Gear News

Insta360 Studio Update Brings Easier Editing Experience on Desktop

Posted by Jakub Han on in 360 Video, app, application, desktop app, Gear News, Insta360, Insta360 Studio, Post Production, Software, software update, update
Insta360 Studio has received a new update today that makes importing, editing (such as reframing 360 movies with keyframes), project management, and exporting easier. The desktop app, available for both Windows and macOS computers supports also M1 Macs and it is available now for free to use with Insta360 ONE R, ONE X, ONE X2, and GO 2. Last month, the Chinese camera manufacturer Insta360 updated its mobile app to offer a cleaner shooting interface, smoother editing with new templates in FlashCut, an updated export page with faster exports, and the possibility of using more songs in one video. Today, the desktop app – Insta360 Studio – is also getting a new version. Let’s take a look at what has improved.

Insta360 Studio Update

The Insta360 Studio is a desktop editing software designed to be used with Insta360 cameras such as ONE R, ONE X2 (check our first-look-review here), GO 2, and ONE X. It is available for Windows and Mac OS computers, and it also offers full compatibility with M1 Macs.
New Window on Keyframes. Source: Insta360
The new update focuses on simplifying four main areas of the app workflow:
  • Import. After connecting an Insta360 camera to the computer, the Insta360 Studio will automatically recognize the camera and prompt users to select individual files or import all files saved on the SD card. Once imported, the files will now appear in a sidebar on the left of the interface with three different preview options, including a new thumbnail preview option for a large view of each file’s content. Users can also filter the files by saved location and favorite files for easier access.
Thumbnail Preview on Timeline. Source: Insta360
  • Edit. Reframing 360 footage with keyframes should now be easier according to Insta360. When users click the timeline to add a keyframe, a new window will pop up showing options to adjust the pan angle, tilt angle, roll angle, FOV, and distance. The video timeline has also been revamped, displaying a thumbnail preview when hovering over the timeline. Buttons for tracking targets (Deep Track), adjusting the video speed (TimeShift), and adding motion blur are now easier to find. Last but not least, users can undo operations by clicking the undo icon or pressing ⌘Z, as well as redo operations.
Project Management. Source: Insta360
  • Project Management. On the right sidebar, a new “Project Management” panel is available for editing and saving different versions of the same raw files simultaneously. Users can both clone an edited video or start a new project from the raw file.
  • Export. With the new version of the Insta360 Studio, users can now save their preferred export settings (e.g. resolution, bitrate, and encoding format) as a preset for easier access in the future. The exports can now also be added to a queue, so the edits can be exported together all at once.
Video Export Settings. Source: Insta360

Price and availability

The new Insta360 Studio update is free of charge. The latest version of the application can be downloaded directly from the Insta360 website. Do you use Insta360 cameras for your work? Do you have experience working with the Insta360 Studio? How do you like the new updates? Let us know in the comments section underneath the article.

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Future Moments Releases Mobile Audio Production Apps for macOS

Posted by Yaroslav Altunin on in Audio, audio mastering, Gear News, multitrack, smartphone audio

With the release of the M1 chips on Apple’s new lineup of computers and laptops, the app world seems to perfectly blur the line between mobile and desktop. A company comprised of musicians and engineers didn’t want to wait any longer. This week, Future Moments released their mobile audio production apps for macOS. Let’s see what these literal rockstars and electrotechnical engineers have cooked up for us creatives.

Founded in 2015, Future Moments creates iOS/Android (and now desktop) apps for musicians, filmmakers, podcasters, and voiceover artists. Whatever audio-oriented content you need a tool for, they probably have it. But today, Future Moments is offering three of their mobile apps for macOS on M1-based Macs. And the best part, all this for FREE – as long as you already have the mobile version. MicSwap Multitrack, AudioMaster, and VideoVerb Pro for iOS are now also available to Mac OS users at no additional cost and will automatically be available for download via the App Store. Content creators who rely on mobile devices as part of their workflow, as well as desktop post-production, will find this a welcome addition to their toolkit.

