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Go Full-Frame in February with 25% Off

Feel the love in February! Get 25% Off Our Full-Frame Digital Cinema Cameras + Lenses all-month-long!

ARRI ALEXA Mini LF $1,600/day less 25%  •  Canon C500 MK II $550/day less 25%    Sony VENICE $1,300/day less 25%    Sony FX9 $425/day less 25%

 

Rehoused Leica R Primes in 19mm24mm28mm35mm, 50mm60mm Macro90mm, 135mm $85/day (each) less 25%

Zeiss Supreme Primes in 21mm, 25mm, 29mm, 35mm, 50mm, 65mm, 85mm, 100mm $200/day (each) less 25% 

Zeiss 28-80mm PL/EF Compact Zoom $350/day less 25% 

Zeiss 70-200 PL/EF Compact Zoom $350/day less 25%

Zeiss Otus Primes in 28mm, 55mm, 85mm $75/day less 25%

Sigma Cine PL/EF Primes in 20mm, 24mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 85mm, 105mm T1.5 and 14mm, 135mm T2.0 $70-85/day (each) less 25%  

Angenieux Optimo Ultra 12x Zoom Call for Rate less 25%   Angenieux EZ-1 30-90mm / 22-60mm Zoom $250/day less 25% •  Angenieux EZ-2 15-40mm / 45-135mm Zoom $250/day less 25%

Capture full-frame resolution for more detail and exceptional image quality when you rent our full-frame digital cinema cameras and lenses at 25% off! Reach out to Rentals by email or phone at 800-rule-com.

How do the Full-Frame Lenses compare? Click here to watch our lens test, shot with the ARRI ALEXA Mini LF and comparing the Rehoused Leica R, Zeiss Supreme Prime, and Sigma Cine Prime.

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The New Vega Upgrade for Ready Rig Is a No Brainer

With a simple install and immediate results, the new VEGA upgrade is a no-brainer for rental houses and owner-operators alike. Owner-operators, click here to follow Ready Rig’s simple upgrade instructions.

The improved stability and weight control make the upgrade worth every penny. For any gimbal job, add a Ready Rig with VEGA to your order for improved stability and weight control. The VEGA absorbs unwanted motion to capture smooth and fluid shots with the controls at your fingertips. You’ll love the improvements in this motion tool — made by industry professionals for industry professionals!

Take the VEGA for a spin and let me know what you think. To book it, reach out to Rentals by email or call 800-rule-com.

Dylan Law, QC/Logistics & MoVI Tech

 

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Capture an Affordable Anamorphic Look with the Atlas Orion Lenses

Unique bokeh characteristics, focus breathing, desired flaring, EF or PL mount, fast T-Stop (for anamorphic), standard front diameter (114mm), and affordable cost — these are just some of the features found in the Orion 2x Anamorphic lenses from Atlas Lens Co.  

The Orion series (we have both A and B sets) brings anamorphic shooting to the masses! While traditional anamorphic lenses can be out of reach, budget-wise, we’re thrilled to carry the full set that includes the 32mm, 40mm, 50mm, 65mm, 80mm, and 100mm anamorphic prime lenses.

My favorite part of carrying these lenses here in Rentals? I love when customers come into the shop with a smile on their faces because they can now bring the anamorphic look to their clients and their projects. 

The size and weight of these lenses make them great for handheld, tripod, dolly, gimbal, and drone workflows. Once you see your first few frames through these anamorphic lenses, you will understand what Atlas Lens Co. has done for the industry. 

-Dylan Law, QC/Logistics & MoVI Tech

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The ALEXA Mini Goes Full Frame with the LF

If you’re reading this, you’re probably a camera nerd — and if you’re a camera nerd, you’ve probably heard of this company called ARRI. They’re from Germany. They’ve been around for like, 100 years or so. Us camera nerds know that when ARRI announces a new camera, it’s a big deal. They make cameras that have an enormous impact on how our industry operates — and the new Alexa Mini LF is no different.

Full frame video has been increasing in popularity over the years — it’s hard to say where it started to pick up steam, but the Canon C700 Full Frame and RED Monstro Vista Vision are certainly the big cameras that hit the market first — followed closely by the Sony VENICE and ALEXA LF. We knew these cameras were coming, as lens manufacturers had been posturing for a full frame cinema option for years. 

