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Along with the many 4K cameras, camcorders, and other usual suspects at CES 2014 I noticed four items that could be interesting additions to the videographer/transmedia storyteller’s arsenal, especially if portability in the field is something to be desired.
This video report covers four items (out of hundreds, I must confess), all which could add something a little different to your kit bag.
QBiC MS-1
First, the QBiC-MS1 wide angle camera, from ELMO will remind you of the Hero GoPro, but add some other features that might make this a better fit for your use. It’s a smaller device, waterproof, records video at full 1080P at 60fps at multiple wide angles, has good fisheye correction, and adds wireless streaming (even to your phone), a great bonus for live events.
FLIRONE
The FLIRONE is not a standalone product: it’s a slip-on case (currently only in production for the iphone 5, but with android versions to come later this year) that has a unique thermal imaging camera built into the case and uses special filtering software on the phone that can take both stills and video. It could be used for both practical use (searching for water leaks in a wall) or heat-based night vision photography or video.
The SOLOSHOT 2 is not a camera at all, but rather a robot motion tracker. The tracker can hold up to 10 pounds, though I would not suggest mounting a DSLR with a heavy long-length lens because of its uncentered weight, but a smaller, compact fast-focus video camera would do very nicely with this unit. The unit is packaged with a sturdy tripod base and has a waterproof combination transmitter/remote, which is worn by the person who is to be followed by the camera mounted on the tracker.
The last item is the Pivothead Smart video eyewear. Or should that be spelled, “EYEWARE”? Not a competitor with Google glasses, but perhaps more a variation on the GoPro idea, this gives a true POV to videos taken with a camera planted squarely between the wearer’s eyes. Most of the eyeglass frames and lenses in the Pivothead line are definitely outdoor sportsware, but the most interesting advancement is Pivothead’s Smart technology of add on, plug in units (that sit behind the ear), giving developers a field day of opportunities to customize the video output. This is not lofi video: go full 1080P HD video with these glasses.
There will also be a completely updated website/online software library for the SMART glasses, coming later this year, for live feeds and specialized effects and capabilities.
In summary, Watch the video report, and let me know if you think these additions to the camera bag are worth picking up.
