Suppose you're a solo content creator or working as part of a small team. In that case, you know all too well the pain and heartbreak of post-shoot footage not living up to the moment — whether it's a framing issue, running short on B-roll, losing the light, a misjudged angle, or damaged equipment calling an early end to the action.

An editing bay helmed by real talent can do wonders in these moments, especially if you're sitting in front of one of our best video editing laptops.

However, the right camera can save you many of these headaches from the get-go. And when it comes to editing, forget wonders and start believing in magic.

Today, Insta360, the world's best-selling 360-degree camera brand (which you may be familiar with through the iconic Link series that charts in our roundup of the best webcams), brings that hardware to you with the all-new X5 — available to order now, through the official Insta360 Store and Amazon for $549.

Dubbed "The toughest 360-degree camera ever," the X5 shoots in 360-degree 8K and is outfitted with high-strength, scratch-resistant glass lenses that make sure "groundbreaking" stays metaphorically true to the footage you capture, and not the literal state of your equipment after an inevitable tumble.

While the X5's dual-capture InstaFrame mode steals the show, shooting both traditionally framed video and 360-degree footage at the same time, a clever ability to sync with Apple and Garmin smartwatches offers a HUD-like overlay for videos, capturing all of the action in a way that gives you serious main character energy, straight out of a video game.

Insta360 X5: Main character energy

One of the coolest features tucked away in the Insta360 X5's back pocket is its ability to sync with Apple and Garmin smartwatch data to overlay a live HUD onto footage, tracking everything from top speeds to calories burned.

The result? Footage that doesn't just look good, but like it was pulled directly from the hard drive of a game console two generations from now. Your next snowboarding run suddenly channels the SSX Tricky remake of your dreams, and that casual skatepark session suddenly plays like a level from Tony Hawk's Pro Skater (sadly, without the gravity-defying physics).

It's not just for style points, either. Having real-time metrics baked into your video offers more fuel to the fire when it comes to making dynamic edits, helps you track your progress visually, and makes your content all the more engaging — there's a reason that Twitch streamers stay buried among UI elements all day long, after all.

Insta360 X5: A content creator's best friend, and an editor's dream

With its InstaFrame ability to capture flat and full 360-degree footage simultaneously, the X5 is an editor's dream.

Each shot results in a ready-to-post, auto-framed, PureVideo-enhanced capture with crisp detail — even in challenging low-light conditions.

However, it's that secondary 360-degree footage that works like a cure-all to every editing headache you can imagine, offering all the freedom to reframe subjects, add dramatic pans, flip perspectives in a heartbeat, and salvage any shoot with endless potential from your all-angle captures.

It's like having a multi-camera setup perched atop your selfie stick at all times, with its footage allowing you to perform the kind of magic that sees you pulling an infinite number of rabbits out of the hat from a single recording.

Factor in the powerful tools available through the revamped Insta360 app and Insta360 Studio for desktop, and you can further up your editing game with one-tap Dewarp to remove the fishbowl effect of 360-degree footage for more natural shots.

While the X5's 8K 30fps captures can be manually edited, you can also fully automate the process through Shot Lab with over 40 AI-powered templates ready to handle the heavy lifting for you.

Outlook

Whether you're filming for followers, your feed, or just your own personal dopamine drip, the Insta360 X5 is a powerful camera that doesn't just capture the moment, it captures the context surrounding it — giving you the digital deity-like power to reshape your footage around it in post.

Between its HUD overlays, InstaFrame simultaneous capture, FlowState stabilization with 360-degree Horizon Lock, IP68 waterproof rating to 49 feet, and a new "twist-to-shoot" feature that allows you to twist the device back and forth to begin shooting, the X5 is a solo creator's dream come true.

With the post-production power to forgive a hundred cinema sins, the X5 is less of a camera and more of a film crew condensed into a device small enough to slip into a pocket. One that knows you're the main character, and makes sure your footage says so too.

The term "smart home" seems rather quaint in 2024; almost every device you can get for the home nowadays has the potential to offer some internet or home hub integration. However, dedicated smart home devices that focus on unifying your home's smart controls or offering monitored security are still very popular.

Our time at CES 2025 brought one such device to our attention and earned our Laptop Laurel award for smart homes in the process: Aqara's Presence Sensor (FP300), a multiband sensor for the home that can run on just two CR2450 coin cell batteries.

Best smart home of CES 2025: Aqara Presence Sensor FP300

The smart home is a plugged-in world. Cameras, motion detectors, chargers, and more: Most need an outlet to work.

That’s what makes the Presence Multi-Sensor FP300 from smart home firm Aqara, which debuted at CES 2025, such a gem.

This Matter-enabled motion sensor can detect changes in light, temperature, microwave, and humidity runs on two CR2450 coin cell batteries, enabling you to stick it anywhere you'd like and not worry about the battery for two years. It’s something customers have been asking for since the debut of the wired Presence FP 2 sensor.

“A lot of our friends say that they wanted to install [a motion sensor] in another room without a power supply, and with the FP300, you can do that without a socket,” an Aqara rep tells Laptop Mag.

The battery-powered presence sensor will ship in the spring of 2025, and while company reps couldn’t give Laptop Mag a hard number on price, one said it will cost less than the FP2, which is $85.

Apple might be pushing further into the world of smart home gadgets.

According to reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in a Medium post, "Apple is making its first foray into the smart home IP camera market." That means you might soon be able to ditch third-party solutions from Eve and Logitech, which Apple currently recommends in its online shop, in lieu of a first-party option that'll undoubtedly integrate better with other Apple products.

Kuo says Apple's long-term goal when it comes to annual shipments is "10+ million units for this product line." Unfortunately, you'll likely have to wait until 2026 to get your hands on a smart camera from Apple.

Could Apple cams leapfrog existing smart cams?

Apple launches consistent model updates for its iPhones, MacBooks, and other devices. But for new products, the company tends to work slowly. It took a while for Apple to break into the AI space, but their steadily paced efforts paid off. I'm hoping it'll be the same story for the company's rumored smart camera and other smart home gadgets.

Despite existing smart camera brands having been around for years, perfecting their products over time, I think Apple could break into the space immediately as a winner.

That's purely due to one thing: the ecosystem.

Some smart camera companies tend to integrate with Apple HomeKit fairly well, like ecobee, Eufy, and Logitech, while others only offer Siri integration or nothing at all. With a proprietary Apple smart camera, iPhone users and those using Apple HomeKit would have unmatched native integration.

Kuo seems to agree as well, writing "I believe the user experience will be significantly enhanced by Apple's great ecosystem and deep integration with Apple Intelligence and Siri.

However, one thing could potentially hold an Apple cam back, especially compared to popular options like Blink smart cams. I'm talking about that exorbitant price tag that usually gets tacked onto Apple products.

Blink's most popular cameras tend to range between $50 and $100, sometimes even cheaper when they're on sale, and it seems unlikely that Apple would launch smart cameras in this price range.

That said, the native integration Apple would offer might be well worth it for many customers. Both of Amazon's smart camera brands — Blink and Ring — don't currently integrate with Apple HomeKit, and I think the launch of smart Apple cams could cause Blink and Ring sales to drop drastically, despite the potential price difference.

In 2013, Google set off a firestorm of privacy objections when it strapped a camera to people's faces with the release of Google Glass. In 2024, much of the scopophobia surrounding camera lenses has been evaporated from society as we became more used to the presence of smartphones and our social media-spearheaded snap-happy culture — to which the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses undoubtedly owe a portion of its success.

However, much like Gen Z's successful revivals of analog tech, flared jeans, and velour, two Harvard students are bringing back the fear of face-worn cameras after showcasing a piece of facial recognition tech that can identify the names, addresses, and phone numbers of strangers at a glance.

The project, called I-XRAY, was showcased on X earlier this week, showing how effective it is in snaring the identity of passersby. The tool was built by students AnhPhu Nguyen and Caine Ardayfio who sought to highlight privacy concerns by demonstrating how easily readily available resources (like Ray-Ban Meta's smart glasses, LLMs, and public databases) can be used, or misused, to extract people's personal information from online sources.

I-XRAY: How it works (and how to protect yourself)

While I-XRAY seems like some nefarious, underhanded means of doxing regular folk, it's actually making use of publicly available data and resources to do much of the heavy lifting.

The tool itself is designed to educate, rather than exploit, and won't be released to the public. However, Nguyen and Ardayfio reveal the pipeline by which I-XRAY works its magic, along with guidance on how to protect yourself against this type of tracking.

I-XRAY uses a camera feed from a pair of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which is streamed to Instagram. This feed is then used to snare captures of a person's face, which is then sent to a reverse image search engine like PimEyes or FaceCheck.

When a match is found, I-XRAY uses an LLM to scrape any URLs for further information about a subject such as name, occupation, age, etc. This data is then fed into another search engine such as FastPeopleSearch, to expand the amount of data collected. The data found here can include phone numbers, home addresses, and even relatives — most of which are sourced from public records and social media profiles.

Finally, the tool attempts to match social security numbers (SSNs) to any phone numbers gathered in the above process, using free and public services like Cloaked to see if an SSN has been compromised in past data breaches before validating the full SSN with the results.

While that seems terrifying enough, more frightening is the speed at which this is done, with the original video showcasing the tool being used in real-time on a public subway. Ultimately concerning is the fact that all of the information it can scrape about an individual is pulled freely and easily from the web.

So what can you do to prevent falling foul of such tactics? Well, luckily, quite a bit. Though it may be time-consuming.

Nguyen and Ardayfio list several sites and services they made use of in the building of I-XRAY, all of which offer free services to remove yourself from their databases. The links shared by the duo are found below.

• PimEyes: How to remove images from results
• FaceCheck: How to delete your photos from FaceCheck Search Engine
• FastPeopleSearch: Remove Your Record From the FastPeopleSearch Database
• Instant Check Mate: User Data Tools

A more lengthier process involves removing your information from a wider source of data brokers.

How to stop Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses from using your data

Owners of Meta's smart glasses or spotters of them in public can breathe a sigh of relief, as while these smart glasses are used in the process, they're by no means a part of the intended use for the device.

In fact, any camera-touting pair of smart glasses would fit into I-XRAY's pipeline, or any camera for that matter. Meta's smart glasses are just a readily available piece of technology that offers hands-free capture potential due to its live streaming potential.

Still, there is plenty of skepticism surrounding Meta's glasses when it comes to privacy and data collection — albeit far less than the flak Google Glass was subjected to.

Whether that's a sign of the times, I can't say for sure. But I can say that there's a fair reason for some users to be concerned, especially after the company confirmed to Tech Crunch that it uses images and video shared with Meta AI for future model training.

However, as a rule of thumb, unless otherwise explicitly stated, almost all interactions with AI models should come with the expectation that conversations and actions will be used for training purposes nowadays.

Thankfully, while interactions with the company's AI should be performed with the knowledge that results may turn into training data, Meta's glasses do allow you to disable the sharing of additional data, voice data, and the removal of activities through its Meta View partner app.

Of course, for those still wanting additional peace of mind, there's always the option to turn off the power switch for the glasses when they're not actively in use, found on the left-hand temple hinge of each pair.

Not only is this one of the ways Meta recommends respecting other's privacy in sensitive spaces but it also helps to maintain battery life for longer periods.

More from Laptop Mag

• Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses review: A glimpse into what glasses could be
• What are smart glasses? Yesteryear’s ‘next big thing’ is finally finding an audience
• Why smart glasses will be the death of VR headsets

The Reolink Altas PT Ultra changed my mind about smart home cameras.

I’ll admit that I’ve been hesitant to try one due to privacy concerns. Stories of smart home cameras and speakers being hacked or hijacked are relatively rare but concerning nonetheless. The idea of having a camera recording my home 24/7 while connected to the cloud never made me feel safer.

If you’re in the same boat, the Reolink Altas PT Ultra might be the right smart home camera to ease those worries. It puts privacy and security first with encrypted, local video storage that even Reolink itself can’t access.

It also features full-color night vision, which is a colorful surprise if you're used to the night vision that some Nest home cameras provide — a black-and-white color inversion that gives a ghostly Paranormal Activity vibe.

In addition to the surprisingly colorful night vision, the Reolink Altas PT Ulrtra is supported by a robust app, a speaker and mic for communication, and 4K continuous recording.

I set up the Reolink Altas PT Ultra in my apartment before leaving for IFA Berlin. Whenever you’re leaving home for a week or more, it’s usually a good idea to have some way of keeping an eye on your place.

I wasn’t expecting a break-in, but knowing I would get an alert from the Altas PT Ultra if any motion was detected in my apartment gave me the peace of mind to focus on covering all the exciting tech announcements coming out of IFA, where Laptop Mag gave the Reolink Altas PT Ultra our award for Best Smart Home Launch.

If you want an alternative to cloud-connected smart home cameras with pricey subscription fees, the Reolink Altas PT Ultra should be at the top of your list. Here’s an inside look at my experience testing it and some key features you should know about before buying one for your home.

Reolink Altas PT Ultra: Price and specs

The Reolink Altas PT Ultra costs $209.99 for the camera by itself or $229.99 for a bundle that includes a 6-watt solar panel to keep the camera charged. My review configuration included the solar panel. I’d recommend choosing the bundle with it since it allows you to place the camera anywhere without worrying too often about manually recharging it.

The Reolink Altas PT Ultra features a 4K, 360-degree continuous recording with full-color ColorX night vision and motion tracking for people, pets, and vehicles. It’s powered by a 20,000 mAh battery that can be recharged manually or connected to the optional 6-watt solar panel.

It’s important to note that the Reolink Altas PT Ultra does not charge monthly subscription fees, not even for video storage. It uses local storage only through an onboard microSD card or a Reolink Home Hub wireless security center, which supports up to 1TB of local storage via two 512 GB card slots.

Unlike most other smart home cameras, the Altas PT Ultra doesn’t require a cloud subscription to store and access footage. Any local footage you store, whether on the camera or a Reolink Home Hub, is private and encrypted, so even Reolink can’t access it.

Technically, any security camera can be hacked, but keeping my camera’s footage off the cloud was a big step in the right direction. Encrypting the footage protects against hackers or even a physical break-in (e.g., the SD card getting stolen).

Reolink Altas PT Ultra: Design

The Reolink Altas PT Ultra has a relatively standard smart home security camera design, but some things are worth pointing out. It’s designed to be mounted from the top or the back, but the included metal mounting plates give you some flexibility for mounting it at different angles or even “upside down” (as I did during my testing). The Reolink app allows you to adjust the video feed so your footage matches the orientation of your camera, regardless of how you mount it.

You’ll find a speaker and a covered USB Type-C port on the bottom of the camera's main body. The speaker is used to give automated messages (like the initial startup instructions), and you can talk through it using the app. So, if you have the Altas PT Ultra set up on your back porch, you could use it to ask your kids to come inside for dinner. If you put it on your front porch, you could use the speaker like an intercom or doorbell if you have motion detection notifications.

The primary camera is a rotating orb with a lens on one side surrounded by the Altas’s sensors (so be careful not to cover those areas when setting up the camera accidentally). On the bottom of the “orb,” you’ll find a small covered port for a microSD card.

There isn’t one in the box, but you can order a 512GB microSD card on Amazon for less than $40. You don’t need to install one for the camera to work, but without a microSD card (or Reolink Home Hub), the camera won’t have anywhere to store footage.

The Altas PT Ultra also has a USB Type-C cable to recharge the camera. It’s battery-powered, so it doesn’t need to be installed near an outlet or power source. That gives you some extra freedom, but it also means you may need to be creative about either taking the camera down to recharge it or placing it somewhere you can run a charging cable occasionally.

The easiest solution is to spend the extra $20 for the bundle with the camera and solar panel, so you don’t have to worry about recharging. I live in Pittsburgh, where it’s often overcast, but even I had no issues powering the Altas PT Ultra entirely off solar power. So, as long as you install it somewhere where the solar panel can get some natural light (indoors or outside), you shouldn’t have to worry about recharging the camera manually.

Even if you opt for manually recharging the Altas PT Ultra, you shouldn’t have to do so too often. The 20,000 mAh battery can last 96 hours with continuous recording turned on, but if you set the camera to only record when motion is detected, it can last several days or more between charges.

Reolink Altas PT Ultra: Setup

Setting up the Reolink Altas PT Ultra only took me a few minutes. The quick start guide included in the box should be all you need to get up and running. You start by lifting the rubber “Type-C/Power” cover on the bottom of the camera and pressing the button inside. After holding it down for a moment, you should hear a voiceover instructing you to download the Reolink app.

Once you have the app downloaded, open it, go to the “Camera” tab, and tap the plus sign button in the top right corner. Allow the app to access your camera and use it to scan the QR code sticker you should find right next to the “Type-C/Power” port on the bottom of the camera (I covered my QR code in our review photos for the sake of privacy).

After pairing your camera in the app, you can connect it to your wifi network and adjust any recording settings you want to change (such as whether you want continuous recording turned on or off).

Don’t forget to turn on notifications so you’ll know when the camera detects motion or when its battery is running low. If you have a Reolink Home Hub, you can also connect your camera to that through the Reolink app.

Reolink Altas PT Ultra: App

You can use the Reolink app to view a live feed from the Altas PT Ultra and adjust recording and video settings. Once your camera is set up in the Reolink app, its live feed and settings are under the “Camera” tab (if you have other Reolink cameras, those will also show up here).

After selecting the Altas PT Ultra from the “Camera” menu, you’ll see a live feed, camera controls, the talk button, and playback for any recently recorded footage.

Tap the gear icon in the top right corner to access the Altas PT Ultra’s settings. Here, you’ll find options for notifications, recording modes, connectivity, and more. For instance, you can change when you want the camera to record.

I changed mine from continuous recording to only recording when motion is detected to save file storage space. I also turned on notifications for motion detection. Both worked flawlessly during my testing.

I appreciate that you can control every aspect of the Altas PT Ultra’s recording capabilities via the app. For example, when I was doing a test run for this review before leaving for IFA Berlin, I sat the Altas PT Ultra on a window sill, so it was technically “upside down.”

I could flip the video orientation in the app so the live feed and recorded footage were right-side up. This allows you to mount the camera anywhere you want, even in spots that might require an unusual angle.

The parts of the Reolink app I used the most were the live feed and settings for my camera, but some other features are available. You can access customer support info, share footage clips, register your camera to get a free warranty extension, view products in the Reolink store, and connect and control other cloud and IoT devices.

I found the Reolink app fairly straightforward to navigate, but some camera controls might be slightly confusing since they are not labeled. For instance, a button is only marked as “PTZ.” That stands for “Pan, Tilt, Zoom,” which refers to physically controlling where the camera is pointed, but users who are new to cameras or smart home gear might not know that at a glance. So, it may have been helpful for the camera controls to have better labels in the app or an optional tutorial.

Reolink Altas PT Ultra: Video quality

The Reolink Altas PT Ultra features 4K continuous recording, so the video quality is some of the best on the market. Daylight shots are clear with good details and none of the “fish bowl” curvature some other security cameras have. It looks just like if I were to set up a regular video camera or my phone and leave it recording in my apartment.

The Altas PT Ultra also had good autofocus during my testing. To see how it handled objects closer to the camera, I ran part of the charging cable along the base of the camera so it was just an inch or two away. The focus stayed on everything beyond that intrusive wire, though. So, if debris gets stuck on your camera in a storm, it won’t mess with your footage (unless the lens is completely covered, of course).

One of my favorite features of the Altas PT Ultra is Reolink’s ColorX night vision. Most smart home cameras can only provide black-and-white or green-tinted night vision, but that’s not the case with the Altas PT Ultra.

ColorX night vision allows the Altas PT Ultra to record dark shots in bright, full color so you can see everything as clearly as you would in full daylight. This feature can be a lifesaver regardless of where the camera is installed. 

For instance, my apartment is rarely completely dark, but it was nice knowing that if anything happened, like a power outage, the footage from my camera would still be clear. Plus, the Altas PT Ultra would still be able to record any movement during a power outage since it’s battery-powered and uses local storage.

Reolink’s full-color 4K night vision is an especially powerful feature if you’re specifically looking for a smart camera for home security. FBI data shows that 44% of property crimes happen at night. Full-color night vision ensures you won’t miss any details that could potentially help catch or stop burglaries and break-in attempts after dark. 

Even if crime isn’t much of a concern for you, this feature is also handy for keeping an eye on your pets or kids playing outside at night. If you’re using the camera indoors to monitor family or pets, the high-quality night vision ensures you won’t miss any potential issues, such as an elderly family member falling at night. 

To really test out the ColorX night vision, I captured two similar shots with the same colorful Funko Pop figure for reference. One shot was taken in my well-lit work area where I capture review photos. The other was taken in a completely dark closet. You can see the two shots side by side above along with the darkened test setup I used to capture the night vision shot. At a glance, you'd be forgiven for thinking both were taken in daylight! 

Fabrice Klohoun, Marketing Communication Director at Reolink, tells Laptop Mag, "The ColorX technology is a combination of software and hardware. On the hardware side, we have a lens at 1.0 aperture that allows [the camera] to absorb a lot of light... With all that light the camera's absorbing, it can be processed [on-device] with our own camera algorithms into a super clear image for users."

Bottom line

The Reolink Altas PT Ultra is a feature-packed smart home camera that’s great for home security and watching over family indoors and outdoors. Its full-color ColorX night vision, 4K continuous recording, and emphasis on private local video storage set it apart.

At $229.99, it may cost a bit more than some other smart home cameras, but you’ll never have to worry about paying a monthly subscription fee to record or access footage from your camera.

Whether you want to protect your home, keep an eye on elderly relatives, or watch out for your pets and kids, this smart home camera is up to the task. A robust app allows you full control over your camera and features for quick communication through the camera.

However, the app's camera controls could have been labeled better for easier navigation. The battery-powered design could also be a drawback for some because it requires you to either recharge the camera manually or connect it to the optional solar panel.

Despite those drawbacks, the Altas PT Ultra is easily recommended thanks to its high-quality footage, full-color night vision, effective motion detection, and private local storage.

