Review: Hollyland LARK 150 Wireless Clip-On Microphone System

Overview : Add a pair of compact, clip-on wireless microphones for your two-person interview, talk show, documentary production, or vlog with the LARK 150 Wireless Dual Microphone System from Hollyland. The LARK 150 system features two ultracompact microphone transmitters and a receiver that offer a portable, cost-effective, all-inclusive solution for recording two subjects at once to your audio recorder, camera, camcorder, or mobile device.

The LARK 150 system is automatically paired, charged, and stored in the included charging case that charges all three units using its USB input port. The transmitters are small and lightweight at less than 1oz, and they clip onto a lapel or shirt and feature a built-in omnidirectional microphone. They both feature a two-way mute button, built-in clip, and a 3.5mm headphone monitoring output. The receiver features volume buttons, a 3.5mm headphone monitoring output, a 3.5mm line output, and a display that shows the connection and battery status of all three units.

The transmitters feature an anti-vibration design with intelligent noise cancellation and smart frequency selection using FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) technology for a crisp, clear signal. You can transmit a strong signal with less than 5ms latency at up to 328' away from the receiver. The system also supports switchable safety, stereo, and mono modes for different configurations.

Features :

• Anti-vibration sound chamber design
• DSP (Digital Signal Processor) intelligent noise cancellation
• Built-in high-sensibility omnidirectional silicon microphone on the transmitter
• Less than 5ms latency at 328' distance
• Power-On Smart Frequency selection feature
• Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) method
• Small and light transmitters weigh less than 1oz
• Charging case that supports fast auto-pairing, upgrade, and storage for the whole system
• Mono/Stereo/Safety switchable output modes
• Two-way mute buttons on transmitters
• Real-time audio monitoring with 3.5mm headphone output on transmitters and receiver
• 3.5mm line output on receiver

Review: XTAR VN2 4-In-1 Intelligent Visible Camera Battery Charger

Overview : VN2 has a design of removable charger head and plates. Simply by replacing charger plates, it becomes compatible with many camera batteries. VN2 currently has four replaceable plates (to be purchased separately) and allows charging four types of camera batteries: Canon LP-E6/E6N/E6NH, Canon LP-E17, Canon LP-E8 and Sony NP-FW50.

Features :

• A smart 4-in-1 LCD display charger
• Removable charging plates for 4 battery types:
• Canon LP-E6/E6N/E6NH
• Canon LP-E17
• Canon LP-E8
• Sony NP-FW50
• 2-bay charger, 2x0.5A, 1x 1A
• Digital display shows real charging status
• USB Type-C port, with maximum input 5V 2.1A
• Automatically cut-off after fully charged
• 0V activation function revives your camera battery
• Multi-protection for over-charge, over-discharge, over-temperature and soft start
• Compact size, easy to carry out.

Press Release: Hollyland LARK 150 - Clip-On Wireless Microphone System

SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 3, 2020 -- Hollyland Technology has been doing pretty well with their series of budget wireless video transmission and wireless intercom systems. But with their alleged purpose to better serve the filmmaking industry, they are stepping into the professional audio world with their very first wireless microphone system - LARK 150. At this point, some may have doubt since Hollyland has got their expertise in wireless video transmitters, and moving towards the audio industry is a big step. Does Hollyland have the talent and ability to create what the customers need? The answer is, of course, YES.

Hollyland has been long involved in the audio industry with their wireless video transmission and wireless intercom systems. All their wireless video transmitters transmit both video and audio, while wireless intercoms are all about audio. So, it is actually not so surprising to see them coming up with a wireless microphone system.

Now, let's take a closer look at this newly released ultra-compact clip-on wireless microphone.

