As always, NAB was full of exciting filmmaking announcements. We had a blast learning more about new cameras, gimbal stabilizers, and even octocopter! Not everyone can make it to Vegas for the show, so we put together a NAB 2014 recap with you in mind. Watch us get our hands on the new DJI Ronin stabilizer, learn about AJA’s surprise new 4K CION camera, get details about Panasonic’s 4K GH4, along with a couple of surprises!
Freefly Updates the MoVI M10 to M15, Debuts MoVI M5
We stopped by the Freefly Booth to check out the new MoVI ring and to get all the details about the M15. The M15 is essentially an upgrade to the MoVI M10, and the improvements allow the MoVI to carry a little extra weight. The MoVI ring is pretty cool because it allows for easier handoffs and also might help with weight distribution.
New 4K AJA CION Camera
AJA surprised everyone this year with the announcement of their very first camera, the 4K CION. Since we knew basically nothing about the camera going in, we had a lot of questions for AJA. The camera is still being tweaked and refined, so there weren’t always clear answers, but we certainly look forward to hearing more about the camera as it gets closer to release!
Blackmagic URSA and Studio Cameras
The Blackmagic URSA is one of our most favorite things from this year’s NAB. They added a lot of features that were missing from previous Blackmagic cameras. Filmmakers will definitely enjoy the ergonomic body, audio monitoring, and large 10″ screen. Not bad for only $6K!
Blackmagic’s Studio Cameras definitely intrigue us, but we still haven’t quite figured out their market. We imagine the cameras will be popular for closed-circuit TV (such as schools) or for live-streaming worship services, for example.
The Panasonic 4K GH4 DSLR
The Panasonic GH4 is one of the most exciting DSLRs to be released for video since Canon’s 5D. We love the YAGH box, the ability to output full 4:2:2 10-bit 4K, as well as the XLR inputs it gives you. Panasonic really listened to what filmmakers wanted in a video DSLR.
It is expected to begin shipping sometime this April or May.
The ARRI AMIRA Cinema Camera
The ARRI AMIRA has been touted as an “ENG ALEXA”, but you shouldn’t limit it’s usefulness just to that. ARRI took the time to show us the versatility of the AMIRA but showing us different configurations including a “cinematic” AMIRA.
DJI’s S1000 Octocopter & the Ronin Gimbal Stabilizer
DJI’s quadcopter for GoPro cameras has been a HUGE hit over the past few years. It gave indie filmmakers and an extremely low-budget way to get sweeping aerial shots. This year, their S1000 Octocopter for Canon 5D is making a big splash. While it is considerably more expensive than the GoPro drone (around $6500), it’s much more of a professional tool. Great news if you already own a Phantom and want to move up to the S1000: flying should be just as easy, if not easier because the controls are much more precise.
DJI has also unveiled the Ronin Stabilizer, called by some a “MoVI Killer”. It’s about a third of the price of the MoVI but can still hold a stripped-down RED EPIC package. It also does a few things that the MoVI doesn’t, such as go from underslung to overslung. This was absolutely one of our most favorite things at NAB. The only hesitation we have is that we did not get a chance to use the remote. We were super impressed with the quality of the DJI Ronin, but want to wait until we get to use the remote control to say exactly how much we love it.
While there were other things announced at NAB, we tried to stick with our favorite new products. We hope you enjoyed reading nearly as much as we enjoyed our time at NAB!