When ARRI released the ALEXA LF, the baby brother of the large format ALEXA 65, we knew that full frame was an official part of cinema. While the ALEXA LF is a wonder of engineering, it is still packaged in the heavy and bulky ALEXA-style body. Great for large scale shoots and multiple operators, but not so great for the everyday indie or commercial setups. This is where the ALEXA Mini has found its footing, with its small scale lending itself well to gimbals, drones, and operators of every stature with its democratizing 5lb body.

Enter: The ALEXA Mini LF. The full frame, 4.5K capable, 5.7lb ALEXA. When going through the specs, one can find themselves wanting to use words like “full frame monster” and “game changer” — or other buzzword camera nerd affectations. There is no need. It’s an ARRI ALEXA Mini LF. Enough said.

The Mini LF can do all the things it’s family members can – but with some added resolutions. Below, a list of the various options for SUP 6.0:

 

The camera’s size has also remained mostly unchanged, with a few updates on body design to accommodate the newer Codex Media.

 

 

Speaking of media, ARRI has chosen to abandon the CFast format (thankfully) and has moved to the newer Codex Compact Drives. Some will say this media choice is expensive – and that’s because it is! Very much so. Coming in right around $2,400 bucks per 1TB card, they’re up there, but no more so than any other professional recording media. Have you met my friend, the RED Mini Mag? Or how about the Sony AXSM cards? Those run over $4,500 per TB!

ARRI is being aggressive with its promotion for this camera, same as the ALEXA LF — listing it’s dynamic range as higher than “any production camera.” A bold claim, but anyone who’s shot with these cameras can attest to its authenticity – these are the closest to film DR you’re going to get. 

ARRI has also chosen to remain with their Alev III sensor, assuring that the same ARRI Color Science that has won so many awards over the years is maintained at their higher resolutions. Other updates include higher usable sensitivity with lower noise, new internal ND filters, improved timecode and audio connectivity, two built-in microphones, and a brand spanking new Viewfinder – the MVF-2 HD OLED EVF. 

This new model has a 4” flip out monitor, and a newer flexible cable to cut down on wear and tear. The camera is packed full of small improvements which really proves that ARRI listens to their users and is always tweaking their designs to best serve their customers. It gives every camera they make a sense of true professionalism. 

The big draw, of course, is the full frame image. There’s something I’ve always loved about the field of view you get when shooting full frame — there’s just something about it. Perhaps it comes from years of taking still photos, or maybe my early career shooting with the 5D (MK II, so you know I’ve got that OG DSLR street cred. Where my AF100 folks at?) Regardless of why, the full frame immersion paired with the ARRI look is a match made in heaven. I very much look forward to seeing some of the amazing films and content produced with this camera — it’s a game changer, and a full frame monster.

Missed the ARRI ALEXA LF and Mini LF along with Signature Primes and accessories at our September Pub Night?  Click here for event photos.

– Alex Enman, Engineer

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Optical Support Jackal Rickshaw is the Perfect Tool

Ahhh… dreams do come true! The Jackal by Optical Support is the perfect tool for our clients and our local production market. From the easy travel case to the quick adjusting wheel base, the Jackal has it all and more.

Rickshaws have been on film sets for many years now and come in all shapes and sizes. We do a large amount of Flowcine Black Arm work at the shop, and the team at Optical Support jumped on the opportunity to help us combine both worlds.

We are very excited for our clients to take the Jackal for a spin. It’s ready for any Handheld, Easyrig, MoVI, Ronin, Steadicam, and Black Arm jobs you may have. And, if you rent the Jackal in September, you’ll get 25% off the regular rate. Click here to learn more or contact rentals@rule.com or 800-rule-com.

-Dylan Law, QC/Logistics & MoVI Tech

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The New Feature-Rich Cinevate Horizen Sliders

(UPDATE! Rent a variety of our Sliders + Jibs — including the Cinevate Sliders — at 25% in March! Click here for details.)

You cannot reinvent the wheel, but Cinevate tried to do just that with the new Horizen Slider series. Cinevate states “We combined your feedback with our 13 years of manufacturing expertise to create our most intensively designed product, ever.”

