. He gives some good insights into the differences between RS3 and RS2. Watch below!

Sony Xperia PRO/PRO-I Update

Since January, the Sony Xperia PRO was the company’s first smartphone to feature a Micro HDMI port enabling professional monitoring with Sony mirrorless cameras. With its new external monitor app, you can get the 5G network capabilities from Xperia PRO, PRO-I, or Xperia 1 IV to live stream from their Alpha camera to YouTube or other streaming platforms. The camera must be connected via both the HDMI and USB cables to allow start/stop recording from the smartphone’s touchscreen.

Current Xperia PRO retail price is £1,299.

Great Joy 35mm T2.9 1.8x Anamorphic Lens

The whole concept behind these Great Joy anamorphic lenses was to bring affordable full-frame anamorphic lenses to the masses. As you're no doubt painfully aware, most anamorphic lenses, especially those that cover full-frame, can be quite expensive.

Great Joy is releasing a new 35mm T2.9 1.8x Anamorphic Lens (details here), available in EF/PL/E/L /RF/MFT mounts. The optical design of the lens consists of 18 elements in 14 groups and there are 11 aperture blades. Unfortunately, this lens won't be compatible with the focal reducer, speed booster, or adapter that has a built-in filter and glass elements.

Key features:

• Image Circle 33x24mm for 4:3 Full-Frame Shooting
• EF / PL / E / L / RF /MFT Mount Available
• Constant Squeeze Ratio
• 1190g Ultra-lightweight
• 246° Focus Rotation
• 1/4 ” Screw for Better Support
• 0.7m Minimum Focusing Distance
• Little to no lens breathing

Price is still yet to be determined.

DJI Mavic 3 Becomes the first C1 Certificated drone in the EU

We are seeing an increasing amount of civilian-operated drones in the sky, which has sparked the need to have more profound drone legislation across the EU. Now, when DJI Mavic 3 has become the world’s first C1 Certified drone, what does it actually mean?

DJI Mavic 3 is the company’s current foldable flagship drone. This drone has a large gimbal-stabilized camera module capable of 5.1K 50fps video on an MFT sensor and it can fly up to 46 minutes in one go. With this new certification, users will be able to fly in the new A1 Open Category and will no longer have to pass the complex and costly A2 “Remote Piloting License” exam. The certification is valid across the European Economic Area (EEA, i.e. EU plus Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) and applies to all hardware and C1-updated-firmware of the current DJI Mavic 3 series. This will give the vehicle a major advantage in the future when more restrictions will come in place when it comes to civilian-operated legislation.