Tag: content creation

  • DJI Osmo Pocket 4 vs Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo: Audio Quality Comparison

    DJI Osmo Pocket 4 vs Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo: Audio Quality Comparison

    Key Takeaway

    1. The DJI Osmo Pocket 4 is rumored to be announced on April 20, priced starting at $499, with notable upgrades including 14 stops of dynamic range, improved tracking, and 107GB of built-in storage.
    2. The Osmo Pocket 4 Creator Combo is expected to bundle the new DJI Mic 3, a premium microphone featuring 32-bit float recording and timecode support, but it will lack the 3.5mm input for external wired mics.
    3. The DJI Mic 3 emphasizes portability and simplicity, relying on wireless and USB-C connections, but sacrifices some professional features like wired microphone compatibility.

    Anticipated Features and Release Date

    Fans of DJI are eagerly awaiting the launch of the Osmo Pocket 4, which rumors suggest might be announced around April 20. The expected pricing starts at $499, making it a more premium choice in compact camera tech. This new camera is said to pack some impressive upgrades, such as 14 stops of dynamic range and enhanced tracking capabilities. The internal storage is also upgraded to 107GB, offering users more space for their media.

    Changes in Packaging and Accessories

    Leaked photos of the retail box show a noticeably redesigned microphone, hinting at an upgraded bundle for the Osmo Pocket 4 Creator Combo. This is a notable change from previous versions, and it looks like DJI might include the new DJI Mic 3 as part of the package. The box graphics clearly display this new mic, which differs from the DJI Mic 2, indicating a fresh design and possibly improved features. Interestingly, unless DJI decides to include additional accessories, this seems to be the standard mic bundle for the new release.

    About the DJI Mic 3

    The DJI Mic 3 is currently DJI’s top-tier microphone, boasting 32-bit float internal recording and support for timecode, making it much easier to synchronize audio with video during editing. However, one downside is that it no longer has a 3.5mm input, which means you can’t connect wired lav mics directly anymore—a feature appreciated by professional users. While it delivers superior sound quality, its simplicity and portability come with trade-offs, especially compared to other wireless mics, which would require the use of its USB-C receiver or Bluetooth, with the latter reducing audio quality.


    Sources

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  • XMG Apex 17 Review: Stunning QHD Display with Accurate Colors

    XMG Apex 17 Review: Stunning QHD Display with Accurate Colors

    Key Takeaways

    1. The XMG Apex 17 offers strong performance with the RTX 5060 and operates quietly in entertainment mode, making it suitable for gamers and content creators alike.
    2. It features a matte QHD display (2560 × 1440 pixels) with a refresh rate of up to 240 Hz, but average brightness levels at 325 nits and color accuracy need improvement.
    3. Manual calibration significantly enhances display quality, achieving low DeltaE values (0.62 in grayscale and 0.81 in ColorChecker), confirming full DCI-P3 color space coverage.
    4. The laptop’s design is sleek and simple, though it comes with a high price starting at 2,049 Euro.
    5. Despite average brightness, the Apex 17’s low color deviations post-calibration and capable performance make it a strong choice for content creation beyond gaming.

    We’ve discussed how the XMG Apex 17 (check out our review) is a strong—though pricey—option for gamers wanting to maximize their frame rates with the RTX 5060. Additionally, we noted that the laptop operates significantly quieter than many rivals in entertainment mode, while still providing solid performance.

    Performance and Value

    Strong performance, quiet functioning when required, and a sleek, simple design? Added to its high price (starting at 2,049 Euro on bestware), this might be a potential candidate for content creation tasks. But how does the display perform in practice?

    Display Quality

    The Apex 17 boasts a matte QHD display with a resolution of 2,560 × 1,440 pixels. Its 17.3-inch screen can refresh at rates up to 240 Hz, and according to the maker, it covers the sRGB and DCI-P3 color spaces. But what do our tests reveal?

    Brightness levels are quite average, measuring at 325 nits, which isn’t exactly breathtaking. The factory color accuracy also shows some room for enhancement, with average DeltaE deviations of 3.16 in grayscale and 4.35 in the ColorChecker test—numbers that are too high for serious photo or video editing.

    Calibration Improvements

    Nonetheless, the display has significant potential, as shown by our manual calibration findings. Post-calibration, DeltaE values plummet to an impressive 0.62 in grayscale and 0.81 in the ColorChecker test. This drops deviations below 1—a really strong outcome. We also were able to confirm it covers the full DCI-P3 color space.

    The display doesn’t rely on PWM for brightness adjustments, and backlight bleeding is hardly noticeable, even in dark scenes. The only downside is a slightly higher black level, which diminishes overall contrast a bit.

    In conclusion, even with its average brightness, the XMG Apex 17 remains an attractive option for content creators. With its complete DCI-P3 coverage, remarkably low color and grayscale deviations post-calibration, neat design, high performance, and quiet operation when it’s needed, it proves to be a surprisingly competent choice beyond just gaming.

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  • SmallRig S70 Wireless Microphone: 9 EQ Presets, 40Hr Battery

    SmallRig S70 Wireless Microphone: 9 EQ Presets, 40Hr Battery

    Key Takeaways

    1. The SmallRig S70 wireless microphone features a lightweight design at only 8.7 grams and delivers professional sound quality with 360° clarity, fine-tuned by Grammy Award-winning engineer Luca Bignardi.

    2. It offers advanced functionalities including automatic limiting, anti-distortion, three adjustable noise cancellation levels, and three recording modes: mono, stereo, and safety track.

    3. The microphone boasts an impressive battery life of 40 hours and allows users to adjust settings through a companion app.

    4. The S70 can transmit signals up to 984 feet in open spaces and includes nine built-in EQ presets and automatic clipping protection.

    5. Priced at $89.99, the SmallRig S70 is targeted at content creators, streamers, and professionals, providing a compact and versatile audio solution.

    SmallRig, a prominent manufacturer of solutions for content creation, has introduced its latest compact wireless microphone, the S70. This new addition goes head-to-head with competitors like the DJI Mic mini and the Insta360 Mic Air.

    Design and Features

    The S70 comes in a sleek metallic body and is designed to be both compact and lightweight, weighing only 8.7 grams. In comparison, the DJI Mic Mini is slightly heavier at 10.7 grams. According to SmallRig’s press release, the microphone has been fine-tuned by Grammy Award-winning engineer Luca Bignardi to deliver professional sound quality with 360° clarity. The S70 is aimed at content creators, streamers, and professionals, boasting a 48 kHz sampling rate, 24-bit depth, a signal-to-noise ratio of 70 dB, and a maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of 120 dB.

    Advanced Functionality

    Notably, the microphone comes equipped with features such as automatic limiting, anti-distortion, and three levels of noise cancellation that can be adjusted based on your surroundings. Additionally, it has physical buttons that allow users to activate noise cancellation and start video recordings. It also provides three recording modes: mono, stereo, and safety track. The safety track records an extra -6 dB backup to avoid audio clipping during sudden loud sounds.

    Battery Life and Connectivity

    In terms of battery performance, the S70 wireless microphone offers an impressive 40 hours of operation, making it suitable for long recording sessions. Similar to the DJI Mic Mini, users can adjust settings on the new wireless microphone through a companion app. The receiver can transmit signals up to 984 feet in open spaces without any obstacles or interference. Other notable features include nine built-in EQ presets, easy one-tap switching, automatic clipping protection, and a gain preset that ensures compatibility with various devices.

    The SmallRig S70 wireless microphone is available for $89.99 and can be purchased directly from SmallRig’s official website or at B&H Photo.

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