NZ Represented at World’s Biggest Video Tech Conference

NZ Represented at World’s Biggest Video Tech Conference – Blackmagic, 8k, External Recorders Big Winners

The NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) conference, held annually in Las Vegas, is the world’s biggest video technology event. There, industry leaders and up-and-comers showcase the breakthrough tech of both now and the future.

The team at New Zealand-owned gear supplier Rubber Monkey flew over to get the scoop on the gadgets that are coming to our shores. Rubber Monkey’s General Manager, Laurence Alexander, explained how this year there was some impressive progress in existing tech, including small-form 4K cameras:

“The new Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K created a lot of buzz. It boasts a really impressive feature set for the price. Its 4/3 size sensor, dual native isos, and 13 stops of dynamic range make it a new contender for best in low-light performance. It also records in RAW format. RAW is another example of a technology that we believe will become standard for all filmmakers, as it progressively becomes easier to work with. With all this for under $2,000NZD the camera is a real game-changer, and our pre-orders are already cracking along in New Zealand.”

The Blackmagic camera joins the likes of popular small-form Sonys and Panasonics, such as the A7S and GH5 series’ respectively. Laurence has noticed first-hand their significance nowadays: “Small-form cameras are carving a huge chunk out of the professional, independent, and hobbyist markets, as an alternative to traditionally larger and more expensive camcorders. People are achieving incredible results using them, and the barrier to entry has dramatically lowered – especially with the development of external recorders.”

The industry leaders in external recorders – Australian-based Atomos – also showcased their Ninja V. It records uncompressed 10bit 4K in Prores, and its 5 inch display is capable of 1000 nits brightness. “Lots of filmmakers will find the Ninja V to be a great companion for their cameras.” Laurence said. “Weighing only 320 grams, it can easily be attached to any camera to produce even more stunning images.” Rubber Monkey is currently taking pre-orders for $1,169.

Traditional camcorders do still have an important role to play though, thanks to their more robust feature sets. One example of their dominance is in 8K, and NAB proved that’s certainly where broadcasting is heading. “We saw 8K continue to rise as the end-game in video resolution” Laurence said. “Many vendors had massive screens displaying 8K, and it looked amazing. It’s now targeting large screen presentations, like theaters. Also, Japanese broadcaster NHK will be transmitting the 2020 Olympics in it, which really is a sign of things to come.”

Other key products at NAB this year included: the Sony FS5 MkII camcorder, Aputure AL-MX & AL-F7 lights, the Zoom F1 audio recorder, Syrp Genie II & Magic Carpet Pro rigs, and Teradek Bolt XT & LT and Blackmagic ATEM 4K transmitters.

Rubber Monkey are New Zealand’s camera gear experts, for both professionals and hobbyists. They have branches in Wellington and Auckland, and can deliver their more than 15,000 listed products nationwide. For more information, please visit www.rubbermonkey.co.nz or call 0800 4 MONKEY. You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

ENDS

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