Category: Video / Photo

February 4, 2025
Rokform Smartphone Monopod: Golf Bag Compatible with MagSafe
The tripod is a common tool for setting up your iPhone or smartphone as a camera for A-roll. However, it can be inconvenient in certain cases, like when there’s no room in your golf bag to fit it.
A Solution to the Problem
Rokform believes this issue needs to be addressed, which is why they have created the Golf Shooter Pro. This monopod features a tapered design that allows it to easily slide into your golf bag.
Lightweight and Durable Design
Weighing only 450 grams (g, or about 1lb), it’s super easy to carry and store. Even with its slim profile, it’s constructed from “strong but lightweight, premium aircraft-grade” aluminum that can stay upright, even when pushed into the ground during windy conditions.
Adjustable Length for Convenience
The Golf Shooter Pro Monopod has a collapsible stand that can extend from 15 to 47 inches in length. It also uses the OEM’s MAGMAX technology in a mount that can securely hold devices compatible with MagSafe or those modified with a magnetic ring. For the best performance, Rokform suggests using one of its own cases.
Additional Features
Furthermore, the monopod’s mount serves as a wireless charger, equipped with a built-in USB-C port, although users need to provide their own power source. A magnetic base allows for easy attachment to golf carts or other flat surfaces, and the stand has a standard 1/4-20 thread to work with various cameras and accessories.
Versatile Use Beyond Golf
So, even though it’s called the Golf Shooter Pro, this monopod could also be perfect for filming in different sports, activities, or even just for home use. It’s “Coming Soon” on Rokform’s website, priced at $149.99.
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Tags: Golf Shooter Pro, monopod, Rokform
February 3, 2025
New Rumor Suggests Upcoming Release of DJI Air 4 Drone
Jasper Ellens has shared some initial insights about a new prototype drone from DJI. Recently, multiple sources have provided info on other upcoming DJI models, including the Mavic 4 Pro, Mini 5, and Neo 2. Additionally, the company might also be developing the Osmo Action 6, Osmo Mobile 7, Osmo Mobile 7P, and the RS 4 Mini.
Exciting Developments Ahead
It seems DJI is not only focused on refreshing its Mavic, Mini, and Neo lines, but there’s also a new Air drone on the way. This drone is reportedly called the Air 4, and Ellens claims it hasn’t been seen in any photos before. The leaker has shared a screenshot from a longer video, showcasing three sensors on top for obstacle avoidance, which bear a resemblance to those found on the Mavic 4 series.
Notable Changes
Some differences from the Air 3S (currently priced at $1,199 on Amazon) include arms that appear to be thicker and a possibly updated array of front-mounted sensors. Ellens mentions that DJI is still a ways off from replacing the Air 3 series with this fourth-generation model. He stresses that there’s no assurance this prototype will move forward as intended. Should it proceed, Ellens anticipates that DJI could take ’til the end of the year’ to make an official announcement regarding the new Air series drone.
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Tags: Air 4, DJI, Mavic 4 Pro
February 2, 2025
Verbatim Japan and IO Data Commit to CD, DVD, Blu-ray Media Production
Verbatim and IO Data have confirmed their dedication to creating and distributing top-notch optical disc recording media within Japan. CD-R, DVD-R, BD-R, and BD-R XL discs will still be produced by Verbatim Japan, while IO Data will act as the exclusive distributor for these discs in the country. Additionally, various distributors around the globe will keep selling Verbatim optical media.
Changes in the Market
This news comes on the heels of recent announcements from several major manufacturers and retailers who are leaving the optical disc market. In 2024, Best Buy became the first significant retailer to cease selling movies and TV shows on optical discs, and LG also stopped making Blu-ray players. This year, Sony revealed it would halt the production of Blu-ray, MiniDisc, and MD Data optical recording media.
Long-Term Storage Solutions
For those concerned about preserving cherished baby photos and vital digital files for the long haul, they can feel secure knowing that archival optical storage media will still be accessible for many years, thanks to the efforts of Verbatim and IO Data.
