2024 shows no signs of slowing down as far as new photo and video gear is concerned. There have been all manner of accessories and products released this month but as April has seen a raft of new releases from all areas of the industry, we’re focusing on the big hitters from DJI, Sony and Blackmagic. You can check out all the latest products here.
Blackmagic PYXIS 6K for Canon EF
The Blackmagic PYXIS 6K is a next-gen customisable cinema camera, standing out with precise skin tones and rich colours. Its versatile design features a full-frame 6K sensor, wide dynamic range, and a built-in optical low pass filter. Available in EF, PL, or L-Mount, the PYXIS 6K includes 2 CFexpress media slots and simultaneously records 12-bit Blackmagic RAW and H.264 proxy files.
£2,814.00 View
Blackmagic is well-known for producing top-of-the-line cinema cameras; some of which have become the industry standard. The PYXIS 6K changes things up a bit. This next-gen cinema camera stands out for its customizability, precise skin tones and rich colours.
Available in EF, PL and L-mount, this body features a full-frame 6K sensor with a wide dynamic range and a built-in optical low pass filter. Like most of Blackmagic's cameras, the PYXIS allows you to choose from a range of aspect ratios and crops in different frame rates, including 6048 x 4032 pixel 3:2 open gate at up to 36p, to 17:9 DCI 4K at up to 60p taken from a Super35 region of the sensor. The PYXIS features two CFexpress media recorders that can simultaneously record 12-bit Blackmagic RAW and H.264 proxy files, but can also output over USB-C to an external SSD or over Ethernet.
It’s difficult to condense all of the new features of the PYXIS 6K in this small section, but it’s safe to say that this camera will likely become a go-to choice for professional filmmakers across the industry.
Sony FE 16-25mm f2.8 G Lens
The Sony FE 16-25mm f2.8 G Lens is a compact powerhouse perfect for capturing daily life. This lightweight full-frame zoom offers unparalleled versatility with G series optics, a 0.17m focusing distance, 0.2x maximum magnification, a constant f2.8 aperture, and an 11-blade diaphragm. Thanks to the aperture ring, de-click switch, and 30fps continuous speed, users will never miss a moment of action.
£1,249.00 View
We all know that Sony has a knack for designing fantastic lenses, and the Sony FE 16-25mm f2.8 G Lens is no exception. Now, it’s not all positive here — there are a few negatives, but let’s start with the pros.
First up, this lens is impressively versatile. Its 16-25mm focal range offers a creative perspective that will work well with landscape photography. Couple that range with the constant f2.8 aperture and you can capture dramatic landscapes in low-light situations and even some astro shots too. It can easily be adapted to other disciplines such as architecture and street photography, but also video. It’s dеѕіgnеd tо mахіmіѕе thе роtеntіаl оf thе Ѕоnу’s Аlрhа ѕеrіеѕ саmеrаѕ with a suite of dеdісаtеd vіdео fеаturеѕ, from its on-barrel controls and fast, linear autofocus drive.
When it comes to cons, its short zoom range holds it back. It’s also an expensive lens. The similarly priced Sony FE 16-35mm f4 G PZ Lens offers that bit more range, or for a cheaper price, there’s the Sigma 16-28mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens. But of course, the optical quality of this Sony FE 16-25mm is excellent, and it has that wide constant aperture. And while it may not be a problem for some, the fact it doesn’t have an internal zoom almost takes away from its premium feel.
Insta360 X4 8K 360 Degree Action Camera
Capture the world in mesmerising 8K with the Insta360 X4 360-Degree Action Camera, featuring revolutionary 360-degree Capture technology for unparalleled image clarity. With a new 2290mAh battery providing 67% longer run time, the X4 is also equipped with a bigger 2.51" touchscreen, gesture, and voice controls, making it an ideal choice for creators looking to push creative boundaries with ease.
£469.00 View
This new iteration of the Insta360 sees some big improvements from the X3. Most notably, the X4 offers a big resolution improvement, even in low light. It also has an 80% bit rate improvement which offers much more detail when moving through differently lit situations. It features a greatly boosted battery life and has a load of versatile and fun shooting modes. Of course, as an Insta360, you’re able to capture fantastic 360-degree images and videos, and with the X4 it offers 8K/30p 360 recording (reframes at 2.7K), 4K/60p single lens recording, 4K invisible selfie stick mode and a ‘bullet time’ slow motion mode. This thing makes 360 videos easy.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 Film Camera - Black
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 Film Camera is an instant-print device with newly incorporated colour and brightness dials to manually control the effects of your photos. The built-in LED lighting system uses 6 coloured filters to create feelings of emotion, nostalgia, and warmth. Similarly, the vignette switch and built-in flash darken the edges of a photo and give the Mini 99 an artistic flair.
£174.00 View
Here we have another camera from the hugely popular Instax series; the Instax Mini 99. But there’s something different here. The Instax Mini 99 isn’t just a point-and-shoot like the other cameras in the series, no, it offers more creative freedom and the ability to adjust to the scene in front of you.
The camera is fitted with a 16mm f12.7 fixed lens (yes, the f stop does sound crazy but Instax cameras work a little differently to other cameras) and a range of settings to choose from including creative filters and multi-exposure options, exposure compensation to brighten or darken photos, bulb mode for long exposures and a sports mode to freeze moving subjects. It also has three focus zones: 0.3-0.6 for macro, 0.6-3m for standard and 3m-infinite for landscapes or group shots. Check out our video review below.
DJI RS 4
Enhance your cinematography with the DJI RS 4, a lightweight stabiliser ideal for solo creators. With next-gen native vertical shooting and efficient controls, it offers seamless and versatile stabilisation for immersive storytelling. A Teflon coating on all three axes ensures smoother balancing, while DJI’s 4th-Gen RS stabilisation algorithm combines robust support with a premium user experience.
£469.00 View
DJI is an industry leader in both the consumer and professional video gimbal stabiliser game so there is no doubt that the new DJI RS 4 is going to be a winner for filmmakers. It’s hard to say anything negative about this system. It offers super-smooth stabilisation thanks to DJI’s 4th-Gen RS stabilisation algorithm that will enhance all of your footage. Adding to that is that it is lightweight compared to other gimbals on the market and this will help you continue filmmaking without too much muscle fatigue.
Perhaps the best thing about this system is how intuitive it is. It’s simple to set up and sync up with your camera and then even easier to adjust your settings and access its suite of preset modes e.g. PF, PTF, and FPV. Simply put, the RS 4 is going to be an ideal choice for any videographer or filmmaker.
DJI Avata 2 (Drone Only)
Back with ample upgrades for unrivalled immersion in aerial photography, the DJI Avata 2 cарturеѕ incredible 4K/60fps HDR video with a 155° FOV. Thanks to the Easy ACRO mode, when paired with the optional DJI RC Motion 3, users can soar, dive, and roll for stunning aerial footage in a single push. DJI’s latest O4 transmission algorithm and suite of ѕаfеtу fеаturеѕ also mаkе FРV flуіng ѕtrеѕѕ-frее.
£429.00 View
Another next-gen release from DJI takes the form of the Avata 2; an FPV drone designed for immersive filmmaking. With a range of upgrades for unrivalled immersion in aerial photography, this version can capture 4K/60fps HDR video with a 155° FOV. It’s equipped with an Easy ACRO mode that when paired with the optional DJI RC Motion 3, allows you to really push the immersion with stunning dives and rolls as you soar through the sky. DJI has also included its latest O4 transmission algorithm and a suite of ѕаfеtу fеаturеѕ that make FPV flying fun and ѕtrеѕѕ-frее.
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