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Review: Lensbaby OMNI Color Expansion Pack for the OMNI Filter System

23 Dec

The post Review: Lensbaby OMNI Color Expansion Pack for the OMNI Filter System appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Anabel DFlux.

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What’s the best way to stand out from the crowd and exhibit some eye-catching colors? By applying some colored gels to a Lensbaby Omni effects system, of course!

Home to some of the most unique lenses in the world (fondly called “art” lenses), Lensbaby pride themselves on developing equipment that gives you a slew of unusual in-camera effects. Their newest mind-boggling contraption, the Lensbaby OMNI Filter System, now has an expansion pack for the color enthusiast in us all.

Review: Lensbaby OMNI Color Expansion Pack for the OMNI Filter System

What is the Lensbaby Omni Filter System?

If you’re an out-of-the-box photographer who hasn’t heard of the OMNI yet, you’re missing out.

In simple terms, the Omni Creative Filter System is a metal ring that holds various effect wands in front of the glass to produce an effect. And it works by using the power of magnets. These effect wands come in the form of crystals, panels, and other doohickeys that opens a world of possibilities when used.

The awesome thing about this product is that you can sort-of ‘make a Lensbaby’ out of any existing lens that you own.

As you can imagine, there is a lot of room for growth with this system. This is where the brand new Color Expansion Kit comes into play.

What does the Color Expansion Pack add to the mix?

lensbaby-omni-color-expansion-pack

The main original OMNI kit only includes three Effect Wands, a long arm to hold the Effect Wand, a short arm to hold the Effect Wand, two magnetic mounts (each mount holds up to two Effect Wands), and a small carrying case to tie it all together. While this is absolutely awesome, and the effect wands are great, they have the downside of, well… not having color. They are all clear wands.

So how does one fill the gap if they have a bit of an inclination towards color and rainbows?

Boom – the Color Expansion Kit.

Color quickly seeps into your work via two multicolored crystals, a rainbow diffraction film, and a variety of luminescent and textured films and gels (that are held up conveniently by the Effect Wands).

The gels and films come in a variety of colors, and depending upon your positioning of them can be very vibrant and intense or just provide a subtle light leak.

Practical, real-life use

Review: Lensbaby OMNI Color Expansion Pack for the OMNI Filter System

Much like the main OMNI system, this expansion pack is self-explanatory and quite easy to use.

There is a large-ringed, donut-shaped disc that holds the magnetic arms that, in turn, hold the effects wands. This disc, depending on your lens filter thread, can either be screwed on directly or use a step-down/step-up ring to attach to your lenses’ glass element.

The filters and microgels are just thin strips that slide into the same effects holder as the diffraction film. This holder is solid and sturdy and ensures that your films don’t slide around. The wind picking up could not cause these to budge!

Shallow depths of field tend to work very nicely with this particular expansion pack, and the filters turn into a part of the bokeh and spread across the frame rather than showcase their rectangular shape.

The wider the focal length you use, the more room you have to play with each of the new components. For example, the crystals work better with 35mm frames than, say, 85mm, as the effect becomes more prominent.

This filter set works best in bright, good lighting as opposed to low light as the filters do darken the frame quite a bit.

Review: Lensbaby OMNI Color Expansion Pack for the OMNI Filter System

Pros

  • A myriad of possible effects.
  • Great color range.
  • Easy to use and simple to learn.
  • Comes with a carrying case.

Cons

  • The individual pieces are small and easy to lose? I’m grasping at straws here for a con. This expansion pack is marvelous.

Final thoughts

Review: Lensbaby OMNI Color Expansion Pack for the OMNI Filter System

The Lensbaby OMNI gets your creative juices flowing, pushes you to try new things, and adds a brand new spark of life to your images. Offer your subjects something different! The addition of color only expands your horizons further.

Can you achieve the same with a do-it-yourself method? Probably. But there is so much room for error or frustration there, versus a system that is already tried and true! I love playing with this system, and I have no doubt whoever nabs it next will too.

