Today we are sharing episode six of our show LensVid Talk. On this talk we discuss the new Sony A7C cameras and 16-35mm second version lens, Smallri’gs FX30 cage, Ifootage RGB panel, the new PINETA PEAK carbon fiber tripod with fast open/lock mechanism, the lower cost PMI Smoke Ninja, and Atomos Ninja & Ninja Ultra monitors, PDMOVIE Lidar follow focus and DJI and Panasonic Lidar cooperation Magmod XL modifiers for strobes and XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 Gen 2 pen monitor with ultra-high levels of pressure sensitivity.
New LensVid Talk setup
We keep updating our LensVid Talk setup and we recently got a new up/down motorized table we also got a pair of NT1 Gen 5 mics (which if you look closely in the video are actually pointing in the wrong direction – ops….). We also got two Elgato arms but they are not really designed to hold the NT1 with a shock mount so we will replace them in the near future.
Sony A7C II, A7C R, and 16-35mm II Lens
Sony recently introduced two new ultra-compact full-frame cameras. The first is the A7C II which is the immediate successor to the A7C. While the original A7 C was based on the A7 III the new A7C II is based on the newer A7 IV but interestingly adds support for new technologies including the new AI chip and some advanced software capabilities that come with it.
The A7C R is a very different animal. It looks basically identical to the A7C II but internally it is more similar to the A7R V with a 61MP sensor. Unlike the A7R V, it has a single memory card, a much lower resolution EVF, and a conventional articulated monitor instead of the advanced tilt-articulated monitor of the A7R V, however, it is almost $1000 less expensive than the A7R V.
The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II completes the next generation Sony trio of GM lenses (after the 24-70mm II and 70-200mm II released by Sony in the past year or so). The lens is smaller (especially when it extends) compared to the previous generation with new XD motors and an aperture ring with a lock. We have yet to test the lens but early reviews seem very positive with fantastic sharpness across the frame both in 16 and 35mm (the later was a little bit of a low point of the original model).
Official Sony A7C II and A7C R video
A Note on our Sigma 60-600mm lens review
We recently completed our review of the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sport and while the lens has some very impressive features our biggest complaint in our review has to do with the AF tracking of fast-moving subjects which was not impressive in our test (both on the A1 but especially on the A7R V).
With that said we recently went for a shoot with the lens alongside a friend who is a professional nature and wildlife photographer who owns a Sony 600mm F4 lens he had a chance to test the 60-600mm AF for a while and according to him its AF tracking on moving subjects seems quite fine.
We will say what we always do about these sorts of purchases – if you can read as many reviews as possible and try and use/borrow/rent the lens before buying it (especially when it comes to a lens that sells for $2000).
From our Sigma 60-600mm lens review
SmallRig FX-30 Cage (4183) and Rotating Handle (3260) Review
Art recently reviewed the FX-30 cage by SmallRig along with the company’s rotating arm which proved to be very useful. There is not much more to say about these simple yet effective two products other than – go watch the full review.
The SmallRig FX30 cage and rotating handle from SmallRig
Ifootage PL1 80C
We recently got for review the new iFootage PL1 80C LED panel which uses the company’s latest color technology (which reduces the blue spile and promises possibly the most accurate colors in the industry plus very rich RGB colors and a super broad color temperature range going all the way from 1400K to 20,000K).
The review should be up in the very near future so stay tuned.
An official iFootage PL1 80C / PL1 80B video
yc oNION PINETA PEAK Carbon Fiber Tripod
After several years of hard work, YC Onion released their new Pineta tripod. We reviewed the Pineta monopod here not too long ago and it works very well with the one leaver which can unlock the entire monopod. With the new monopod, you now have three leavers that open and close each of the legs.
There are many other interesting features of this tripod which according to our talk with YC Onion currently has around 40 patents pending on its design we can’t wait to review it (and we are planning to use it during IBC 2023 next week).
YC Onion Pineta Peak Carbon Fiber Tripod video
PMI Smoke Ninja
We reviewed the original PMI SmokeGeine back in 2022 and now there is a smaller, lighter, and far less expensive option called the Snoke Ninja.
The Ninja is also a much simpler device with 4 buttons no screen and a lower run time although for short bursts will still make the new version useful.
The new version is currently on Kickstarter starting from $250.
