On our fifth episode of LensVid Talk, we will be covering more than a dozen different topics including a more open laptop architecture, video AI from still images, new Solid-state batteries, the upcoming Tamron 70-180mm MKII lens, Laowa 24mm T8 2X Macro Pro2be and Nanomorph lenses as week as the new DJI Transmission and Osmo Action 4 as well as some other new products.
Hollyland Lark Max
We recently received the new Hollyland Lark Max wireless mic system for review and we plan to use it in our upcoming coverage of IBC 2023 in Amsterdam. We have been using the system in recent LensVid Talks as backups as well.
The main feature of this system compared to other wireless systems of its type is the noise cancellation technology Hollyland developed for the Solidcom C1 Pro Headset which we reviewed earlier this year.
We shall post a review of the Lark Max later this year after we will have time to work with it some more.
The Lark Max sells for just under $300.
Official Lark Max video
Nitcore EMR30 portable mosquito Repeller
This might sound a little random but it actually is very relevant to photographers and videographers in the field. If you work in areas where there are a lot of mosquitos, the Nitcore has a range of portable units that use heated pads designed to repel mosquitos.
We have yet to test the units that Nitcore sent us but as we spend quite a lot of time in the field shooting birds this can certainly come in handy if it works as described.
Nitecore EMR30 SE demo video
FrameWork 16″ Laptop
As a PC user having to look for a laptop was always a challenge. We have very specific demands as content creators when it comes to the screen, connections, battery, GPU, and more. Finding the right combination is always a challenge. When we somehow find the right laptop (or close to it) we need to start all over a few years after it gets old and we are always limited by what we can customize or upgrade (which is typically very limited – usually memory and storage and that’s it).
For several years a new company with a new technology called Framework has been developing a completely new solution that can change the entire PC laptop category from the ground up. Framework offers the concept of total upgradability – right from the CPU+ motherboard to the monitor, connectors, and even the GPU, keyboard, and more.
if this is not enough you can use your old components to create a new small computer that you can continue using for other tasks making this possibly the greenest computer on the planet, one that can have its components re-used again and again as long as they work.
The new Framework 16” brings another level to this concept (which included a 13″ only until today) with no less than 6 connections that can be switched (using small USB-4 connectors which are fairly inexpensive) and for the first time a swappable GPU (initially AMD only but this might change in the future).
You can check The Verge’s video on Framework 16″ below, We also had a chance to talk to the company’s founder Nirav Patel who was very open about the project although he could not share too much info about what is coming for obvious reasons but we are certainly excited about the future of the company.
You can order the new 16″ version from the company’s website either fully assembled or pre-assembled (there is going to be some waiting as Framework is still a fairly small company) but we are hoping to get a review unit at some point.
The Verge very enthusiastic video about the Framework 16
Runway AI
AI is all the rage now and Runway has a new Gen 2 module of its technology which works on still images with a text prompt to create shot video clips for social uses (and just fun). One of our favorite YouTubers and product commercial video shooters Daniel Schiffer took this service for a quick test and came back with some really trippy results – Check out Daniel Schiffer’s video testing the Runway AI Gen 2 here.
AMKOV R5 inexpensive “mirrorless” camera
There are all sorts of strange projects on Kickstarter. One of those is the AMKOV R5 “mirrorless” camera. This product has all sorts of fancy titles, numbers, and graphics intended probably for those who know very little about the subject but in essence, looks like a low-end smartphone sensor in the body of a compact camera (spoiler alert – there is no mirrorless here in the normal sense and you are not going to replace any lenses on this camera).
As we always say – read the fine print and watch as many product reviews as possible before you actually buy something.
Yoshino B4000 solid-state battery
There are a lot of portable battery solutions on the market right now. One company that seems to be ahead of the curve is Yoshino from California/Japan. The company developed what is (as far as we know) the first consumer solid-state Lithium Battery portable battery. This means that it has no liquids. Instead, Yoshino’s portable power stations use advanced solid electrolytes instead of flammable liquid electrolytes. Solid-state batteries, despite their significantly higher energy densities, offer enhanced safety measures both during usage and while being stored or transported and are really one of the next-generation battery technologies that are only now starting to reach the market.