They also have a Crystal Expansion Pack, and you can read a review about them here, along with the main filter system.

Have you used any of the Lensbaby OMNI filter systems? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

The post Review: Lensbaby OMNI Color Expansion Pack for the OMNI Filter System appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Anabel DFlux.


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Atomos Ninja V shipping at the end of the month, with new AtomX expansion modules

15 Sep

The Atomos Ninja V external video recorder and monitor will be ready to ship at the end of this month. Announced in April this year, the 5.2in Ninja V is designed to provide a smaller option for those using more compact video cameras while still offering many of the features of the larger 7-inch models.

The recorder can handle 4K 60p footage in 10-bit 4:2:2 over HDMI from the collection of recent cameras capable of producing it – such as the new Nikon Z7/Z6 and Canon EOS R mirrorless bodies as well as Fujifilm’s X-T3 and the existing Panasonic Lumix GH5 and GH5s.

The recorder now comes with options for expansion modules to extend its feature-set. These modules are called AtomX, and the first will be the AtomX Ethernet/NDI that allows the cameras to stream broadcast quality footage and to network with multi-camera set-ups and for the Ninja V to receive NDI data from a range of sources.

The AtomX modules will cost ‘less than $ 199’, while the Ninja V itself costs $ 695

A second module, the Atomx Sync wirelessly handles and generates timecode to synchronise recordings from multiple devices. The AtomX modules will cost ‘less than $ 199’, while the Ninja V itself costs $ 695. For more information see the Atomos website.

Press release:

Atomos Ninja V ready to ship, innovative new AtomX Sync and AtomX Ethernet/NDI modules announced

Atomos is delighted to announce that the highly anticipated Ninja V 4k HDR monitor/recorder is in mass production and on schedule to reach stores before the end of the month – fulfilling our commitment to deliver in Q3. The all new 5″ 4kp60 HDR monitor recorder has unrivalled features in a sleek, compact and extremely light form factor that is perfect for mirrorless cameras, DSLRs and gaming consoles.

The 10-bit mirrorless revolution
The timing of shipment coincides with the launch of several new mirrorless cameras with 4k 10-bit HDMI output and Log gammas that partner perfectly with the Ninja V. The new Canon EOS R, Nikon Z6 and Z7 and Fujifilm X-T3 now join the Panasonic GH5 and GH5S in taking full advantage of the Ninja V 4k 10-bit 422 recording to Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHR. The results from the Ninja V and these cameras are extraordinary, with billions of shades of color for smooth gradients and better grading in all NLEs.

New AtomX modules under $ 199 – the most flexible ecosystem in Pro Video
Modularity is at the heart of the Ninja V with a bi-directional high-speed expansion port breaking out connectivity for I/O of video, audio and power. Atomos created AtomX to ensure users could adapt and connect to any legacy or future wireless or wired video standard. The expansion system offers endless scalability and is demonstrated by the first of many modules – the AtomX Ethernet/NDI® $ 199 and the AtomX Sync $ 149 announced today. These dock into the AtomX port and instantly add important features like NDI® over ethernet and Wireless Sync and Bluetooth control to the Ninja V.

Atomos are proud to expand their close partner program with Newtek for the NDI® module and Timecode Systems for Wireless and Bluetooth sync module.

The AtomX Ethernet/NDI module has a wired ethernet (1 GigE) connector that makes it possible to deliver live broadcast-grade video over IP networks. Newtek’s NDI technology harnesses this – allowing for simple installation and control of multi-camera networks, replacing traditional SDI cabling. The AtomX Ethernet/NDI module has NDI input and output with encode, decode, control and sync, allowing Ninja V users to transmit, distribute or receive and monitor NDI from any NDI source. Simply power on the Ninja V with AtomX Ethernet/NDI module installed, plug in your network cable, and your source will be automatically discovered on the NDI network ready for production.