"We think smart security is for everybody," Fabrice Klohoun, Marketing Communication Director at Reolink, tells Laptop Mag.

I spoke with Klohoun just before Reolink's keynote presentation at IFA Berlin on September 6, when it launched its latest, and most powerful, smart home security camera, the Altas PT Ultra.

The sleek white camera was front-and-center at the Reolink booth with multiple trophies displayed alongside it, including a Laptop Laurels award for best smart home debut at IFA Berlin 2024.

The Altas PT Ultra has the basic features you'd expect from a smart home security camera, but it takes things a step further in a few critical ways that make it stand out from the crowd. Those features include Reolink's ColorX night vision, a robust mobile app, continuous recording, and completely private local storage for the Altas's 4K video footage. 

This powerful set of features, along with Reolink's unique approach to video storage and security, has earned the Altas PT Ultra Laptop Mag's best smart home debut award at IFA Berlin 2024. 

How Reolink is making smart home security cameras smarter — and more secure

Local storage, rather than cloud storage, was one of the first features of the Altas PT Ultra that caught my attention. Unlike most other smart home security cameras, Reolink doesn't require any monthly subscription for cloud storage.

All of the Altas PT Ultra's footage is stored locally on an SD card within the camera. Users have complete control over their camera and its footage, which is completely inaccessible to Reolink. 

So, if you've heard the unnerving stories about smart home cameras getting hacked and you're concerned about your security camera footage remaining private, Reolink's data strategy could be the perfect solution. You can even password-protect the SD card you install within your camera. 

Plus, you won't have to worry about renewing a pricey monthly subscription fee to maintain access to your stored footage. For Reolink, the decision to opt for local over cloud storage was about user convenience. 

Klohoun explained, "We've always listened to our users and we know a lot of people are interested in having flexibility, in storing their footage locally instead of having it in the cloud because it's easier for them to access it whenever they want it and view that footage, stream it even." 

Reolink's software plays a major role here. The company's app allows you to view a live feed from the Altas PT Ultra, control the camera, adjust video settings, and even talk through the camera. The app will also give you notifications whenever movement is detected. The Altas PT Ultra can track people, pets, and objects and you can set it up to alert you only for certain types of movement.

If the camera is recording at night or in a dark room, Reolink's ColorX night vision allows you to view it as if the space is in normal daylight. That's right — no black-and-white or dim green-tinted night footage. The Altas PT Ultra's night vision is in full color. That could be a lifesaver if you get a security notification at night or just want to keep an eye on your dog when you let it outside after dark.

You can install the Altas PT Ultra wherever you want since it's battery-powered. A single charge can provide 12 hours of continuous recording per day for up to 8 days, but you can also connect the camera to one of Reolink's solar panels to recharge the batteries autonomously.

The Reolink Altas PT Ultra puts users first with private local storage, next-gen night vision, a robust app, and communication features that make this smart home security camera about more than just security. Whether you want to keep an eye on your kids or elderly relatives, want an extra set of eyes on the backyard, or want to keep your home safe indoors and out, the Altas PT Ultra is up to the task.

Reolink paid for travel and accommodations for IFA Berlin. The company did not see the contents of this article before publication. 

Laptop Mag's IFA Berlin 2024 Issue celebrates one of the world's longest-running consumer tech expos, Germany's own Internationale FunkAusstellung Berlin.

Our on-the-ground team will bring you all the news emerging from the showroom floor of Messe Berlin and highlight the best in consumer tech as we announce our inaugural Laptop Laurel winners for best-in-show products.

Head over to Laptop Mag's IFA Berlin 2024 Issue for more coverage.

I have had these Amaran lights for two days, and move over, family! There’s a new light of my life. Amaran sent me the Amaran 300c and Amaran PTC2C, two prosumer light bars that carry the torch of Aperature’s design legacy all over them. Unboxing them was a breeze; you can tell just by handling them that they’re seriously hardy and built to last. 

The Amaran PT2C RGB Tube light kit ($598) came in a nifty carrying case, and once I plugged them in to charge, I couldn’t resist passing the time by letting my inner child control my outer child by pretending to be a Jedi Knight. The Amaran 300c ($569) comes in a seriously pro-looking styrofoam-like case – and when you open it, you instantly know you just leveled up your light rig. 

I immediately downloaded the Sidus app and set up each light while designing my space. This also meant breaking it all down first. However, I am happy to say it can be done quickly and without hassle. Let’s quickly dive into my first few days with this content creator lighting setup. 

Amaran PT2C

I just got my hands on the Amaran PT2C, and let me tell you, this little guy is packed with potential. It's a 2-foot-long LED tube light with some pretty cool features, especially for those of us who love getting creative with lighting.

First, the size is perfect. It's long enough to be useful as a key light or backlight for smaller setups but still compact and lightweight for travel or run-and-gun shoots. Plus, it's powered by a built-in battery, which means one less cable to worry about — no more scrambling for outlets in the middle of a shoot!

Speaking of creativity, the PT2C truly shines in this area. It has eight built-in pixels that you can control individually using the free Sidus Link app or DMX if you need more advanced control. This opens a world of possibilities for creating custom lighting effects, like fire, lightning, or even police car lights. Imagine the possibilities for product close-ups or adding some drama to a scene.

Wrapping up, this sweet little PT2C kit has everything you need to get started — including a power adapter to plug into the wall and keep the party going when the built-in batteries run dry. The whole kit is built to be efficient — each tube sips just 18W of power and can share the same power adapter. So, if you're looking for a powerful and portable two-light kit that won't break the bank, the Amaran PT2C is worth checking out.

Amaran 300c

In my short time with the Amaran 300c RGB LED, I immediately recognized that it is a powerful and versatile light source for content creators, filmmakers, and photographers. It completely changed and leveled up the lighting in my space. Also, it’s so stylish that I could use it as an everyday apartment lighting fixture. 

The Amaran 300c features a curved lamp head design with built-in handles for easy positioning and portability. Most controls are located on the head, which might be inconvenient if you use the light while mounted high up. However, the Sidus Link app allows you to control your smartphone remotely via Bluetooth.

The 300c boasts a wide CCT range of 2500K to 7500K and high CRI/TLCI scores of 95+ for exceptional color accuracy. It outputs up to 26,580 lux at 3.3 feet with the included reflector and offers nine special effects for creative lighting. You can precisely control the light intensity with step-less dimming from 0 to 100%.

During my time at NAB, I was very impressed by the silent cooling, which makes the 300c suitable for sound-sensitive environments. The compact and lightweight design allows for easy setup in tight spaces. The Bowens mount compatibility opens up a world of light modifiers to achieve various lighting effects. The 300c runs on AC power or optional V-mount batteries, making it ideal for studio and outdoor use.

Final thoughts

Proper lighting matters just as much as audio and the right camera when creating content. I have had to spend countless hours in post attempting to fix lighting digitally, which takes up a great deal of time.

These lighting options from Amaran lean heavily into Apurture’s legacy of high-quality lighting with excellent features and sturdy design. Anyone looking to level up their lighting should take a long and serious look at the Amaran PT2C and 300c from Amaran.

I've been playing around with the new DJI RS 4 gimbal for a few days now, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer for mirrorless camera shooters. This is a modest update to the previous RS 3 model, but it packs some clever improvements that make filming a breeze.

For starters, the RS 4 costs the same as the RS 3 ($549) and delivers the same fantastic stabilization — smooth, shake-free handheld footage that looks like it was shot on a Steadicam.  But the magic touch is in the details. The vertical video support is a welcome addition, and no more fussing with extra accessories to get those 9:16 shots.

However, there is more, so here is a quick look at my experience with the DJI RS 4.

DJI RS 4: pricing

The DJI RS 4 is available for purchase now. The basic package starts at $549 and includes the battery grip, cables, lens support, quick-release plate, control cable, and the gimbal itself. If you want to control zoom and focus with the gimbal, you can upgrade to the combo kit for $719. This adds the Focus Pro Motor, which works with the joystick or front dial, along with a carrying case and other accessories.

The RS 4 Pro might be better for heavier camera and lens setups. It starts at $869 for the body only (with a metal extended grip) or $1,099 for the combo kit. DJI also offers the Focus Pro system, which includes a LiDAR-powered autofocus system for manual focus lenses. The entire All-In-One Combo is priced at $1,849, but you can purchase the Focus Pro LiDAR and Focus Pro Motor separately if needed.

DJI RS 4: Minor tweaks, major impact

The RS 4 boasts a few key improvements over the RS 3. Most notably, it ditches the need for separate accessories for vertical shooting, allowing you to effortlessly switch between horizontal and vertical video with a quick adjustment of the mounting plate. The aluminum arms have also been enlarged and coated with Teflon, making balancing the gimbal a breeze.

DJI RS 4: Built for bigger and better

If you work with heavy-duty cameras and hefty lenses, you might want to consider the pricier RS 4 Pro ($869). However, for most creators, the RS 4's 6.6-pound payload capacity and comprehensive feature set are more than sufficient. It's no wonder it's earned my Editors' Choice award for powered gimbals.

DJI RS 4: A painless setup experience

Unlike some gimbals, which can be a nightmare to set up, the RS 4 prioritizes user-friendliness. It folds down for easy storage and has a straightforward online manual that walks you through the setup process. The Ronin app can also walk you through the process even faster. The camera support plate's geared design and printed scale make balancing a cinch, and the auto-locking function from the RS 3 ensures a stress-free user experience.

DJI RS 4: Vertical video made easy

One of the biggest hassles with the RS 3 was an extra accessory to shoot vertical video. Thankfully, the RS 4 eliminates this hurdle. With a simple adjustment to the mounting plate, you can be ready to capture stunning vertical videos in no time.

The RS 4 introduces a 4th-generation stabilization algorithm specifically optimized for vertical shooting. This means you can create buttery-smooth vertical videos without breaking a sweat.

DJI RS 4: A Smoother Operating Experience

The Teflon coating on the arms and the micro-adjustment knob on the camera mounting plate make balancing the RS 4 a breeze. The Teflon coating allows for effortless adjustments, and the large locking clasps make it easy to find the perfect balance.

The RS 4 also features a longer tilt-axis arm compared to its predecessor. This means you can add accessories to your camera without worrying about losing balance. It's a small change that makes a big difference, especially for creators who use microphones or filters on their lenses.

Another major upgrade is the introduction of a fourth-generation stabilization algorithm, which is optimized for vertical shooting and improves stabilization.

DJI RS 4: Control at your fingertips

The gimbal's controls allow you to control various camera functions like stop/start recording, taking photos, and adjusting exposure settings (depending on your camera model). These controls can be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth or through a USB cable.

DJI RS 4: A learning curve, but a rewarding experience

While the RS 4 isn't entirely without its complexities, investing time in familiarizing yourself with its operation pays off in spades. Unlike some gimbals that make you feel like you're doing all the work, the RS 4 works tirelessly to deliver smooth, professional-looking footage.

DJI RS 4: Testing it out with the Panasonic Lumix S5II X

I tested the RS 4 with the Panasonic Lumix S5II X full-frame camera equipped with a 20-60mm lens. The gimbal performed admirably, handling balance adjustments and additional accessories with ease. The DJI app also significantly guided me through the setup process, ensuring optimal balance and usage.

The RS 4's stabilization is a game-changer. It eliminates all those annoying, jittery movements you get with handheld video, leaving you with smooth, floating shots that look cinematic. This gimbal is a massive level-up for solo creators – you can control pan, tilt, and roll movements, pull focus, and even adjust camera exposure and recording with your fingertips. 

First impressions

The RS 4 lives up to the legacy of the Ronin series, offering exceptional stabilization and a handful of thoughtful design improvements. While existing RS 3 users might not find it necessary to upgrade, it's the perfect choice for those with older models or those looking to purchase their first gimbal.

The combination of its price, size, and feature set makes it a near-perfect option for videographers and vloggers. If you have a heavy camera setup, the RS 4 Pro might be worth considering; however, the RS 4 is the way to go for most users.

Panasonic announced the LUMIX S9, today — the smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless camera in its S-Series lineup. This camera is designed to be a stylish and portable companion, letting you capture stunning content and share it with the world in a snap.

This compact full-frame mirrorless camera can capture your creations in stunning detail with natural colors, and it pairs perfectly with the new LUMIX Lab app. With the app, you can create eye-catching photos and videos on the S9, then transfer them to your smartphone for instant social media sharing – no computer editing needed. Let’s take a peek at the Panasonic Lumnix S9. 

Big power, small package

The LUMIX S9 packs a punch despite its compact size. It boasts a powerful 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor (the same as the LUMIX S5II) and a cutting-edge engine that delivers crisp visuals with natural colors. Whether shooting in bright sunshine or low light, the S9 produces impressive results, including beautiful bokeh effects for that cinematic touch.

Focus on what matters

Say goodbye to blurry shots! The improved real-time recognition autofocus with PDAF (Phase Detection Auto-Focus) ensures your subject stays in sharp focus, even when they're on the move. Plus, the 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 image stabilization keeps your videos smooth and steady when you're shooting handheld.

Express yourself in color

The LUMIX S9 is all about creative freedom. With the popular REAL TIME LUT function, you can choose from a variety of built-in color styles or even create your own using the new LUMIX Lab app on your smartphone. No more spending hours editing on a computer – the S9 lets you create unique and ready-to-share content right away.

Made for mobile

The LUMIX S9 is designed with smartphone users in mind. The new MP4 Lite recording format lets you capture high-quality video in a format that's perfect for smartphones. Plus, the LUMIX Lab app allows you to resize videos and edit them for social media sharing, easily.

Final thoughts

I am super excited about the Lumix S9 full frame camera as it is a great option for a run-and-gun camera that’s easy to carry and use. The LUMIX S9 will be unveiled at VidCon Anaheim from June 26-29, 2024, and will be available for purchase later that month for $1,499.99. Get ready to create amazing content and share your vision with the world!

For those not in the know, the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) Show is an annual showcase of the tech that elevates creators across the entire content spectrum. Having just returned from NAB 2024, I can attest to what a whirlwind of inspiration and cutting-edge technology this year’s show was.

During my time on the show floor, I was surrounded by brilliant minds pushing the boundaries of content creation–from Hollywood studios to passionate home creators dreaming of becoming the next industry giants. It was as if witnessing the future of filmmaking.

Blackmagic Design stole the show with its jaw-dropping cameras: the URSA Cine 12K and PYXIS 6K. Amaran, the new lighting powerhouse for creators, unveiled its user-friendly lighting solutions. And, Maxon showcased stunning new tools for 3D VFX artists as a testament to its dedication to empowering creators.

NAB 2024: Blackmagic Design updates the production playbook

Blackmagic Design dominated NAB 2024 with its overflowing booth and incredible new camera lineup. Attendees were blown away by both the affordable PYXIS 6K cinema box camera and the future-proof URSA Cine 12K–perfect for creating cinematic masterpieces. But Blackmagic's innovation didn't stop there.

DaVinci Resolve 19, Blackmagic Design’s professional-grade video production software, boasted a massive update, packed with features that will have creators jumping for joy. Powered by the DaVinci Neural Engine, the update includes groundbreaking AI tools like the IntelliTrack AI point tracker for flawless stabilization and object tracking. Colorists will love the new ColorSlice grading palette for precise six-vector corrections, while the Film Look Creator helps achieve that coveted cinematic look.

Editors can now leverage the power of AI for multi-source editing and even edit based on source clip transcriptions. Audio also gets a major upgrade, with Fairlight's IntelliTrack for AI-powered audio panning and a suite of new FX for remixing music, separating dialogue, and even auto-leveling background tracks.

VFX artists are in for a treat too, with a multi-poly rotoscoping tool, expanded USD tools, and a treasure trove of other editing and effects goodies. DaVinci Resolve 19 is a game-changer, and it's clear Blackmagic Design is staying put at the forefront of content creation.

NAD 2024: DJI delivers on drones

DJI absolutely crushed it on the show floor this year. I spent far too much time at DJI’s booth ogling all the incredible new creator tools it unveiled. From the mind-blowing Avata 2 FPV drone to the rock-solid RS 4 gimbal, everything they showed off screams next-level content creation.

Speaking of next-level, remember the DJI Mic 2 I just reviewed? They had that on display too, alongside the awesome Osmo Pocket 3 that shoots a buttery smooth 4K at 120 fps. But that was just the tip of the iceberg! They also had a sweet FPV flying experience where attendees could try the Avata 2 with the DJI Goggles 3. Talk about immersive!

DJI's booth was a creator's dream come true. They have a tool for everyone, from filmmakers to vloggers to adrenaline junkies. If you're looking to up your content game, DJI is definitely the place to look.

NAB 2024: Insta360 turns heads and perspectives

I swung by the Insta360 booth at NAB 2024 and got to play around with its brand-new flagship camera, the X4. Let me tell you, this thing could be big. It shoots incredible 8K 360° videos, which allows you to pick any angle you want after filming. It's like having a time machine for your shots–letting you point the camera wherever you want, whenever you want, after the fact. Even after you reframe everything, the footage stays crisp and clear thanks to the super high resolution.

The X4 is packed with other awesome features too. It shoots in a variety of resolutions and frame rates, including 5.7K 60fps for smooth slow motion and 4K 100fps for crazy cinematic slow-mo. Plus, it has a horizon lock to keep your videos level no matter what you're doing and an "invisible selfie stick" effect that makes it look like you're filming with a drone.

But that's not all! The X4 also doubles as a regular action camera with super smooth 4K recording and a super wide 170° field of view. It's built tough too, with removable lens guards for extra protection, a crazy long 135-minute battery life, and it's waterproof down to 33ft (or 164ft with a dive case).

Plus, it has voice and gesture controls for hands-free shooting and super easy AI-powered editing to help you create stunning videos. All that for just $499.99? If you're looking for a powerful and versatile 360° camera, the Insta360 X4 is a good option to look at.

NAB 2024: Amaran offers lighting solutions made for creators

Previously under Aputure, Amaran has officially launched as an independent brand dedicated to supporting all levels of content creation. Led by VP of Marketing Aaron Tsai, Amaran prioritizes user-friendliness and mobile-friendly solutions, seamlessly integrating with Aputure's established quality.

I had a fascinating conversation with Aaron Tsai, VP of Marketing at Amaran, about Amaran’s recent launch as an independent brand.  Its focus on user-friendliness and mobile-friendly solutions, seamlessly integrating with Aputure's established quality is exactly what today's creators need. Amaran is a brand built by creators, for creators, and a commitment to this philosophy is evident throughout its catalog.

NAB 2024: Aputure pushes the lighting envelope

Aputure didn't hold back either, introducing three new products: the Aputure INFINIMAT line, Sidus One, and Sidus Link Pro. INFINIMATs offers a weatherproof, full-color flexible light mat, fulfilling a long-awaited industry need. Sidus Link Pro and Sidus One give Aputure users control over any fixture, Bluetooth or CRMX, through a single app.

NAB 2024: Maxon One gets a supercharged upgrade

Maxon One users can rejoice! The spring release of Maxon One is packed with powerful upgrades for motion designers, broadcasters, VFX artists, and more. Cinema 4D boasts intuitive particle simulations, while Redshift offers the ability to render non-photorealistic (NPR) styles. Red Giant gets a boost too, with Red Giant Geo, a tool for texturing, lighting, and cloning 3D objects in After Effects.

I was fortunate enough to snag some minutes with Maxon's CEO, David McGavran. A true industry veteran with over 20 years of experience, David's demeanor is as laid-back as his T-shirt and jeans. Despite his impressive background–which includes serving as Director of Engineering at Adobe Systems and working with some of the most prominent production houses–he's one of the coolest people you'll ever meet.

He not only possesses a deep understanding of how AI can enhance production capabilities and a strong ethical compass regarding its application. Our conversation centered around the exciting new features in Maxon One and the company's commitment to empowering creators of all levels.

NAB 2024: Strada’s AI revolutionizes content creation

I watched Strada CEO and founder of Strada, Michael Cioni, demonstrate the software’s revolutionary toolset.  I found myself mesmerized by its abilities. from pulling all the footage together and lining it up perfectly from multiple camera sources to doing the same with audio and creating subtitles that can all be quickly referenced and searched through in real-time at blazing speeds. If you need to know anything about Michael, it's that he knows his stuff. He's brilliant and charming, offering an answer to any question and ensuring it’s a good one.

Having spent endless hours sitting in editing bays, I can’t stress enough the potential Strada shows for cutting that time in half. Time savings like this are crucial for production teams, especially while adhering to the pressure cooker schedules the industry is known for.

As an individual content creator, imagine being given back half of your time to focus on new projects or spend more time with clients or loved ones. That is what Strada does. It leverages AI to give time back to creators regardless of skill level. I can't wait to test Strada out on my weekly productions as it will help free up my time for things like saying no to my kids for my own entertainment (just kidding... mostly).

NAB 2024: OpenDrives takes home the gold

OpenDrives, a leader in software-defined media workflow solutions, received some well-deserved recognition this year. Its newly unveiled Atlas software-defined storage platform and business model won the NAB 2024 Show Award for Product of the Year in the Connect Category - Cloud Computing and Storage. Atlas offers a revolutionary composable storage model, priced based on capabilities rather than capacity, giving creators advanced options.

I had the chance to chat with both Chief Strategy and Operations Officer, Sean Lee, and Principal Software Engineer, Heather Lapointe, about OpenDrives' dedication to building genuine relationships with its clients so that they can provide creative solutions. Their focus on understanding client needs and workflows was a refreshing approach in the industry.

A Time for Inspiration and Connection

NAB 2024 wasn't just about the shiny new tech (although there was plenty of that). It was about the people. Passionate creators and companies, all buzzing with ideas about the future of

storytelling. The energy was electric and I left feeling seriously inspired about what's coming down the content creation pipeline.

Seeing how everyday tech translates into the media we consume daily was mind-blowing. Those powerful laptops we review? They're the workhorses behind massive data sets, epic movie scenes, and everything in between. It made me feel like a tiny but important cog in the machine.

