PRONEWS AWARD 2024 Vol. 04 – Accessories

DJI RS 4/DJI RS 4 Pro

Release date: April 9, 2024

This gimbal, which is currently highly regarded in the video industry, has now been redesigned and released.

Gimbal products are a mature genre, and it is difficult to see any dramatic improvements. Although the RS 4 series does not have any major changes from the RS 3 series, it can be said to be an ambitious model that aims for even greater heights.

Both DJI RS 4 Pro and DJI RS 3 Pro have the same payload capacity of 4.5kg, but RS 4 Pro supports portrait shooting without any additional accessories. It features next-generation automatic axis locking, which greatly improves the efficiency of shooting, transportation, and storage. The OLED touch screen now has a new auto-lock function, designed to prevent accidental contact and reduce battery consumption. In addition, motor torque has been increased by 20% for smoother, more precise control.

DJI SDR Transmission

Release date: July 17, 2024

The DJI SDR Transmission is significantly cheaper than the “DJI Transmission” released in 2023. Still, it is small, lightweight, and has excellent performance, making it a popular transmitter that is increasingly seen in many locations.

With a latency of just 35 milliseconds, it is possible to watch live video at 1080p/60fps. It achieves a maximum bit rate of 20Mbps, providing high-quality video transmission. The low latency of 35 milliseconds is also a major feature. The transmission range is excellent, with a maximum of 3km (2km in Japan).

The transmitter can be connected to a monitor via SDI or HDMI and features a video input and a 3.5mm stereo jack, while the video transmission receiver can also be connected to a video monitor via SDI or HDMI.

Accsoon CineView Master 4K

Release date: September 2024

This video transmission system, Accsoon CineView Master 4K, supports 4K60fps and can transmit 4K video with high quality. If you want to send video to a 4K monitor, this is the best candidate. It can transmit video with a low latency of less than 25ms in 1080 mode and less than 35ms in 4K mode. Furthermore, there are very few systems in this price range that can transmit 4K video. The transmission range is up to 2.5km. It also supports wireless connection with iPhone and cable connection, and when connected by cable, it achieves high quality comparable to a standalone monitor.

It consists of a TX unit and an RX unit, both of which are the same size and weight. It has HDMI and SDI inputs and outputs, and can be powered via a Sony NP-F series battery or DC input. In addition, it supports direct transmission to smartphones and tablets using the Accsoon app. It also comes with a V-lock mount adapter for added convenience.

TILTA Khronos

Release date: April 10, 2024

TILTA Khronos is an excellent cage system that transforms your iPhone into a professional photography tool. The iPhone cage, the core of the Khronos system, not only protects your iPhone, but also provides power and seamless connection to various accessories such as batteries and LED lights. Using special attachments, you can also attach various accessories such as handles and LED lights.

Another feature is that when combined with an app such as the Blackmagic Camera App, you can manually adjust focus and zoom using the control dials on the Khronos cage.

Deity PR-2

This is Deity’s first dedicated audio recorder. There are no other recorders that can match this product in terms of both features and price. It supports 32-bit float recording in mono and 24-bit recording in stereo, and can be wirelessly synced with the TC-1 timecode generator and TC-SL1 smart slate. In addition, it can be synced with up to 48 devices, and can also be used with lavalier and 3.5mm directional microphones.

Another big attraction is the ease of use, as it runs on AA batteries, and time code management is also possible using the TC-1. The price is 34,320 yen (tax included), and its high cost performance has been a hot topic.

ATOMOS Ninja Phone

The Ninja Phone is a recorder and monitor designed for the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max. It can record HDMI output from the camera in ProRes or H.265. The best thing about it is that it records in 10-bit and you can check the footage on the iPhone monitor with a peak brightness of 1600nits.

Initially, it supported input and recording up to 1080p and 720p, but a recent update has made it possible to record and play back 4K 24/25/30p and 4K DCI 24/25/30p. In addition, they announced that they have obtained Adobe Frame.io Camera to Cloud certification. They also plan to release Ninja Phone for Android in the near future. It’s a very unique product idea, as it can also be used as a backup for cameras that don’t have dual recording capabilities.

Heiwa Seiki Kogyo QL40B

Release date: December 2024

Libec has released a tripod that can be easily adjusted in height with a single flip lock on the top. This long tripod is made of lightweight aluminum and weighs just 2.6 kg including the carrying handle. When used as a ground spreader tripod system with a video head, the height can be adjusted up to 198 cm and can be quickly set up with a single flip lock.

The accessory port also has three 1/4 inch screw holes and three 3/8 inch screw holes, so you can attach a variety of accessories.

PRONEWS AWARD 2024 Accessories Category Gold Award

DJI SDR Transmission

The gold award goes to the DJI SDR. Most low-cost wireless transmission systems have a maximum range of only a few hundred meters, but the DJI SDR flies much better at this price. It’s simple, the terminal is small and light at 145g. The transmitter and receiver are compatible with HDMI and SDI, which is a very good impression.

While there are more and more opportunities to preview on an iPad in the field, the DJI SDR can also transmit directly to a smartphone or tablet via Wi-Fi.

What sets it apart from other wireless systems is that it supports Force Mobile, which allows remote camera control. By using it in conjunction with the DJI RS series gimbals, you can control the gimbal from a great distance.

PRONEWS AWARD 2024 Accessories Category Silver Award

Heiwa Seiki Kogyo QL40B

The Silver Award went to the QL40B. As expected from libec, they have produced a tripod that is perfect for one-operation sites. By using the HS-150Q (ground spreader), it can be extended up to 198.3cm. This height is very attractive. In addition, the height can be easily adjusted by operating a single flip lock, and once you experience this convenience, you will never go back to anything else.

The locking operation is smooth, and the lever is easily accessible even when it is at its highest position, which is a major advantage. With all these features, the market price is 75,000 yen, which is a great deal. We are looking forward to the release of a carbon model in the future.