The company has several products but the largest one called B4000 is only 24kg/53.6 lbs. with 2611Wh at 4000W Output and 6000W Peak (Pure Sine Wave) which is extremely impressive compared to anything else on the market (which is twice as large and heavy for this output).
The Yoshino B4000 solid-state battery – compact and more powerful
Our colleague Youtuber Tommy Callaway published a review of the B4000 (check it out here).
Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2
Tamron recently announced the development of the second generation 70-180mm lens called 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2. This will bring several improvements over the existing model and here are the main features as disclosed by Tamron (more will be shared when the lens is actually be fully announced):
1. Even with VC image stabilization, the lens is just 156.5mm (6.2in) long and weighs only 855g (30.2oz)
2. Revamped optical design delivers truly superb performance at all focal lengths
3. VXD provides high-speed and high-precision AF with vastly improved subject tracking
4. Equipped with TAMRON’s proprietary VC mechanism
5. Achieves MOD of 0.3m (11.8in) at 70mm and 0.85m (33.5in) at 180mm
6. Proprietary software tool TAMRON Lens Utility for lens function customization
7. Additional features for greater convenience
8. User-friendly features (Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating)
9. Compatible with many camera-specific features and functions, including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF
10. 67mm filter size, same as most other TAMRON lenses for mirrorless cameras
The upcoming Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2
Laowa 24mm T8 2X Macro Pro2be
Venus Optics introduced a new series of Probe lenses called Pro2be which includes 3 different lenses, a straight, 35-degree, and periscope version. The new lenses are significantly faster than the previous versions which were F/14 and require a ton of light to work with while the new lenses are f/8.
In the video, we were not really accurate about these 3 lenses as the video was recorded before the actual announcement and we will get back to these lenses in the next LensVid Talk.
The lenses are already available on B&H.
Official Laowa 24mm T8 2X Macro Pro2be video
DJI Transmission
DJI added a new advanced transmission system which is a wireless unit that can connect to the entire DJI eco-system including gimbals and controlling monitors, Master Wheels, and more.
You can work with a large number of units over a very long range and make sure your reception is kept at all times (DJI is a leader in this field developing advanced wireless technology for its drones.
There are many aspects to the transmission system that you can learn about on the DJI site and it can be purchased on its own or as a kit with a monitor.
DJI Transmission official video
DJI OSMO Action 4
DJI also introduced recently the new Osmo Action 4 camera. This is a very similar camera to the previous Osmo Action 3 but with a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor which should improve low-light performance, better stabilization, better waterproofing and support for larger memory cards.
The DJI Osmo Action 4 is already available for purchase alone or as part of a number of optional kits.
Osmo Action 4 official video
Laowa Nanomorph 65mm & 80mm T2.4 & 1.33X Front Anamorphic Adapter
We are getting back to Venus Optics which also announced a new Indiegogo campaign for its new 65mm & 80mm 1.5x squeeze anamorphic lenses and a 1.33x front anamorphic adapter.
These new Super 35 (APS-C) should have relatively minimal vignette on FF cameras according to the company and come in an EF/PL mount (with interchangeable options for other mounts). Both lenses are T2.4 with 13 aperture blades and 62mm filter threads.
Laowa Tiniest Anamorphic Lens Return: 65mm & 80mm official Indiegogo video
Zacuto VCT rotator
If you need a simple way to shoot both horizontally and vertically on small and large cameras, Zacuto has a solution for you. It is called the Zacuto VCT rotator and it is basically a large L bracket that should be able to fit most camera body sizes including larger video cameras and includes quick-release plates on both sides.
You can get the VCT Rotator on the Zacuto website.
The Zacuto rotator official video
You can Check out all of the LensVid Talk videos here. If you want us to cover any specific topics or products in our upcoming LensVid talks please let us know in the comments or on our YT or Facebook pages.
Iddo Genuth 
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