Family archivists can purchase a Pioneer Blu-ray burner (available on Amazon) to save their pictures and data onto Verbatim M-Disc BD-R XL discs (also available on Amazon). For government and businesses that need even stricter quality control measures, they can invest in the Pioneer DM (Defect Management) for Archive-compatible Blu-Ray burner (found on Amazon) and DM for Archive-compatible BD-R discs (also on Amazon).
Understanding Storage Risks
It’s important to realize that hard drives rely on spinning platters and moving read heads, which are prone to mechanical failures. Additionally, all flash memory devices are at risk of electron migration bit failures that can worsen with high heat. Therefore, these devices might fail before M-Disc BD-R discs, even when kept in controlled environments. Always create multiple backups of crucial photos and files, and store them in different places to safeguard against fire, theft, or other disasters.
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Tags: IO Data, M-Disc BD-R XL, Verbatim
February 1, 2025
Samsung Galaxy S25 Camera Features for Older Flagships in One UI 7.1
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series smartphones largely share the same camera setup as the previous generation, with the exception of the S25 Ultra (you can pre-order it on Amazon and receive a complimentary $200 gift card). Nonetheless, Samsung has added some software improvements to these new flagship models, making them more advanced in terms of photography compared to the earlier versions.
Exclusive Features for the S25 Series
Currently, these camera-focused software upgrades are unique to the Galaxy S25 series, although there are rumors that older flagship models may receive these enhancements with the upcoming One UI 7.1 update. One of the standout additions is a set of new film-style filters that are designed to enhance the user’s photography experience.
Customizable Filters and Enhanced Options
The camera application on the Galaxy S25 series includes six brand-new filters, along with better versions of four existing ones. All of these filters can be customized, allowing users to tweak the color temperature, contrast, and saturation levels to their liking. There are also AI-based custom filters that users can take advantage of.
New Video Capabilities
In addition to the filters, the Samsung Galaxy S25 series brings forth the “Log Video” format, which is intended for professional videographers. This feature starts in Pro mode, but users can also access it in standard mode. Another exciting video capability is the ability to record 10-bit HDR videos, which comes enabled out of the box.
Among other camera innovations in the Galaxy S25 series are the Expert Raw mode with virtual aperture control, a feature similar to Apple’s Live Photos called Motion Photo, and the Single Take mode. It’s still uncertain which older flagship models will receive these camera upgrades, but the S24 Ultra is likely to be one of the first.
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Tags: camera features, Galaxy S25+, Samsung
January 31, 2025
Canon PowerShot V1 Compact Camera to Replace G7 X III in 2025
Just yesterday, Canon made it known that it is shifting its attention back to compact, fixed-lens cameras, such as the PowerShot G7 X III, to keep up with well-liked models like the Sony ZV-1 and RX100 V (curr. $999.99 at Best Buy). By doing this, Canon is basically saying it will ramp up production, but fresh rumors suggest that the company is also hinting at introducing more models within the compact PowerShot series.
Expansion of the PowerShot Line-Up
Rumors circulating from CanonRumors indicate that Canon plans to expand and update its PowerShot V series, which debuted the interesting yet budget-friendly $429.99 PowerShot V10 vlogging camera last year. This update is expected to bring forth a new video-centric compact camera that sports a more traditional design.
Changes on the Horizon
It is said that this launch will happen after the discontinuation of the current PowerShot G7 X III and PowerShot SX70 HS in the first half of 2025. The new model, named the PowerShot V1, is thought to be a top-tier compact camera, following Canon’s usual naming conventions.
Upcoming Releases
Besides this, CanonRumors has also mentioned a potential launch date towards the end of Q1 2025, along with rumored specifications for the new video camera. Moreover, there’s another compact APS-C camera in the works, expected to arrive around mid-2025, which aims to compete with options like the Nikon Z fc (curr. $956.65 on Amazon), Fujifilm X100VI, and the forthcoming OM-3 from OM System.