At first I was skeptical because what can you really modify on a slider to make that much of a drastic change? I soon found out — a lot. The major feature that separates this slider from any other is the newly designed adjustable resistance control. This system actually runs off of a magnet which creates a completely silent, fluidic operation.

When first using the Horizen I noticed this right away. My biggest problem with sliders is adjusting the tension because you can never get it just right. The camera never seems to glide seamlessly unless you are controlling the slider with a motion controller, which can be easily integrated when using this slider. Since the resistance control is now magnetic, you will never have to deal with this problem again.

Besides being the best feeling slider I have used, the Horizen comes with a whole bunch of other awesome features. It natively supports both 100mm and 75mm ball heads. It also has multiple ways to mount it, whether it be on a tripod with its new center mount or with two stands on both sides. If you want to ditch the stands and go lightweight, there are quick-stow, all-terrain legs that come attached with it. This slider is also filled with a ton of mounting options for accessories like monitors.

With a payload of 100 pounds and the option of 3 or 5 feet, the Cinevate Horizen slider is ready for whatever your situation may call for. Click here for product details on the 3-foot slider and here for the 5-foot slider — both are available to rent. See what you think and let us know.

-Alex Lopez, Quality Control Technician

 

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LiteMat+ Plus 8: Large, Soft, and Light

LiteGear has taken a stronghold in our rental inventory and the LiteMat+ Plus 8 is a great new option for any job. LiteGear stands out with their low-profile design and incredibly soft and color-accurate light. Mounting their products is a dream come true for any DP/gaffer/grip. The LiteMat+ Plus 8 has all these features and packs a serious punch when it comes to output.

The form factor of this light makes for a great, large source and minimizes the amount of lights you may need for your setup. I had a chance to work with the +8 the other day and it was the perfect fixture for the job. It was as easy as putting on the SnapGrid and tossing the light up into the ceiling.

If you’re a fan of LiteGear or interested in trying a new light with a large source — this is the one!

Dylan Law, QC/Logistics & MoVI Tech
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SL1 Mix + Mini Mix LED’s: High-Color Performance, Advanced Technology, Easy-to-Use

Durability, high-color performance, ease-of-use, advanced technology, and portability are all features that I look for when bringing new lights into our rental pool.  The SL1 Mix and the Mini Mix from DMG Lumiere provide all of the above, and make them a perfect fit for our rental clients.

Having the complete line-up of Rosco Gels at your fingertips is one of the many features of both the SL1 Mix and Mini Mix. While this isn’t new in the world of LED lighting, it’s nice to see these options integrated by many manufacturers.

Both fixtures can be powered by batteries, and this is, hands-down, my favorite feature. Production is a fast and furious business, so the ability to quickly power a fixture via battery is crucial!

Last but not least is the DMG Lumiere app that controls both of these units. Making your own colors, matching sources, dimming, and creating your own lighting libraries are just a few of the benefits that this app offers its users.

Both units are available to rent at Rule Boston Camera. Take either or both for a test run with our 25% discount in May. Click here to email rentals or call 800-rule-com.

-Dylan Law, QC/Logistics and MoVI Tech

 

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Stay Focussed with the Light Ranger 2

The demands on today’s focus puller are ever-increasing.  Extremely sharp, modern lenses, ultra-high resolution cameras and the expanding popularity of full-frame lensing and formats are challenging camera assistants everywhere.  In addition, productions are increasingly shot with higher page counts per day, leading to less or no rehearsal, more shots with wide-open lens apertures and generally adding more stress to the focus puller.

Enter Preston Cinema Systems’ Light Ranger 2.  It’s a device with LED sensors that tracks subjects’ distance; when coupled with a PCS HU3 handset and a MDR3 or MDR4 motor driver, it becomes a powerful tool for the focus puller.  The tracking data is relayed to a video interface which overlays sixteen vertical white boxes of the sensor over a live camera signal. This enables the user to remain looking at a monitor instead of splitting their attention between hand unit marks and live-video.

