Gear

by Jim Martin
November 1998

Edit Cam
Canon has released its latest Mini-DV camcorder, the Vistura. Featuring Canon's new Lens Shift Method of optical image stabilization, the Vistura boosts a 16x optical zoom and a 64x digital zoom. The new DV camcorder has a built-in auto editing function that allows users to select up to 20 scenes and edit them to virtually any VCR, with the Vistura activating the VCR. Another function that is featured on the Vistura is a built-in battery charger that eliminates the need to remove the battery for charging. (800) 828-4040
Suggested retail price: $1,999


LCD on the Move
A color monitor is important to have in the field. RCA has introduced a new AC/DC powered portable color television with four-inch liquid crystal display that can easily serve as a field monitor. The new L4000BC portable television has audio and video input jacks that accept your camcorders signal, and a built-in tripod mount. It also has a headphone jack, a removable battery compartment, a DC car cord and a built-in carry strap. In addition, it is a color television with RCA's electric signal-seek tuner. (800) 336-1900
Suggested retail price: $329


Fast Rings
Westcott has released two new speed rings for mounting light boxes on Lowel tota and omni lights. According to Westcott, the rings are made of spun steel to withstand the high heat generated by continuous exposure to hot lights. An adapter is included to allow the rings to pivot up and down when they are attached to light stands. The rings can be used with Westcott or other industry light boxes. (419) 243-7311
Suggested retail price: tota $119, omni $139
Circle reader service number XX
Tiny Eye
Supercircuits has introduced a new pinhole video camera, the PC-57XP. The camera uses the latest ¼-inch CCD video chipset from Toshiba. The dimensions of the chipset are 2.25 (height) by .85 (width) by .5 (depth) inches. The PC-57XP operates on 5 volts of DC power, has 330 lines of horizontal resolution and controls exposure automatically with an electronic shutter which is capable of shutter speeds of up to 1/100,000 per second. The camera outputs standard NTSC video through an RCA plug. (800) 335-9777
Suggested retail price: $160


Defensive Drive
Promise Technology, Inc. has introduced a PCI card for desktop PCs called the DriveDefender. According to the manufacturer, "The DriveDefender continuously protects data against drive failures without slowing system performance every time a user saves". The DriveDefender protects the data of any system drive by pairing it with a second low-cost UDMA or EIDE drive and simultaneously sends identical data to both drives. The DriveDefender will keep the system running by using the good drive, eliminating down time or loosing data. (800) 888-0245 ext.244
Suggested retail price: $99


Un-Wired
AKG Acoustics has released the WMS 60, a new VHF wireless microphone system. According to AKG, the new system incorporates a modern propriety diversity design that offers seven selectable frequency sets. The receiver operates in a sub-band up to 4MHz wide between the 138MHz and 250MHz VHF frequency band and features balanced and unbalanced switchable outputs for both line and mike levels. The system can use a D880 handheld microphone transmitter or a C417 body pack lavalier mike transmitter. (615) 360-0499
Suggested retail price: With D880 handheld microphone $580; with C417 lavalier microphone $654


More Power
NRG Research has a solution for powering the Canon XL-1 from an external DC power source with two new power adapter cables, the 2CD-01 (cigarette lighter plug) and the 2CD-04 (4-pin XLR). Each adapter replaces the standard XL-1 battery and connects to any 10 to 17 volt DC power source, allowing you to use battery packs, belts or even automotive cigarette lighter outlets. Using a high efficiency regulator, the adapter matches incoming power precisely to the camera's requirements, according to the manufacturer. (800) 753-0357
Suggested retail price: 2CD-01, $70; 2CD-04, $80


On Track
To help you get professional looking action shots with small camcorders, Classic Video Products has released the SteadyTRACKER F-10 camcorder stabilizer. According to the manufacturer, the handheld mount that will support camcorders up to 10 pounds, and allows users to walk or run over uneven terrain, or go up and down stairs without the camcorder shaking. The mount weights only 4 pounds, complete with counterweights. The SteadyTRACKER F-10 works with an optional 2, 3 or 4-inch LCD monitor. (949) 362-3741
Suggested retail price $650


A Little Light on the Subject
Frezzi Energy Systems has introduced a new on-camcorder light called the Full Spectrum MA-50 HMI. According to the manufacturer, the efficient 65-watt "Mini-Arc" light produces a light output equivalent to a 200-watt quartz light. Made of high strength machined aluminum, the light is color balanced to 5500 degrees Kelvin, providing a true daylight balanced light source. The Full Spectrum MA-50 operates from any 12, 13 or 14-volt battery and can be mounted on a camcorder, a light stand or held by hand. (973) 427-1160
Suggested retail price $1,595


Fast Effects
Videonics, Inc. has released the Effetto Pronto digital video effects and compositing system for the Macintosh ® platform. According to Videonics, the Effetto Pronto (which means "fast effects" in Italian) is made up of the "Effetto QuickTime-based compositing software and Pronto, a dedicated PCI effects processing engine". A desktop based hardware and software compositing tool, the Effecto Pronto offers real-time effects processing and unlimited layering capabilities. The titler gives users unlimited text overlap, free-form text positioning and point and click typing. (408) 866-8300
Suggested retail price: $4,995

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