NAB 2013 was both bigger (4K production) and smaller (compact cameras and SLRs). 4K acquisition and high-resolution display continued its march into the marketplace. Numerous companies were promoting cameras with 4K capabilities. New 4K monitors and displays by Christie and others were present, including a Leyard 4K LED video wall.
Interactive video wall museum featuring Christie MicroTiles.
Atomos NINJA 2
A lot of excitement built around the NINJA 2 by Atomos with its ability to receive and record 4:2:2 video from the Canon 5D Mark III. The unit is compact, contains playback controls and has an onboard monitor. The video is carried over HDMI. In order to receive the full size 1080P signal, a Canon firmware update is required.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera
The 4K Blackmagic Production Camera has a new little brother for under a thousand bucks. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is a portable Super 16 digital cinema camera with 13 stop dynamic range, Super 16 sized 1080HD sensor, built in SD recorder, high resolution LCD, ProRes and lossless Cinema DNG RAW recording, active Micro Four third lens compatibility, and Micro HDMI recording overlays.
Stabilize yourself! Another highlight of NAB 2013 was the FREEFLY MŌVI system. This handheld rig is a 3-axis stabilized camera gimbal that makes smooth shots easily. The MŌVI M10 comes in at a hefty $15,000, but the planned M5 is anticipated to be roughly half the cost.
MŌVI M10
With the movement toward DSLR video production, there has been a proliferation of sliders showing up on shoots.
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The little Pico dolly is a fun way to get moving, but if you are concerned with your camera rolling off a surface or are generally looking for more stability, consider the robust Hollywood Slider Dolly. The HSD is a compact slider with sturdier 8 foot rails and skateboard wheels.
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Zylight Z90
The Zylight Z90 is a small onboard camera light, which can easily adjust to a specified brightness level. You have the option to switch between Tungsten and Daylight or set a customized color temperature somewhere in between. You also have an option to add or subtract just green for matching ambient fluorescent lighting.
Multi-rotor drones abounded this year as evidenced by the Turbo Ace Octocopter and many others.
DROIDWORX SkyJib XM-4
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Small and Big: All this for an iPhone!
- Bill Knowland, Direct Images Interactive