In Manual mode, these bars move up and down indicating whether an object inside the white box is closer to or farther away from camera and how much the user needs to move the lens and at what speed.  When an object is sharp, the box turns a reassuring green.  In Basic mode, the individual bars give an individual distance read-out as if sixteen laser-tape measures were atop the camera.  The most stunning feature of the Light Ranger 2 is Auto-Focus mode.  With a button-tap on the HU3 the LR2 will display a user adjustable (size and position) red box representing the subject to be kept in focus. Pushing another button on the hand unit, the focus will ‘park’ on the object and stay focussed independent of any camera movement; very helpful when subjects wipe the frame.

The Light Ranger 2 is available to rent here at Rule Boston Camera. Contact Rentals by email or phone at 800-rule-com.  Join us for an overview of the LR2 on Thursday, March 21st from 12n-1pm. No RSVP’s needed. Click here to view the event on our website and here to view the event on our Facebook page.

-Tim Coughlan, Senior Engineer

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Highlights from 2018 Cine Gear Expo Atlanta

RBC’s Brian Malcolm and Dylan Law journeyed to Pinewood Atlanta Studios for the first Cine Gear Expo in Atlanta.  For gearheads like us who have checked-in at Cine Gear’s annual expo on the West Coast, this was a bit closer to home.

What do we love about both Cine Gear Expo events? You get access to a lot of manufacturers along with inside knowledge behind the latest camera and lighting equipment and accessories for film, video, and digital media makers. You also have lots of conversations with the makers — DP’s and AC’s who are or will be using the gear.  This combination, along with hands-on access and demos, goes a long way in determining what makes sense for our rental customers, and, eventually, what we will add to our rental inventory.

Below is a quick look at the gear and technology that made an impression. Click here to follow Rule Boston Camera on Instagram and check out Dylan’s Instagram takeover for #2018CineGearExpoATL.

Highlights from 2018 Cine Gear Expo Atlanta:

• The continuing synergism between the two VITEC companies, SmallHD and Teradek, who are hard at work developing new wireless monitor products. 

• The VITEC group via Teradek is also integrating RT Motion wireless focus into the line-up with a promising new wireless focus system.

Lindsey Optics has an awesome line of tray mounted close up filters which will become a “must have” for any rental house.

• LED tubes continue to crowd out all other lighting at trade shows. Quasar continues to dominate the offerings with price and quality, while the new Freestyle tubes from Kino Flo introduce a ballast-based RGB alternative. And, finally, Digital Sputnik seems about to release their very versatile RGB tube.

LiteGear is stepping up to the RGB world with their versatile new LiteMat Spectrum series.

Canon had their new mirrorless R camera, featuring a new line up of high quality RF lenses. It’s very likely that the RF mount will show up on future pro digital cinema cameras.

• Shout out to our pals at PC&E Atlanta for a tour of their rental facility and their awesome party.

Interested in learning more? Reach out to us at answers@rule.com. And follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Updated Rental Catalog with the Latest Equipment for Rent

Newly updated for April, the Rentals Catalog is now available for a quick look at the majority of equipment in our rental inventory. Download the catalog to search, check pricing (call us for multi-day rates!), or print. We’re constantly adding new gear like the Sigma FF High Speed Cinema Lenses (available in focal lengths of 20, 24, 35, 50 and 85 at a T1.5 and a 14 and 135 at a T2.0 – read Jeff’s blog post and watch his video), SmallHD 703 BoltTeradek Serv Pro Video Server, and Zhiyun Tech Crane-2 Gimbal Stabilizer (to name a few).

Click here to download a copy of the Rentals Catalog.  If you don’t see what you’re looking for, contact rentals by email or phone (not everything we carry is listed). Multi-day rates are available!

 

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The Sigma FF High Speed Cine Primes Do Not Disappoint

I geek out as much as the next guy when it comes to lenses, so you could imagine my excitement when a set of Sigma FF High Speed Cine Primes rolled through our doors recently. I had heard very little about these lenses before seeing them in person and couldn’t wait to see what they could do. 

After my initial testing, I have to say they do not disappoint. 

This line of lenses is Sigma’s jump into the cinema world and it seems as though they have landed firmly on both feet. The full set includes focal lengths of 20, 24, 28, 35, 50 and 85 at a T1.5 and a 14 and 135 at a T2.0. 