As a reviewer who connects with manufacturers and helps readers find the perfect laptop, hearing from creators–pros and hobbyists alike–is the ultimate validation. "Hey, your review helped me choose my laptop!" That kind of feedback makes all the work we do feel extra valuable.

Insta360 just recently announced its new flagship camera, the X4, and it's loaded with features for both action enthusiasts and casual creators. The mentality behind this camera is “Shoot First”, and “Point Later”, which we all love and wish was easy to do. Insta360 uncomplicates it by capturing stunning 360° video in 8K, 5.7K60fps, or 4K100fps.  This means you can frame the perfect shot later because, with 360° video, you can choose any angle after filming.

The X4 is ready for double duty and isn't just a 360° camera. It can also be used as a traditional action camera with Single-Lens Mode, now upgraded to capture smooth, ultra-wide 4K60fps footage. Let’s take a quick look at the Insta360 X4 8K pocket action cam. 

AI Makes it Easy

A powerful 5nm AI chip and a host of AI-powered shooting and editing features make capturing and sharing unique content a breeze. New, removable lens guards provide extra protection for your investment.

Yes, AI is in everything from laptops to cameras but in each case, it's either improving the quality of what you are capturing or saving you time, which is a good thing. The AI technology that goes into the Insta360 X4 allows you to shoot awesome stabilized 8K videos on the go without carrying a huge rig or being a professional videographer.

Availability 

The Insta360 X4 is available for order starting April 16th, 2024 for US$499.99 from the Insta360 Official Store, Amazon, and select retailers. I'll have my hands-on impressions of the Insta360 X4 soon as our coverage of NAB 2024 continues. 

Blackmagic finally answered the prayers of filmmakers everywhere with the Blackmagic PYXIS 6K. This next-generation digital film camera ditches the traditional form factor for a versatile box design, giving you the ultimate control to build your perfect camera rig.

Under the hood, the PYXIS 6K packs a punch. It features a massive 6K sensor with 13 stops of dynamic range, capturing stunning visuals with rich detail and smooth shadows. Dual CFexpress media recorders ensure you have plenty of space to store your footage.

But the real beauty of the PYXIS 6K lies in its customizability. With three different lens mount options (L-Mount, PL, or Locking EF), you can choose the setup that best suits your existing gear.  This camera is built to adapt to your needs, not the other way around.

Blackmagic PYXIS 6K starts at a very reasonable $2,995 and will be available in June from authorized resellers worldwide. I'll be getting some hands-on time with it at the Blackmagic booth at NAB 2024, so stay tuned for a closer look.

Here’s what we know about the Blackmagic PYXIS 6K

Customizable to fit your content creation needs

Blackmagic Design's new Blackmagic PYXIS 6K camera is built to be customized and versatile for filmmakers. The compact, lightweight body is constructed from strong, machined aluminum, making it easy to mount on various camera rigs like cranes, gimbals, or drones. Multiple mounting points and accessory side plates allow for further customization, letting you build the perfect camera setup for any production with handles, microphones, or even SSDs.

The PYXIS 6K boasts a massive full-frame sensor with a native resolution of 6048 x 4032. This sensor, nearly three times larger than Super 35, allows for shallow depth of field and the use of anamorphic lenses uncropped for a true cinematic look. With 13 stops of dynamic range and dual native ISO up to 25,600, the PYXIS captures stunning low-noise images in all lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to almost no light.

The full sensor area provides a unique open gate 3:2 image, offering flexibility for reframing shots in post-production. Additionally, the large sensor allows for true 6:5 anamorphic work without cropping, resulting in detailed and high-resolution widescreen cinematic images.

Three models are available, each compatible with a wide range of cinema and photographic lenses: L-Mount, EF, or PL. The L-Mount model works with the latest full-frame lenses from Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma, while also accommodating lens adapters for a vast selection of new and vintage glass. The EF model lets you utilize high-quality photographic lenses you might already own from DSLRs or even Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras. Finally, the PL model allows for professional cinema lenses from Zeiss, ARRI, Cooke, and more to be used without an adapter.

The PYXIS 6K can shoot in all standard resolutions and frame rates, from HD up to DCI 4K and even 6K. It also captures stills at a resolution of 24.6 megapixels. Frame rate options include 36 fps at 6048 x 4032 3:2 open gate, 60 fps at 6048 x 2520 2.4:1, and 60 fps at 4096 x 2160 4K DCI. For even higher frame rates, the sensor can be windowed to shoot up to 100 fps at 2112 x 1184 Super 16.

Built-in display and more

The built-in 4-inch high-resolution HDR touchscreen display goes beyond a simple status display. It's perfect for monitoring and reviewing shots on set, eliminating the need for a bulky external monitor. Plus, a logical control layout with physical buttons and customizable function keys keeps important functions like ISO, WB, and shutter at your fingertips.

Blackmagic PYXIS 6K offers various recording options. It records in Blackmagic RAW to preserve detail, exposure, and color during post-production. Additionally, it records HD H.264 proxies in real-time for easy media sharing. The camera features dual CFexpress card recorders and a USB-C expansion port for recording directly to external flash media disks or an SSD. With dual CFexpress slots, you can hot-swap full cards to keep recording uninterrupted.

The PYXIS 6K also supports creating a small H.264 proxy file alongside the camera's original media during recording. This allows for uploading the small proxy file to Blackmagic Cloud in seconds, making your media available back at the studio in real-time. This revolutionary ability to transfer media directly into the DaVinci Resolve media bin as editors work allows any editor, anywhere in the world, to access the shots.

Starting at $2,995, the Blackmagic PYXIS 6K is a compelling option for filmmakers and content creators that are ready to level up. It's a great option for anyone seeking a powerful and customizable camera solution.

Final Thoughts

I will be getting my giant content creator hands on the PYXIS while at NAB 2024 and sharing my hands-on experience with you all. I wonder if they’ll let me around with one, I can dream. All jokes aside, the PYXIS answers the prayers of many creators who have desired a box camera from Blackmagic since the launch of the first pocket cinema 4K. 

How the wizards at Blackmagic continue to deliver amazing cinema cameras with potent specs and capabilities for less than an Apple Vision Pro always amazes me. There’s more to come from NAB 2024, Blackmagic and myself. 

As I was packing my gear to attend the annual NAB event in Las Vegas, OWC announced four new storage solutions for us content creators that excite me. Having used the Envoy and Atlas series of CFExpress cards for over a year, I have to say OWC’s storage solutions are dependable and nigh indestructible. 

This year OWC has built the ultimate toolbox for content creators, the OWC Atlas ecosystem. This one-stop shop offers everything you need to bring your vision to life, from capturing that perfect shot to delivering it to the world – it's Capture to Completion made easy thanks to dependable storage options that will fit the needs of any content creator. 

Let’s have a peek at what OWC is bringing to creators this NAB 2024.

The Atlas Pro CFexpress 4.0 Type A card.

Built for the most demanding projects, these cards are all about reliability and speed. Atlas Pro cards are rigorously tested under extreme camera settings to ensure your irreplaceable content is captured and accessed securely.

The real magic lies in the CFexpress 4.0 technology, slashing data transfer times by 2x compared to CFexpress 2.0 and a staggering 6x faster than SD cards. Need even more speed?  Pop the included Type A-to-Type B adapter and pair it with OWC's Atlas USB4 CFexpress 4.0 Type B reader for maximum performance.

OWC goes a step further with data security. Atlas Pro cards boast industry-leading VPG200 certification, guaranteeing sustained performance for high-resolution video and burst photography.

Larry O'Connor, OWC's Founder and CEO, says it best: "Atlas CFexpress Type A cards unlock access to the highest quality capture settings with CFA 4.0 specs, top-tier VPG200 certification, and OWC's rigorous testing standards. Sony shooters will experience the benefits of lightning-fast speed and rock-solid reliability."

But OWC doesn't stop there. Its Innergize software completes the Atlas ecosystem. Innergize keeps your cards healthy, ensuring zero dropped frames while shooting and optimizing performance over time.

You can even upgrade your card's firmware on the fly, guaranteeing optimal compatibility with your camera and the latest advancements. With Atlas Pro CFexpress 4.0 and Innergize, you can focus on capturing your vision with confidence, knowing your gear has your back.

Pre-orders are now open for the Atlas Pro CFexpress 4.0 Type A cards, shipping in May from Macsales. These start at $319.99 for 480GB and $519.99 for 960GB. OWC's USB4 Atlas CFexpress 4.0 Type B readers are also available on Macsales, starting at $79.99.

Envoy SSD

The new Envoy SSD redefines portable storage with best-in-class performance and a sleek design. Wrapped in a palm-sized, aircraft-grade aluminum shell, this powerhouse delivers sustained speeds of 1000MB/s while keeping cool.

The included USB-C cable instantly connects it to computers, cameras, and mobile devices. Perfect for storing, editing, and backing up large files on the go, the Envoy SSD is poised to become a favorite for both personal and professional use.

The all-new Envoy SSD is now available for pre-order and will ship in May from Macsales for $149.99 at 1TB and $279.99 at 2TB, for more information, please visit the OWC homepage.

Envoy Pro Elektron

Attention content creators! OWC has expanded the storage capacity of its popular Envoy Pro Elektron portable SSD to a whopping 4TB. This pocket-sized powerhouse remains rugged, crush-proof, dust-proof, and waterproof (IP67-rated) – perfect for taking your projects anywhere.

The Envoy Pro Elektron utilizes a USB-C connector with a USB 3.2 Gen2 interface to deliver real-world performance of up to 1011MB/s, making it ideal for saving, editing, and backing up even the largest video, audio, and RAW image files.

The Envoy Pro Elektron is now available for purchase in capacities up to 4TB from Macsales for $579.99 for more information, please visit the OWC homepage.

Envoy Pro Mini

OWC has supersized its popular Envoy Pro Mini USB drive, now offering a massive 2TB capacity. This key-chain-sized powerhouse delivers impressive performance and keeps your work readily accessible.

The Envoy Pro Mini boasts both USB-A and USB-C connectors, ensuring seamless connections to your capture devices and computers. Back up and access your content with ease, no matter where inspiration strikes.

The Envoy Pro Mini is now available for purchase in capacities up to 2TB from $299.99 at Macsales. For more information, please visit the OWC homepage.

More to come

As I head off for NAB, I am very excited to see what gear will be on display to help all our content creators. From laptops, cameras, and software, NAB is one of the premier multimedia events. 

I'm increasingly interested to see what else OWC has in store for us and have a few other surprises I am very excited to share with you in the coming days.

In today's hybrid work environment, access to a high-quality webcam to handle your video conferencing needs is a must. The Logitech MX Brio 4K webcam offers small business users clear UHD 4K video and a robust feature set typically reserved for more expensive conference room cameras for a fraction of the cost, at $200.  

With the ability to film in 4K UHD at 30 frames per second, the MX Brio delivers crisp detail, vibrant colors, and great low-light performance. However,  I did find that the AI focus and panning could be laggy at times as it struggled to follow its subject.

Overall, the Logitech MX Brio 4K webcam is a solid contender for our best webcams page thanks to its excellent quality for the price.

Logitech MX Brio 4K webcam price and compatibility

Logitech’s MX Brio 4K webcam costs $199.99. In the box, you will find the MX Brio webcam, a USB-C cable, and the user manual. 

It’s Zoom Certified and compatible with both Windows 11 and macOS Sonoma. Like most webcams, it works with every video meeting platform, including Microsoft Teams, Skype, and Google Meet. I even live-streamed with it using OBS with zero issues.

Logitech MX Brio 4K webcam design

The MX Brio ditches the plastic body of its predecessor for a more stylish aluminum shell. It comes in three colors (silver, gray, and black) to match your setup, and a cool detail is the built-in privacy shutter. Twist the ring on the front lens and you're good to go (or not go, privacy-wise).

This webcam is surprisingly small for its powerful specs. Measuring 1.7 x 3.9 x 1.4 inches, it has a gunmetal shell with a rectangular gray plastic back that holds the USB-C port. The lens sits front and center, protected by a black disc with ridges and a clear cover.

The MX Brio comes with a standard clip for mounting on your laptop or monitor. But if you're a fancy video wizard, the clip detaches magnetically to reveal a hidden tripod thread. But the real star of the show (pun intended) is the clip's extra hinge. This lets you tilt the camera downwards for a special "Show Mode" – basically a bird's eye view of your desk, perfect for presentations or product demos.

Speaking of magnets, the included monitor clip uses a strong one to attach the camera. It rotates horizontally for easy positioning, but it doesn’t offer the best resistance. The magnet has a standard screw hole so you can use a tripod instead. The clip itself is a standard hinged plastic arm with a wide front lip and a grippy back foot to keep it secure on your screen. There's another hinge for the magnetic mount, allowing you to tilt the webcam all the way down for Show Mode. This makes it a bit front-heavy, but the thick USB-C cable helps balance it out.

The cool part? Show Mode lets you share notes or products without needing a whole new setup or an extra camera – a lifesaver for those of us with limited workspace.

Logitech MX Brio 4K webcam video quality and sound

While all of those clever little touches are great, the biggest selling point for the MX Brio is the image quality. They threw in an 8.5MP Sony Starvis sensor, the kind of sensor that lets you record in 4K at 30fps. On top of that, it boasts dramatically improved dynamic range and low-light performance compared to the previous model.  This translates to crisp, colorful pics, even when I'm battling the harsh backlighting in our office (you know, the kind that blows out the background and darkens your face?). MX Brio handles it all like a champ.

Logitech mentions that the new sensor has 70% larger pixels than their previous webcam. A larger sensor and more pixels explain why we see such excellent low-light performance with the MX Brio. 

Naturally, these same advantages translate to stellar video quality for the MX Brio in all lighting environments. I can see the detail in my beard hair and the items surrounding me. I found the MX Brio quickly adjusted to sudden changes in lighting. The automatic color balance and exposure worked wonderfully, keeping my skin tone looking natural in all lighting conditions. As mentioned above, the ability to use Show Mode to share what's happening on your desk at the proper angle is a major win.

That massive 4K sensor is paired with a super wide f/2.0 lens. This lens captures almost everything in front of it (90 degrees!), but you can zoom in a bit if needed. The wide aperture is the literal highlight here, it lets in tons of light for those situations where the office lighting hates you.

The mic array on the Brio is solid, and it will capture clear audio that is more than adequate for most users. It never lost my voice, nor sounded distorted as it does a fine job focusing on my vocals. However, I did find its tonal range slightly askew at times, as it seemed to strain occasionally when there was too much background noise. While they could always be better, I was pleased with the on-board mics on the Brio, particularly when you consider that many newer hi-res cams don’t even include a mic array. It works as a solid backup to your laptop mics or if you lack a dedicated mic setup.

Logitech MX Brio 4K webcam software

Logitech bundles a nice software package with the Brio that covers a broad spectrum of users – gamers, remote workers, enterprise – and that means it works with a whopping three different Logitech apps. All three let you tweak the picture settings like zoom, exposure, and white balance. You can even get super manual and adjust brightness, tint, and contrast, saving your preferences for later.

For basic office use, there's Logi Option+, a simple app to control the webcam and other Logitech gear. Own a Logitech keyboard or mouse too? You can program fancy Smart Actions that change button functions depending on the program you're using.

Gamers and streamers get Logitech G Hub, which focuses on their gaming peripherals and headsets. It lets you create custom profiles for different games, similar to the Smart Actions but for blasting aliens instead of blasting out emails.

Finally, enterprise users get Logi Tune. This one boasts an auto-framing feature that keeps you in the center of the shot even if you move around. During my time with the MX Brio this feature worked smoothly, as I moved around within the frame it stayed with me.

Bottom Line

The MX Brio delivers crisp, clear video, even when the office lighting decides to play hide-and-seek with your face. No need to go Hollywood and start setting up a panel of lights around your office or cubicle

The software is stable and flexible, with something for everyone – whether you're a productivity pro wielding a Logitech keyboard and mouse (and rocking fancy Smart Actions!), a gamer schooling noobs with custom G Hub profiles, or a business baller controlling the room thanks to solid auto-framing software.

Throw in a decent mic and a nifty Show Mode for desk demos, and the MX Brio is a strong contender for anyone who wants to up their webcam game.

The Insta360 X3 is one of the best-selling 360 degree action cameras for good reason. It's compact, easy to use, waterproof, and captures videos up to 5.6K. For a limited time, you can purchase the Insta360 X3 for $399 at Best Buy. Typically $449, it's now $50 below retail and down to its lowest price yet. You may also buy it directly from Insta360 for the same price. 

Alternatively, you can get the Insta360 X3 Go 3 Full HD action cam for $339 ($60 off) with My Best Buy Plus. Non-members save $40 which is still a nice discount. 

Whether you're a content creator or if extreme sports are your bag, the Insta360 X3 might be the right action camera for you. It's a great little panoramic camera for vlogging, and capturing extreme sports like motorcycle racing, snowboarding, and more. Own it now for its best price yet!

Today's best Insta360 X3 deal

Photographers, rejoice! Panasonic has just launched the LUMIX S 28-200mm F4-7.1 MACRO O.I.S., the world's smallest and lightest full-frame long zoom lens, designed for the L-Mount system.

This versatile lens goes beyond capturing beautiful still images with stunning bokeh. It also empowers you to explore the world of macro photography, letting you get incredibly close to your subjects and capture intricate details from just 3cm away. It'll make using the best 4K laptops even more of a dream.

The impressive 28mm wide-angle to 200mm telephoto zoom range grants you the flexibility to shoot diverse scenes, from sweeping landscapes to intimate portraits, all while maintaining exceptional high resolution throughout the zoom range. This single lens becomes your powerful companion, ready to tackle a variety of scenarios with professional-grade performance.

Portability meets quality imagery

The LUMIX S 28-200mm is meticulously crafted for compactness, this lens boasts a total length of only 93.4mm and weighs a mere 413g, making it the ideal companion for travel and everyday shooting. As the first wide-to-tele zoom for the LUMIX S Series lineup, it seamlessly matches the compact nature of the cameras.

Impressive Performance

Capture stunning stills and videos with high resolution, outstanding bokeh, and half-life-size macro capabilities (minimum shooting distance of 0.14m and 0.5x magnification). The versatile 28mm wide-angle to 200mm telephoto zoom range empowers you to tackle various scenes, from landscapes to portraits, with a single lens.

Professional-Grade Features

Experience high-speed, precise, and silent autofocus for seamless focusing.

The 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 compensates for up to 6.5 stops of camera shake, ensuring sharp images even in low-light conditions. Micro-step aperture control guarantees smooth exposure changes, while the option to choose between linear or non-linear focus ring settings caters to individual preferences.

With its impressive specs, portability, and competitive price tag, the LUMIX S 28-200mm F4-7.1 MACRO O.I.S. is poised to be a game-changer for full-frame photography and videography.

The LUMIX S 28-200mm lens will be available at authorized Panasonic retailers in late April 2024, priced at $899.99.

The Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses, equipped with a 12-megapixel camera for unique first-person captures, might seem like nothing more than an influencer focused wearable. However, the Facebook firm are now in the process of rolling out an early-access preview of one of its most interesting features.

While some smart glasses venture into the realms of mixed and augmented reality, Meta’s Ray-Ban Smart Glasses don’t feature a built-in display. Instead, Meta’s smart sunnies make use of the onboard camera to offer something else entirely: a shared reality with Meta AI.

UV blocking, AI unlocking

The update introduces multimodal AI features to Meta’s smart glasses. A multimodal AI can process information in many forms. Most of the AI tools we are familiar with primarily make use of text prompts to interpret how to respond. A multimodal AI can make use of multiple types of prompt to deliver more accurate and contextualized results.

In the case of the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, users will soon be able to pass an image of what they’re currently looking at to Meta AI to allow it to truly understand the context around what you’re asking.

For example, you can look at an item of clothing and ask Meta AI for help in what to wear with it. Using the onboard camera, the AI can identify the item of clothing and then make accurate suggestions on how to style your ‘fit. You can also ask Meta AI to identify an object, tell you more about a location, and even identify landmarks.

Outlook

If you want to check out the latest features of Meta’s smart glasses, then you’ll need to be based in the United States and opt in to the early access program (found within the Meta View app for Android and iOS).

As a wider update, Meta AI will also have access to real-time information powered by Microsoft’s Bing. This means you’ll now have access to up-to-date information on world and web events when prompting Meta’s AI. Once again, this feature will come to U.S. users first, but you won’t need to opt in to receive this update which is rolling out now.

If you want to beat the Black Friday rush and snag the content creator in your life an excellent do-everything camera with 4K capabilities or help them move up to the next level with a pro-grade camera, now is the time.

The best camera deals of the season are here, with end-of-year savings on photo gear. You've come to the right place if you're a budding or pro photographer looking for the best price on a new camera. To help you save on your investment, we're hand-selecting today's best camera deals and sharing them below. 

Some tremendous early Black Friday Deals on some of our favorite cameras are starting to bubble up. Right now you can get a Sony ZV-1 for $648 from Amazon. Down from $749, this matches the lowest price ever for this popular vlogger camera. 

See our Best Black Friday Deals hub for more early holiday deals.

Top 5 camera deals happening now

Black Friday is approaching and as a content creator who films a great deal for everything from tech reviews to short films and e-commerce, I rely on a lot of different gear. It's not just about the cameras and audio. Lighting, cages, backpacks, nuts, and screws of every kind come into play, even when just filming at my desk. 

Recently, I have been using a lot of gear from Neewer that is durable and affordable. If you're not James Gunn or Taika Waititi, you're probably on a very tight budget, so getting the best for less matters. 

You can snag some Early Black Friday deals on Neewer gear at Amazon, with savings up to 50%.

Black Friday will soon be here, and we're sharing the best deals on everything content creators need. We have you covered from phones, laptops, cameras, and audio gear. 

Trippod Deal

Lighting Deal

Camera Backpack Deal

Cages and Accessories Deal

Bonus Deal

Usually, I wouldn't report on a firmware update, but this one is significant because I'm in the middle of a long-term review of the Panasonic Lumix S5IIX. So far, the S5IIX has been a revelation. This full-frame camera is game-changing with its super-fast Phase Autofocus and tracking to its potent 6K video capabilities. 