The PMI Smole Ninja Kickstarter video
Aputure Acquires Prolycht
Prolycht has been developing RGB professional lights with 300W and 600W versions for several years and recently it was announced that Aputure will be acquiring the company.
We are not sure why exactly Aputure decided to acquire Prolycht. In general, companies purchase other companies to eliminate competition and acquire new technologies, patents, and capabilities as well as new client base, quality workers etc.
We are not sure what (if any) of these actually applies to the Prolycht acquisition but it will certainly be interesting to see how the Prolycht technology will be integrated into future Aputure products (if at all).
LAOWA Pro2be lenses on the Media Division
One of our favorite YouTube channels when it comes to lenses and cinematography is Media Division. Every video released by this channel is a true masterpiece of visual and educational delight.
This time around they had a chance to play with the new LAOWA Pro2be lenses which we mentioned in our previous LensVid talk). In the video, Nikolas Moldenhauer, Media Division founder, demonstrates how he uses the new lenses in some very unique ways with robots in and out of the water to create some stunning looks including an underwater mockup sub, explosions, and more.
Just to clarify again there are 3 different new probe lenses each with a different angle (straight, 35 degrees, and a periscope 90 degrees) all have a T8 aperture and they will be selling in the $2800-$3300 USD range.
An in-depth look at the LAOWA Pro2be lenses in a gorgeous video by the Media Division
Atomos Ninja 5.2 & Ninja Ultra
Atomos announced two new recording monitors – the Ninja 5.2″ Recording Monitor and Ninja Ultra 5.2″ Recording Monitor. We are still trying to understand what exactly is new about these two compared to the existing Ninja V and Ninja 5 plus monitors.
What we do know is that both have support for the new AtomOS 11 software and a faster processor. There is supposedly a lot more emphasis on the new Atomos Connect and AtomX Cast optional modules.
Panasonic and DJI Announce Cooperation on LiDAR
An interesting announcement from Panasonic and DJI has to do with Lidar technology (laser-radar for AF). While DJI has been working on this technology for a while now Panasonic is looking to support DJI’s offering on more of its cameras with direct integration of Active Track when used with a DJI RS2, RSC 2, and RS 3 gimbals.
According to Petapixel who reported on this development the cameras that will support this technology will be the S1, S1R, S1H, S5, S5 II, S5 IIX, and BS1H as well as the GH6, GH5 II, G9, and GH5S.
Support for the LiDAR-focusing unit will also exist with communication with the camera depth-from-defocus (contrast-based AF) data.
PDMOVIE LIVE AIR 3 SMART LIDAR follow-focus
Talking about Lidar, PDMOVIE just announced a very interesting solution in the form of PDMovie Live Air 3 Smart. This follow focus unit uses the same design as the original Live Air follow focus that we tested here last year. However, what is new is a built-in tiny Lidar that allows the follow focus to do real-time AF of close-by objects (up to about 4-5 meters (depending on the lighting conditions).
The lidar needs to be calibrated once per lens (up to 5 different lenses can be stored in the unit’s memory) and it will focus on the closest object in the frame but you can switch to manual follow focus control if you like.
More information on the PDMovie Live Air 3 Smart can be found on the PDMOVIE website.
Official PDMovie video on the functionality of the LIVE AIR 3 SMART
Magmod new modifiers
Magmod has been pushing the idea of magnetic flexible modifiers for flashes for a long time. The company recently came up with a new line of products called the MagMod XL. I work with stone systems (Bowens and Profoto and possibly others in the future).
The new system includes a magnetic collapsing reflector, diffuser, and grids as well as dome gels (both correction and color gels).
The big advantage of this system is how easy and light it is and how simple it is to carry it even in a small case. You can find the different XL kits on the Magmod website.
MagMod XL official video
XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 (Gen 2)
The newest XP PEN drawing tablet with a screen is the Artist Pro 16 (Gen 2) which is said to be more accurate by about 20% and has twice as much pressure levels (a record-breaking 16K Pressure Levels). The 16″ unit has a resolution of 2560 X 1600 and it can connect to a computer using a single USB-C cable.
We have been following the advancements in the drawing tablet market for years. While in the past Wacom was more or less the only player suitable for professionals, these days there are a lot of quality options from China at very affordable prices.
Official XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 (Gen 2) 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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