At first glance, the lenses cosmetically look and feel a lot like ARRI Ultra Primes, dense but still compact. From one lens to the next, the Sigma Cine Primes are expertly constructed with silky smooth iris and focus rings, clear and precise markings and an electronic EF mount to transmit lens data to your camera. Although this set can be swapped out to PL mount, our set currently comes in EF only. 

Sigma really went all the way in on these lenses to make them look and feel like true high quality cinema glass. Iris markings are all evenly spaced and focus scales span nearly a 300 degree rotation. Focus pulls feel great with not too much resistance and just enough dampening for smooth starts and stops. If using a wireless FF on set, you will never have to move your motors around, as the distance between iris and focus gears never changes between lenses. This might seem like a small thing, but for AC’s it makes all the difference. 

Getting past the outer build quality and onto the optics, this is where things get even better. Full frame lenses in the cinema world are becoming more and more present as our camera’s sensors have been changing. With films being shot on cameras like the 5D MK4 and a7S2 all the way up to the RED Weapon 8K, these types of lenses are becoming necessary.

Having all of the qualities that one would hope for in a great cinema lens, this set performs extremely well. Very little lens breathing, check. Smooth focus fall off, check. Razor sharp at all stops, check. Good close focus, check. Pleasing bokeh, check. No noticeable chromatic aberration, check. With the exception of the two widest lenses, this set has almost no distortion and is tack sharp from corner to corner. The list goes on and on. For the price that these lenses go for, I would confidently call these the frontrunners.

If my stamp of approval means anything, these lenses certainly have it. Interested in renting the Sigma’s? Contact rentals@rule.com or 800-rule-com.

-Jeff Dickerson, Engineer, dickerson@rule.com

 

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New in Rentals: Compact Sigma Cine Prime Lenses

New in Rentals, the compact Sigma Cine primes with full frame coverage and high speed aperture ~ T1.5 (20, 24, 35, 50, 85mm) and T2.0 (14, 135mm) have arrived.

Excellent resolution and ready for 8K, the well-crafted cine design offers smooth focus with minimal distortion or breathing. The nine blade iris makes for a soft round bokeh. Now available in EF mount.

Contact Rentals for details: email or phone at 800-rule-com.

–Dave Kudrowitz, Senior Engineer

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Buy or Rent the GoPro HERO6

Stop by our GoPro display in Production Outfitters! We are selling (and renting) the all new GoPro HERO6 camera. 

Retailing for $499.99, the HERO6 Black is compatible with all GoPro mounting accessories.

This new addition to the GoPro family boasts real image stabilization and an all new GP1 processor. The Hero6 is capable of 240fps at 1080p image quality or 4k up to 60fps making it ideal for slow-mo action. Click here to watch #GoProHERO6 action. 

Contact us for more details: answers@rule.com or 800-rule-com.

–Haley Parizo, Sales Operations Manager

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Quasar LED Lighting Tools to Rent or Buy

Quasar: one of over a thousand known extragalactic objects, starlike in appearance and having spectra with characteristically large redshifts, that are thought to be the most distant and most luminous objects in the universe.

Unfortunately, we don’t have “the most luminous objects in the universe” in our inventory but we do have a fleet of Quasar Science products available to rent and buy. Quasar offers a wide variety of LED lighting tools and many of them can be found right here at Rule Boston Camera.

Low profile, self ballasted, dimmer compatible, energy efficient, 95+ CRI, flicker free, 25,000 hour lifetime, and much more are just a few of the many features in the Quasar line-up of products.

We encourage you to stop by the shop, and check out these lights for yourself. We’ve got a bunch of new fixtures on the horizon for both rentals and sales in addition to what’s already in our rental inventory (Crossfade LED Kit, Kino Quasar 4ft/4 Bank Fixture) and in our Production Outfitters Expendables Store.

Another resource is our IN THE SHOWROOM video on the A-LED and Q-LED Crossfade lighting tools. Click here to watch, and reach out with questions.