MicSwap MultiTrack

MicSwap MultiTrack is a multitrack recording studio you can use on your phone. And now on your desktop apparently. It enables musicians, podcasters, voiceover artists, YouTubers, and filmmakers to record audio onto separate tracks. Additionally, different microphone models can be added to each track, as well as pan, reverb, and delay. This adds better separation between instruments or voices and ensures a great mix. Here’s a tidy list of all the features:
  • Ability to use standalone. Or with an external mic or interface
  • Record using 20 different microphones models for different sounds
  • Gain adjustment on any microphone
  • Pan or change the volume of each track
  • Add reverb or delay to each track
  • Enable/disable live monitoring
  • AudioCopy enabled
  • Record in WAV or M4A
  • Price: $19.99 via the Apple App Store
Users can also mix down projects in the app and send them directly to AudioMaster for instant mastering. What is AudioMaster? I’m so glad you asked. Let me explain.
Mic swap features. Image Credit: Future Moments

AudioMaster

Available on iOS and macOS, AudioMaster provides non-destructive audio mastering for content creators! Any imported audio track can be enhanced with built-in presets or a 6-band equalizer. Users can then export their audio and/or video in whatever size they wish. While it probably won’t mix your next studio album, these are some amazing features to have at the tips of your fingers, on top of being able to transfer projects between your iPhone and Mac. Here’s another tidy list for those on the go:
  • An audio algorithm automatically adjusts levels to provide general sweetening of audio mixes
  • Add reverb or delay
  • Fully adjustable 6-Band Equalizer
  • Ability to adjust the Frequency, Gain and Q to exact numbers
  • Mute audio
  • Ability to save as WAV or M4A
  • Audiobus, IAA and AUv3 compatible
  • EQ Module Bypass feature
  • Non-destructive
  • Price: $19.99 via Apple App Store (a free trial is available)
AudioMaster Features. Image Credit: Future Moments

VideoVerb Pro

The final app in this Future Moments release is VideoVerb Pro. Straight to the point: VideoVerb enables instant high fidelity reverb and delay effects to videos. The UI is simple and clean, allowing creators a no-nonsense approach to import video from any source and choose from a library of presets. Custom reverb creations are also available for those with perfect pitch who need the levels just right. And one final tidy list:
Future Moments - VideoVerb Features
VideoVerb Features. Image Credit: Future Moments

Million Dollar Question

Do you need these apps? You know what, you probably do. The apps themselves offer some unique tools directly on your smartphone. With the release of the iPhone 13 Pro and its professional-grade codec (a little later), it’ll be amazing to have these options available to you. On top of that, all of these apps are then integrated into your M1 Mac, if you have one that is. For under $60 dollars, these tools are a steal. What do you think about these apps? Have you used them? Would you like to see an in-depth review? Let us know in the comments!

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TTArtisan 40mm F/2.8 APS-C Macro Lens Teased

Posted by Jeff Loch on in 1:1 Magnification Ratio, Gear News, Lenses, macro, macro lens, TTArtisan, TTArtisan 40mm F/2.8 APS-C Macro

Chinese manufacturer TTArtisan has just released a teaser of their upcoming lens: the TTArtisan 40mm F/2.8 APS-C Macro. As its name suggests, this lens covers APS-C sensors, it has a 1:1 magnification ratio, and it should come out at an incredible price. So let’s take a closer look at it!

TTArtisan has built its reputation with fully manual photography lenses at incredible prices in less than two years. The company already released a dozen lenses, including the $150 TTArtisan 7.5mm F/2.0, the $98 priced TTArtisan 50mm F/1.2, and the $73 priced TTArtisan 35mm F/1.4. The company has just started teasing their new lens, the TTArtisan 40mm F/2.8 APS-C Macro, with an exciting game: guess how much it will sell for?

TTArtisan 40mm F/2.8 APS-C Macro features

According to this video released by TTArtisan, the 40mm F/2.8 APS-C Macro will be available in various lens mounts, including Sony E, Canon EOS-M, FUJIFILM X, Micro Four Thirds, and Nikon Z mounts. Obviously, the lens will cover APS-C sensors, and that’s probably why there is no Canon RF mount, for example.
Image credit: TTArtisan
This 40mm F/2.8 Macro will have a 1:1 magnification ratio, which should give you a minimum focusing distance of around 15.2cm/6.4in.
In terms of lens design, the lens consists of 8 elements in 7 groups. Also, it has two low-dispersion elements to reduce chromatic aberrations. The front filter thread is 52mm. Like every other TTArtisan lenses, this 40mm F/2.8 APS-C Macro will be a fully manual lens, mainly made of metal.

