The camcorder is in perfect working order and excellent condition, with only superficial marks through careful use. It has 230 hours on the clock. Its firmware has the paid-for 4k upgrade installed and the camcorder was recently used in the production of a UHD feature film. It will come with a smarter directional microphone than shown (which the dead cat fits properly!), three batteries and a charger/PSU. If the asking price is offered, we will also provide a professional camera bag and unused rain cover. Price new with 4k upgrade £1,700. Asking £995.

If you are in the market for a new 4K camcorder why not send an email to hdwarrior@me.com and I will put you in touch with the seller.

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

A further update on yesterday’s announcement Apple seems to be throwing everything at this new MacPro. Here is a video that gives you an insight as to what to expect.

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Nothing comes cheap with Apple and that includes the new MacPro at $6000 which is the starting price of what’s now known as the “Cheese Grater”.

If you want the new monitors (Pro Display XDR) to go with the MacPro then expect to pay $6000 plus $999 for a stand and a VESTA mount adapter is $200.

I love Apple equipment but once again Apple have decided if you are a professional then you are going to pay through the nose for the new MacPro, if you need it.

For further information on specs why not fly over to FCP.CO http://www.fcp.co/final-cut-pro/news/2184-apple-announce-the-new-mac-pro-pro-display-xdr-at-wwdc-2019

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

Panasonic LUMIX is proud to announce the development of LUMIX S1H, its latest mirrorless camera equipped with a full-frame image sensor. It is the world’s first camera capable of video recording at 6K/24p (3:2 aspect ratio), 5.9K/30p (16:9 aspect ratio), and 10-bit 60p 4K/C4K. Combining professional-level video quality and high mobility of the mirrorless camera, Panasonic will release the LUMIX S1H in Autumn 2019.

Firmware for the S1 has been announced and is FREE, available during July…(See warning below)

The new upgrade also adds the world’s first 4:2:2 10-bit 4K 25/30p internal video recording with no time limit. That means that without an external monitor, you can still achieve an incredibly high level of video quality.

Using the HDMI output, you will also be able to output at 4:2:2 10-bit 4K 60/50p. Up to 96 kHz/24-bit sound recorded internally via the DMW-XLR1 audio adapter.

As well as the V-Log recording, there will also be in-camera LUT application enabling playback of V-Log while or after recording, perfect for making sure you’ve nailed the shot in the field.

Warning Heads Up…The FW upgrade will be $199 for all new S1 owners starting October 1st 2019 

Panasonic LUMIX is proud to introduce a new standard zoom digital interchangeable lens, the LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm / F1.7 ASPH. (H-X1025), £1800 which boasts a large F1.7 aperture throughout the entire 10-25mm zoom range with exceptionally high optical performance clearing the stringent LEICA standards.

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Interesting, yet local police enforcement bodies in the US have invested heavily in DJI.

I do think these headlines are nothing short of propaganda because the US has fallen out with the Chinese yet almost everything built today with electronics involved comes from China.

While the report doesn’t name a specific company, Shenzen-based DJI, which dominates the U.S. and Canadian drone markets with close to an 80% share, according to a market sector report from Skylogic Research, is of utmost interest.

One of my favourite drone pilots Ken Heron was invited to the Splendora, Texas Police Department to see their new drone program.

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

As they say in 2019 I am “reaching out” to my readership to give me some ideas what you would like me to blog about.

I am open to suggestions, as the title suggests on my blog NEWS, REVIEWS and COMMENT.

I do try to keep everyone up to date with what I am doing and what equipment I am using and give you an overview of any new bits of kit that I buy.

We still produce reviews, news and sometimes video reviews, though they do take time to produce and edit.

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

My preliminary findings for the new Rode Wireless GO radio mic system are not very complimentary.

I bought this system from a shop in Glasgow so my findings are based on a unit that I own. There is always a possibility my unit is faulty.

