Cameras

Nikon ZR is the brand’s first full-frame cinema camera after RED acquisition

The first lovechild of the Nikon and RED synergy

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Nikon ZR
Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

From launching their first set of mirrorless cameras seven years ago to their silent disregard of DSLRs, Nikon has surely made another way of surviving in this revolutionary camera industry.

ICYMI, Nikon has already acquired the renowned cinema-camera brand RED last 2024.

While it comes as no surprise to fans and professional cinematographers alike, it’s still something worth noting here.

Smallest Z CINEMA camera

At just 540 grams (body-only) or 630 grams (with battery and lens), the all-new Nikon ZR is undoubtedly featherlight.

And with the Nikon x RED synergy already established, it’s currently the smallest full-frame mirrorless camera found in the two brands’ entirely new Z CINEMA product line.

Nikon ZR

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

This might even be considered as Nikon’s direct response to the freshly-released Canon EOS C50 and Sony FX2.

Found within Nikon ZR’s core is the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine. It’s the same unit that runs the flagship-grade Nikon Z9. And with Nikon’s deep-learning based AI excellency, it enables better and more accurate subject detection and tracking.

Nikon ZR

To be precise, it can automatically detect nine (9) types of subjects including people, animals, vehicles even. Precise focusing on small faces and distant human subjects is also possible.

It also has dual-base ISO sensitivities (800 / 6400) plus 15+ stops of Dynamic Range that promises noise-free footage regardless of your studio setup and specific lighting condition.

Nikon ZR

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The ZR also has a large 4.0-inch fully-articulating display with approx. 3070k dots and 100% DCI-P3 support.

Cinema-Grade Excellence

Being a camera meant for videos, it boasts 5-axis image-sensor-shift vibration reduction. This reduces camera shake especially in handheld video recording.

Speaking of, 12-bit RAW recording is doable: up to 59.94p in 6K resolution and 119.88 fps in 4K Ultra HD. ProRes 422 HQ format is also possible under 5.4K resolution, though limited to 29.97 fps frame rate. Shutter angle can also be adjusted from 5.6-degrees all the way to 360-degrees.

Nikon ZR

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Audio quality wasn’t compromised. The Nikon ZR is the world’s first camera to have 32-bit float audio recording capabilities via its 3.5mm audio jack. It possesses both external and built-in microphones alongside three high-quality MEMS.

Those internal mics are powered by Nokia’s OZO Audio tech with five (5) pick-up patterns for better scene-matchups and utmost audio quality output.

Despite being small, the camera body is effective when it comes to heat dissipation. Nikon ZR promises around 95 minutes of shooting using its built-in battery.

If you’re already in a pinch, it supports undisrupted shooting via the faster USB-C PD (Power Deliver) standard of up to 125 minutes under the 6K / 59.94p R3DNE setting. This is especially advantageous for continuous coverages like weddings, concerts, and interviews.

Truly RED

The all-new Nikon ZR boasts RED’s mastery in cinema-grade color. This includes the R3D NE video codec, an all-new video recording codec based on RED’s R3D RAW codec specifically made for Nikon’s new model.

There’s also the Log3G10 format for HDR video formats, and the REDWideGamutRGB color space for vivid yet true-to-life colors.

Nikon ZR

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

There are even nine (9) RED-curated CineBias imaging recipes (with complicated naming schemes):

  • CineBias_RED
  • CineBias-T-Cool Atmosphere
  • CineBias-C-Crisp Teal Contrast
  • CineBias-CC-Noir Vibes
  • CineBias WC-Grit & Glow
  • CineBias-TC-Green Edge Experimental
  • CineBiasOffset
  • CineBias Achromic
  • CineBias BleachBypass

More styles can be selected from Nikon’s Imaging Cloud service.

And while already on the topic, Nikon ZR supports Frame.io C2C (Camera to Cloud) connectivity via NX MobileAir available on both iOS and Android devices. This automatically transfers video datat directly to the cloud for a faster and more seamless editing workflow.

