Tag Archives: filmmaking gear

Canon India Announces RF 20mm F/1.4 L VCM

Canon has also expanded its RF Hybrid Primes line up with the RF 20 mm f/1.4 L VCM lens. Joining the 24 mm, 35 mm, and 50 mm f/1.4 lenses, this ultra-wide-angle lens offers smooth autofocus, minimal focus breathing, and a physical iris ring for video shooters. Weighing 519g, it has a 67 mm filter thread, a rear filter holder, and is dust-resistant. 

Designed for both stills and video, the lens features built-in focus breathing reduction for stable compositions, smooth subject tracking, and silent operation. Its high-thrust VCM ensures precise, rapid autofocus, while a clickless iris ring allows seamless aperture adjustments during filming. The lens shares consistent size, weight, and controls with Canon’s other f/1.4L VCM primes, reducing the need for rebalancing when swapping lenses.

Optically, the RF 20mm F1.4L VCM introduces BR optics to minimize chromatic aberration, along with aspherical elements that correct distortions like sagittal coma flare—perfect for astrophotography. ASC and SWC coatings reduce flare and ghosting, ensuring crisp, high-resolution images even in challenging lighting. With its outstanding image quality and future-proof design for 8K imaging, this lens is a must-have for professionals seeking both precision and versatility.

The Canon RF 20mm F/1.4 L VCM is priced at ₹1,58,995.

RED Digital Cinema releases V-RAPTOR [X] Z and KOMODO-X Z cinema cameras compatible With Nikon Z Mount

RED Digital Cinema, a subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, has announced the release of the V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount and KOMODO-X Z Mount digital cinema cameras. These cameras integrate the Nikon Z mount, expanding lens compatibility for filmmakers and content creators.

Part of the new Z CINEMA series, co-developed by Nikon and RED, these models aim to provide flexible solutions for cinema and high-end production. The Nikon Z mount’s large diameter and short flange distance allow users to leverage a range of lenses, including NIKKOR Z lenses for sharp rendering and minimal aberration. The cameras also support Nikon F lenses via the Mount Adapter FTZ II.

The V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount features an 8K VV global shutter sensor, offering a wide dynamic range and improved color capture. The camera includes RED’s Global Vision tools, designed to maintain details in highlights and varying lighting conditions.

The KOMODO-X Z Mount, equipped with a 6K Super 35 global shutter sensor, supports 6K recording at up to 80 fps and 4K at up to 120 fps. The camera is compatible with RED’s R3D Redcode RAW format, allowing efficient video data management and grading flexibility.

Both models support power zoom control for the newly-launched NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens and enhanced autofocus. Both these cameras will be available through RED Digital Cinema Inc and authorized RED dealers.

Nikon Releases NIKKOR Z 28-135mm F/4 PZ Videography Lens

Nikon India Pvt. Ltd. has announced the launch of the NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ, a power zoom lens designed for full-frame Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras. First revealed in October 2024, this lens is tailored to meet the demands of professional videographers, offering seamless zoom control, minimising focus shifts, and can resolve 8K video.

According to Sajjan Kumar, Managing Director of Nikon India, the lens is built for dynamic video production, providing smooth operability and versatility. Its power zoom mechanism allows for precise zoom control across 11 speed settings, while the internal zoom design ensures stability, especially when using a gimbal.

Ideal for documentaries, weddings, and solo shoots, the lens offers a wide focal range with a minimum focus distance of 0.34m at the wide end. 

Designed for professional setups, the lens supports matte boxes, follow focus systems, and remote zoom control via Nikon’s NX Tether, SnapBridge, and NX Field. It also features Nikon’s Meso Amorphous Coat to reduce flare and ghosting, a stepping motor (STM) for silent autofocus, and a fluorine coating for dust and water resistance.

With this release, Nikon continues to push the boundaries of imaging technology, empowering filmmakers and content creators with cutting-edge tools for high-quality video production.

Sony Introduces ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S Wireless Microphones

Sony India has unveiled its latest additions to the microphone realm with the introduction of the ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S wireless microphones. Designed to redefine portability in content creation, these new offerings from Sony emphasize high-quality sound capture coupled with a lightweight build.

Featuring a two-channel receiver and two microphones, the ECM-W3, along with its counterpart, the ECM-W3S with a one-channel receiver and one microphone, cater to the diverse needs of video content creators. From Vlogs to interviews, these microphones facilitate superior audio recording, even in scenarios where the subject is distant from the camera. The ECM-W3 excels in interview settings and one-on-one conversations, while the ECM-W3S is optimized for vloggers and content creators, delivering natural and clear sound reproduction. Both microphones boast exceptional sound pickup capabilities while effectively reducing ambient noise, ensuring a pristine recording environment.

In terms of connectivity, the ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S offer versatility through Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe compatibility with Sony cameras, USB Type-C terminal, and a 3.5mm audio output. This broad compatibility extends to various devices such as cameras, smartphones, and PCs, enhancing convenience for users across different platforms. Compact and lightweight, these microphones prioritize portability without compromising on durability. Dustproof and moisture-proof design features make them suitable for outdoor usage, while the inclusion of a charging case ensures hassle-free charging on the go.

The ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S are priced at ₹39,990 and ₹32,990 respectively, and will be available across all Sony Centres, Alpha Flagship stores, Sony authorized dealers, e-commerce platforms, and major electronic stores in India starting from May 30th, 2024.