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Tags: Canon, PowerShot G7 X III, PowerShot V1
January 31, 2025
New DJI RS 4 Mini Gimbal and Intelligent Tracking Module Leaked
Igor Bogdanov is back, sharing new details about the RS 4 Mini after briefly looking at the Osmo Mobile 7 and Osmo Mobile 7P yesterday. He was actually the first to leak official images of the RS 4 Mini, which were first seen at regulatory agencies late last year.
New Lifestyle Photos
In his earlier posts, Bogdanov provided quite dull product images that didn’t really show the RS 4 Mini in action. However, this time he has shared a variety of ‘lifestyle’ shots, showcasing the camera gimbal in more appealing environments. It’s clear that DJI is gearing up to promote the RS 4 Mini, particularly highlighting its new Intelligent Tracking module, which connects using eight pogo pins.
Compatibility Insights
The first image below also seems to indicate that the Intelligent Tracking module will work with the Osmo Mobile 7. From what we can gather, this module should enable both the Osmo Mobile 7 and RS 4 Mini to utilize DJI ActiveTrack, a feature drones use for tracking moving subjects. At this point, it’s still uncertain if DJI will extend Intelligent Tracking support to last year’s RS 4 and RS 4 Pro, which is currently priced at $869 on Amazon.
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Tags: Intelligent Tracking, Osmo Mobile 7, RS 4 Mini
January 31, 2025
Canon to Release More Compact Cameras for TikTok Creators
Canon has been the leading camera brand in sales within the US for quite some time, but many people may not realize this due to the lack of buzz and conversation surrounding Canon cameras online. This is especially true when comparing it to brands like the Fujifilm X100 series or the well-known Sony RX100 VII, which is currently priced at $1,299.99 at Best Buy. In a presentation released alongside its yearly revenue results today, Canon acknowledged the growing popularity of compact cameras and has pledged to boost their production in the coming years.
Future Plans for Imaging
In terms of imaging, Canon has outlined plans to enhance sales of its full-frame cameras, particularly the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II, while also aiming to broaden the market for RF lenses. Furthermore, they intend to ramp up the production of compact cameras, which are becoming increasingly favored by younger audiences. Their goal is to achieve an overall camera sales growth of 8.2%. For network cameras, they are targeting a sales growth of 14.5%, which they believe will outpace the market’s growth, ultimately aiming for a total growth of 10.6% for the entire Imaging Group, with sales exceeding 1 trillion yen.
Production Slowdown
Even though Canon produces some highly desired compact cameras, like the PowerShot G7 and G9, there seems to be a slowdown in both production and the release of these popular models. The G7 X III, for instance, is currently out of stock nearly everywhere. Recently, platforms like Instagram and TikTok have contributed to a notable rise in popularity for cameras such as the Fujifilm X100V and other similarly compact yet powerful options.
Increased Demand for PowerShot Series
During its presentation, Canon specifically highlighted the growing demand for the PowerShot G7 X Mark III, indicating its aim to boost camera sales by 8.4% “through increased production and supply.” This announcement follows a recent leak suggesting that a new Canon APS-C camera could be in the works, targeting competitors like the Fujifilm X100VI and the upcoming OM System OM-3, featuring a compact retro design along with impressive video capabilities.
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Tags: Canon, EOS R1, PowerShot G7 X Mark III
January 31, 2025
OM System OM-3 Leaked Impressions: Retro M43 Camera Updates
The OM System OM-3 is set to be released on February 6, and there’s been a fair amount of buzz around it. OM System hasn’t really tried to keep the retro-styled camera a secret. Early leaks have confirmed the launch date and a few basic details, while OM System itself has revealed most of the throwback design in a recent promotional video.
Insights from Early Testers
Recently, some early testers, including influencers, have shared their opinions with 43rumors about the OM-3. While the general feedback is mostly positive, there are a few concerning details that came to light. One tester indicated, “It has some minor new features over the OM-1II…so there are improvements especially in autofocus.”
Another tester mentioned that the OM-3 will be larger than the OM-5 (currently priced at $999.99 on Amazon), but it still remains lightweight. This implies that it will likely be positioned between the OM-1 II (currently $2,399.99 on Amazon) and the OM-5, which could suggest better battery life.