Price and availability

At the moment, there is no price nor availability info. However, you can guess how much it will retail for and leave a comment on their YouTube video. If you nail the price right, you might get one for free! What do you think about this new TTArtisan macro lens? Do you prefer manual or autofocus macro lenses? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!

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Z CAM IPMAN Gemini and Gemini Pro Introduced – HDMI Monitoring Adapters

Posted by Jeff Loch on in Accessories, Android Smartphone, Gear News, gemini, Gemini Pro, HDMI to USB Type-C adapter, Smartphone Monitoring, Z CAM, Z CAM IPMAN, Z CAM IPMAN Gemini, Z CAM IPMAN Gemini Pro

Z CAM recently introduced two new video monitoring accessories: the IPMAN Gemini and Gemini Pro. The Gemini is an HDMI to USB Type-C adapter that turns your Android smartphone into an on-camera monitor, but you can also use it for video streaming applications. The Gemini Pro is a dual HDMI to USB Type-C converter, which can be helpful for live streaming applications. Let’s take a closer look at these new adapters!

Chinese manufacturer Z CAM is mainly known for making cinema cameras, including the Z CAM E2 that got 12-bit ProRes RAW support and ProRes 422 internal recording capabilities in all modes. But, Z CAM entered the camera accessories market with their Z CAM EVF and, more recently, the Z CAM IPMAN S wireless video system. The company recently released two new products in their IPMAN lineup: the Z CAM IPMAN Gemini and Gemini Pro.
Image credit: Z CAM

Z CAM IPMAN Gemini features

The Z CAM IPMAN Gemini is an HDMI to USB Type-C converter that can turn your Android smartphone phone into an on-camera monitor. This adapter can take resolutions up to 4K at 30 fps or FullHD 1080p60. Then, the IPMAN Gemini converts this video signal into a 1080p60 max. USB signal. You can connect that USB Type-C output to an Android smartphone or any Mac/PC for live streaming purposes.
Image credit: Z CAM
When connecting the USB Type-C output of the IPMAN Gemini to an Android smartphone, you get access to features such as “false color, gridline display, and magnifier feature for focus pulling,” according to Z CAM. It is not clear if it will require a dedicated smartphone app, but I guess Z CAM will come with its own App. Also, Z CAM mentions that you can get camera control over your smartphone. It means that you can trigger recording, adjust your ISO/Aperture/EV adjustments via your phone, which sounds incredible. However, at the moment, only a couple of cameras are supported, including the Z CAM E2 series, Panasonic GH5s, and Sony Alpha series cameras.
Image credit: Z CAM
Speaking of camera control, you’ll need to connect your camera to the IPMAN Gemini via the devices’ USB-A port. The Z CAM IPMAN Gemini allows you to record the HDMI video feed on your smartphone and stream it to other devices through a wireless connection. The Gemini doesn’t require a battery, but it can charge your smartphone if you connect a battery to the USB-C PD power input port.
Image credit: Z CAM

Z CAM IPMAN Gemini Pro features

The Z CAM IPMAN Gemini Pro is a dual HDMI to USB Type-C converter. The Gemini Pro can take up to two 4K30p signals or two FullHD 1080p60 video feeds and convert it to a USB 1080p60 (max.) signal.
Image credit: Z CAM
On the Gemini Pro, the USB Type-C output can be connected to a Mac/PC only, which will recognize it as a USB camera without the need to install any drivers. In addition, according to Z CAM, you can use the Gemini Pro with software such as “OBS or any other streaming software on Mac/PC to view both HDMI feeds.”

Price and availability

The Z CAM IPMAN Gemini retails for $59.90 and should start shipping at the end of this month. You’ll find a smartphone holder, a mounting mount, and a USB-C to USB-C connecting cable in the package. The IPMAN Gemini Pro is $49.90 and should also start shipping by the end of September. For more information, please visit Z CAM’s website here. What do you think about these new Z CAM IPMAN video converters? Do you believe the IPMAN Gemini could replace your regular on-camera monitor? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!

