NAB is just around the corner, but before we get swept up in the excitement, let’s break down the new product releases of this week. Nikon announced the Z5 II mirrorless camera. 7artisans and Viltrox gave us some new lenses. Aputure introduced a high-output moonlight. Sennheiser dropped a new adaptable stereo microphone.
Nikon Upgrades to the Z5 II
Nikon unveiled the Z5 II, the second version of its FX-format mirrorless camera. This iteration expands the full-frame sensor to a 24.5MP BSI-CMOS size and upgrades the processor to an EXPEED 7, facilitating UHD 4K30 video recording. Advanced autofocus with improved low-light performance can detect up to 9 subjects from people to birds down to -10EV. Up to 7.5 stops of built-in image stabilization ensure handheld shooting does not negatively affect your final product.
Monitor your images with the immersive EVF and its 3000 cd/m² maximum brightness. The Z5 II maintains the same camera-to-cloud workflow capabilities as its processor with access to Nikon’s Imaging Cloud service. Nikon SnapBridge allows you to transfer photos and videos directly to your mobile device. Dual SD UHS-II memory card slots make for high-speed and efficient file saving.
The new camera is also available in two lens bundle options: one with the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens and the other with the NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens.
7artisans Photoelectric Brings Macro to the Spectrum Series
7artisans Photoelectric has given us a macro version of their Spectrum series lens. The Spectrum 120mm T2.9 Full-Frame 2x Macro Lens is designed to capture detailed macro shots with 2x magnification for stunning close-ups. The lens comes in Sony E, Leica L, Canon RF, and Nikon Z mount versions and covers full-frame camera sensors for an 11.8” minimum working distance.
A T2.9 aperture and 13-blade iris help create a shallow depth-of-field, improved low-light performance, and a circular bokeh highly desired by cine shooters. Easily pull focus thanks to the 270° focus throw with feet and meter markings. Attach filters and matte boxes to the 82mm front filter thread for greater control over your image.
Viltrox Provides Versatility
One of the most highly desired focal lengths for its shooting flexibility is the 50mm. Whether you’re shooting portraits or social media content, the Viltrox AF 50mm f/2 FE Lens has got you covered. The prime features quick and quiet autofocus facilitated by its STM focus motor for both photo and video shooting. An f/2 maximum aperture succeeds in low-light environments while internal extra-low dispersion, high-refractive, and aspherical lens elements reduce optical aberration and image distortion.
Exif data transmission is supported by the lens. An internal focusing mechanism optimizes its performance for gimbals and other support systems. The lens is available in both Sony E and Nikon Z mounts.
Aputure Delivers High-Output Light
The newest addition to Aputure’s STORM lineup is here: the STORM XT52 Point-Source Full-White LED Monolight. Designed for large-scale productions, the light offers a 5200W output with CCT from 25400 to 10,000K. A BLAIR chipset provides accurate color reproduction with a CRI and TLCI of >96. Seamlessly integrate the XT52 into mixed-lighting environments thanks to its advanced white-point control.
Advanced connectivity options on the fixture include Sidus Link app control, LumenRadio CRMX, Art-Net, sACN via etherCON, and 16-bit DMX512 I/O for integration with your preexisting workflow. The fixture comes with a bare ends cable for users to customize their plug solution.
Attach heavy-duty modifiers to the fixture like the CF14 Motorized Fresnel with its electronic Aputure mount for stability, durability, color accuracy, and support for motorized focus control. A stackable lamp head and removeable manual yoke allow you to easily store the unit when not in use.
Sennheiser Brings Adaptable Audio to Set
Sennheiser released the MKH 8018 Stereo Shotgun Microphone for directional audio capture in virtually any production environment, from studio set to documentary production. The microphone has a push-pull transducer design and low-tension diaphragm for a 40 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response and high sensitivity recording. Switch between three pickup patterns depending on your recording environment to adapt to the world around you.
Mid-Side Mode captures separate mid and side signals for control over your stereo width, which can be adjusted dynamically to suit the scene. XY-Narrow Mode provides a tighter stereo pickup with enhanced off-axis rejection for greater precision. XY-Wide Mode extends the stereo pickup, allowing for more ambient noise capture. Audio recording remains transparent thanks to the microphone’s low nonlinear distortion. An extended pass response captures full-spectrum sound and low self-noise ensures even the most subtle sounds are recorded.
In other news…
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amaran introduced new lightweight mobile lighting panels in 120c and 60c sizes and charcoal and white colorways, allowing content creators to properly light their recordings on the go.
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Sony BRAVIA TVs got an intelligent boost with the new 4K HDR Smart LED TV lineup. Ranging from 50” to 98”, the TVs are now equipped with a Google TV interface for intuitive streaming from your favorite platforms.
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Profoto’s reflector lineup is now coming with white interiors to soften the light effect of your compatible fixtures. Choose between strip, rectangular, and Octa softbox shapes and various sizes.
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ProGrade entered the SSD market with the new PG10.5 Pro Mini External and PG30 Ultra Portable SSDs. The PG10.5 SSDs are available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB variations and can accommodate maximum read speeds up to 4000 MB/s. The PG30 SSDs are available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB variations and can accommodate maximum read speeds up to 1000 MB/s.
That’s all for this week! Check back next week for exciting news, releases, and product announcements.