User Reactions on Design
“Yeah, it’s bigger than the OM-5 but it still feels light… What’s surprising are the colours and filters…like them more than the Fuji!” However, not everything is good news. One early reviewer pointed out that the hopes for a ~$1,500 flagship Micro Four Thirds camera with retro design might be unrealistic.
“The beautiful OM-3 contains all the last and the best technology currently available from OM System. But technology and high construction quality have a price, it is better to accept it (so start putting some money aside).”
Price Expectations
There has been confusion regarding the pricing, with some sources suggesting it might be around $1,500 while others hinted at a cost of $2,000 or more. It now appears that the higher estimate might be correct, indicating that the OM-3 could be more than double the price of the OM-5, which is OM System’s more affordable option with similar retro aesthetics.
The news about enhanced autofocus should be welcomed, especially since AF performance has been a weak spot for the M4/3 system overall. It also seems probable that the OM-3 will feature comparable computational photography capabilities as the OM-1 II, making it a compelling choice for those transitioning from smartphones.
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Tags: autofocus improvements, Micro Four Thirds, OM System OM-3
January 31, 2025
GoPro Hero Action Cam Upgrades to 4K Video and SuperView Lens
The Hero is a new action camera from GoPro for 2024 that has been simplified by removing features like a front screen. This makes it lightweight at just 86 grams (g) and more affordable, available for only $179 on Amazon, compared to $338.53 for the Hero 13 Black, which is also on sale at 15% off its usual price of $399.99.
Improved Video Options
Despite being a more basic model, GoPro has enhanced its entry-level camera to maximize the capabilities of its 4K sensor. It now offers a full-size 4:3 aspect ratio for video recording, which can be chosen while filming.
GoPro believes this change will enhance the impact of point-of-view videos, making them more engaging and better suited for social media, thanks to their taller format.
Flexibility With Formats
For users who still want the traditional “so insanely wide” 16:9 format, there’s a new SuperView Digital Lens feature that can be applied in post-editing.
Both the SuperView Digital Lens and the 4K 4:3 aspect ratio video options will be available for the Hero through updates to the GoPro and GoPro Quik apps.
GoPro’s commitment to innovation continues with this latest model, aiming to cater to various filming preferences while keeping costs low.
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Tags: 4K Video, GoPro Hero, SuperView Digital Lens
January 31, 2025
Phantom Launches High-Speed Camera: 483,330 FPS & 256GB RAM
The T2110 has been introduced as the latest basic model in the T-series, yet it still delivers an impressive high frame rate. At the heart of the Phantom high-speed camera lies a 12-bit BSI sensor featuring a resolution of 1,280 x 800 pixels. When operating at full resolution, this camera can record videos at an astonishing frame rate of up to 21,000 fps, which translates to a slow-motion effect of 875 times when played back at 24 frames per second.
Sensor Capabilities
The sensor is versatile, supporting color, black-and-white, and ultraviolet modes. Measuring 9.3 x 5.8 inches, it is slightly smaller than an APS-C sensor. By utilizing pixel binning to lower the resolution to 640 x 384 pixels or even less, the camera can achieve incredibly high frame rates of up to 483,330 frames per second, which equates to a slow-motion effect of 20,138 times. At this remarkable frame rate, the camera captures a staggering 21 gigapixels per second. To manage this data influx, the Phantom T2110 can be outfitted with RAM ranging from 32GB to 256GB, which is essential before the video files are saved onto a CineMag V.
Storage Options
The available SSDs come in capacities of either 2 TB or 8 TB and are capable of processing up to 1.4 gigapixels per second. This means that recording just one second of slow-motion footage requires about 15 seconds for it to be stored on the SSD. The Phantom high-speed camera is supplied with a standard Nikon F-mount, but options for Canon EF, PL, C, and M42 mounts are also provided.
Phantom typically does not disclose the prices or launch dates for its cameras. Interested videographers wanting to learn more about the T2110 slow-motion camera should contact the manufacturer through its official website.
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Tags: high-speed camera, Phantom T2110, slow-motion video