News roundup: ATOMOS, Leica, RØDE, DoPchoice, and SIRUI

This week's news roundup looks at the latest from ATOMOS, Leica, RØDE, DoPchoice, and SIRUI.

ATOMOS adds Camera to Cloud to Zato CONNECT

ATOMOS is bringing Camera to Cloud (C2C) functionality to Zato CONNECT, the company reckoning that makes it one of the most affordable ways of making virtually any HDMI camera, or webcam, C2C-capable. Zato CONNECT is a lightweight, battery-operated 5-inch monitor-recorder with a camera mounting.

C2C technology, powered by Frame.io, speeds up the content creation process since there is no waiting for hard drives to be shipped or files to be copied from one device to another; the Zato hero files are uploaded directly to the cloud from the camera, so anyone can start working on the material immediately. “This solution is designed for getting edited content super-fast to social media platforms, where the HD H.264 quality is more than acceptable. There is no other solution available today that offers C2C with this feature set at this price point. We’re confident that when our customers try out this new workflow, they will not want to go back.”  says Paul Scurrell, Senior VP of Product at Atomos. 

You can have ATOMOS Zato for £390 including VAT.

New Leica Summicron-SL 35 and 50mm F2 ASPH prime lenses

Leica recently released two new prime lenses: the Summicron-SL 35 and 50mm F2 ASPH. These two L-mount lenses cover full-frame image sensors and are said to bring more affordable options to entry-level prime lenses.

Both Leica Summicron-SL 35 and 50mm F2 ASPH lenses are made out of aluminum with a magnesium-alloy lens mount. They are both dust and splash-water protected, which should make them adventure ready. Both lenses have identical dimensions with a length of 8.3cm and a diameter of 7.4cm, so you can fit these on your gimbal. The SL 35 weighs 400g, while the SL 50 is 402g. Both lenses feature an AquaDura hydrophobic coating with an identical diameter of 67mm.

The Leica Summicron-SL 35 F2 ASPH sells currently for $2,195, while the Summicron-SL 50 F2 ASPH is $1,895. 

RØDE has released an updated version of the popular NT1

RØDE's new NT1 comes with RØDE’s Dual Connect output, offering both XLR and USB connectivity for an audio interface, mixer or console, and other audio equipment. Alternatively, you can plug this directly into a computer for plug-and-play recording. With a professional-grade audio interface, RØDE’s ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution PreampTM, high-resolution (up to 192kHz) A/D conversion, and advanced digital signal processing, the microphone can record pristine, studio-quality audio.

Key features:

• Large-diaphragm (1-inch) gold-sputtered condenser capsule
• Extended frequency response

• Exceptionally low self-noise (4dBA)
• High sensitivity and high SPL handling

• Dual Connect output – XLR and USB connectivity
• Ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution PreampTM

• 32-bit float digital output
• High-resolution (192kHz) A/D conversion

• On-board DSP for advanced APHEX® audio processing, including a compressor, noise gate, high-pass filter, and Aural ExciterTM and Big BottomTM effects
• Studio-grade shock mount and pop filter, XLR, and USB cables included

• Available in black and silver with a rugged aluminium body
• 10-year warranty

The RØDE NT1 5th Generation Microphone is available to order now for £264 from CVP.

DoPchoice fits 2-4 Astera HydraPanels in a single Snapbag

DoPchoice's new Snapbag  fits from 2 to 4 Astera HydraPanels. It utilizes DoPchoice's Snapshape material which makes setup extra quick, free from hardware, and wrinkle-free. The metallic fabric interior brightens and evens the output. 

A single Snapbag holds 2, 3 or 4 HydraPanels for the desired look. Locked together in their Flexbase, they slip right into the Snapbag and lock in with hook and loop straps. For fewer lights, there are Flexi Flaps which flip over and close the openings to eliminate spill. 

SIRUI A100B Bi-Color automatic inflatable photography light

The SIRUI A100B Bi-Color Automatic Inflatable Photography Light is being touted as the world’s first self-inflatable LED fixture. All you need to do is turn the power switch on and the light will automatically start inflating, and once the light is fully inflated, the inflation stops. SIRUI claims that the inflation process takes around 1 minute to complete.

The SIRUI A100B Bi-Color Automatic Inflatable Photography Light weighs 1.6kg / 3.52 lb, and the power supply/controller tips the scales at 1.49kg / 3.28 lb. The fixture has a CCT range of 2800-8500K and it features 12 lighting effects. The intensity and speed of each effect can also be adjusted. The A100B can be controlled via onboard controls or through an app. As far as power is concerned, the fixture can either be run from mains power or through a V-mount battery if you need to power it remotely on location. The light draws 100W.

The SIRUI A100B Bi-Color Automatic Inflatable Photography Light is available to pre-order for $474.