Rode Filmaker Kit = £289 (4 years ago 2015)

Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 = £690 (2018)

Rode Wireless GO = £179 (2019)

During the video review I started to notice drop out from the Rode Wireless GO at about 40 meters and decided to do my own testing while walking with the receiver attached to my camera. It does not cope well while moving around after about 40 meters and can completely drop out at about 60 meters walking to come back at 70 meters as long as you stand still but can completely drop out without any rime or reason.

I did the same test with the older Rode filmmaker kit to discover it actually performed slightly better. Having had the older Rode Filmmaker kit since new I never had the chance to use the older Rode wireless system at any distance short of about 10 feet.

The Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 out performs both Rode wireless systems with no drop out even at 100 meters from the camera line of sight.

I decided to test all three systems inside my house running through 2 double plasterboard walls and a brick wall, total distance of 12 meters to find the following…

At 12 meters all three systems performed fine.

At 20 meters only the Rode Filmmaker kit worked and the Sennheiser AVX. The Rode Wireless GO was out the game.

Surprisingly at 40 meters the Rode Filmmaker kit still worked as did the Sennheiser.

This kind of tells you once again you get what you pay for the Sennheiser AVX system is three times the price of the Rode Wireless GO but works flawlessly over distances of 100 meters up to 140 meters.

The Wireless GO uses the SmartLav+ mic and a second cable (SC3) which I was not happy about, the more cables plugged into a mic system the more chance of introducing noise or problems. Another bad part of the Rode Wireless GO system is how bad it is in sunlight to see if the kit is switched on. The internal mic worked well but the wind shield kept falling off and it is far too bulky while sitting on someones jacket.

Is it a good step up from the Rode Filmmaker kit, only if size is a problem. I have pulled my video review meantime while I send my unit back as faulty or not. Seemingly others have had the same problem, you would think a company like Rode who produce good quality sound equipment would have decided to test these radio mics before taking them to market.

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Automatic Dependent Surveillance—Broadcast (ADS–B) is a surveillance technology in which an aircraft determines its position via satellite navigation and periodically broadcasts it, enabling it to be tracked. The information can be received by air traffic control ground stations as a replacement for secondary surveillance radar, as no interrogation signal is needed from the ground. It can also be received by other aircraft to provide situational awareness and allow self-separation.

• 1. DJI will install ADS-B receivers in all new drones above 250 grams
  2. DJI will develop a new automatic warning for drone pilots flying at extended distances.
  3. DJI will establish an internal Safety Standards Group to meet regulatory and customer expectations.
  4. Aviation industry groups must develop standards for reporting drone incidents.
  5. All drone manufacturers should install geofencing and remote identification.
  6. Governments must require remote identification
  7. Governments must require a user-friendly knowledge test for new drone pilots.
  8. Governments must clearly designate sensitive restriction areas
  9. Local authorities must be allowed to respond to drone threats that are clear and serious.
  10. Governments must increase enforcement of laws against unsafe drone operation.

You can view manned aircraft that currently have ADS-B using an app called FlightRadar24. It’s pretty cool to play around with but you will notice helicopters, private light aircraft and the military don’t use ADS-B. This extra technology will not protect the drone pilot against the aircraft that’s far more dangerous and probably closer to their altitude. I still think the military should be forced into using ADS-B only while on tactical training sorties in the UK.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/operational-low-flying-training-timetable

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Interesting that DJI have entered this field of action cameras, thought not surprising as GoPro did bring out a drone called the Karma during October 2016.

This is DJIs response to the Karma hitting GoPro where it hurts most. I can’t quite see where this camera is much different from the Hero 7 apart from being £50 less and front screen.

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We can confirm the following kit being shown by CVP today at the KitShow at the Glasgow Science Centre starting at 10.30am

Sony Venice with Zeiss Supreme lens

PXW-FS5 Mkii

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

Canon XF705

Canon EOS-R

Red Dragon-X kit

Zcam E2

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions