The campaingn’s founder, Ryan Stout, claims that Arsenal is an intelligent camera assistant. The DSLR add-on helps you capture the perfect shot every time with the help of image analysis and machine learning. With the accompanying app for your smartphone you end up with an actual smart DSLR. Let’s have a look! Meet Arsenal There is a new gadget in town. Well, almost – but if you happen to be brave enough for another Kickstarter campaign, the Arsenal might be worth a closer look. The so-far very successful campaign is about to hit the home stretch and the product itself looks very promising: a tiny device which is connected 1) to your DSLR via USB and 2) to your smartphone wirelessly. The unit is programmed with thousands of images which are then compared to the current framing of your DSLR. It adjusts several settings accordingly in order to get the perfect shot, so all you have to do is frame your picture and the Arsenal will take care of the (technical) rest – just like an actual camera assistant. Too good to be true, right? Different Modes The Arsenal is capable of several shooting modes: HDR stacking, long exposures, focus stacking, you name it. The good thing is, you don’t have to think about it. All you have to do is let your creativity flow while Arsenal takes care of the technical execution. Here is a list of things the Arsenal algorithms process while striving for that perfect shot: Compares current scene with thousands of past images using a convolutional deep neural network (the same algorithm used in self driving cars) Optimizes settings based on 18 different factors Avoids settings that produce weak images on your specific camera and lens Uses image recognition to identify subject-specific needs (e.g. fast shutter for birds) Shows safe ranges for each setting based on situational constraints (e.g. vibration) Gives you the ability to change the settings you care about most Controlling the Arsenal is easy: just download the android or iOS app and you’re good to go. All the settings can be accessed and changed via the app, and you’ll get a live preview from your DSLR and a convenient viewer for the pictures you’ve already taken. And since we’re living in a social-media world, you can upload your hero shots straight from the app, of course. The most interesting feature for me personally is the ability to create fully-automated timelapses. Even the so-called holy grail (transition from day to night or vice versa) is supported. I’m very curious how well the Arsenal handles that tricky type of timelapse! Specifications, Pricing and Availability The Arsenal supports a whole range of DSLRs. Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, they are all aboard. Check out this webpage and search for your DSLR make and model. The campaign is live until Thursday, June 22th 2017 4PM CEST. While writing this, the “Get Arsenal – Kickstarter Exclusive” tier is still available. That one will set you back $150. The estimated delivery date is January 2018. Just a word of warning: This is still a Kickstarter campaign, not a retail offer, so naturally there are risks. I had a few disappointing Kickstarter experiences myself, so be advised! If you love the thrill, go get one. If you want to play it safe, wait until the actual product is ready and check if it still pleases your needs. If so, go and get one for a slightly higher price. links: Kickstarter campaign | Website What do you think? Does this look like the gadget you were waiting for? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Just when you thought the design of the classic camera slider couldn’t be improved, an Austrian startup called Waterbird has developed a “multi slider” that can be changed from a line to a curved slider just by physically bending the device. The Waterbird Bendable Slider works very well in practice, and seems perfect for expanding beyond the types of slider shots we see so often these days.  Image: Waterbird Systems It’s a product clearly designed with time-lapse effects in mind and it comes with a motor, controller and battery pack for that very purpose. Motion is controlled by a phone or tablet though Bluetooth, and from our up-close view at NAB 2017, we could see that the movement along the length of the slider was smooth and the motion control worked very well. Once you bend the slider to a specific shape, it’s held in place by locks on each end. Once locked, the multi-slider keeps its shape as the camera travels along the rail and the whole system has enough weight to it that the camera move doesn’t threaten to topple the whole thing over. Image Credit: Waterbird Systems The slider will be available in 80cm, 120cm and 150cm lengths. No matter the length you choose, you’ll be able to pick the applicable camera timelapse cable that works for your brand. Your kit will also come with 3 pairs of legs, a soft case and a battery pack. Technical Highlights:  Configurable in Numerous Shapes Motion Controlled Speed & Acceleration Ramps Bluetooth Connectivity (iOS and Android) Camera Trigger Port For Manual Triggering Pricing and availability is yet to be determined, but we’ll update this post as soon as we know. What do you think of the Waterbird Bendable Slider? Would this be useful as part of your motion control kit? Comment below!

Nikon has just unveiled a new 4K-capable DX-format DSLR, the Nikon D7500, which inherits the processing and sensor tech from their crop-sensor flagship, the D500. It will be available for $1,249.95. The new 20.9-megapixel Nikon D7500 is the latest in their family of DX-format DSLR, the Nikon flavour of APS-C. It features several improvements over its predecessor, the Nikon D7200, the most important of which are its sensor and processor technology, which it has inherited from their crop-sensor flagship, the D500. The bump up to the EXPEED 5 image-processor on the Nikon D7500 translates in an overall enhancement in image quality with less noise, an ISO range from 100 to 51200, and improvements in its auto-focus capabilities. The recording buffer has also been increased, allowing you to shoot up to 100 JPGs or 50 14-bit lossless compressed Raw frames in 8 fps bursts. Nikon D7500 – Video Capabilities All this is very nice for stills shooters, but what about the camera’s video capabilities? First of all, the Nikon D7500 is capable of 4K UHD video, a first for a DSLR from this manufacturer in this price range, coming in at almost half of the $2,000 price tag of the D500. With Canon’s 4K camcorders such as the Canon XC15 or the XC10 also starting around the $2,000 neighbourhood, it will be interesting to see if this announcement by the competition will shake things up in Canon DSLR-land. The complete list of supported resolutions and frame rates is as follows: 4K UHD 3,840×2,160 / 30 fps 4K UHD 3,840×2,160 / 25 fps 4K UHD 3,840×2,160 / 24 fps Full HD 1,920×1,080 / 60 fps  Full HD 1,920×1,080 / 50 fps  Full HD 1,920×1,080 / 30 fps  Full HD 1,920×1,080 / 25 fps  Full HD 1,920×1,080 / 24 fps  HD 1,280×720 / 60 fps HD 1,280×720 / 50 fps Actual frame rates for 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, and 24p are 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, and 23.976 fps respectively. In addition, the Nikon D7500 is also capable of recording in-camera 4K UHD time lapses, and also features electronic vibration reduction to help with hand-held camera shake. As is usually the case with cameras like these, video files are recorded to H.264 with a recording limit of 29m59s split across 4GB files, though the Nikon D7500 also allows you to choose to record to a .MOV or a .MP4 wrapper. Other useful video-related features are the inclusion of a stereo microphone, in addition to a 3.5mm microphone input and 3.5mm headphone output. The body also includes a Type C — or micro — HDMI output, and the camera supports both internal and external recording simultaneously. It also supports Nikon’s power aperture for stepless changes in f-stop, making it easy to smoothly compensate for changes in exposure when shooting video. Nikon D7500 – Input and Output ports From a video perspective, the Nikon D7500’s price tag of $1,249.95 may make it a weak competitor against similarly-priced yet better-specced 4K mirrorless cameras. However, its photo features should spark interest in those that already have invested heavily in the Nikon F-mount system, such as photographers looking to expand into 4K video production. The Nikon D7500 body will be available from next summer for $1,249.95, or for $1,749.95 with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR kit lens. For more information, check out Nikon’s press release. Are you a Nikon shooter looking to get started with 4K? What do you make of the new Nikon D7500? Let us know in the comments section below!

2016 is slowly but surely coming to an end and, despite opinions that the DSLR or Mirrorless camera market is dying due to the introduction of more affordable, large-sensor, dedicated video cameras, the market is blooming with new shiny alternatives. Just look at the FUJIFILM X-T2, the Olympus E-M1 MII  and the upcoming Panasonic GH5. The manufacturers behind all of those cameras like to emphasise the video capabilities they’ve built into their new creations, making it clear that it was not just an afterthoughts or accidental move, but rather an important add-on to their good to excellent photo equipment.  Personally, I love these type of cameras. They allow me to travel compact, avoid unnecessary customs declarations and delays, they attract less attention, are modestly priced for the most part, and can be very versatile when adding additional equipment. We can talk bits, bytes, codecs and resolutions all day long, but at the end of the day the video quality coming out of these small devices was simply unheard of until a few years ago, especially for the price. They also can and will suit most of the indie video productions many of us are doing. That said, there is generally that “hit and miss” aspect to most of these releases, both past and new, as they lack at times some essential features. Making the Dream DSLR or Mirrorless Camera Come True Here at cinema5D we participate in constant meetings with distinguished manufacturers, and we do our best to communicate and deliver an accurate picture of what we think is needed in order to make that “dream DSLR or Mirrorless camera”. This time, we’ve decided to approach our audience and ask the help of the community in order to define and fine tune what are those “essential features” we are looking for. Because we all work differently and have different approaches to filming, the answers are bound to be diverse, so in order not to keep the discussion concise, we decided to make a small list of features that we think might increase the functionality of cameras such as these. We ask you folks to kindly vote for those that will help you in your work as creative operators. Rest assured, we will be submitting the results of this poll directly to the manufacturers, including a link to this article so that your voices can be heard. Let’s see if we can help make the “dream DSLR or Mirrorless Camera” a reality!