Dylan Law, QC/Logistics & MoVI Tech

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The Angenieux EZ-1: Affordable and Flexible Cine Zoom

The Angenieux EZ-1 30-90mm T2 Super35 zoom lens is one of a handful of lenses in the quickly expanding category of affordable cine-zooms. For a long time, cinema zooms were always two things: heavy and expensive. In the past year or so, we have seen manufacturers innovate and release a new group of lightweight cinema zooms. To name a few: Zeiss 21-100mm, Sigma 18-35mm / 50-100mm, Fujinon 18-55mm, and Canon 18-80mm. As a documentary and commercial shooter, it has been great to see this huge increase in choices at a reasonable price. I find myself taking the Angenieux on set because of its size, its flexibility, and its wide open performance.

First and foremost, the size, weight, and handling of this lens is superb. It is well-balanced and weighs in at just 4lbs. I shoot a lot of handheld and gimbal work so weight is always a factor. Having built-in focus, iris, and zoom gears is a big advantage in both keeping the lens streamlined and removing any extra weight from add-on 3rd party focus gears. The EZ-1 also features rubberized grips along the lens for better control when not using a follow focus. This lens is built with the operator in mind.

In the documentary world, staying flexible on set is a must. The ability to quickly go from PL to EF to E mount on set with no tools is a big deal. Pairing lenses and sensors is a big part of a cinematographer’s job these days — both from an aesthetics standpoint and a function standpoint. This lens is equally at home on a Sony a7S wedged inside a car as it is on a 35mm ARRI film camera on a dolly. In addition to the lens mount, you can also change the rear optical block to go from covering just Super35 to covering full frame/ VistaVision. 

There is a certain feeling imbued into lenses by each manufacturer. A subtle difference that doesn’t come across in technical specifications but is often talked about amongst cinematographers and is unique to that manufacturer. Angenieux’s reputation is one of the best in the industry. The EZ-1 fits in easily amongst its family members and delivers the same consistent colors and pleasing sharpness that one should expect from Angenieux.  

-Harvey Burrell, Guest Blogger and Co-founder of Windy Films

 

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ARRI Announces New Lightweight Matte Box LMB-4×5

At long last ARRI weds the popular LMB-25 with the studio functionality of the MB-19 in the new LMB 4×5. 

No longer must we double up on studio and lightweight boxes on the same job as the 4×5 can fill both roles.   

The swing away and tilt module is my favorite new option!  

Click here to watch ARRI’s cool CGI video that visually explains the whole system:

Adam Van Voorhis, Equipment Manager,

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Now Taking Pre-Orders – Buy the Freefly MoVI Pro at Rule Boston Camera

We’re now taking pre-orders for the latest in Freefly’s line of camera movement systems. Introducing the new MōVi Pro — their most powerful, versatile, smart and reliable digital handheld stabilizer yet!

freefly-movi-pro-handheld-bundle-p4167-6568_image

Freefly plans to start shipping mid-November. Each MōVi Pro system will include the MōVi Pro, the MIMIC, 2x MōVi Pro battery packs & more to get you started right out of the box! To place your pre-order with a $200 deposit (non-refundable, but transferrable), contact Michael Kalish at sales@rule.com or 800-rule-com. Be sure to watch the intro video at https://vimeo.com/188601738. And click here for the MōVi Pro sales price, description, specs and features.

Interested in trying before buying? The MōVi Pro is coming soon to Rentals. Click here for rental rate and details or contact rentals at answers@rule.com or 800-rule.com

RBC’s Dylan Law flew to Freefly HQ in Washington for their MōVi Pro launch party. Stay tuned for his upcoming blog post with all the technical and creative details.

-Haley Parizo, Sales Operations Manager, parizo@rule.com

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The New AKIRA Firmware Update for the MōVI

Everyone loves a good firmware update and Freefly Systems did not disappoint with the newest Akira update. New features and incredible improvements make up the newest download. The MōVI camera stabilization system has already offered up amazing opportunities for filmmakers, and the gifts keep coming.

Movi-Firmware-Akira

 

HiPER STABILIZATION: This new feature (more of an improvement) is the shinning star of Akira, in my opinion. Stabilization performance of the MōVI has increased, resulting in images that are much more stable and stronger overall. Longer lenses, focus, iris, and zoom setups can now be achieved more easily with incredible results.