The AtomX Sync module brings professional wireless timecode, genlock and Bluetooth control to Ninja V, perfect for enhancing DSLRs, mirrorless cameras or game recordings. You can sync and/or control literally thousands of Ninja V units equipped with AtomX Sync modules on the same network at ranges of up to 300m. Multi-cam shoots have never been so easy. AtomX modules bring broadcast level standards to any HDMI camera or source, making it easy to integrate large sensor consumer cameras easily into traditional live productions. AtomX Sync has a built-in battery extender that allows for continuous power when swapping batteries, ensuring uninterrupted operation of the Ninja V during a shoot.

Class leading technology partnerships
The beauty of licensing technology from Newtek and Timecode Systems is that all their products are fully compatible with the relevant AtomX modules – so large and small productions currently using NDI’s or Timecode Systems’ class leading products can effortlessly integrate Atomos devices. The simplest application with Newtek is integration with their famous TriCaster products. For Timecode systems the most basic use case is to sync a mirrorless camera to an appropriately equipped audio device for perfect automated sync sound – a huge benefit for anyone from vloggers through to Hollywood productions.

New AtomOS 10 for easier operation
To coincide with the Ninja V release Atomos have announced a major new update to the AtomOS operating system. AtomOS 10 has been redesigned from the ground up to offer simpler operation combined with fewer distractions when monitoring your shot. Operation is quick and intuitive, with extensive use of swipe commands. Redesigned icons have an emphasis on easier HDR production enhancing the creative process. The waveform monitor and audio level meters are clearer than ever. The result is the best monitoring experience available for your DSLR of mirrorless camera bar none.

The perfect small monitor
The near edge-to-edge high bright 5 inch screen has a stunning 1000nits of output coupled with an anti-reflection finish – allowing users to clearly see their images even in daylight. Use the color-accurate display with AtomHDR to see in High Dynamic Range, or load creative LUTs at the touch of a button. Ninja V gives you all the critical monitoring tools you need in SDR – Rec709 or HDR – HLG or PQ. False color, peaking, movable 1-1 and 2-1 pixel magnification, waveform, RGB parade, vectorscope, eight channel audio level meters and more are all available in AtomOS 10.

HDR perfection every time
The AtomHDR engine ensures simple and perfect exposures when shooting HDR every time. It delivers a stunning 10+ stops of dynamic range to the LCD in real time from Log/PQ/HLG camera signals. Playout Log as PQ or HLG to a larger HDR-compatible screen. The Ninja V display can be calibrated to maintain perfect color and brightness accuracy over time.

Why external recording makes sense
Camera manufacturers are already pushing their designs to the limits of computing, heat and power consumption, especially with the new, larger sensors. Despite these efforts, all DSLR and mirrorless cameras on the market are limited in what they can record internally.

This necessitates compromises – limiting the bit depth, codecs used and the data rates used for internal recording. Recognizing that users want better quality and maximum flexibility the camera makers work with Atomos to optimize external recording at higher bit depth and higher bitrates, offering HDR and Post Production quality earlier.

By moving recording to the Ninja V, DSLR and mirrorless cameras are freed of many of their key video limitations. Record time limits are lifted and easy-to-edit Apple ProRes or Avid DNx codecs recorded, instead of hard to edit H.264 or H.265.

Affordable, reliable AtomX Media.
When recording video with the Ninja V you can shoot to the new generation of Atomos AtomX SSDmini drives, as well as existing MasterCaddy 2 compatible media. These are developed with leading brands and offer high speed and high reliability in a compact metal chassis. Guard your video by recording to proven, economical SATA SSD media.

Atomos CEO Jeromy Young said, “The Ninja V is the best monitor/recorder we’ve ever made and I’m delighted to ship it to our loyal customers on time. The new AtomX modules bring amazing flexibility to the Ninja V, allowing us to seamlessly integrate new technologies faster than ever. This is made possible only by working closely with partners like Newtek and Timecode Systems. I’m looking forward to bringing cutting edge innovation through AtomX into the future.”

Come and see Ninja V and AtomX modules, plus all the other Atomos products on booth (11.D15 & 11.D25) at IBC2018.

Ninja V: http://www.atomos.com/ninjav
AtomX: http://www.atomos.com/AtomX

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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