With only 3 days left and over triple the minimum funding goal of $50 000, Miops Mobile is offering something that is both useful and compact for your everyday filmmaking needs. Camera Remotes have been a standard tool in everyone’s kit for a while now, but they can be expensive, plain and boring. Many have tried to use Kickstarter as a platform to reinvent the small black and white screened remotes. With Apple OS Kits allowing customers to tap into the power of mobile applications, MIOPS have tapped into the power of using an app that allows more than any trigger could possibly offer, and that at an even better price. MIOPS MOBILE Remote features Motion, Vibration Sense and Sound Trigger Mode The app’s MOTION mode uses the smartphone’s camera to watch for the action. It captures photos of moving objects without the need for a manual trigger. This could be useful for capturing wildlife, or even a moving selfie. The MIOPS MOBILE will also trigger a shot using its vibration sense feature. Using the architecture of a smartphone’s gyroscope and accelerometer, the phone can be attached to a pole, which will allow you to capture your best slam dunk. Using the smartphone’s microphone, the MIOPS is capable of triggering on sound bites. Timelapse If the above didn’t peak your interest, this is where it gets interesting. MIOPS MOBILE enables Long Exposure Timelapses, allowing you to capture exposures of up to 99 minutes in duration! If you ever struggled with Day to Night transitions, the Bulb Ramping feature will make light transitions possible by seamlessly changing exposures from beginning to the end. The HDR features allows for timelapse mode as well, making the MIOPS MOBILE an easy tool to create HDR timelapses with, a technique that will reveal more shadow and highlight detail. MIOPS MOBILE also takes full advantage of a smartphone’s GPS technology, and can be set to fire a shutter over predetermined distances. This will ease the pain of creating long hyperlapses. Shutter Control MIOPS MOBILE offers far more functionality than a standard cable release. Its six different cable release modes really put you in command of the shutter. You can release it with a single touch, keep the shutter open as long as you want, or set a timer to release the shutter. Press&Lock, Press&Hold as well as the Timed Release functions will turn Star Trail photography into a piece of cake. What do you think of MIOPS MOBILE? Does it sound like the kind of project you may want to back? For more details please visit their Kickstarter page, but if you do decide to back them, why not let us in the comment section below?

The SYRP Slingshot is a wirecam setup that adds dynamic motion and expansive length to time-lapses at an affordable cost. Have you ever wanted to capture longer motion timelapses where a slider track just isn’t long enough? Enter SYRP Slingshot, a wirecam package that can reach distances of up to 300 feet (100m) with up to 3-axis camera movement using the SYRP Genie and Genie Mini. The SYRP Genie works as the motion control device, moving the carriage along parallel wires of your desired length, whether that’s 25m or 100m. Inter-operable with your camera, the Genie moves the carriage with the time-lapse function to create smooth and unique perspectives that can’t be achieved without the need to spend lots of money. Some of the time-lapse shots in their demo video are incredible! SYRP have designed the Slingshot with simplicity of setup and control in mind, with two mounting brackets, straps, wires, carriage and Genie all fitting into a compact bag. The maximum payload of 8kg is enough for a weighty camera and lens combo. The example video shows a Canon DSLR and lens weighing around 4kg which should give you an idea. It seems that as the Genie controls the intervalometer for movement, a continual move along the wires might not be possible. However, for time-lapse photography, it certainly goes above and beyond what you can normally capture with a static shot or even short distance movement. The SYRP Slingshot is available in a number of packages, with the standard ‘Slingshot’ package consisting of – 1 Slingshot (25m Slingshot rope and 25m Genie rope). 1 Slingshot carry bag That kit comes in at $989.00, a very affordable package compared to, for example, the Kessler Second Shooter. Of course, you’ll need a SYRP Genie to actually move the carriage, so you can get a bundle with a Genie, the link cable and ball head for $1887. The Slingshot is available now! Are you looking to shoot expansive time-lapse scenes and need a setup like this? Let us know in the comments!  