Pricing and Availability

Specific pricing nor regional availability of the Nikon ZR has not been declared through Nikon’s official websites.

Nikon NIKKOR R

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

However, the renowned American retailer B&H already accepts pre-orders for US$ 2196.95 (body only).

Three NIKKOR Z lens kit configurations are also available:

  • 24-50mm f/4.0~6.3 = US$ 2496.95
  • 50mm f/1.4 = US$ 2746.95
  • 35mm f/1.4 = US$ 2846.95

There are also additional accessories such as the MC-N10 Remote Grip as well as the ME-D10 Shotgun Microphone.

Cameras

Sony launches FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS telephoto zoom lens

Super telephoto zoom lens for hobbyists

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Sony has launched the FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS super telephoto zoom lens tailored for hobbyists and for a competitive price.

The compact and lightweight lens (approx. 654 grams) is meant for 35mm full-frame Alpha E-mount cameras, making it easy to carry to capture subjects that are difficult to appraoch.

This includes birds, sports scenes, and more. Landscape photography unique to super-telephoto lenses can also be enjoyed by making use of the compression effect. This makes the distance between nearby subjects and distant background elements appear closer together.

When used with a teleconverter, users can double the distance they can capture, with the lens supporting focal lengths of up to 800mm or up to 1,200m in APS-C mode.

With the latest optical design incorporating two ED glass elements and two aspherical elements, excellent image quality is achieved across the entire zoom range. These elements reduce chromatic and other aberrations for clear rendering.

Subject shooting can stand out as well in a natural and soft bokeh, with the lens’ 9-blade circular aperture. This makes the lens also ideal for close-up photography of flowers, insects, and other nearby objects.

In addition, the lens features a linear motor drive for fast, precise, and quiet AF performance to help capture moving objects. The lens also supports high-speed continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking at up to approximately 120 frames per second when used with the Alpha 9 III.

Built-in optical image stabilization also supports handheld shooting in the super-telephoto range, suppressing camera shake. Users can also utilize the camera body’s Active Mode image stabilization and coordinate image stabilization control.

In Singapore, the Sony FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS will be available by the end of August for SG$ 1,099.

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Accessories

OBSBOT’s Meet Flip is your next best pocketable 4K webcam

Fold the Flip for further protection

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OBSBOT Meet Flip
Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Several months ago, you might remember that OBSBOT revealed the Tiny 3 series of web cameras.

Six months after, they also unveil the all-new Meet Flip. From the name itself, it’s the company’s latest foldable 4K webcam that puts hardware privacy front and center.

Foldable and pocketable

Despite weighing just 37.7 grams, the Meet Flip aims to deliver premium webcam features for all types of users. Be it remote workers, professionals, or content creators.

OBSBOT Meet Flip

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Undoubtedly, the biggest highlight has got to be the webcam’s folding design. Not only it’s portable, it protects your privacy too.

Closing the device physically blocks the lens, giving users a visual confirmation that the camera is no longer active. When it’s time for a meeting, simply unfold it and it’s ready to go.

That lightweight body also features a built-in mounting clip that works with laptops, monitors, and tripods. Users can mount it in landscape, portrait, or even upside-down orientations depending on their setup.

OBSBOT Meet Flip

Despite that absurd amount of lightweightness, the OBSBOT Meet Flip is still able to house a 1/2-inch Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor with Quad Bayer technology. That’s something more commonly found among bigger and higher-end web cameras.

Video Call

Other camera features include:

  • 4K video recording / 30fps
  • 1080p recording / up to 60fps
  • HDR support for challenging lighting
  • Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF)
  • 4x digital zoom
  • f/1.8 aperture with ISO 100-6400 support for low-light environments

Beyond just video calls

The OBSBOT Meet Flip isn’t just packed with serious camera hardware, it’s seriously intelligent as well.

