NAB 2015: Roundup of Our Blog Coverage

In this video, Andy gives an overview of the camera mobility options afforded by the compact and lightweight ALEXA Mini. Our NAB booth featured the camera rigged out on a Freefly MōVI M15 and a Freefly ALTA for aerial use. We also featured a new Gates Underwater housing for the ALEXA Mini.

Jeff got a first look at the C300 Mark II, which offers 4K internal recording with a new XF-AVC codec. It can record 4K up to 30 fps and has a special 2K crop mode that allows up to 120 fps. The camera also features a dual pixel autofocus, and newly announced Canon Log 2 allows you to get up to 15 stops of dynamic range.

Andy checked out the Sony FS7 with the new firmware v2.0, which includes 4-channel audio input and support for ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 422. He also got a sneak peak at the v3.0 firmware that will implement 2K center crop to enable the use of Super 16mm lenses directly and 2/3 lenses with a low loss adapter.

At the RED booth, Jeff was able to go hands-on with the RED WEAPON, the smallest camera in their lineup that features the 6K DRAGON sensor. He discusses the modular design of the camera and post production options, among other topics. AbelCine is now an authorized reseller for RED Digital Cinema.

Ian visits the Sound Devices booth to talk with co-founder Jon Tatooles about the new 688 Field Mixer and SL-6 Super Slot powering and wireless system. Together they form a powerful multi-track recording system that's ideal for situations where there are numerous mics and talent to be recorded. Learn about all the features of this system in Ian's blog.

Megan spoke with Zeiss's Rich Schleuning about the now-shipping CZ.2 15-30mm, the latest addition to a family that includes the CZ.2 28-80mm and CZ.2 70-200. These lenses offer user-interchangeable lenses mounts and a removable servo controller, which will be available soon. She also learned about Loxia lenses for the Sony a7S.

Ian learns about Sennheisser's new AVX, a unique single channel digital wireless receiver/transmitter system that connects to your camcorder or DSLR. The AVX will fit any camera with XLR connectors. Due to its ability to automatically set the receiver levels by itself, it is perfect for those shooting in run-n-gun situations where audio levels can be unpredictable.

Dave learned about the PIX-E5 4K recording monitor from the new Video Devices line. The PIX-E smaller and lighter than the popular PIX 240i, with more resolution and monitoring capabilities -- it is also more cost effective. It features all the professional monitoring tools you'd expect with a 1920x1080 full raster panel.

Andy takes a closer look at the Panasonic VariCam 35, including the new modular Extension Unit, which allows you to separate the camera's recorder and head and send data back to the head from up to 16 ft (5 meters) away. He also looks at the new DVX200, a run-n-gun 4K camera with a newly designed 4/3 sensor.

Jeff got a demo of the new Freefly MIMIC camera controller. The system is so intuitive and organic that operators can execute complex moving shots with precise framing after just minutes of practice, including roll. It works with all MōVI systems, as well as the Freefly TERO, and the brand new Freefly ALTA

Dave and Ian learned all about the new Exhauss Exoskeleton, a gimbal support system designed to help take the weight off the operator. The Exhauss holds up to 30 lbs and can be calibrated to the load of the gimbal. They show how to use the Exoskeleton system with a MōVI M15 and ALEXA Mini.

Ian takes a look at several AbelCine-developed accessories for optics and cameras including the UMS Conversion Kit for Canon 17-120mm Cine-Servo, which allows the user to quickly swap lens mounts for different cameras, such as E-mount, Micro 4/3s, Nikon and EF.

Megan visited the Arri booth to learn about the new ALEXA SXT lineup. These new models keep the 3.4K ALEV III sensor of previous ALEXAs while adding new electronics to improve image processing, pixel correction and noise reduction. Watch Megan's blog to learn about all the new camera features.

Megan stopped by the Codex booth to learn about their new VariCam V-RAW Recorder. The V-RAW Recorder captures uncompressed VariCam-RAW (V-RAW) 4K at up to 120 fps using the new 1TB or 2TB Capture Drive 2.0 media. Codex also had their ultra compact Action Cams in the booth, as well as a tech demo of a new Multi-Camera Recorder.

Dave stopped by the Switronix booth to take a look at their new Hypercine block battery system. This air travel friendly solution offers more power and faster charging. It offers both 14.4V and 28V power output and has a self-sufficient charger. It comes 400, 600 and 800 watts and is idea for rental houses and owner/operators.

Megan spoke with the co-founder of Digital Sputnik about their new, modular DS LED System, the DS 3. The RGBW module has comparable output to 100W HMI or 500W Tungsten, with high precision dimming for an array of possible effective color combinations. Any number of modules can be assembled together.

As a bonus, here's Andy being interviewed by Michael Artsis during Teradek's livestream from the NAB show floor. He's joined by Mitch Aunger of Planet5D to discuss recent industry trends they've noticed, including aerial and drone cinematography, along with the future of DSLRs and small form factor cameras.

Bonus #2: here's Andy talking to our friend James Mathers of the Digital Cinema Society in our booth. Andy gives a little more detail on the AbelCine UMS (Universal Mount System) displayed on the Canon 17-120 cine-servo lens. He also goes over some of the new camera mobility gear from Freefly Systems and Gates.