We took a closer look at the video capabilities of the new Sony a99 II announced at Photokina 2016, and how it compares to the a7S II and a7R II. This new flagship A-Mount camera is a high-spec performer in the photography world: it has a translucent mirror, a dedicated auto focus sensor, and Sony says it even performs better than the A7R II for stills. The camera was only announced a few days ago and here are all the video features at a glance: The new Sony a99 II – cut open on display at Photokina 2016 Sony a99 II – Features at a Glance: 42MP full frame CMOS sensor A-Mount lens system 4K UHD video recording in 24/25/30p @ 100mbps (XAVC S, MP4 and AVCHD formats). 1080p HD recording up to 120fps @ 100mbps 5-way sensor stabilization ISO sensitivity of 100-25600 (expandable). S-LOG 2 and S-LOG 3. So, as Sony’s new flagship DSLR, we expect it to perform quite well for stills. But what about video? The image quality is almost the same as the a7R II as it uses the same image sensor with 4K at 25p with a full-pixel read out with no pixel binning. The s35 format is also available for video, oversampling the 15MP image to make the 4K image. However, when comparing the Sony a99 II to that favourite among video shooters, the a7S II, things get a little different. The full frame read out of the a7S II produces a better image, but in s35 mode, the Sony a99 II with its 15MP oversampling can produce very sharp 4K video. The camera will cost $3200 and is available for pre-order now.  

The announcement of the Sony a99 II makes it the Japanese manufacturer’s new flagship DSLR camera. It features all the good stuff from the original a99 such as the translucent mirror technology (TMT), but raises the bar with new and improved autofocus capabilities, a newly designed 42MP sensor as well as internal 4K UHD video in XAVC-S format. Our Facebook Live Stream from the Sony press conference at Photokina: The Sony a99 II – features at a glance: Internal 4K UHD recording to APS-C format with full pixel readout, no pixel binning 4K UHD recording in full frame mode without cropping XAVC-S format with up to 100 Mbits for 4K resolutions New ‘Slow and Quick’ mode: 1 fps to 120 fps (100fps in PAL countries) Video features: picture profiles, TC, clean 4:2:2 HDMI out, S-Log2 & S-Log3 with monitor LUT, zebras 5-axis SteadyShot 3-axis tiltable LCD screen The Sony a99 II at Photokina 2016 And since it’s a DSLR camera, here are the features for still photography: 42.4 megapixel full frame 35mm Exmor R CMOS sensor Hybrid Phase Detection AF system 79-point dedicated phase detection AF sensor 399 focal plane phase detection AF points up to 12fps continuously Translucent Mirror Technology, meaning no moving mirror 5-axis SteadyShot (same as in the a7R II) The Sony a99 II records 4K video in APS-C (S35) format. Oversampling collects approx. 1.8 times as much information as needed for 4K movie output, creating a very clean and detailed image with no pixel binning involved. There is also another mode in which the camera uses the full frame sensor for recording video without cropping. 4K UHD recording in APS-C mode Also, the LCD screen on the back is tiltable in 3 axis, which is a nice feature especially in DSLR style cameras. On top of that, the camera has a dual card slot built-in, an XGA OLED viewfinder with 0.78x maginification, an assignable front multi-controller and improved menus in terms of both readability as well as usability. Pricing and availability The camera is scheduled for November 2016 and will be approximately € 3,600 for the EU market (around $3,199 for the US, C$3,999 for Canada) for the body only. A first hands-on after the press conference at Photokina 2016 For all the deatails, head over to Sony’s micro site.