I have also noticed that Panasonic has consistently released firmware updates that improve the user experience and capabilities of the S5II camera lineup. Today, Panasonic announced the company will release the firmware update program for the LUMIX S5II and S5IIX to enhance performance and usability. The firmware program will be available on the LUMIX Global Customer Support website at 9 p.m. EDT on October 24, 2023.

Firmware update improvements

Why is this important

So far in my time with the Lumix S5IIX, I have immensely enjoyed the radically improved Phase Autofos and object (human, animal, vehicle) detection and tracking system. However, this update will enhance the scope function that magnifies your focus position while shooting images and video. This is an excellent tool for any content creator to have at their disposal. This update is huge for someone who has often had to fix his focus in post.  

The other focus magnification improvement comes in the area of using manual focus, which will make a lot of pro shooters happy. Being able to magnify your focal point in full-screen mode will ensure you get the best possible image quality, and it will also save time in post. 

Lastly, having the ability to use the Lumix S5IIX's highest shutter speed when shooting super HI-Res images (100MP) will improve image quality, especially when shooting handheld. 

That's it for now; as I continue with my review, look out for some sneak peeks and updates. Our best camera page will have some new entries soon, so stay tuned for those updates if you're currently in the market for a camera.

As our resident content creator, I get very excited about storage and memory cards. A slow or underperforming card can ruin your day and impede your workflow. When I am out in the field filming videos and taking photos, I tend to back up as I go, but if I'm stuck with a slow card, I may not, and you risk possibly losing your videos and images if you don't back up. 

Read and Write speeds have been trending the past year, and OWC has been pushing the limits of SD cards, super portable external SSDs, and now CFexpress cards, which are pro-level industry-standard cards known for high capacity.

Today, OWC announced the launch of its new Atlas Pro and Ultra CFexpress 4.0 memory cards with double the speed of CFexpress 2.0 memory cards and the industry's first capability of upgrading previous generation Atlas 2.0 memory cards to the new CFA (Compact Flash Association) CFexpress 4.0 specification.  

How fast are the new OWC Cfexpress cards? 

Most SD memory cards top out at 300MB of read and write speed. Many CFexpress cards feature speeds of 1,000 MBps or more, ideal for shooting 6K, 8K, and above-resolution footage. Which some may think isn't very common, but you would be surprised. Most mirrorless DSLRs can now shoot up to 6K in a handheld form factor. Many content creators will film in 6K and down res in post for YouTube and other video streaming services. 

We tend to film our videos in 6K and down res to 1080p, which allows us a great deal of room to manipulate footage data while editing. For example, while color grading, or in some cases repairing, focus quality. However, these file sizes are massive and can take a long time to download from your cards onto your editing computer.

This is where OWC's latest generation of CFexpress cards will come in handy. As announced today, the new Atlas Pro 256GB, Atlas Pro 512GB, Atlas Ultra 1TB, and Atlas Ultra 2TB cards leverage PCIe Gen 4 technology to enable mind-blowing 3650MB/s read, and 3000MB/s write speeds, a 97% increase from the previous generation cards. These significant speed increases make capturing stunning 4K, 6K, and 8K+ videos possible while enabling the next generation of cameras to access and offload content for editing and distribution like never before.

These speeds will speed up any content creator's workflow, allowing faster backing up footage, uploads, and sharing. Being able to file dump quickly, wipe a card, and keep filming will be a game changer, especially as we begin shooting with 8k and 12K cameras. 

However, this next part excited me even more. 

Backward and Forward Compatibility

What do you mean by "Backward and Forward Compatibility"? If you purchased OWC's previous CFexpress cards, you can upgrade them to improve read and write speeds. 

In the statement released today, OWC's team states, "by utilizing OWC's Innergize software to upgrade the firmware on previous PCIe Gen3 Atlas Ultra 1TB and 2TB cards to CFexpress 4.0 firmware.

Memory card users have never had the opportunity to elevate their card's performance and prolong its usefulness with field firmware upgrades. This OWC exclusive upgrade almost doubles the current read/write speeds, from 1850MB/s and 1700MB/s read/write speeds to 3650MB/s and 3000MB/s." 

OWC didn't forget its longtime users, and this not only helps pro-level creators but also those on a tighter budget. If you want to enjoy faster read and write speeds, upgrade your old Gen3 Atlas CEexpress cards and save. Also, Innergize software is free and available for both Windows and Mac. 

Pricing and availability 

If you've ever shopped for memory cards or external drives, you know it can get expensive. Every Prime Day, I hunt for deals to share with my fellow creators on everything from cameras to storage.

OWC always does an excellent job with pricing, and the Atlas Pro CFexpress 256GB ($169.99) and 512GB ($199.99) memory cards are now available. If you need even more storage, you can grab the Atlas Ultra CFexpress 1TB ($579.99) and 2TB ($999.99) memory cards, also available for purchase now.

As you can see, bigger is better but definitely pricier. However, remember you can upgrade your current OWC Gen 3 CFexpress cards and enjoy faster read and write speeds.  

The best camera deals of the season are here, with end-of-year savings on photo gear. You've come to the right place if you're a budding or pro photographer looking for the best price on a new camera. To help you save on your investment, we're hand-selecting today's best camera deals and sharing them below. 

October Prime Day deals on some of our favorite cameras are starting to bubble up. You can get a Sony ZV-1 for $648 during Prime Big Deal Days through Oct. 11. It usually costs $749, so that's $101 reasons to buy it. This marks the lowest price ever for this digital camera. Here are five of the best deals on cameras available right now! 

So, if you want to beat the Black Friday rush and snag the content creator in your life an excellent do-everything vlogging camera with 4K capabilities or help them move up to the next level with a pro-grade camera, now is the time!

You may also want to check out Best Buy, B&H, Newegg, and Walmart, as they're also offering excellent deals on gaming laptops, monitors, you name it, this week.

See our October Prime Day deals hub for more early holiday deals.

Top 5 camera deals happening now

October Prime Day deals on some our favorite camera's are starting to bubble up. You can now get this Sony ZV-1 for $648, during Prime Big Deal Days through Oct. 11. It normally costs $749, so that's $101 reasons to buy it. This marks the lowest price ever for this digital camera. 

So, if you want to beat the Black Friday rush, and snag the content creator in your life an excellent do everything vlogging camera, with 4K capabilities, now is the time!

You may also want to check out Best Buy, B&H, Newegg, and Walmart, as they're also offering excellent deals on gaming laptops, monitors, you name it, this week.

See our October Prime Day deals hub for more early holiday deals.

Today's best Sony ZV-1 Camera

Sony ZV-1 Specs and more

Having used the Sony ZV-1 for on-the-run vlogging projects, I can attest to its speedy autofocus and solid in-body stabilization. The ZV-1 allows you to walk around and film yourself without the fear of creating unusable footage. The BIONZ X Image processor does a lovely job in most lighting situations and produces nicely saturated images and video. 

Weighing just 10.4 ounces and measuring just 4.15 x 2.36 x 1.7 inches, it has a highly portable form factor that fits in most bags and even your jacket pocket. The other thing you get is excellent Sony audio recording, as the mic array on the ZV-1 does a more than adequate job of focusing on your voice. If you have a wireless mic or a wired lavalier, the ZV-1 has you covered with a 3.5mm mic jack and a hot shoe to place your wireless mic. 

Getting the Sony ZV-1 for under $700 is a steal and one for anyone looking for a good camera they can use for near-effortless content creation. 

I’m not going to lie. Ever since the disastrous launch of Google Glass, I’ve been kind of down on smart glasses. Can you blame me? Google Glass screamed “take my lunch money and give me a wedgie!” And when I wasn’t looking at the wearer contemplating letting your inner 1980’s bully out, I was kind of creeped out, because you could never tell when one of those obnoxious glassholes was filming you. It was a no for me dawg. 

Fast forward to a decade later and Meta has me wanting a pair of smart glasses. The company went back to the lab with popular sunglasses brand Ray-Ban and announced its second-generation Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Tapping into Ray-Ban’s expertise, the glasses are super stylish. The integrated audio is powerful, but doesn’t disturb your neighbor. It captures high-res video and images and when it does, a bright LED light lets bystanders know when someone is recording, eliminating that skeeve factor. 

But my favorite thing by far is content capture. You can livestream to Facebook and Instagram with a tap of a button. You can also send your images and video to a friend in your preferred social media outlet with a little help from A.I.

I had a chance to go hands-on with the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and here are my first impressions. 

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses pricing and availability

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses start at $299 for the standard lenses and $329 for polarized lenses. If you’re a fan of Transition lenses like me, it’ll cost $379. Prescription lenses are also available, but prices will definitely vary. The smart glasses are available for preorder now at Meta.com, Ray-Ban.com, BestBuy, and Amazon with a ship date of October 17. After which, the glasses will be available at Meta.com, Ray-Ban stores, LensCrafters, Amazon, Best Buy and more.

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses design

These are far from the bully-magnet Google Glass. The Ray-Bay Meta smart glasses are super stylish. There are two styles of frames to choose from. There’s Ray-Ban’s classic Wayfarer frames which has a squared shape and the new Headliners which has a more rounded cat-eye look. The Wayfarer are available in small and large sizes to accommodate heads large and small. 

Both frames are available in 21 different variations and with the different lens options, there are over 150 smart glasses available, letting you get a really custom look. I for one, will be going for some purple Headliners with some prescription Transition lenses. 

In terms of weight, the larger Wayfarer frames tip the scales at 1.79 ounces, while the smaller version weighs 1.71 ounces. The Headliners are 1.73 ounces. I had an opportunity to try on all three versions of the glasses and none of them felt any heavier than my regular/schmegular Prada frames. While I’m not one to wear my glasses in public, I’d definitely rock these.

The smart glasses are IPX4 rated for water resistance so they can hold up against a little sweat or a rain shower. Just don’t submerge them in water. 

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses audio

Outfitted with a custom five-mic array and two open-ear speakers. The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses sound surprisingly good. I listened to Kendrick Lamar’s “King Kunta” and was impressed by the deep bass, crisp percussion and clear highs and mids. But what was even more impressive is the face that even though I had the glasses at a fairly high volume, my colleague could barely hear anything even though he was standing fairly close to me. He described the sound as a "distant buzzing".

According to Meta, the open ear speakers are 50% louder than the previous Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses. Another Meta claim says the five-mic array will give a top-notch, hands-free call experience as well as allow you to communicate with the integrated A.I. 

Unfortunately, I didn't get to demo either of these features. I'll have to wait until our review unit arrives.

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses specs

Despite their relatively small footprint, the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are hiding some serious tech including a Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 Platform with 32GB of storage. That onboard storage gives the smart glasses to hold up to 500 photos, and 100 30-second videos. Not too shabby for a pair of glasses.

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses cameras

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses can capture some seriously high-res photos at 3024 x 4032-pixels. For video, you can expect 1080p at 30 frames per second video thanks to its 12 megapixel ultra wide angle camera. Whether you’re capturing photos or video, the 2mm Capture LED will turn on, giving any camera-shy bystanders a heads up that you're shooting so they can move out of frame. The light is rather small and I worry it’s not big or bright enough to signal people.

Conclusion

So you just took some incredible video with the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. What now? It's time to share it to the 'gram or post it on Facebook. Unlike the Stories smart glasses, the new glasses can live stream directly to Facebook and Instagram, giving your audience a truly unique view. 

If you just want to share with a smaller audience, a voice command will shoot the content over to your person of choice via the social media platform you typically use to communicate with them.

But before you do that, you might want to hop into the free Meta View companion app where you can edit or slap on a filter. Took a funny video but stumped about the caption? Time to consult the integrated A.I. for a little bit of inspiration.

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses battery life

Tiny frames, longer battery life. Meta estimates the Ray-Ban Meta smart will last four hours on a charge with mixed usage. And while it will take 75 minutes to achieve a full charge in the charging case, you can expect a 50% in only 22 minutes. TUp to 32 hours of additional battery life per fully charged case.

Speaking of the charging case, it’s an absolute beauty. The brown leather cases follows that classic Ray-Ban case. However it’s 32% lighter so you can easily fit it into your bag, purse or pocket if it’s deep enough. The case gives the smart glasses an additional 32 hours of battery life. 

Conclusion

I might be a smart glasses convert. At least, I’m supremely intrigued by what Meta’s offering in the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Starting at $299, the smart glasses are a lightweight, unassuming piece of tech capable of capturing high-res photos and 1080p photos. Not only that, they have the ability to livestream to both Instagram and Facebook or send content to friends with a voice command. The audio is impressive, yet unobtrusive and they’re stylish to boot. 

My only concern is the LED capture light may not be enough to lessen the creep factor. No one wants to be filmed or photographed without consent, even if they are in a public space. But I’m eager to take the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses for a spin sooner than later. 

Blackmagic Design's Blackmagic Camera app for iPhones adds digital camera controls to the already potent iPhone camera toolset. Based on the same operating system as Blackmagic Design's award-winning digital cameras, these professional features give iPhone content creators the same tools used in feature films, television, and documentaries. 

The app also includes support for Blackmagic Cloud, which allows creators to instantly collaborate and share media with multiple editors and colorists worldwide. Blackmagic Camera is now available from the Apple App Store, free of charge.

Blackmagic camera app

If you've ever used or seen a Blackmagic cinema camera, you know how user-friendly and clean the user interface is while delivering a fantastic cinema camera tool set. 

Consumers can now create the same cinematic ‘look’ as Hollywood feature films on their iPhones. Customers get the same intuitive and user-friendly interface as Blackmagic Design’s award-winning cameras. So it’s just like using a professional digital camera. This means customers can adjust settings such as frame rate, shutter angle, white balance, and ISO all in a single tap. Or record directly to Blackmagic Cloud in industry-standard 10-bit Apple ProRes files up to 4K.

You'll also notice that the HUD allows you to not only quickly change settings, it shows you the status, recording parameters, histogram, focus peaking, levels, frame guides, and much more. You can hide the HUD by simply sliding upwards on your phone, just like when you're using a Blackmagic cinema camera. 

You can shoot in 16:9 or vertical aspect ratios, or even shoot 16:9 content while holding the phone vertically if you want to shoot unobtrusively. There are also tabs for media management, including uploading to Blackmagic Cloud, chat, and access to advanced menus.

You can truly unlock the immense power of your iPhone's camera by using advanced settings such as monitoring, audio, camera setup, recording, and more. The record tab allows video resolution and recording format control, including industry-standard Apple ProRes or space-efficient H.264 and H.265. Plus, advanced features like anamorphic de-squeeze and lens correction settings.

Professional audio options include VU or PPM audio meters and AAC, IEEE Float, and PCM formats. Customers can even add external microphones. Blackmagic Camera also includes professional monitoring tools such as zebra settings for checking exposure, focus assist, frame guides, and more. Or add 3D LUTs to recreate film looks.

Although I've not yet tried the built-in chat space to collaborate with others, it looks clean and seamless. The opportunity to be able to chat with your editing team within the workspace is empowering for on-the-go content creators. 

The Blackmagic camera app is so chock full of features you must take advantage of the free download in the Apple App Store to experience it for yourself. So far, I am impressed with how similar it is to my Blackmagic pocket cinema cameras. 

Also, what's better than a free, high-quality content creation tool? 

This morning, Panasonic announced the launch of the Lumix G9II digital mirrorless camera with a new 25.2MP Live MOS sensor, Phase Detection autofocus, and a Micro Four-Thirds lens mount. We were lucky to get hands-on with the massively updated G9II; I must tell you, it's impressive. 

The Lumix G9II comes with the same vastly improved Phase Detection Autofocus found in the recently launched S5II and S5II X Lumix cameras. However, the G9 is focused more on photography, whereas the S series cameras lean heavier into video. When I say photo-centric, I mean it, with burst shooting at up to 60 fps in AFC mode. 

However, the Lumix G9 II doesn't skimp on video capabilities as it can film up to 4:2:0 10-bit 5.8K (4:3) complete sensor recordings and 5.7K in 17:9, which allows for some flexible framing options. Let's take a deeper look.

Hands on with Lumix G9II

I've had the Panasonic Lumix G9 II in hand for a few days and have been very impressed with it. The Phase Detection Autofocus is fast and accurate, and even when I am shooting in AFC burst mode, I get crisp, clear images and keep up with the action.

When Panasonic designed the G9II, they focused more on novice and pro photographers without skimping on video capability. Unlike the GH6, S5II, and S5II X, there is no cooling system, so you can shoot video in most climates for about 30 minutes before the camera needs a quick cool down, and I mean quick, maybe a minute to start retaking photos and 3 minutes to start filming video again. Also, if you've worked on a video shoot or film set, you rarely shoot for 30 minutes straight.

The Real-Time LUT function has been a new friend that I am starting to toy with and is a good one to use. I love the Leica Monochrome option, and it has been a blast to shoot in and enjoy deep black with fine-tuned contrast. I must add that the new engine achieves very natural three-dimensional textured images that are very lifelike.

The burst shooting capabilities of the Lumix G9II are out of this world, and the AI-powered recognition technology is spot on, as it recognizes humans, animals' eyes, and vehicles with precision, ensuring clear, crisp photos when using autofocus.

Overall, the G9II will remind you of the S5II, and it's basically the same body minus the cooling ports. Which means it's gorgeous, sturdy, dustproof, and able to handle the elements. The grip is perfect, as the G9II feels fantastic in the hand, and the weight is very well distributed. I also love the 3-inch articulating flip-out touch display. 

I will have a full review of the Panasonic Lumix G9II in the upcoming weeks. 

This past January 4, Panasonic announced its two new hybrid full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Lumix S5II and S5IIX. Both have proven to be exciting additions to the maker's Lumix S Series camera lineup. 

The S5II became available first, and now the long-awaited release of the S5II has arrived today, and with it comes some excellent expanded RAW filming capabilities. To refresh your memories, the Lumix S5II and S5IIX are the first Lumix mirrorless cameras to utilize Phase Detection Auto-Focus (PDAF) thanks to a newly developed 24.2-megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor and a new imaging engine. 

The new Auto-Focus system was developed thanks to the L2 Technology alliance formed by Leica and Lumix. The new imaging engine provides high resolution, natural description, and approximately double the signal procession speed for high bit-rate video recording. To further improve the new cameras’ PDAF capabilities and make them more dependable, Panasonic evolved the auto-focus system into Phase Hybrid Auto-Focus by increasing the AF points to 779 to significantly improve subject tracking. 

Once the S5II and S5IIX are locked on a subject, the auto-focus will continue to track the subject, even in adverse lighting conditions and when multiple objects are moving within the frame. Additionally, continuous AF during zooming, AF micro adjustments, and options to decrease the size of the AF area are available.

Photo capabilities

The Panasonic Lumix S5II and S5IIX are both very capable shooters that feel great in the hand with excellent weight distribution making for a comfortable shooting experience. 

In addition to the PDAF capabilities mentioned above, the Lumix S5II and S5IIX provide Dual Native ISO sensitivity and minimizes noise generation by choosing an optimal circuit to use according to the sensitivity before gain processing. As a result, it allows a maximum ISO 51200 high-sensitivity recording. 

You will also expect faster speed burst shooting at 9 (AFS) / 7 (AFC) fps with a mechanical shutter and 30 fps (AFS/AFC) with an electronic shutter in JPEG/RAW compared with Lumix S5. You also get the ability to take 96MP high-res photos when using the High-Resolution Mode (JPEG/RAW). 

The Lumix S5II and S5IIX come with a large, 3,680K-dot OLED LVF (Live View Finder) with a high magnification ratio of approximately 1.52x / 0.76x (35mm camera equivalent). You also get a 3-inch flip-out touch screen with a 3:2 aspect with 1,840K-dot high resolution.

Both cameras come with 5-axis in-body stabilization. The O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer, 2-axis) from the Lumix S Series lens was combined to create the 5-axis Dual I.S. 2, maximizing the correction power to allow a 6.5-stop slower shutter speed.

There is so much more, and I can't wait until we get our hands on a review unit. 

Video capabilities

The Lumix S5II and S5IIX can film video in 6K resolution. The Lumix series cameras are well-known for their video capabilities; these latest iterations are no different. They're highly capable, and thanks to a new heat dispersion mechanism that combines a small fan and high-efficiency heat sink, you can expect unlimited record times, which comes in handy when live streaming. 

As of today, S5IIX is now available for purchase and arrives with the ability to film in the Blackmagic BRAW codec. ProRes RAW and expanded compatibility with external devices, plus support for Atomos  Ninja V, Atomos Shogun Connect, and Atomos Ninja.  

Also, The LUMIX S5II firmware update will offer RAW data output over HDMI (Requires Software Upgrade Key DWW-SFU2). In addition to ProRes RAW, Blackmagic RAW will now be available. Live View Composite, pre-installed on the LUMIX S5IIX, is among the new features included in the firmware update.

The Lumix S5II and Lumix S5IIX feature unique shooting options, such as the 4K at 60p interval shooting and 4K HDR video recording. Panasonic listened to professional users and added video assist functions such as Waveform Monitor, Vector Scope, and Zebra Pattern are available. They even included features offered on the Lumix S1H and Lumix GH6, like System Frequency (24.00Hz), Synchro Scan, Fan mode, and a redesigned control panel, enabling quick selection of menu.

The new imaging engine should provide the S5II and S5IIX with high video performance comparable to the Lumix S1H. They provide 4:2:0 10-bit 6K (3:2) / 5.9K (16:9), and unlimited 4:2:2 10-bit C4K/4K recording capabilities. The cameras are capable of HFR (High Frame Rate) in C4K/4K (48p), FHD (120p), and Slow and Quick motion in C4K/4K(1-60fps) / FHD (1-180 fps). 