The Meet Flip supports AI Auto Framing. This automatically keeps users centered during meetings — regardless if they are presenting alone or with a group. Gesture controls also let users activate framing or adjust zoom without touching the keyboard or mouse.

Video Call

Another standout feature is AI Magic Notes which provides real-time meeting transcription and automatically generates summaries, action items, and key discussion points.

The feature works with Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams through OBSBOT Center. Every webcam includes complimentary transcription of 120 minutes.

With that being mentioned, OBSBOT Center also makes users gain access to software features such as background blur, virtual backgrounds, beauty mode, and picture-in-picture overlays for presentations.

Those who want more advanced controls can enable Smart Eye Tracking, teleprompter support, and manual image adjustments.

Conference Meeting

Audio also gets an upgrade through an intelligent dual-microphone system that offers four recording modes:

  • Directional Mode / solo calls
  • Dual-Directional Mode / interviews
  • Smart Omni Mode / group meetings
  • Pure Audio Mode / unprocessed stereo recording

AI Noise Reduction and Automatic Gain Control are also available across most modes to help improve voice clarity.

OBSBOT Meet Flip

OBSBOT’s Meet Flip is also compatible with mobile devices through the OBSBOT Live app and supports integrations with accessories including Elgato Stream Deck, Nintendo Switch 2, and UVC-to-NDI/HDMI adapters.

Pricing and Availability

The OBSBOT Meet Flip is available starting today for US$119 through OBSBOT’s online store, Amazon US, and select retailers worldwide. Regional pricing may vary.

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Cameras

Sony announces new FX5 full-frame camera

Newly-developed sensor, Open Gate recording, more enhanced capabilities

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Sony has launched the new FX5 full-frame camera in its Cinema Line series with enhanced capabilities.

The camera is equipped with a newly-developed fully stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor and the latest high-speed BIONZ XR2 image processing engine, which includes a dedicated AI processing unit.

When shooting in S-Log3, the camera achieves 15+ stops of dynamic range. The broad latitude and low-noise performance enable seamless roll-off from highlights to shadows and natural texture reproduction, even in high-contrast scenes.

Three Base ISOs of ISO 800, ISO 4000, and ISO 12800 enable low-noise image expression under a wide range of conditions.

Moreover, Dual Gain Shooting function, supported for the first time in the FX series, maximizes the performance of the image sensor to enable smooth gradation reproduction with even wider latitude, while effectively reducing noise without compromising shadow detail.

For the first time in the Cinema Line FX series, the FX5 supports Open Gate shooting, as well as in-camera recording in X-OCN, Sony’s proprietary RAW format.

This includes a variety of scan modes like 17:9, 16:9, and super 35mm. This allows for flexible angle-of-view selection for the user’s creative intent.

The camera is capable of shooting in 5K at up to 60 frames per second, in 4K up to 120 frames per second and in FHD up to 240 frames per second.

These features bring together the Cinema Line look and operability designed to meet the needs of production environments in a compact, highly portable body.

The Sony FX5 will also include two new optional accessories: a detachable OLED viewfinder and an XLR Handle that enables recording in-camera at up to 96 kHz, 32-bit float.

The camera system incorporates expertise that Sony has cultivated through the development of Cinema Line cameras, which have earned high praise from cinematographers and video creators around the world.

Price, availability

The ILME-FX5 with XLR Handle Unit (SG$ 7,199) and ILME-FX5B Body Only (SG$ 6,399) will be available for pre-order until August 9.

The DVF-EL1 OLED Detachable Viewfinder (SG$ 899) and VMC-BNCU1 Timecode Adapter Cable (SG$ 129) will be available after Mid-August.

Meanwhile, the XLR-H2 XLR Handle (SG$ 1,099) will be available by special order.

On July 28, the FX5 will also be on display atThe Arts House At The Old Parliament from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., giving creators the chance to experience it for the first time.

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