TIMELAPSE MODE: The possibilities seem endless when working with the MōVI and now, with Timelapse Mode, yet another door has opened. Creating your time-lapse moves with this new software is literally a dream come true, so GO OUT AND MAKE NEW IMAGES!

TARGET MODE: GPS position locking and follow mode! Oh, this is getting fun now! When working with the MIMIC, transmitter operators and DP’s can introduce a “chase cam” look — seamlessly.

14188506_10153690766587187_7986189164664326298_o

 

Improvements all around and new added features make up the Akira update. I didn’t even mention the new user interface for the mobile applications. Oh, and there are even more goodies to be found. Ok, enough reading! It’s time to put Akira to the test.

We sell and rent a variety of Freefly motion tools. Please contact us at answers@rule.com or 800-rule-com (800-785-3266) for more information.

Dylan Law, QC/Logistics & MōVI Tech, law@rule.com

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The Sony PXW-Z150

  Sony_PXW-Z150 There’s a lot to be said for a good camcorder-styled camera — a format that, in recent years, hasn’t been given the love and attention I feel it deserves. While not the most exciting camera, more often than not (and especially for event and corporate shooters) — it is by far the most practical. The market was given a glimpse of the future late last year, with Panasonic’s release of the DVX 200. The camera provided a Micro Four Thirds imager, with a camcorder-styled body and attached zoom lens. The idea being that run-and-gun shooters needn’t compromise on depth of field any longer. By using the larger sensor, shooters could finally get images that rivaled those of their DSLR counterparts in the sub-$5,000 market. It’s a need that won’t be going away any time soon, either — producers and content creators have come to enjoy the shallow depth of field “look” that one gets from large imagers (the Canon 5D Mark II is probably to blame). But, rigging these small cameras with external recorders, audio interfaces, shoulder mounts, top handles, and shotgun mics was never the end-all, be-all answer shooters needed (although the DVX 200 delivered on these issues). Enter the Sony PXW-Z150, Sony’s newest offering in the PXW line, sitting happily alongside the popular FS5. At a little over three grand, this camera packs a punch. Its imager is slightly smaller than that of the DVX 200, but compared to the ⅓” and even ⅔” sensors of the prior generation of camcorders, the Z150’s 1” sensor adds just enough depth-of-field options to feel very versatile.   z150-medium In addition to its sensor, the Z150 has a few more tricks up its sleeve to bring it in line with its fancier, smaller counterparts. Sony has built the foundation of the camera’s acquisition on the now tried-and-true XAVC-L codec. While it’s not as dense as the FS7’s XAVC-I, it’s a huge improvement from the price-comparative a7SII (XAVC-S). The Z150 records a UHD 4K image internally, using the same SDXC cards as the FS5. It also has the ability to overcrank to 120fps in HD formats. Slowmo seems to be the new battleground for this market, and it’s great to see that Sony has matched the challenge. Perhaps the most interesting feature, for a humble colorist to appreciate, is its ability to record 10 bit HD. Traditionally, any camera under $10,000 recorded 8 bit images internally. To see a camera like this recording a nice and dense 10 bit image is a huge improvement. This camera has far more in common with an FS7 than an EX1. After that, the features meet all the new standards easily — built-in ND filter, a powerful autofocus and full auto mode, and XLR inputs. Run-and-gun shooters will feel right at home with the familiar Sony layout, and even though they’ve simplified the menus — I don’t find myself wanting anything extra. A common criticism of Sony’s latest camera lines is how complicated their menu structures are, so to see things paired down a bit in this camera is a welcome addition. It’s slightly disappointing that the Z150 doesn’t include any LOG gammas, but the normal picture profiles fill any creative gaps you may have. I don’t foresee many people shooting LOG on a camcorder, but with 10 bit, my question is ‘why not’? I would love to use the Z150 as a B camera to an FS7. Those are small potatoes, though, and I find myself very satisfied shooting with the Z150. For folks who are comfortable with the EX1 or NX cameras, this is, most likely, the 4K upgrade you’ve been waiting for. We are currently selling and renting the PXW-Z150, please contact us at answers@rule.com or 800-rule-com (800-785-3266) for more information! Alex Enman, Engineer, enman@rule.com