Lastly, the S5II and S5IIX contain 14+ stop V-Log/V-Gamut capture, which should deliver a high dynamic range and broad colors. Plus, there is a "REAL TIME LUT" function built in that enables color grading on the compatible video and photo in camera by applying the LUT(.VLT/.cube) saved in the SD memory card. Hypothetically, this allows users to perform intended color grading on the spot without having to wait to go into postproduction and share images online through social networking sites. This function is also available while livestreaming. 

Ports and connectivity

The S5II and S5IIX come with all the ports and slots you need to get the most out of them. On the left side, we find a 3.5mm mic port, a 3.5mm headphone jack to monitor audio, an HMDI port, and a USB Type-C port.

On the right, we find the double UHS-II x 2 card slots that will handle all your storage needs. 

Both cameras come with Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi (5GHz and 2.4 GHz) connectivity allowing users to control the camera via the free-to-download Lumix Sync app on iOS and Android. You can also tether the camera via USB to your computer and shoot photos or videos.

Outlook

The Lumix S5II and S5IIX are composed of a magnesium alloy full die-cast front and rear frame, and should be pretty splash and dust-resistant. The one thing that impressed me was how much input Panasonic got from pro shooters and then applied what they heard to the design of these cameras. 

The massive improvements to the Autofocus system and the exterior design, like adding a new easy-to-use 8-directional joystick and drive dial, are huge and, because of the ergonomics, are a blast to use. 

The Lumix S5II is $1,999.99 and will be available in January 2023. The Lumix S5IIX costs $2,199.99 and will be available in May 2023.

The best camera for your needs is a personal choice and one that requires serious thought in regards to needs versus wants. What’s your budget? What will you be shooting the most, videos or stills?  How much time do you want to spend in post-editing and color grading? So our team of camera enthusiasts (nerds) put our heads together to supply you with the best cameras you can purchase right now to fill your needs and fit your budget. 

Our list will grow and change over time as we review more cameras from different manufacturers. Our team collectively has over 50 years of video, film, and photo production experience and knows our way around cameras, and all the gear that goes into creating professional content. 

Read on for our current list of the best cameras you can buy in 2022 to fit your needs for years to come, whether you are a prosumer, content creator, or just want to take photos and videos of family and friends. Whatever your photo or video needs, we have the best camera for you.

We have some exciting news, we recently got in four amazing cameras to review and they've all been very impressive. Currently in hand are the Canon EOS R7, Panasonic Lumix GH6, Panasonic BS1H and a Sony A7RVI. I can't yet reveal which one may upend our best-of list, but the answer may surprise you. Stay tuned; updates are coming!  

Best Overall Camera

The Nikon Z6 II is a very competent all-rounder for photos and video. For someone looking for a tool to cover a multitude of needs, it bats above average on almost all grounds. It is ready for anything you can throw at it, and is most at home in run-and-gun situations. Being adaptable to a variety of scenarios means it is frequently my first choice for almost any project. 

If you are a professional photographer or videographer looking for a high-quality mirrorless camera that is as much at home functioning as your daily photo camera as it is in an exotic location, fighting dust and water, to film fast-action video you won’t be disappointed in the Nikon Z6 II.

See our full Nikon Z6II review 

Best entry-level camera

The Nikon Z5 is a stellar digital stills camera with enough video capabilities for entry-level videographers. For folks just entering into the professional photo realm, the Z5 makes for an ideal mirrorless starter setup that is more than capable for portrait and documentary photography and videography. I wouldn’t want to turn to it for fast-moving situations, like sports, but for candid street-style photography, the Z5 might be a better choice than the pricier Z6 or Z7.

If you are a professional looking for a high-quality mirrorless camera that you can use daily — this is a very compelling choice. The Z5 will step up your photography to a professional-grade system without spending a fortune, and you can still turn to it as a reliable backup camera in the future when you upgrade to your dream DSLR.

See our full Nikon Z5 review

Best Vlogging Camera

The Sony ZV-E10 might be the perfect all-around camera for vloggers. This compact Sony Alpha packs an impressive array of features into a sturdy camera body. The Sony ZV-E10 combines a large APS-C sensor and mirrorless versatility with an excellent feature set built just for content creators. It blows your smartphone camera away, as it’s a true Sony Alpha camera that brings improved image quality, lens choices, and increased control to flex your creative muscles when shooting.

The ZV-E10 is built around a 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor, which enables UHD 4K video recording at up to 30p, Full HD recording at up to 120fps, and stills shooting at up to 11 fps. ISO Sensitivity ranges from 100-32000 for working in a variety of lighting conditions and the sensor's design integrates a 425-point Fast Hybrid AF system for accurate tracking and detection of subjects.

The body design is similar to Sony's other Alpha E-mount cameras and features an intuitive control layout, a super functional and user-friendly 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD for settings control and framing. Audio is a major concern for vloggers and content creators, and Sony has you covered with the ZV-E10 as it focuses on recording quality audio by integrating a 3-capsule directional mic into the camera design and incorporating 3.5mm mic and headphone ports. There is also a Multi-Interface shoe on top for a digital audio interface with improved audio quality and performance. We use a wireless Movo transmitter and Rode Lav mic connected to the 3.5mm audio port and the results are fantastic so far. 

Full review coming soon. 

Best handheld cinema camera

The idea behind the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Line of cameras is to give as many people as possible the ability to shoot cinema-quality footage at a reasonable price. Not everyone will end up becoming the next George Lucas or Spielberg; however, with a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K, you are one giant step closer. 

The BMPC6K is a great camera with a lot of powerful components including a Super 35 sensor, 13 stops of dynamic range, strong low light performance, 6K resolution and plenty of ports. It’s capable of producing higher resolution and outshooting more expensive cameras and doesn’t weigh you down or tire you out. When you add the Davinci Resolve software suite, you’re ready to start producing professional-level footage that anyone could be proud of — and all for just $1,995. 

My final thought on the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K is that it’s not for everyone. However, for the price and specs, it’s a must-have in my camera kit and a great option for anyone looking to shoot high-quality video, the likes of which you’d only get from larger professional rigs.

See our full BMPCC 6K review 

Best Budget Cinema Camera

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K was a game-changer when it arrived on the scene. The Pocket Cinema Camera 4K spun the industry around as it brought 4K cinema-level filming capability into the hands of anyone with a script idea and a dream for an affordable $1,295 giving access to high-end features to young aspiring filmmakers and content creators. 

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Line of cameras gives videographers the ability to shoot cinema-quality footage at a reasonable price. It has a lot to offer, like 4K resolution, native Dual ISO, 13 stops of dynamic range, strong low light performance, and plenty of ports. It’s capable of producing cinema-quality and can even out-shoot some more expensive cameras. You get all that in a lightweight form factor you won’t get tired of carrying around. With the DaVinci Resolve software suit and the $1,295 price tag, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K gets you a lot of bang for your buck.

See our full review BMPCC 4K

Best Smartphone Camera

As our Editor in Chief, Sherri L Smith put it: the main reason you should consider getting the iPhone 13 Pro Max  –– the cameras. The 13 Pro Max brings a host of improvements to an already stellar experience. Dubbed the Pro Camera system, it consists of retooled Wide, UltraWide and Telephoto sensors. You get the 12MP wide-angle primary sensor that now offers an incredible f/1.5 aperture and bigger 1.9um pixels which improve low-light performance. The 12MP ultra-wide also leveled up with an f/1.8 aperture, while the 12MP telephoto extends to a 3x optical zoom from 2.5x, but at the cost of the aperture which falls to f/2.8 from f/2.0.

But the whole picture isn’t complete without the A15 Bionic CPU. The wonder chip brings a new ISP (image signalling processor) along with its ample machine learning and AI improvements that are tasked with enhancing both computational photography and videography. All of that opens up the way to several new photo modes that  have competing phone makers scrambling. First up, is the much-lauded Cinematic Mode. As the name suggests, this is all about making near-movie-quality video by allowing you to capture shifting depth of field. It’s a cool trick that will go over well with aspiring filmmakers and TikTokers alike. For mobile photographers, Photographic Styles is a highlight addition with the ability to create filters that automatically capture your preferred look.

See our full iPhone 13 Pro Max review

How to find the right camera for you

What is your main photo and video focus? Are you shooting photos of flowers and landscapes or will you be shooting family vacation photos or your child's sporting events? Are you engaging in street photography, food, night, or astrophotography? Are you starting an events and wedding photography business? 

Is video more of your thing? Do you plan on vlogging? Are you shooting videos of sporting events? Building a reel? Is this camera for your kid who dreams of one day being a director? You could just be interested in photography for personal enjoyment, all of these things are what you must ask yourself before you make your purchase. 

What is your budget? Unless your last name is Bezos or Musk, you probably don’t have an endless stream of money at your discretion, so budget will play a part in choosing the best camera for your needs. Beware, more features mean a larger financial hit. You may find that one camera is really good at what you want to do, but it may lack another feature you think you need and really don’t. This is where doing your research and knowing what you truly want to achieve goes a long way in saving you money. Especially if you’re just starting out. You may want to choose a slightly older camera that’s more affordable so you can start learning. Think of it as a bicycle with training wheels. Once you’ve mastered your balance, you can take those things off and pop some wheelies and scare your mom. 

Know your level: Are you a beginner, intermediate, or pro-level photographer? What would be overkill for you and what features do you really need? Are you really ready to shoot manual vs automatic? Do you know how to edit your photos, what software do you use? Do you understand what files sizes you wish to work with? Do you need to shoot RAW or will JPEG work for you?  Do you need a camera that is upgradeable, with interchangeable lenses and is it in your budget to purchase more lenses? Doing an honest assessment of your skill level will save you money and heartache. 

Also, it is great to reach out to friends, family members and pro photographers and videographers that post a lot of content on YouTube or Reddit. Ask them what brands of cameras they use, why, and what would they suggest to you. You should take serious consideration into what camera ecosystem you begin your journey on. When I started out, I chose a Canon T6i with an EF mount mostly because it was a feature-rich camera that shot full HD video. But more importantly, I could find a lot of affordable compatible aftermarket lenses which saved me money while allowing me to learn how to shoot a lot of different things. 

Lastly, how big are your hands? I know this sounds ridiculous but, you want something that provides you with a comfortable grip that won’t tire your hands out. Nobody wants to drop their investment and your camera will be your gadget baby. Seriously, you should go to your local camera shop and get hands-on with several different cameras from multiple manufacturers and see which feels best in your hands, what weight are you most comfortable with and also which camera is easiest for you to control and manipulate its features with just one hand.

I have massive, Kong-like hands which some think are great because I can use any camera. However, more often than not, a camera that’s too small makes for a laborious day of shooting. 

Photographers and videographers face some hard choices in today's drone market. With so many new options in the past two years, it’s hard to keep up. Autel’s main competition, DJI, seems to have a new drone ready every couple of months, and Skydio continues to own the autonomous drone market. I found the Lite+ offers a blend of DJI and Skydio, with a little Hulk built in. 

The Autel Evo Lite+ is a mid-sized folding drone that has become my go-to for a variety of uses, especially when I shoot at night. After over six months of conducting long-term reviews of several drones, it has been the tank. Like any budding drone pilot, I’ve had my share of minor mishaps, but the Autel Lite+ has laughed in the face of my inexperience and said let's get back up in the air every time.

Hop on board, and let me take you on a short flight around the Autel Evo Lite+ drone. 

Price and configurations

The Evo Lite+ comes in either a standard kit or a premium bundle. The standard kit consists of the drone, the controller, one battery, propellers, and a charger with all cables, costing $1,149.

The premium bundle adds a soft carry bag, three propeller replacements, two more batteries, a multi-battery charger, and four ND filters. The premium bundle will run $1,399, worth the extra $250. Once you start flying drones, you will quickly realize it’s worth it for the extra batteries and propellers alone.

Design

The basic design of most drones is very similar across brands, especially with smaller and mid-sized drones like the DJI Mavic, Skydio 2+, and Autel Evo. The Lite+ allows you to fold it down for transportation, a game-changing feature the DJI Mavic and ill-fated GoPro Karma introduced in 2016.. It has four pivoting arms that quickly fold out for rapid deployment as the blades remain attached while folded. So all you have to do is unfold, power up your drone and controller, connect your smartphone, and it’s go time.

The nose of the Lite+ is fronted by a sizable gimbal needed to control the 1-inch sensor camera. The Autel Evo Lite+ comes in three different colors. You can choose between Arctic White, Autel Orange, and Space Gray. I got the space gray. 

When you first start learning to fly a drone, there will be mishaps and misjudgments in how close you can fly near objects or how fast you can fly within a given space. Autel tries to help you out with visual collision detection sensors on the front, rear, and underside of the drone. You may notice that there are no side detectors, so be careful when making orbital maneuvers.

On the left side of the Lite+, you will find a microSD card slot under a small cover and a USB-C port on the right. Autel also includes 6GB of built-in internal memory just in case you forget to slip a memory card in. Obviously, this won’t hold many high-res photos or videos, so you’ll want to invest in a microSD card. I have been using a 128GB Kingston Canvas GoPlus microSD card to record all of my 5.4K videos.

Under each rotor motor, small pegs give the drone enough ground clearance for take-off and landing.

One of my favorite design elements on the Autel Lite+ drone is the bright LED lights that you will find underneath the body and on the end of each arm, making the drone super easy to see in low-light conditions. The dual-blade propellers on the Lite+ are similar to props you will find on other drones, and they use centrifugal (or centripetal) forces to orientate them when spinning. I also like how easy it is to remove them if one gets damaged. You can just pop them off with your hands. No special tools or expertise is required.

Overall, I am super impressed with the quality of the materials used in the Autel Lite+ drone. The build quality is excellent and will easily survive minor bumps, crashes, and mishaps. The Autel allows me to be a bit more daring with my flying, as over the course of several accidents I had with it early on, I discovered that even the areas I expected to be weaker tolerated rough flying and impact extremely well. I advise you to build up your flying time and experience before jumping into sport mode because the Lite+ can boogie and get away from you quickly. 

Controller

Autel’s controller is well made and will remind you of an Xbox or other gaming controller, which I like because it gives novice drone pilots something they will find familiar. Once you charge it up and screw in the little control sticks, you’re good to go. I found the controller highly accurate, offering subtle control over the drone's movements, but for super smooth video, I would choose the smooth mode in the app, which we will address in a later section.

At the top of the controller, a spring-loaded arm extends to hold a smartphone securely above the controller. Autel includes a cable for Android or iPhone in the standard and premium bundles. You will also find a power adapter to charge the batteries and the remote. The drone and controller can also be charged with a  USB-C cable. The charging port is located at the bottom of the controller, with a USB-C port right behind the spring-loaded arm for connecting your smartphone. 

Like an Xbox controller, there are shoulder buttons along the top edge used to control certain functions. On the top right edge, you find the take photo or record video button; on the left, you find a general function button you can program to angle the camera or switch speed modes. 

On the front of the remote, is the Home button to bring your drone back quickly before the battery dies (guilty), the power button, a pause filming button, and a green power-on indication light just beneath the buttons. Overall, the controller feels good in the hand with its rubberized sides and hard plastic shell conforming nicely to your hands.

Flight

Once you’ve flown a few drones, transitioning from one to the other is a quick adjustment, and thanks to its gamepad-like controller, it's easy even for first-timers.  Flying the Autel Lite+ is super enjoyable because due to having fewer take-off protocols built-in, it will take off from virtually anywhere there's a clear space.

What became immediately obvious to me as I flew the Evo Lite+ is that it is powerfully fast, which comes in handy when avoiding objects during a flight that you may not have accounted for. Also, its power allows for excellent precise control and helps create some dramatic in-flight footage.

For example, I could reach the legal height limit in my area (400 feet) in less than 20 seconds. Sadly, I can’t test the actual height limit of 16,404 feet, but it's nice to know it's possible. I would advise against trying it out or you will likely have the FAA knocking at your door. The Autel Drone can reach more than 40 miles per hour speeds with a top speed of 42mph. In a small space, that’s dangerous, so if you’re going to go fast, Ricky Bobby, I suggest ensuring you’re in an area with ample room or acreage. 

The controller and Autel Evo Lite+ are rated at a distance of up to 7.4 miles which is pretty far and great if you get the chance to operate it, let's say, near a nice long beach. Also, video transmission to your device will be displayed in 2.7K, which is excellent, but it will deteriorate once you fly out over 0.6 miles, then the resolution will drop to 720p. At shorter ranges, being behind buildings or other obstructions had minimal impact on the video quality or the control responses.

Compared to lighter drones like a DJI Mavic mini, the robust Evo Lite+ handles blustery days well. You will notice a minor difference from drone to drone in how they handle wind, but the Evo does an great job of filming stable footage in windy conditions or when you’re flying fast and fighting wind resistance. The flight experience is smooth and stable, and the Autel Evo Lite+ performs extremely well in low-light flights, where some other drones struggle. 

Autel Sky app

The Evo Lite+ comes with Autel’s Sky app, which is free to download to your phone, and you will find it very similar to applications used by DJI or Skydio. It includes options for shooting “quick shots” and automating various drone moves like a 360-degree video of yourself or an object. 

In settings, you will find the usual options for controlling what happens when the drone disconnects, its return-to-home altitude, and the different flight modes. 

When you first set up the drone, it will default to novice mode, with limited height and range capabilities. Once that mode is deactivated, you can use it as you wish within the limits of the laws in your area. 

When you choose to fly in smooth and standard flight modes, the collision detection system is enabled and will provide the user with visual and audio feedback if you are moving toward obstructions. If you ignore the warnings and keep pushing on, the drone will refuse to move in the direction it considers hazardous.

Depending on your experience and what you’re trying to achieve, this can be an annoying feature, but it exists to help you avoid damaging your drone and dodge huge repair costs. However, for the daredevils, it is possible to disable it, and it will turn off automatically when you’re in Sport mode and flying at lightspeed. Just be wary of thin or smallish objects while flying, such as thin branches, twigs, cables, or electric wires, because the avoidance systems of drones are not perfect, and you can wreck your drone by crashing into them.

You can select photo or video mode via the app if you wish to shoot at 1x magnification or up to 4x magnification. You can choose autofocus or manual and adjust the white balance, ISO, and shutter speed.

On the lower left side of your screen, while in the app, you will notice your altimeter, which measures your height and distance, and the launch icon. On the right is where your camera control and setting icons are. At the top, you will find your warnings, battery life, and the settings icon. Lastly, at the bottom are more fine camera function controls.

Video and image quality

Although it’s stated that it shoots 6K footage, its maximum resolution is 5472 x 3076 pixels at 30 fps. It is similar to the DJI Air 2S except that the 2s has a fixed f/2,8 lens. At the same time, the Lite+ can adjust its aperture from f/2.8 to f /1.1, allowing you to lock in the frame rate while also controlling the amount of light and exposure, lessening the need to use the supplied ND filters. However, if you use the ND filters, you will get better control over the depth of field. 

Having the 5.4K resolution to work with in post is wonderful, especially when you dropped the resolution to 4K or FHD (1080p) because you get all that extra image data and less quality loss.

Using the zoom, you will find the more you zoom in, the more pixelated the image becomes, which is standard when relying on digital rather than optical zoom. I suggest not zooming past 4x, you can push it to 16x, but the images aren’t worth it.

Lowlight and nighttime shooting are where the Evo Lite+ shines. It comes with night photography and video modes that can boost the ISO up to 64,000 while keeping the image from becoming too grainy and unusable. However, I did find my best images and videos were shot in normal daylight, only sometimes adjusting the exposure or ISO. It captures excellent quality stills and videos in fully automatic mode.

You will also find various panoramic, spherical,l, and wide-field shooting modes in the Autel Sky application. Overall, the image and video quality on the Lite+ is excellent, with first-rate autofocus technology. Thanks to its 4-axis stabilization and the stability of the Lite+ while flying, you will get hours of high-quality footage.

Battery life and charging

The Autel Evo Lite+ battery slides in from the rear, connects to the body, and includes the power-on button. The battery capacity is a massive 6,174mAh (68.7 Wh), which is significantly larger than the DJI Mini Pro 3’s 2,453mAh battery, which averages a 34-minute flight time, but the Lite+ is a bigger drone.

The Autel Evo Lite+ is rated at 40 minutes of flight time on a single charge, and in my use, I found that I could get up to 45 minutes depending on how I flew and how much I was filming versus shooting photos. 

It is not recommended you keep flying once the battery life drops below 20% and that you should return to base and switch out your battery.

I will add that the triple battery design is a little flawed and easily disconnects. Autel’s power connection is flawed as it doesn’t stay connected easily, and several times it would just slip off or pop off during charging unless I had it lying completely flat. Although the batteries remain secured in their charging station, the power cable seems to have a mind of its own.

It’s not a major flaw, but it was sometimes annoying. However, the batteries will take about 90 minutes to reach a full charge when it remains connected.

Bottom Line

During my many months with the Autel Evo Lite+ drone, I have to say it has become one of my top three drones. It also was the drone that made me want to take my FAA Part 107 commercial drone license test. Thanks to its longer-than-average battery life, and powerful and robust design, it makes free-hand flying fun. 

If you’re a beginner or intermediate drone pilot, the Autel Evo Lite+ offers robust build quality, a potent 1-inch camera sensor, and an easy-to-use app and controller. It’s worth every penny of the $1,399 our bundle package costs. It just flies strong. Of all the drones I have flown, it is the A-10 Thunderbolt II (a.k.a. “The flying tank”) of drones, and it’s a keeper.

If you're an aspiring amateur photographer or content creator who also dabbles in video, the Canon EOS R7 is one of the best cameras you can buy and hits the perfect middle ground in Canon’s EOS R lineup. 

Like some of Canon’s other classic DSLRs, the EOS 7D Mark II or the EOS 90D, the R7 combines Canon's latest Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus system with quick 15fps mechanical burst-shooting or 30fps speeds when using the electronic shutter.

However, the EOS R7 has an APS-C sensor and won’t gather as much light as the full-frame sensors seen in cameras like the Canon EOS R6. However, it benefits users who prefer a lighter, more travel-friendly camera that doesn’t tire out the arm and wrist.