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DigitalFoto DJI RS 2 Ring Grip and Power Supply Base Plate Announced

Posted by Jakub Han on in Accessories, digitalfoto, DJI RS 2, Gear News, gimbal, power supply plate, ring grip

DigitalFoto announced a new ring grip for DJI RS 2 gimbal. It is a compact ring with mounting points for accessories, rubber grips, and the PRO version comes with a power supply base plate that can power the gimbal and additionally some accessories via a D-Tap out from one V-Mount battery.

The DJI RS 2 gimbal was announced almost a year ago along with its smaller sibling, the RSC 2. Tilta was one of the first companies to announce its accessory ecosystem for the RS 2 gimbal. Other manufacturers followed after that with more accessories. Another Chinese company that offers accessories for the very popular gimbal is DigitalFoto. They announced a new ring grip for the RS 2, so let’s take a short look at it.

DigitalFoto RING-RS2 and RING-RS2PRO

As the title implies, there are two versions of the gimbal ring grip. The PRO version includes everything from the regular version plus the PB-RS2 power supply base plate with a cable. The regular version only includes a basic base plate. The V-Mount battery clamp is included with both models so that you can power the gimbal from a V-mount battery.
DJI RS 2 Ring Grip. Source: DigitalFoto
The new grip rings are designed specifically for the RS 2 – that means the overall size is more compact than the older ring grips from the company. The ring includes two rubberized handles on both sides and two detachable legs with dovetails. Additionally, there is an ARRI-style rosette adapter for mounting accessories anywhere on the ring.
DJI RS 2 Ring Grip. Source: DigitalFoto
The diameter of the tubes of the ring is 25mm and the otter dimensions are 510 x 520mm. Made out of alloy aluminum, the ring weighs 1.65kg and the PB-RS2 base plate adds another 0.35kg. The total maximum payload is 20kg.
DJI RS 2 Ring Grip – Size Comparison. Source: DigitalFoto

PB-RS2 Power Supply Base Plate

The PB-RS2 power supply base plate can be used in various applications and provide power for the DJI RS 2 gimbal plus an additional power output. It features a 13-17V Lemo 2-pin connector as a power input for the gimbal and it adds one 13-17V D-Tap as power output. One 60cm D-tap to Lemo cable is included in the package.
DJI RS 2 Power Supply Base Plate. Source: DigitalFoto
The side holder bracket for added security and rigidity is also included and the whole base plate is made out of aluminum. At the bottom, the base plate has three 1/4″-20 threads (one of which features the holes for anti-twist locating pins) and two larger 3/8″-16 threads.

WY-4D-TAP-DC Breakout Adapter

Additionally, DigitalFoto is offering a multifunction D-tap breakout adapter WY-4D-TAP-DC. This adapter converts one 10-17V D-tap input into four D-tap outputs (10-17V, 10A max), two DC Barrel outputs (8V, 3A, and 12V, 2A), and one USB-A (5V, 2.1A) output.
WY-4D-TAP-DC Breakout Adapter. Source: DigitalFoto
The good thing about the adapter is that the D-Tap outputs have three pins so that you can rotate the output connectors depending on the setup you need. The adapter also features an on/off switch and two 1/4″-20 threads. The adapter is limited to a maximum of 80W.

Price and Availability

Both DigitalFoto Ring Grips for the DJI RS2 are available for purchase now. When it comes to pricing, the RING-RS2 costs $209 and the RING-RS2PRO sells for $399. The PB-RS2 power supply base plate is priced at $130 and you can also buy the WY-4D-TAP-DC breakout adapter for $39.99.
DJI RS 2 Ring Grip – Package Content. Source: DigitalFoto
The funny thing about the pricing is that it is actually better to buy the regular model and the PB-RS2 power supply plate separately rather than together as a PRO version of the ring. Maybe the prices will get adjusted, we will see. Do you use the DJI RS 2 gimbal for your work? What do you think about the ring grips from DigitalFoto? Let us know in the comments section underneath the article

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