PeauProductions have tested out the GoPro Karma anamorphic capabilities successfully, thanks to the use of the Letus AnamorphX-GP adapter. The result? Low distortion, 2.39:1 aspect ratio aerial footage in 4K. Featured image © Peau Productions. The use of anamorphic lenses for aerial filming has been limited to high-end productions that have the budget for the lenses, or DSLR lens-type anamorphic adapters like those from SLR Magic. As the lenses and adapters are generally quite large, downscaling them to the size of a GoPro for drone filming hasn’t been seen before. Until now. Using an adapted GoPro Hero 4 Black with a rectilinear 3.37mm f/2.8 82d HFOV 16MP (No Distortion) lens, PeauPro have been able to attach the Letus AnamorphX-GP 1.33x adapter to the housing mounted onto the GoPro Karma. The resulting footage in the GoPro Karma anamorphic video above is captured in the ‘cinematic’ aspect ratio of 2.39:1 in 4K with low distortion, although PeauPro comments that due to the wide angle 3.37mm lens used there is some stretching towards the edges. There still isn’t any sample footage of the AnamorphX-GP being used on a standard ‘out of the box’ GoPro on a DJI Phantom drone, but as the lens can be fitted over the lens both with or without the waterproof housing, it could certainly be possible. The adapter itself converts the native GoPro 16:9 ratio to 2.39:1 without cropping, which can then be de-squeezed in post production using the GoPro Studio software. However, what about the recent recall of the GoPro Karma drone after them literally falling out of the air? The drone is now shipping again and heading for the shelves, hopefully with a new lease of life and solidly fixed problems. Could this anamorphic adapter offering a cinematic perspective be a good reason for drone pilots and aerial cinematographers to choose the Karma over the industry leader DJI? Is the Letus AnamorphX-GP an adapter you would use for your aerial filming? Would you be inclined to use it on the GoPro Karma Drone or wait to see whether it’s possible to mount the adapter on a DJI Phantom with a GoPro camera?

DJI just announced two new Phantom 3 drones, now including an option to record in 4K. The Phantom 3 Professional includes a 4K camera that shoots up to 30 fps while the Phantom 3 Advanced has a 1080p HD camera that records up to 60 fps. Both cameras have an f/2.8 lens with a 94 degree field of view. The flight system has been updated as well, and the remote controller is more touch responsive. It has a 3 axis gimbal which ensures stable shots and is completely controlled via the DJI Pilot App. The DJI Pilot app is used to control all aspects of the camera. You can attach your smartphone to the drone’s remote controller and have complete control over all aspects of the camera, including a realtime HD display. The app also includes a flight simulator and a flight log which records details about previous flights. We’ll keep you updated on when the Phantom 3 is released, and will look for it at NAB next week. For now you can visit DJI’s website which includes detailed information and specs about the device.

Drone manufacturer DJI the maker of the popular Phantom family, unveiled the new DJI Inspire 1, featuring a dedicated camera with 4K video recording capability. The camera supports both DCI “Full” 4K (4096 x 2160) in 24 and 25p, as well as UltraHD 4K (3840 x 2160) in 24, 25, and 30p—making the Inspire camera the first dedicated flight camera with 4K capability. The camera also takes 12-megapixel stills in compressed JPEG and RAW DNG, and can record 1080p and 720p video at up to 60 fps. Besides of having a 4K camera on board, here are some more highlights of the new product: -NEW GIMBAL SYSTEM -FULL-FEATURED APP -LIVE HD VIEW (A real-time feed from your Inspire 1’s camera is displayed in 720p HD on your mobile device giving you a view of what the camera sees to frame your shots). This is made possible by an all new and improved version of DJI’s Lightbridge technology which can transmit video from up to 2km away. -OPTIONAL DUAL-OPERATOR CONTROL -VISION POSITIONING SYSTEM (This technology allows the Inspire to hold its position, stop when the controls are released, and respond to your commands even when GPS is unavailable). -INTELLIGENT POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (Advanced algorithms calculate the distance of your aircraft and estimated time to return home, letting you know when it’s time to fly back). -THREE-AXIS SYSTEMWITH FULL 360-DEGREE PAN RANGE An interview with one of the drone developers (taken from http://www.theverge.com/) skynamic.net from Germany took the DJI inspire 1 for a “test drive” and shared their footage: As always, we advice checking the low in your country before attempting flying one of those devices. For more information, head to DJI’s site