Canon EOS R7 price and availability

The Canon EOS R7 is aggressively priced within the APS-C market, with the body-only coming in at $1,499. If you decide to jump in with the basic 18-150mm kit lens that gives you extensive reach, it bumps the price up to $1,899. 

Alternatively, the R7 Content Creator Kit is $2,099, which comes with a compact 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 lens, an extra battery, and a hot shoe-mounted stereo mic to capture audio. You will find that it compares nicely in price with both the Nikon Z6II and the Z5.

Canon EOS R7 design

Canon has taken everything its learned during many years of building DSLR cameras and brought those elements to its mirrorless R body lineup, creating a highly portable and super intuitive camera experience. The R7 in the hand reminds me of my Canon EOS Rebel T6i as far as weight and feel, but I find the control layout even more precise and enjoyable to use.

Having used a Canon EOS camera before, the R7 feels like returning home.  However, Canon does such an excellent job both in the physical design and operating system that even if this is your first camera, you will find yourself shooting excellent photos and videos right out of the box. 

The EOS R7 comes with a nice husky grip which photographers will appreciate. Canon gives users that excellent grip while keeping the overall weight down, which makes for a great overall experience and is perfect for those looking for a camera that travels well.

Like most mid-range cameras, you don’t get a top-plate LCD for quickly checking settings, but the large rear display makes up for it.  You will notice how sensibly laid out the control system is, which includes a mode dial to the viewfinder's right, the control dial just behind the shutter button, and dedicated buttons just behind that for adjusting ISO and video recording.

Looking at the back of the camera, you find a joystick-control wheel hybrid that some will either love or hate. It may take some getting used to, but after a little time with it, you realize how well it works, especially when combined with the control dial. You can use the dials to adjust shutter speed and aperture, depending on which shooting mode you’re using, and you can quickly flip through menus or images.

The joystick is great for moving the AF point around the frame when shooting through the viewfinder. You can adjust the AF point by simply touching and dragging on the touchscreen. There is also a four-way d-pad, a useful Q button for accessing your common settings, and buttons for playback and deleting photos. Almost all of the controls are found on the right-hand side of the camera, which is ideal for one-handed operation, which, thanks to the R7’s small size, is all very reachable with your thumb. 

If this is your first mirrorless camera, getting used to the electronic viewfinder may take a while. Still, once you adjust, it becomes a very enjoyable and intuitive experience, and the R7 comes with a simulated optical viewfinder which works quite well. 

The R7’s fully articulating touchscreen is 3.2 inches and highly maneuverable, making shooting video in whatever position you find yourself in much easier. It also folds nicely into the body, making it easy to slip in and out of your camera bag without worrying about damaging the display. The R7’s weather sealing is akin to its EOS 90D, which means the EOS R7 will handle some light rain but isn’t meant for shooting in heavy downpours and shouldn’t be exposed to extreme amounts of splashing or moisture.

On the right, we find the dual SD card slots; some may have wanted a CFexpress card slot, but SD cards are far more affordable, and this is a mid-level camera.

On the left, we find our HDMI, Mic, USB-C, headphone jack, and remote control ports hidden behind rubberized sealed doors that pop firmly into place.

Canon EOS R7 image and video quality

The EOS R7’s 32.5MP is a lot for an APS-C camera. The high amount of megapixels allows users to fully take advantage of this sensor and shoot beautiful images that are super detailed; plus, you’ve ended up with a lot of image information during editing and cropping.

 However,  the downside of all those pixels crammed into a smaller sensor's surface area is that low-light shooting performance can suffer compred to full-frame models. The R7 seems to largely avoid this problem though and itwon’t be an issue in most conditions; however, sometimes you will find a few images with less-than-perfect results. 

Overall, I’ve been very impressed by the EOS R7's image quality. Colors are richly saturated, warm and enticing, as we’ve come to expect from Canon. The automatic white balance setting was a major win in every lighting situation I tested. It always produced the warmer or colder effect I sought while shooting.

Canon’s evaluative metering mode worked well, producing images with well-balanced exposures, even in high-contrast scenarios. I found that RAW files show a good amount of scope, letting me make fine adjustments and pull back a good amount of missing detail in lowlights and highlights when needed. Users can also adjust the balance of smoothing and noise and choose the amount of detail you see in images, especially if they want more than what the JPEG format outputs.

Video quality is also good, and content creators should seriously consider the EOS R7. The combination of the flip-out screen, mic and headphone sockets all make it a perfect video studio in your bag. Sadly, there is 4K/120p mode for slow-mo shooting, but that shouldn’t be a deal breaker for most, and shooting 120fps in FHD produces high-quality imagery at 1080p.

Canon EOS R7 performance

Shooting with the R7 feels like shooting with a mirrorless version of Canon’s 90D or T6i, or T7i series of Rebel cameras. Meaning you get a lot of features and performance from a lightweight, highly portable body while also entering a potent and expansive lens ecosystem. 

Canon’s RF-S 18-150mm lens and the R7 are a powerful duo that will cover most shooters' daily needs. It's a fantastic all-around lens and camera combo for content creators looking to run and gun shoot. 

The great thing about the R7 is it has the power, speed, and resolution to make use of the full-frame lenses in the fantastic RF Lens lineup, including L-series lenses. 

I enjoyed the fast and excellent results shooting with the Dual Pixel AF II technology. The subject detection and tracking are superb. I shot photos of fast-moving birds in my backyard, and the results were lovely.

The eye detection system worked flawlessly when shooting human subjects or even taking selfies. It made setting up shots easier in many circumstances. The Canon EOS R7’s HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode has four different settings - AUTO, +-1 EV, +-2 EV, and +-3 EV. The R7 will take three shots with different exposures, changing the shutter speed for each one, and then combining them in-camera.

The EOS R7 comes with a 5-axis stabilized image sensor. It's a useful feature that other camera makers have had for a while, and Canon now has it across its entire R series lineup, including the R3, R5, and R6.

When you combine the in-body stabilization with the stabilization built into most RF lenses, you should consistently produce some exceptional images and video and it also helps to combat those low-light concerns. I consistently shot sharp handheld photos and videos and was very impressed with Canon’s IBIS.

The EOS R7 features some quality video specs, supporting full-width 4K60 recording with several built-in looks, including standard, black-and-white, and vivid options. You can swap to C.Log3 for a flat, low-contrast footage profile that allows for color correction.

Canon EOS R7 connectivity

The R7 allows for both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and partners very well with the Canon Camera Connect app, which quickly lets you copy photos to your phone or tablet for editing and sharing. Also, the app lets you use your phone as a remote and viewfinder. 

Bottom line

There are so many things to like about the Canon EOS R7; where do I start? You get IBIS, autofocus with eye detection and subject tracking. There's also Canon’s world-renowned color science, the award-winning RF lens system, and an articulating screen that is a content creator's dream all for just $1,499.  

All that said, the Canon EOS R7 is a fine option for those breaking into the content creation game and also a great addition to our best cameras of 2026.. 

The best camera deals of the season are here with end-of-year savings on photo gear. If you're a budding or pro photographer looking for the best price on a new camera, you've come to the right place. To help you save on your investment, we're hand-selecting today's best camera deals and sharing them below. 

For example, Amazon continues to offer the Panasonic Lumix G85 for $697.99. That's $202 off its normal price of $899. This is one of the best discounts we've seen for this 4K digital camera.  It features a 16MP micro four thirds sensor, OLED live viewfinder, and flip LCD display.

With class-leading dual image stabilization and a 12-60mm lens, the Lumix G85 ensures crisp, blur-free images and 2160p video recording. Whether you're upgrading your wares or shopping for a special occasion, the Panasonic Lumix G85 is a solid buy. 

And that's just one of the best deals on cameras happening right now. Whether you're last minute gift shopping for yourself or someone else, here are the best camera deals you can get. 

Best camera deals right now

• Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Digital Camera: $399 $298 @ Amazon
• Canon EOS R10 w/ RF-S18-45mm Lens: $1099 $899 @ Amazon
• Nikon Z 6 w/ 24-70mm Lens: $2,596 $1,999 @ B&H
• Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K: $1,349 $1,295 @ Amazon
• Sony a7 III Full-frame Mirrorless Camera: $2,198 $1,798 @ Amazon

Best camera deals

Panasonic is offering massive savings on its lineup of cameras over at Amazon. I am super excited to share that you can save hundreds on these fantastic Lumix cameras. Currently, we are in the process of reviewing the Panasonic Lumix GH6, and it's by far my favorite mirrorless camera of 2022, but you will read all about it soon. 

Right now, you can save $500 on either the Lumix GH6 with a Leica lens or just the body, just in case you already have a bunch of micro four-thirds lenses. Panasonic Lumix cameras are known for excellent color science, speedy autofocus, and one of the best UIs (user interface) in the camera market. Many of the lenses available are made in a partnership with Leica, so you know you're getting amazing glass. 

Act now and save during this Panasonic Lumix camera sale at Amazon. 

CES 2023 is here, and the biggest tech manufacturers including Lenovo, Asus, Sony, and more are gearing up to show off their latest and greatest (and strangest) devices.  

This year, CES is back with an in-person event in Las Vegas, taking place from January 5 until January 8, 2023. We're expecting a host of exciting announcements, from innovative laptops with next-gen internals (we're thinking 13th Gen Intel chips and Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 Series mobile GPUs) to a range of tablets, monitors, and more.

We're here to give you the latest scoop on the world's largest tech expo, and we're already seeing plenty of major announcements start to trickle in. Laptop Mag will be on the floor scoping out all the biggest reveals, so bookmark this page with all of our coverage throughout the show.

In the meantime, check out everything you need to know below. 

Top news

• Samsung opens CES 2023 with an 8K, 57-inch ultra-wide display
• Lenovo Slim 7 is the latest budget productivity laptop at CES 2023
• First look at Lenovo ThinkPhone by Motorola — your ThinkPad's new best friend
• MSI unveils the Stealth 17, 16, and 14 inch Studio laptops at CES 2023

CES 2023 dates and times

CES 2023 is kicking off from Thursday, January 5 to Sunday, January 8, 2023, and will be held at the Las Vegas Convention and World Trade Center (LVCC) and the Venetian Expo.

There will be an opening keynote and state of the industry address kicking off at 8:30 a.m. PT / 11:30 a.m. EST / 4:30 p.m. GMT on January 5. As for exhibition times and more, check out the dates and times below: 

• Thursday, January 5: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT
• Friday, January 6: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT
• Saturday, January 7: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT
• Sunday, January 8: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT

However, while these are the big expo dates, you'll see plenty of what's to come on the days before it too — thanks to CES Unveiled on Tuesday, January 3, and all the big keynotes on Wednesday, January 4. Check back here for a full schedule soon.

The tech expo is an in-person, trade-only event, so those wishing to attend will need to register via the CES 2023 registration page. Those allowed to attend will need to be associated with a tech company or press, and be 18 years and over. Interested in everything that will be shown off but can't make it? We're here to deliver all the biggest announcements, so watch this site.

Who is coming to CES 2023?

With over 400 brands attending CES 2023, expect to see brands big and small deliver their latest product launches from around the globe. Featured exhibitors so far include AMD, Amazon, Canon, Google, LG, Lenovo, Microsoft, Samsung, Sony, and more, and we're already getting a tease of what laptops, tablets, monitors, and everything else to expect. 

Lenovo at CES 2023

Lenovo always delivers its next iteration of ThinkPads, IdeaPads, and more during CES, and this year will be no different. We know this as a fact, as the laptop manufacturer has already revealed a list of laptops, monitors, and even a tablet that it will showcase. Will there be anything else up its sleeve? We'll have to wait and see. 

• Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 revealed — plus brand spankin' new Yoga and Nano laptops
• This new $349 Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook is more flexible than you'll ever be — check out this contortionist
• Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 unveiled ahead of CES 2023 — choose between Intel or AMD processors
• Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i with next-gen Nvidia GeForce graphics is coming soon — perfect if you love to work and play
• New Lenovo Smart Tab M9 with Google Assistant unveiled
• Lenovo’s new Mini LED monitors could be the new best screens for creative pros — here’s why

Asus at CES 2023

Asus will be "seeing an incredible future" at its CES 2023 Asus launch event, and the company has been teasing what we can expect. Apparently, it has something to do with an AR experience and what looks to be an Asus Zenbook with a dial. We expect "one of the biggest ASUS innovations" to be something creative pros will enjoy, possibly a 3D screen. We won't know for sure until the announcement is revealed on January 4. 

Of course, when it comes to Asus, we're expecting plenty of gaming laptops. With RTX 40 Series GPUs for desktops already out in the wild, along with 13th Gen Intel chips expected, we're hoping to see new Asus ROG Zephyrus, Asus TUF, and Asus ROG Strix with these next-gen processors. Asus is teasing a "Maxed Out" reveal, so expect a major bump in gaming performance. 

Sony at CES 2023

It's almost a given that Sony will be showing off its highly anticipated PSVR 2 headset during CES 2023, seeing as it's set to launch in February 2023. However, Sony is unpredictable when it comes to big reveals during CES, so anything is on the table. 

We've heard rumors of a new PS5 model being in the works, one with a detachable disc drive. However, we're unsure if this will be unveiled during the event. We're likely to see a selection of new 4K and 8K displays, and we know Sony Honda Mobility will be making an appearance on stage during Sony's Global Press Conference on January 4, meaning a vehicle is in store. 

LG at CES 2023

During CES 2021, LG gave us a full refresh of its LG Gram laptop lineup and a tease of the LG rollable phone (but that didn't see the light of day). This year, however, we're expecting to see a completely different kind of display: “the world’s first 12-inch high-resolution stretchable display.”

The new innovation in display tech boasts a rubber band-like flexibility that allows it to be stretched up to 14 inches, using a micro-LED light source with a pixel pitch of less than 40μm to display images. It's a wild invention we're excited to check out, but we're still unsure if it will be shown off.

Other than that, we can expect a selection of home appliances, including the usual selection of TVs, like the LG C3 OLED TV, along with a see-through refrigerator, washers, and more.

LG is kicking CES 2023 off with a bang. Its LG gram laptop lineup got expanded to include two new models: Ultraslim and Style. While both pack a punch when it comes to power and portability, the former caught my eye.

Not only is the LG gram Ultraslim the thinnest gram model yet, but it's slimmer than any current-gen laptop on the market, including the M2 MacBook Air, which is already razor thin at 0.44 inches.

Samsung at CES 2023

CES 2023 has officially kicked off with Samsung revealing the world's first dual UHD gaming monitor stacking up at a whopping 57 inches. A monitor for the wealthy gamer, and those that can only dream.

The monitor that the company is highlighting is the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9, a 57-inch, 7,680×2,160 gaming monitor. The company also revealed the Odyssey OLED G9, ViewFinity S9, and Smart Monitor M8. 

Samsung didn't provide pricing or release dates, but you can bet that these monitors will be on the "expensive-as-a-car" side of things.

Intel at CES 2023

Seeing as Intel revealed its 12th Gen Alder Lake mobile chips at CES 2022, which made its way onto the best laptops we've seen this year, we're expecting to see the next jump in processing power in the 13th Gen Intel CPUs, otherwise known as its Intel Raptor Lake lineup. 

These will deliver even more competition to chips from AMD and Apple, but even more excitingly, we're sure to see these chips arrive on next year's selection of new laptops. What performance gains can we expect? We won't have to wait much longer to find out. In the meantime, you can check out what the future of Intel looks like in our in-depth State of Intel. 

Intel revealed its next generation 13th Gen Intel Core mobile processor for laptops at CES 2023, including the new flagship Intel Core i9-13980HX — the "world’s fastest mobile processor."

With Intel's 13th Gen desktop CPUs already announced(opens in new tab) in 2022, we got a tease of the processing speeds to expect on laptops. Now, Intel has introduced 32 new 13th Gen Intel Core mobile processors, and it includes the first 24-core processor for a laptop.

AMD at CES 2023

If Intel is set to make a big CPU announcement, you can expect AMD to do the very same — along with its next-gen AMD Radeon RX 7000 series GPUs. We're expecting to see many gaming laptops deliver all-AMD configurations, which means fresh AMD Ryzen and AMD Radeon processors. 

CES is usually the time when AMD shows off its next CPU and GPU offerings, much like last year's Ryzen 6000 series CPUs. The rumor mill has already been spitting out alleged benchmarks for what we can expect, but we won't know for sure until we see it from AMD ourselves. The future of AMD is looking bright, and you can find out more in our State of AMD.

CES 2023 is here, and alongside the massive updates from Intel and Nvidia, AMD has thrown its chips in the nacho bowl that is consumer tech. AMD is set to launch the AMD Radeon RX 7000 Series of laptops starting in February for serious competition.

AMD introduces AMD Ryzen AI, the world's first integrated AI engine on an X86 processor. According to AMD, it's designed to be up to 50% more efficient than the Apple M2 neural engine. The company is also introducing its latest RDNA 3 Architecture to the laptops, which optimizes performance with AI accelerators and allows GPUs to be tuned up to 50W and above, creating more power efficiency, at least that's what AMD claims.

Nvidia at CES 2023

With Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 Series already out in the wild for desktops, it's incredibly likely we'll be seeing the next-gen GPUs make their way onto laptops, too. The question is, what kind of 40 Series graphics cards are we expecting to see? 

According to leaker momomo_us on Twitter via VideoCardz, HP is tipped to bring six configurations of its HP Omen 17 featuring Nvidia's GeForce RTX 40 Series mobile GPUs. This includes an RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM, RTX 4070 with 8GB VRAM, RTX 4080 with 12GB VRAM, and RTX 4090 with 16GB of VRAM. 

We've heard Nvidia's take on what the future of laptops looks like, with the company stating that it will "keep producing world-class leading discrete GPUs." If the leaked listing is to be believed, then we can expect RTX 4060 through to RTX 4090 GPUs to come to gaming laptops in 2023. There have been rumors of RTX 4050 graphics cards coming to laptops, too, but the most interesting inclusion is RTX 4090, seeing how gaming laptops didn't come equipped with an RTX 3090 GPU.

As expected, Nvidia has launched its GeForce RTX 40 Series laptop GPUs at CES 2023 — available starting February 8 from the world’s top manufacturers, including Acer, Alienware, Asus, Dell, Gigabyte, HP, Lenovo, MSI, Razer, and Samsung.

Nvidia uses the Ada Lovelace architecture to deliver the “largest-ever generational leap in performance and power efficiency.” In fact, the company has made a huge claim, boasting that these GPUs are now up to twice as fast as a PlayStation 5, while being just one-sixth the size. We can't wait to put that to the test next month, but for now,vidi let's take a look at what Nvidia had to say about its new GPUs.

Rode just launched the VideoMicro II, an ultra-compact and lightweight on-camera shotgun microphone for content creators seeking to record high-quality audio with a camera or mobile device.

We reviewed the Rode VideoMic Go II, and it earned 4.5 out of 5 stars and won our coveted Editor's Choice award. We're expecting the same level of quality and performance from the VideoMicro II. 

The VideoMicro II features Rode’s innovative annular line tube technology, which delivers highly transparent and directional sound ideal for content creators and filmmakers.

In its press release, Rode states the VideoMicro II "is incredibly simple to use with no batteries and no complicated controls. The innovative HELIX  isolation mount system and included windshields will ensure all your recordings are crystal-clear." 

We just received our review unit and will be putting the VideoMicro II to the test and bringing you our findings soon. The Rode VideoMicro II is available at Rode and Amazon for just $79. 

Earlier today, Sony launched its new FX30 super 4K 35mm cinema camera aimed at young filmmakers and content creators, and we're very excited. The Sony FX30 cinema camera looks like the maker's FX3 with its clean design and simple yet elegant aesthetic.

The FX30 arrives with a brand new back-illuminated 26.1 megapixel APS-C Exmor R CMOS sensor (Super 35 format) with a dual base ISO (800/2500) meant to deliver high sensitivity, low noise, and 14+1 stops of latitude. Sony's new Super 35mm sensor is capable of timecode support and S-Log3, and you must be thinking, it's going to be super expensive.

The FX30 (supplied with the XLR handle) will be available in late October for approximately $2,200, which places it in the range of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6k lineup. Is a war brewing in the affordable cinema camera market, it sure looks that way. 

Those are just some of the specs, and just be aware there is some cropping beyond the native 35mm crop, but it should be almost unnoticeable at just 1.04x due to the FX30 using 6K oversampling from its sensor. 

When recording at 120 fps, there is a 1.6x crop of the Super 35mm area. This is on top of the system’s standard APS-C/Super 35mm crop, so you will need to take note of that when selecting the lens you to shoot your slow-motion footage. You can even push your slow motion further by recording at 240fps in FHD resolution.

The FX30 comes with built-in 5-axis in-body stabilization, Real-time Eye AF (human, animal, or bird), Real-time Tracking, Detailed AF settings, and AF Assist to keep what you're filming in focus. 

The FX30 provides creators with several options to record audio through various audio inputs, including two XLR audio inputs and a 3.5 mm stereo mini jack for 4-channel recording. 

The FX30 is equipped with two memory card slots compatible with CFexpress Type A cards and SDXC/SDHC cards. There's also a 3-inch flip-out touch screen and access to the extensive collection of Sony E mount lenses. 

Sony's FX30 cinema camera looks to be a serious contender for best small cinema camera will cause some to question Blackmagic's Pocket Cinema line of cameras' lack of AF tracking. Sony is making a statement with all the features it is bringing at this price point and we'll be covering this camera with interest.

Just after the release of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, rumors of an iPhone 15 "Ultra" being Apple's next big flagship phone have started to catch fire. Now, a new leak points to an additional feature the "Ultra" will have over the standard iPhone 15 and Pro models.

According to known tipster Majin Bu on Twitter (via BGR), an anonymous source claims the iPhone 15 "Ultra" will have two front-facing cameras. Having dual-selfie cameras will be a first on an iPhone, but the source doesn't note what the additional camera could be used for.

The post also offers more rumored details, including the shift to USB-C connectivity and having a starting storage capacity of 256GB. Apple analyst Mark Gurman previously mentioned the move to USB-C in the iPhone 15 lineup, seeing as an EU mandate will force Apple to include USB-C in its smartphones. However, the scaled-up storage capacity is interesting and makes sense for an "Ultra" model that may have a second camera at the front. 

The tipster also notes that the "Ultra" model is expected to replace the current lineup of Pro Max models, which Gurman also believes. What's more, the iPhone 15 Pro will stick with one front-facing camera, with a starting storage capacity of 128GB — like the current iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models.

If an additional front-facing camera is included, it shows that the iPhone 15 "Ultra" is shaping up to be Apple's most powerful iPhone, even more so than the usual Pro models. Apple could push the iPhone's camera capabilities to new heights, making it a pricey product for a niche consumer group — much like the recent Apple Watch Ultra and M1 Ultra in the Mac Studio.

Cameras could be the main focus of the "Ultra" model, but since the expected launch of the iPhone 15 is likely a year away, it's best to take these leaks and rumors with a pinch of salt. 

iPhone 15 hype

The iPhone 15 lineup is already looking up, with Gurman stating we can expect a revamped design on all models and the inclusion of an Ultra model. What's more, display analyst Ross Young claims all iPhone 15 models are expected to get Dynamic Island. Seeing how it's a recent change to finally ditch the notch, it's unlikely Apple will drop the new feature in just a year, and we can expect it to trickle down to the standard models.

It will be interesting to see if Apple decides to replace the Pro Max model with a new "Ultra" model. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is a size up to the iPhone 14 Pro, but it still fits the "Pro" criteria, meaning it could be disappointing to those looking for Pro features in a bigger, 6.7-inch display. With this in mind, we could see the iPhone 15 "Ultra" be an addition to the lineup rather than a replacement for the Pro Max.

Whatever the case, we'll have to wait a while before we get anything official. In the meantime, check out our thoughts on Apple's latest flagship in our iPhone 14 review. 

Today Insta360 announced its X3 360 action camera; the latest generation of the popular camera series takes aim squarely at content creators and it makes a pretty compelling case.

While 360 videos and photos have their place, the real advantage to creators with a camera like the Insta360 X3 is the ability to reframe your photo or video after you have captured it, meaning you should almost never miss a shot. 

That's what makes these such compelling action cameras as you never want to nail a trick or finish a run and find that you were just out of frame or the camera shifted and you were capturing nothing but sky or dirt. Particularly for solo content creators, this same principle holds true even if you aren't shooting action footage, the Insta360 X3 takes the point out of point and shoot so you only need to worry about pressing record.

I've spent the last few days with the Insta360 X3 running an early version of the app and firmware for the camera, and I'll have a review coming soon, but so far outside of a few hiccups that are likely related to the early software, it does appear to deliver on this promise. 

Insta360 X3 features

The new half-inch 48MP sensors in the X3 can capture up to 5.7K 360 video, which may sound like an odd resolution if you aren't familiar with 360 cameras, but it means you can grab excellent 1080p footage from any angle. If you want to grab a still photo you have up to 72MP to play with, which again gives you plenty of reframing options. If you do want 4K footage the X3 has you covered there as well, you just need to drop out of 360 and into ultra-wide mode.

Returning to the content creator side of things, you can easily extract any aspect ratio you want from your footage. So for example if you need a 9:16 video for TikTok, but then want to use that same footage for a 4:5 Instagram post, you don't need to capture twice or struggle to make one work for the other, you have a full 360-degree capture to pull from. 

New for the X3 is an Active HDR video mode that is designed to reduce ghosting and add stability to your action shots, something that the Insta360 cameras already excelled at in previous generations thanks to the six-axis gyroscope and FlowState stabilization. 

Not new, but still amazing is the Invisible Selfie Stick, which is how you get great 360 footage without having to worry about the stick being in the shot. The camera automatically stitches it out, so you never have to think about it. Insta360 has added a new Me Mode if you just want to keep the focus on you throughout the video and it will automatically stay focused on you while ensuring that the selfie stick is invisible.

If you are a fan of timelapse the X3 can capture gorgeous 8K 360 time-lapses that are perfect for establishing shots or just to hit fast forward on the day.

Insta360 X3 hardware

Beyond the new sensors, the X3 is slightly larger than its predecessors at 4.5 x 1.8 x 1.3-inches, but its candy bar shape keeps it easily pocketable and it was worth the size boost to fit the new 2.29-inch display on the camera. It makes it far easier to control everything from the camera if you don't want to get your phone out and also gives you a more meaningful preview of your shot than the tiny circular display on the old One X models. 

Action shooters will appreciate the four physical buttons on the camera that ensures you can still hit record or switch settings if you are wearing gloves and can't easily use the touchscreen.

The Insta360 X3 is waterproof at up to 33 feet, so you can bring it on snorkeling, pool, or boating outings without fear. 

Outlook

The Insta360 X3 is available starting today directly from Insta360 or from Amazon for $449. That's competitive with the GoPro Hero 10 Black, which starts at $499.

As I said I've had a few days with the camera already and outside of some issues with the software that aren't uncommon with early builds I have been thoroughly pleased with the results. With final updates now hitting the app and camera, I want to continue to put it through its paces for a few more days to see if that has ironed out the kinks and I'll be ready to weigh in on whether the Insta360 X3 really is the perfect choice for content creators.

A developer dug into Google code to reveal camera specs on upcoming Pixel products, including the Pixel 7, Pixel Tablet, and a rumored foldable device. Is the Pixel Fold arriving after all?

Discovered by developer Kuba Wojciechowski on Twitter (via Android Authority), the Google code reportedly had camera hardware configuration details on a number of known, upcoming Pixel devices. The Pixel 7 series is a highlight, with Wojciechowski showcasing that both the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro will use the same 50MP GN1 main sensor and 12MP IMX381 ultrawide sensor on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.

We're big fans of the sensors, but the real change is likely to come in the software the next-gen Pixel phone will boast. However, the Pixel 7 will apparently be getting one upgrade: an 11MP selfie camera. This is similar to the one found on the Pixel 6 Pro, and will also be used on the 7 Pro, according to the developer. 

As for the Pixel 7 Pro, Wojciechowski states the phone will use Samsung’s 48MP GM1 telephoto lens instead of Sony's 48MP IMX586 sensor. Whether this will change the performance of the camera isn't certain, but the developer says "the idea could be to have more sensors from the same manufacturer - on-sensor image processing is vastly different between vendors and might lead to less consistent results."

The developer also revealed details about the upcoming Pixel tablet in 2023, which will apparently have two IMX355 sensors. These are the same 8MP sensors found on the Pixel 6's front-facing camera. Tablets aren't usually used for their cameras, and could be a sensor used for video calls and more.

The Google Pixel Fold also popped up, with Wojciechowski stating that its label "P7" is an "unknown foldable." He continues: "Standard GN1 for the main sensor, IMX363, IMX386 (Pixel 6's ultrawide) - listed as "FOLDED" and IMX355 (Pixel 6's front)."

Finally, a new, high-end Pixel popped up. Codenamed "Lynx," this device is expected to use a 50MP  GN1 camera and an IMX787 sensor for the secondary rear camera. Plus, it will also have a 13MP IMX712 lens for selfies. Since Google already announced its roadmap of upcoming Pixel devices, it's strange that a third model would appear. That said, the developer also states that it could just be a device for internal testing.

Until the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, Pixel tablet, and long-rumored Pixel Fold officially launch, we won't know for sure if these camera specs are accurate. We won't have to wait much longer for Google's next-gen smartphone, as the Pixel 7 series is set to arrive this fall. We're interested to see how Google handles the cameras on its upcoming Pixel devices, but in the meantime, check out our Google Pixel 6 revisited review.

Earlier today, camera gear maker Telesin announced the launch of its new lightweight tabletop motorized camera dolly for mirrorless cameras and DSLRs. Called the Telesin Intelligent Remote Control Photography Car (yes, it's very wordy), the product fills a nice niche in the market and looks like an excellent addition to any creator's camera kit.

At just $165.99, it's super affordable. Being able to create buttery smooth footage without needing to spend big bucks on a slider is beneficial for budget-conscious content creators.  

The Telesin Photography Car has a stated payload capacity of up to 3kg (6.6 lbs.). It should easily handle most mirrorless cameras and DSLRs not being used with a telephoto lens.  The Telesin motorized dolly will allow creators to film straight line and curved dolly shots using five different user-controlled speeds. It's also capable of time-lapse photography and video.

The new three-wheeled motorized dolly is a great small alternative instead of having to set up a sliding rail system. Telesin's new motorized dolly saves time, giving content creators the opportunity to work in tighter spaces. It also makes way for more flexibility on different surfaces. From the images, it looks like it would work well with all the cameras on our best cameras page for sure.

On the dolly, you'll find 3/8" and 1/4" screw holes, three direction wheels, a steering button, a gear button, and indicator lights. There's also a built-in battery that is USB-C chargeable with the port next to the power switch, and it is rated for five hours of use. 

The five speeds, or gears, offer a speed range from 1.4 inches to 2.75 inches a second. The Telesin motorized camera dolly comes with a wireless remote, which allows you to control the camera from a distance. Thanks to the remote and presets, you will be capable of shooting some excellent, smooth 360-degree videos and photos at a stable rate. The motorized dolly does not come with a gimbal, so make sure to take weight into consideration when mounting. With 3KG/6 pounds of capacity, a lightweight gimbal is best, and make sure to choose an appropriate lens as well as to not overload or possibly tip over the dolly.

The Telesin Photography Car is now available for pre-order for just $165.99, which is extremely affordable; it will save you money compared to a motorized slider system. You can check out the Telesin Photography camera car at Telesin. Also, if you're in the market for a new mirrorless camera or DSLR, check out our current best deals on some of our favorite cameras. 

h/t DPReview

Apple is rumored to introduce a long-awaited periscope camera lens to the iPhone, which will greatly increase its optical zoom capabilities. However, it may be a while before it arrives, as it's tipped to be an exclusive iPhone 15 Pro Max feature.

According to oft-reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the Pro Max model of the 2023 iPhone lineup is set to receive a periscope lens. Its main specifications include a 1/3-inch image sensor with 12-megapixel resolution, f/2.8 aperture, and sensor-shift support, along with up to 6x optical zoom. 

• More: iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 14 Pro: What do we know so far?

Compared to the iPhone 13 Pro Max's telephoto camera with a 3x optical zoom and a disappointing 15x digital zoom, this will be a vast improvement. However, if the improved zoom 6x capabilities are to be believed, it still won't be able to match Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra's 10x optical zoom. Still, Apple may finally rival the extent of Samsung's Galaxy camera capabilities.

While the iPhone 15 Pro Max may be the only one to be equipped with a periscope lens, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models are predicted to be fitted with similar specifications. Clearly, this is set to be a defining feature for upcoming Pro models, as there's no word if the standard models will receive significant camera upgrades.

According to previous reports, the iPhone 14 Pro is rumored to upgrade its main camera sensor to a 48MP shooter, which would be a massive resolution jump over the 12MP of the iPhone 13 Pro. 

This could result in a 35% increase in the sensor size and a 10% increase in the lens diameter, and it's warmly welcomed because you can only go so far with improving the software before you need to update the hardware.

Will these rumored upgrades further increase the cost of Apple's range of iPhone Pro models? Possibly, but only time will tell if a periscope lens ends up landing on the iPhone. In the meantime, check out everything we know about the upcoming iPhone 14. 

BestBuy joins in on the Prime Day deals with this $100 price cut on the GoPro Hero 10 Black Action Camera! The rugged, waterproof action cam features a 23MP camera that captures colorful and crisp 5.3K videos.

The front of the Hero 10 has a selfie display so you can see yourself and adjust your shots as you go. You can use the GoPro Hero 10 as an action cam, but this sturdy little titan can be used as a webcam, too. You can get all this for just $399 right now at BestBuy and save a clean $100. 

•  Browse: Amazon's entire Prime Day sale 

The GoPro Hero 10 Black action camera is a great, rugged action camera with a few mighty tricks up its waterproof sleeves. You get a 23MP CMOS sensor that shoots crisp, colorful photos and videos, and you can film excellent slow-motion videos that will envy your friends and fellow content creators. 

I have owned a pair of older GoPro Hero cameras and have used them to shoot selfie photos and videos for years. With the help of GoPro's excellent apps, I have shot slow-mo, timelapse, and intense action scenes without worrying about whether the cameras are tough enough to survive. The Hero 10 shoots in H.264, MP4, RAW file formats, and has 2x digital zoom capabilities. 

Grab this deal while it lasts! But for more Prime Day deals, look no further. 

Grab one of Sony's outstanding mirrorless cameras and lenses and save over $600 for Prime Day! Sony has been one of the dominant players in the digital mirrorless camera revolution and if you head over to Amazon right now you can enjoy huge savings on several of Sony's Alpha series cameras. 

As a little taste, the Sony a7R IV 61MP camera has been a favorite of prosumers since its release, and it's got a huge price cut. You can also snag the Sony ZV-10 and save $100 right now at Amazon. The ZV-E10 is a super capable vlogging camera that produces excellent video and photos. 

Sony has also lowered the prices on many lenses for Prime Day, giving consumers the opportunity to buy some excellent glass and save money. Let's have a peek at what Sony is bringing to the Prime Day event.

•  Shop: Amazon's entire Prime Day sale 

Sony Camera Deals 

Sony Lenses 

Sony glass has come a long way and is now some of the most coveted lenses in the camera arena. For Prime Day, you can pick up some fantastic Sony lenses and score some huge savings! 

Feiyu Tech’s Vimble 3 is a fun, fluid smartphone gimbal that’s worth every penny of its $119 asking price. The triple-axis smartphone gimbal comes with a built-in, 7.8-inch extension rod that facilitates selfie shots It also comes with a little tripod mount, allowing you to erect a hands-free set up so it can follow you as you do your thing for the camera. 

The Vimble 3 comes with a software sidekick, a free, user-friendly companion app, that makes creating fun videos and images easier. I took a little time to shoot some stuff in my backyard to get acclimated with the VImble 3 — and I ended up having a blast.  

FeiyuTech Vimble 3 pricing and availability

Feiyu Tech’s Vimble 3 costs $119. It’s relatively expensive compared to other gimbals on the market, but you get a fair number of features for that price tag When you consider the long battery life, its lightweight design, built-in 7.8-inch telescoping extension rod, smooth filming capabilities, and solid app performance, it’s a bargain. 

FeiyuTech Vimble 3 design

The Vimble 3 is a three-axis gimbal that enables you to capture ultra-smooth smartphone camera videos as it fluidly rolls, pans, and tilts. The foldable design includes a built-in7.8-inch extension rod and a small tripod. At the bottom, you will find a ¼-inch threaded hole if you wish to mount it on a larger tripod. The sturdy, light-grey plastic Vimble 3 feels good in the hand as it only weighs 0.85 pounds, so you can use it all day without tiring. 

On the Vimble 3’s handle, you will find the battery status indicator lights, photo album button, mode button, shutter button, four-way joystick, dial, and dial function button.

Despite all the buttons, it feels good in the hand, and thanks to its size, it can all be controlled easily with a thumb. On the right of the handle, sits the USB-C charging cable and power button.

On the left of the handle, sits the zoom slider, and A and B buttons.

Lastly, the front trigger buttons are well-placed and easily accessible. Overall, the ergonomics of the Vimble are excellent and work in the user's favor.

Thanks to an attachable mini tripod, you can set the gimbal up somewhere for hands-free filming. It comes in very handy if you want to shoot some panning, time-lapse video, or images.

Thanks to its foldable, telescoping arm, the Vimble 3 is very compact measuring 2.5 x 6.9 x 4.5 inches (6.69 x 4.17 x 2.56 when folded)t, and once folded, it easily fits in your backpack or camera bag 

FeiyuTech Vimble 3 Performance

The Vimble 3 is quick to set up and very intuitive, making it very easy to use. It unfolds quickly, clicking sturdily into place, and the built-in, expandable clip allows you to mount your smartphone speedily. You can seamlessly toggle between the different follow modes using the mode button — and you can select the one you want using the front trigger buttons.  

Overall, the Vimble 3 captures smooth panning, rolling images, and video. Your time-lapse sequences will be filmed fluidly and give you quality footage for your creative projects. The Vimble 3 produced many hours of smooth gliding camera moves, even when we were filming wide-angle shots. And thanks to the built-in selfie stick, you can take some great selfies — and not worry about whether your arms are long enough. I see you T-Rex arms; we love you.

There are five different shooting modes you can select from; I started with the Pan Follow (PF), which, like its name suggests, pans to follow the movement of the operator’s hands. It also has a Pan Tilt Follow mode, which is a bit more intuitive. The gimbal panned easily left or right and tilted smoothly up or down depending on my hand movements. In FPV mode, all three axes pan, roll, and tilt, according to the movement of your hand. In the Lock mode, the camera remains in the same direction regardless of your movements. 

Lastly, the FFW mode is a Flash Follow mode that impels the gimbal to react very quickly to any movement; it’s very useful if you shoot live-action scenes (e.g., sporting events and dance performances). You can also shoot videos in portrait or landscape mode; the former is useful if you’re an Instagram-focused content creator, but if you’re a YouTube vlogger, you’ll appreciate the latter. 

FeiyuTech Vimble 3 software and warranty

The Vimble 3 comes with the Free Feiyu ON app, which expands the gimble capabilities. Once downloaded, the app quickly helps you connect your phone to the gimbal via Bluetooth. After it’s paired, the fun begins. You can now take advantage of shooting some fantastic trick videos as the gimble-mounted smartphone camera follows you around, panning, tilting, and rolling, creating cool stuff for your followers to enjoy.

There is also the option of drawing around the subject you wish the gimble to follow and focus on via your smartphone’s screen, which works great (except for occasional abrupt movements). Overall, the auto-tracking feature works well, and the app functions excellently. The Vimble 3 comes with a one-year warranty.

Bottom line

The Vimble 3 is a fun smartphone gimbal that grants users of every skill level the ability to shoot excellent, fluid footage with little effort. Thanks to the free Feiyu On app, it takes a lot of the guesswork out, making filming some smooth, tricky footage easy for anyone.  For just $119, you can create some great images and videos for your followers, friends, and family to enjoy. 

Insta360 just launched its latest action cam, the One RS 1-inch 360 co-engineered with camera titan Leica. The One RS can film 6K video and features a 360-degree dual-lens system, allowing creatives to present a unique visual perspective or easily reframe video to follow the action. 

Considered a breakthrough due to its two 1-inch CMOS sensors, the One RS 1-inch 360 Edition shoots 6K resolution videos and 21-megapixel, 360-degree photos. You should also see improved low-light performance and depth of field with the One RS 360 Edition. It should be an enjoyable camera to take on any adventure.

The Insta360 One RS 360 Edition will set you back $799.99 for the base kit. The Get Set Kit will cost you $829.99 and adds a 64GB microSD card and a 70cm (28-inch) "Invisible Selfie Stick" that won't interfere with your image. The All-Purpose Kit will run you $859.99 for the same 64GB microSD card, a 120cm (47-inch) Invisible Selfie Stick, and an all-purpose tripod.  Kind of pricey, but I'm sure once we get a review unit, we can give you a better idea if it's expensive or worth every penny. 

The Insta360 One RS 360 Edition features "FlowState stabilization," a six-axis stabilization meant to ensure smooth video. Yes, there is autofocus and tracking to keep your subject in the center of your frame. The unit is also IPX3 water-resistant, so it should survive a rainy day of filming and photos, but no underwater footage for this one. Also, you're provided a free copy of the excellent Insta360 Studio desktop editing software to edit your projects to look and feel precisely the way you want. 

The Insta360 One RS 1-inch 360 Edition is available to purchase directly from Insta360 today and should be available at other retailers in the coming months. We're looking forward to checking it out while OneWheeling or just running around the park with the dog to shoot some fun videos. 

Blackmagic Design just launched a new addition to its pocket cinema camera line, the BMPCC 6K G2, which is an intriguing entry into the cinema camera market. I recently predicted that Blackmagic would be coming out with a new Pocket Cinema 6K camera, and I hate to say I told you so, but I did. The new BMPCC 6K also comes with improved autofocus, again as predicted, but it still likely won't rival Canon, Sony, or Nikon. However, it is much faster and tighter and produces even cleaner images. 

You may wonder how I knew this so quickly. Did I receive a review unit already? No, I have not, but one is on the way. I know this because Blackmagic updated the focus system via firmware for its other BMPCC cameras, the 4K, 6k, and 6K Pro. The update, which you can find on Blackmagic's site, is now available for all owners of the previously mentioned cameras. I updated my 6K and 4K and was blown away by how fast the autofocus is, but also the improved image quality. The UI remains largely the same, but looks a bit cleaner, and a record icon was added to the display screen, which makes for faster touch recording. 

Enough of my giddiness. Let's talk about the new BMPCC 6K G2. 

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• Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K review

The new Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K G2 shares many of the 6K Pro's features like a 5-inch flip-out LCD touchscreen with 1500 nits of brightness so that you can use it while filming outdoors in sunlight.  The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 features the latest Blackmagic generation 5 color science and retains the popular cinematic Super 35 HDR image sensor with 13 stops of dynamic range, dual native ISO, and EF lens mount from the previous model.

Another lovely new feature is that the Pocket Cinema Camera 6K models support an optional viewfinder to improve your outdoor and handheld shooting accuracy. It's an integrated high-quality 1280 x 960 OLED display with a built-in proximity sensor, and 4 element glass diopter for incredible accuracy with a wide -4 to +4 focus adjustment.  

The body is made of carbon fiber polycarbonate composite which is very sturdy. Blackmagic also promises better battery life performance with the new G2 and we will have all of that for you in our upcoming review. 

The new Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 is available at B&H Photo now for $1,995.

The Sony RX0 II arrived in 2019 and three years later it is still a great, nigh-invulnerable, action cam that produces excellent 4K video and stills. Although I lack in action worthy of filming, I took the RX0 II for a spin in my backyard, then for a walk, and let it do its thing. 

The one unique feature I immediately fell in love with is the pullout LCD screen that can tilt up to 180 degrees for use as a selfie cam, which if you know me, is quite important to soothe my obvious vanity. The Eye Autofocus is also impressively responsive for a camera that’s been on the market for three years. 

Sony wins major points for how indestructible the RX0 II feels, as it’s IPX8 waterproof (up to ten meters) and the build quality is outstanding It feels like one of the little black boxes they put on airplanes. The ultra-durable metal build remains one of the strongest in the category. 

How it would compare to the latest DJI Action 2, or the GoPro Hero 10 is something we will discuss down the road once we review those newer competitor cameras. For now, let's jump into this Sony RX0 II action cam that got me off the couch and into the outdoors.

Sony RX0 II Action Camera price and compatibility

The RX0 II is available at retailers for $698 which places the three-year-old action and vlogging cam in a space all its own. The GoPro Hero 10 is priced at $399.99, nearly half the cost of the Sony however, with its plastic housing it’s not nearly as indestructible as the RX0 II. The DJI Action 2 also starts at $399, but the dual-screen combo that includes a second screen to use for selfies bumps it up to $519.

he Sony RX0 II can connect wirelessly to iOS or Android devices. It’s also Windows and macOS compatible so you can download your footage and images to virtually any device. Controlling the camera with either an iPhone or Android phone makes things easier as you can set it up on the included tripod and start filming or trigger it hands-free via the app if you’re going full action cam and have it strapped to a helmet.

Sony RX0 II Action Camera design

The build quality and heft of the all-metal Sony RX0 II make it stand out against its competitors and you can feel the difference in your hand that this little camera can take a pounding. Its competitors like the GoPro Hero 10 and DJI Action 2 camera have plastic housings which, although rugged and tough, don’t give you that feeling of invincibility that the RX0 II has. However, I will refrain from full judgment of those other units until I review them. 

The camera has an IPX8 waterproof certification for submersion down to 33 feet (10 meters), shockproof up to 6.5 feet, and crushproof up to 440 foot-pounds of force. When you add that all up gives content creators the confidence to film using the action cam in any kind of weather or scenario without fear of dropping it or getting it wet.

Measuring 2.4 x 1.6 x 1.3 inches, the RX0 II is similar in size to the GoPro Hero 10 (2.8 x 2.0 x 1.3), but both are larger than the positively puny DJI Action 2 (1.5 x 1.5 x 0.9 inches). The other thing that stands out is that the Sony’s Zeiss lens is fully protected behind a hardened plastic casing.   

At the top of the camera, we find recessed power and shutter buttons to power the unit on and initiate the capture of photos and videos.

On the rear of the camera is a 1.5-inch non-touch LCD 180-degree flip screen with six small buttons along the bottom and right side that control the different functions and adjust settings.

The RX0's flip screen is a nice touch that separates it from the Hero 10 with its ability to be flipped 180 degrees for taking selfies or for vlogging. Unlike the Hero 10’s small front display, the RX0 II’s can be extended and angled when you’re behind the camera and want to take low shots and have better viewing angles during on-the-go filming.

To the left of the screen, we find a removable, weather-sealed door that securely hides a micro HDMI port, a microSD card slot,  and a microUSB port for charging or connecting to a computer or television. There is also a 3.5mm microphone jack to connect an external mic if you want cleaner audio than the onboard mic offers.

There is a second door on the right side and behind it, you will find the 700mAh lithium-ion battery.

Lastly, on the bottom, we find a 1/4"-20 female tripod mounting thread.

Sony RX0 II Action Camera video and audio quality

Now mind you this is an action camera and I am about as active on most days as dust rabbits in an old, abandoned house. So I took the RX0 II into my backyard and shot some video of me talking to the camera first vlog style and then from a short distance. The video quality impressed; the clarity and the colors were beautifully saturated as my brown tanned skin tone looked lovely, I almost felt pretty. 

I found myself similarly impressed with the microphones on the RX0 II, as it recorded my voice very warmly, with stellar clarity despite some background noise. I found that the quality of the audio I recorded was consistently excellent, so kudos to Sony for getting the microphones tuning just right. The unit also has a wind noise reduction function that worked surprisingly well. I found most times that audio recording was solid from up to twenty feet away, but best within 10 feet or so. 

Every day I sit in my backyard and watch the local birds feed and frolic in my neighbor’s bird feeder and bath. I filmed them and the camera caught all the action with standout results. I tested the super slow motion modes and the results were solid with satisfactory image clarity. However, as much as I appreciate slow-motion filming for its dramatic appeal, super slow-mo seems like overkill, but it’s a really fun to play with. 

From there, I walked around my neighborhood simply holding the unit by the tripod that Sony supplies to test the stabilization. It was solid, but not on a par with the latest cameras from its competitors as it was sometimes laggy, with motion blur that made some of the footage unusable for professional work. 

Again, I will point out that although there have been several firmware updates over the years, the Sony RX0 II is three years old. But it still holds up very well in comparison to its rivals in overall video and image quality.

Sony RX0 II Action Camera software

Let’s just get to it, the great thing about the RX0 II is it’s extremely plug and play and great for run-and-gun filming. Grab it, go out and shoot and when you whip out your laptop or get back to your editing station, just plug it in and drag the images and videos into whichever editing software you use and that’s it. It can’t get any simpler than that. 

There is also the free Imaging Edge application which you can download from the Google Play Store or from Apple’s App Store. With Imaging Edge you can connect your phone to the RX0 II and download your media or remotely control it and adjust the settings.Connecting it to your phone via the app makes the user experience much more enjoyable and I found it increases the overall functionality of the Sony RX0 II action cam. 

The Imaging Edge app is the best way to use this camera. Although the shutter button at the top of the unit truly makes it easy to just start shooting, I find that Sony’s on camera UI can be a bit much. It will slow things down as you have to use the tiny buttons on the back of the camera to thumb through what feels like an endless amount of settings pages to get to the functions you wish to adjust and change. So, once you get it set up and connected to your phone, use Imaging Edge because it's faster and easier to navigate.

Bottom Line

While the Sony RX0 II’s nearly $700 price point may turn off those looking strictly for an action camera. It really is a nigh-indestructible option that professional videographers will enjoy as its many varied settings will grant them a great deal of control over things like exposure, and image quality. If you know your work will involve rough weather, diving into the water, or other risky endeavors, it is perfect for you and worth the expense, because it’s a content-producing tank. 

However, if you’re seeking something less invulnerable, but dead simple to fire up and start capturing photos and video, the GoPro Hero 10 or DJI Action 2 are more affordable alternatives.

With the Fujifilm X Summit fast approaching, the rumor mill has churned the leaks into a full torrent of information. We are pretty sure that the Fujifilm X-H2S will be launched, along with the XF150-600mm F5.6-8 lens and possibly a few other surprises. Fujifilm X Summit will be Tuesday, May 31 at 9 AM Eastern Time (6 AM Pacific). 

There have been many rumors about whether Fujifilm would release both the X-H2 and X-H2S together, but word is now that only the H2S will be launched at this time. However, that could change, and we won't know for sure until this coming Tuesday as we return to our office exhausted from our Memorial day BBQs. We have heard that the H2S will come with a stacked 40MP APS-C sensor, while the H2 may pack a 26MP sensor. 

According to a recent leak, the expected price for the upcoming X-H2S is $2,499, which puts it right about what you would expect for a 40MP camera. 

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Fujifilm, despite many predicting its imminent demise, keeps rolling with the punches and coming out with new cameras and lenses. I love an underdog, so seeing Fujifilm continue to dodge the sickle brings me joy; plus, they make damn good cameras. Fujifilm's fanbase has been multiplying in recent years as the company has brought forth several well-received cameras that have kept the company in the game. 

Fujifilm is also expected to announce release dates or launch dates for the XF18-120mm lens and the XF56MM f/1.2 lens. There could be more, but we want to share the items we have the most recent information about and those that seem most likely to be announced or launched on Tuesday. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the X series of cameras from Fujifilm, so we are expecting there may be a few surprises in honor of that. 

You can watch the FujiFilm X Summit live this upcoming Tuesday (May 31) on Youtube. 

Via FujiRumors

Last Tuesday, Canon announced the launch of two new R series cameras, the EOS R7 and R10. The two APS-C cropped sensor cameras will share many similar features with Canon's full-frame R series cameras, such as autofocus technology and the ability to film in 4K at 60 fps, with 120 fps available in Full HD. The R7 and R10 will come with Canon's fully articulating flip-out touchscreen that grants users extra flexibility while filming or shooting photos. 

We're very excited to see what these mirrorless APS-C cameras are capable of. For now, let's take a deeper look into the differences between these two new cameras from Canon. Plus, a look at what Black Magic might have up its sleeve. 

Canon EOS R7

The Canon EOS R7 is a 32.5MP APS-C mirrorless camera with Canon's RF mount. It's the big brother of the EOS R10, with which it shares a launch date. The R7 is targeted at photography enthusiasts who want something between entry- and pro-level capabilities. It appears to be the replacement for the EOS 90D DSLR with its sibling, the R10, replacing the EOS M6 II.

The EOS R7 and R10 share the same autofocus system, which features zone tracking to easily track people, animals, and vehicles. With zone tracking, you can use any of the AF tracking areas and have the system focus tracking on said selected zone. The R7 can shoot continuously at up to 30 fps using its electronic shutter and 15 fps using a mechanical. Once we get our hands on a review unit, we will have more details as we put it through its pages. 

The EOS R7 will cost $1,499 body-only, or $1,899 with the new 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM zoom lens. You can pre-order a Canon EOS R7 at B&H Photo now. 

Canon EOS R10

The R10 is the entry-level APS-C mirrorless camera in the RF mount lineup and features a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor, and looks a lot like its sibling, the EOS R7. It shares the same autofocus system with its sibling and is capable of filming video at 4K at 60 fps. The R10’s autofocus system is derived from the Canon EOS R3 and uses AF zone tracking technology. The R10 comes with the very popular fully articulating three-inch LCD touchscreen, which gives users great flexibility while shooting photos or filming. We will have more details once we receive our review unit and take it out for a few weeks of testing.

The EOS R10 will be available, body-only, for a price of $979. Kit options include a bundle with the compact, collapsible 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM for $1,099 or with the 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM for around $1,379. You can pre-order the Canon EOS R10 right now from B&H Photo. 

Canon rumors

Photo Rumors recently speculated about what could be coming next from Canon after this week's R7 and R10 launch. The report indicates Canon to possibly release a new full-frame RF system camera, the EOS R1 (2023), and a 100+ megapixel EOS RF camera sometime during the first half of 2023. Although 100 megapixels sounds ridiculous, we have already seen smartphones with the same, like the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.

There has been some speculation that the Mark II version of the Canon EOS R and EOS RP could be in the works, but isn't that what we just got in the R7 and R10? We may see a Mark II version of the Canon EOS C70, which I believe will get a bump up to at least 6K, and some other improvements such as CFexpress slots and the ability to record to an external drive. We're looking forward to what Canon will be launching in 2023. Keep in mind that delivery delays have already been announced for the R7 and R10. 

Blackmagic whispers

Many have speculated that Blackmagic will be releasing an 18K box style cinema camera sometime in 2022, which is highly possible but since it didn’t happen at NAB 2022 as many predicted, some have lost faith. This writer believes there may be two new cameras, and maybe even three, before the end of 2022. 

My first prediction is we will see either a 6K or 8K Blackmagic Studio Camera with an EF mount and very similar specs to the BMPCC 6K or 6K Pro.  The 6K Pro Studio camera could be very similar to the current studio cameras in every way except with a brighter LCD screen, fitting into the now-familiar box style format of the current Studio camera lineup.

The second camera I predict we may see is a Blackmagic pocket cinema camera 6K Pro Plus, which will feature a dual-pixel autofocus system with subject tracking. Blackmagic cameras currently have a rudimentary autofocus system (focus assist) that helps you dial in focus, and I’m not complaining; I find it super helpful. We may also get two USB-C ports and an improved battery.

Blackmagic could also throw us a curveball and release an 8K pocket cinema camera with autofocus and subject tracking and up to 240 fps for super serious slow-motion filming. Plus, it would be nice if it came with an RF mount. As anyone will tell you, Canon’s RF glass is excellent and having recently shot with a Canon C70 with RF lenses, I have to say the footage was stunning.  

We're not sure what Blackmagic has up its sleeve, but we're excited to see what the company comes up with. 

Today Blackmagic Design CEO Grant Petty came out swinging, announcing DaVinci Resolve 18, the latest update to its video editing software, as well as its new Cloud Store NAS alternative for creators. There were a couple of other devices we will have to get into another time because I can only handle so much awesome in one day.  

The new DaVinci Resolve 18 Public Beta is available to download for free right now. The Studio version of Resolve 18 is also available to purchase and download for $295. The DaVinci Resolve 18 editing suite allows users to edit video, color correct, add visual effects, motion graphics, along with audio post-production. It is one of the best production suites available today and one I highly recommend. Let's take a quick peek at the new DaVinci Resolve and Cloud Store. 

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DaVinci Resolve Studio 18

The newest DaVinci Resolve adds support for the Blackmagic Cloud Store. The new Cloud Store workflows allow for instantaneous, real-time collaboration for multiple users remotely or within the same location. Watching the live demonstration was mind-blowing as several users collaborated on footage in real-time without having to import and export files, it was a seamless experience. This means in the near future I will be able to annoy my Laptop Mag video production partner Peter, "in real-time!" Muhahaha. 

• Adds Blackmagic Cloud support for remote collaboration, DaVinci proxy workflow, new AI-based Resolve FX, and a number of new editing, color, VFX, and audio features.
• New cloud-based workflows to collaborate remotely.
• Multiple editors, colorists, VFX artists, and audio engineers can work simultaneously on the same project, on the same timeline, anywhere in the world.
• Supports Blackmagic Cloud for hosting and sharing projects, as well as new DaVinci proxy workflow.
• Get immediate updates of editorial and color changes when collaborating on a remotely hosted project library.
• Blackmagic Proxy Generator App automatically creates proxies linked to camera originals, for a faster editing workflow.
• Customers can switch between camera original footage and proxies in a single click.
• Create a watch folder and new media is automatically converted into H.264, H.265, or Apple ProRes proxies to accelerate editing workflows.
• Customers can extract proxies into a separate folder for offline work.

Blackmagic Cloud Store

When Grant Petty revealed the Blackmagic Cloud Store, I was intrigued as to what this device was. It turns out that it's a very fast high capacity network disk designed to handle large media files used on every kind of project from your student film all the way up to Hollywood feature films.

The design uses advanced flash memory so it easily handles lots of simultaneous users. Plus it's extremely easy to set up! With Dropbox live sync, files can be distributed between multiple units globally for very fast local file access, even on lower-cost internet connections. Unlike SAN systems, you don't need IT consultants and there are no subscription fees. There's even an HDMI monitor output with real-time storage status! All this means you get much better features than discount storage products sold at office supply stores. 

Available in Q2 2022 for $9,595 its price is cost-prohibitive for most solo creators or students, but production companies will take notice. Grant wasn't done with us yet though. 

• Extremely high performance network storage with four 10G Ethernet ports, Dropbox sync and a RAID 5 memory core for redundancy.
• Perfect for film and television where large media files need to be shared between multiple users for editing, color correction, audio post and VFX work. Also portable and whisper quiet so it can be used on location.
• Available in 20 TB, 80 TB and massive 320 TB models
• The four 10G Ethernet ports operate as a switch so customers can connect four separate computers, or they work together using "link aggregation" for 40G Ethernet speed.
• HDMI monitoring output

Blackmagic Cloud Store Mini

Next the Blackmagic CEO announced the release of the Blackmagic Cloud Store Mini, a fast network storage solution in a compact rack-mount design. It too features a high-speed 10G Ethernet connection and comes with four internal M.2 flash memory cards operating in parallel RAID 0 for extremely fast file access. It’s fast, even with lots of simultaneous users all accessing files at the same time! 

With the ability to use  Dropbox live sync, files can be distributed between multiple units globally, or for very fast local file access, even on lower-cost internet connections. Blackmagic states  "you don't need IT consultants as it's easy to use". You can even monitor the Mini Cloud via the HDMI monitor output.  Blackmagic's Cloud Store Mini is available now for $2,995 and looks to be a great solution for storing and sharing files on your network.

At $2,995 it's a price point that's within reach of smaller production companies or solo creators/small teams with deeper pockets.

• Compact rack mount storage product with high performance RAID 0 flash memory, fast 10G Ethernet and Dropbox sync.
• Available with 8 TB of flash memory.
• HDMI monitoring output.
• Multiple users can collaborate on video editing. 
• Multiple units can be synchronized across different geographic locations
• Can sync multiple Blackmagic Cloud Store Minis via Dropbox so people in different geographic locations can collaborate without latency because everyone has a local copy of the filesEmpty list

Cloud Pod

The Blackmagic Cloud Store device that really caught my attention is the Cloud Pod, because its $395 price makes it ultra-affordable and grants users several of the same options as its more expensive siblings but, also allows you to bring your own storage into the equation. 

The Blackmagic Cloud Pod lets you turn any USB-C disk into network storage. This is a big help when you want to share a media disk recorded on a camera with multiple users on your network. The Cloud Pod also features a high-speed 10G Ethernet connection for extremely fast file access. With such a fast connection, it allows several users to access files at the same time. The Cloud Pod also comes with Dropbox live sync, files can be distributed between multiple units globally, or very fast local file access. Again you can monitor the unit's functions via the HDMI monitor output.  Blackmagic's Cloud Pod is an excellent solution for sharing files on your network and thanks to its $395 price point, it's a very affordable option for students collaborating or for small production companies. 

• Converts any USB-C disk into high speed network storage. Comes with 10G Ethernet, Dropbox sync and HDMI monitoring.
• Customers can build their own network storage using USB-C flash disks they already own.
• Private storage that customers fully control
• HDMI monitoring output for a real time view of the network storage status

With Davinci Resolve 18 and Blackmagic Cloud Store now available to creators of every level and skill set, I am excited to get my hands on them and see how they integrate with our video workflow at Laptop Mag. Also being able to annoy my video production collaborators in real-time, makes me happy. 

The Zumy pro quality light is an interesting little portable lighting solution that clips onto your laptop or Android phone to improve the lighting of your video calls and selfies. Most laptop webcams still shoot in HD 720p with tiny sensors and tend to struggle in low-light scenarios, but the Zumy can make that problem a thing of the past for all but the worst laptop webcams. 

The lightweight Zumy produces a soft, warm diffused light that will brighten your appearance without the harshness of some other LED lights, specifically ring lights that emanate harsh, blueish hues. I played with the Zumy for a couple of days — and even discovered something cool for Android users.

Zumy pro quality light price and availability

The Zumy costs $59.99 and you’re probably thinking that’s kind of expensive for such a small foldable light. I agree. It’s a bit overpriced for a couple of reasons, which I will dive into later. 

The Zumy pro quality light is currently available at Amazon and B&H Photo.

Zumy pro quality light design

If you’ve ever seen a softbox lighting set up, the Zumy is a miniaturized version of that. The soft rubber accordion rear enclosure expands allowing you to plug the included micro USB power cord into the black plastic housing where you will also find the power button.

The front of the Zumy features a frosted plastic glass with the Zumy logo at the top. The frosted glass is kept in place by a ring of black plastic that is connected to its spring-loaded clip by a ball joint that can be popped out. The clip has soft rubber on the interior to make sure it doesn't scratch any surfaces you may attach it to.

The accordion design makes the unit foldable and portable as the Zumy slips just as easily into a pocket as it does a backpack, taking up virtually no space at all thanks to measuring only 5 x 3 inches and weighing just 8 ounces. The unit ships with a 4.9-foot, USB Type-A to micro USB cable and a USB-C adapter for a MacBook or Android phone with a USB-C port.

The Zumy pro quality light is so lightweight that it feels kind of flimsy for something that is a penny shy of $60. It’s made of plastic and rubber and that also makes it feel like it is not the most sturdy light you can tote around. However, I did toss it in my camera bag and let it bang around while I took it for a walk and it came out unscathed. I dropped it a few times as well and nothing popped off or broke, so it can take its licks and keep working.

Zumy pro quality light performance

Unlike many LED ring lights that can produce harsh light on their subjects if not filtered, Zumy’s softbox style lighting produces four different levels of soft-toned brightness for your Zoom calls, Google Meets, and selfies. 

To test out how well the Zumy performed, I killed the lights, clipped it to my laptop, turned on its 720p HD camera, and took some photos.

I then attached the Zumy’s USB-C adapter, tailor-made for MacBooks, and connected it to the OnePlus 10 Pro we recently reviewed. To my surprise, the Zumy powered up and I took some photos using its lovely softbox lighting. 

There’s a stark difference between relying on the harsh flash of a smartphone and using the Zumy. The most conspicuous distinction is that the light produced from the Zumy is warmer, more natural in most cases, and less harsh on your skin tone, which creates a softer look.

The four different levels of diffused light are more than bright enough for most lighting conditions, and it did work to soften the light on my face, even with other room lights on, by adding a subtle warm glow to my face.

When I thought I was done with my tests, the Zumy had one little surprise left for me. Since I love to experiment, I thought “Why not use the USB-C adapter to connect it to my Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K?” Like magic, it lit up, giving me some ideas about how to use this new lighting option.

Bottom Line

The Zumy pro quality light proved to be highly portable and versatile — and a little tougher than it feels and looks. However, it’s placed in a highly competitive market, which makes its $59.99 price feel a little steep. 

It does provide bright, warm skin-softening light that many other LED lights and ring lights fail to achieve. It was smart of the makers of the Zumy to include a USB-C adapter, which not only allowed it to be connected to an Android phone, but also a BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera. However, it would be nice if they made a battery-powered version, so you wouldn’t need to be tethered. If you’re looking for a lightweight, versatile lighting solution, the Zumy might be the right fit for you, but maybe wait for a sale.