The LARK 150 is the first 2.4GHz digital wireless microphone system in the Hollyland microphone product line. It's equipped with highly-sensitive omnidirectional microphones for the best audio performance. The DSP method ensures a noise-free audio transmission by filtering low-frequency environmental noises. It reduces post-stage noise cancellation processing and improves the efficiency of content output. The tiny and super-light transmitter is well designed so it can easily be clipped-on to your collar or used with the included lavalier microphone, basically anywhere you'd like to attach it to. The charging case provides portability and convenience to this microphone system. Besides that, it charges the whole system about 2.5 times in addition to the 4.5 hour battery life on the transmitter and 7.5 hour life on the receiver. It auto pairs the transmitters and the receiver, serves as the storage box and the platform to upgrade the whole system. It has 100m transmission, two-way mute, safety track audio mode, real-time audio monitoring, and so many more user-friendly features make the system a perfect wireless microphone solution for different types of content creation.

Review: Meike MK-EFTR-A Lens Mount Adapter

Overview : This Meike Lens Mount Adapter allows a Canon EF/EF-S-mount lens to be used on a Canon RF-mount mirrorless camera. Electronic communication between an attached camera and lens is supported, enabling autofocus as well as auto exposure features. If an attached lens is capable of generating Exif metadata, this adapter is designed to transfer that information so that it can be saved with image files generated by a compatible lens and Canon-RF mount camera. Constructed with aluminum alloy, this adapter is durable while remaining lightweight.

Features :

• Allows a Canon EF or EF-S-mount lens to be used on a Canon RF-mount camera
• Supports electronic communication to enable autofocus as well as auto exposure features
• Can transfer EXIF data from lens to camera, saving aperture, speed, and time of capture information to image or video files
• Aluminum alloy mounting ring provides a lightweight and durable camera-to-lens connection

Kickstarter: X-Tra Camera Battery Re-Invented

 **UPDATE** - THIS IS A SCAM!!! SORRY. WE'VE ALL BEEN DUPED :(. 

A new product has popped up on Kickstarter that will probably benefit many photographers. One of the many concerns is battery life especially with the new Canon R5 and this new product, X-tra, may compliment it perfectly.

For many photographers, power is a major struggle. If you're shooting video or working in live-view, a battery charge never seems to last, so you're stuck carrying 3 or 4 batteries in your kit. X-tra battery is here to solve that problem and simplify your kit with one revolutionary accessory.

Think it’s hard to get excited about a battery? For most gear heads, power solutions and batteries have generally been the least sexy accessories there are, until now. The X-tra battery solves multiple photography headaches and even offers some solutions you didn't know you needed but soon won't be able to live without.

For starters, in terms of power capacity, the X-tra holds 3,700 mAh, which is two times the charge of Canon’s LP-E6. Previously the only option for a double capacity battery was to use two separate batteries within a battery grip, so lots of photographers will potentially be able to eliminate an additional piece of bulky equipment. The X-tra is a full-size camera battery, similar in size to the battery found in the Canon 1DX. The physical profile of the X-tra extends just beyond the bottom of the battery compartment on compatible camera models, providing a solid grip for larger hands and a comfortable, extra secure feel.

The X-tra was designed with that common issue in mind and features a charge level indicator to help avoid dead battery headaches. Unlike other batteries that you have to load in the camera to test, the X-tra will show you just how much juice you have left quickly and easily. With the press and hold of a button, you’ll be able to see just how much charge the X-tra still has with up to four illuminated indicators, saving you time and irritation.

For the times when you need to have your camera in constant operation beyond the life of a single battery, no matter how big its capacity, you can plug the X-tra into another source of external power via USB-C connection. Planning on shooting a 12-hour time-lapse? The X-tra has you covered with direct charging, no battery swaps necessary. Whether you plug into a wall outlet, a car charger, or another larger battery, you have the flexibility to keep shooting for long periods of time.

Another cool feature is the option to plug peripheral gear and accessories into the X-tra battery even while it’s in use by your camera. Using a cold-shoe LED light that requires an external power source? Plug it into the X-tra via the USB-C port and you’ll be able to power both your camera and light simultaneously. This will be a great space saver for photographers and videographers alike. Whether you’re using a powered gimbal, a microphone, or other peripheral gear, you’ll be able to provide power seamlessly as you work.

The X-tra comes with a special fast-charging case which serves two purposes. First, it allows you to charge your X-tra battery surprisingly quickly via USB-C. Second, the X-tra battery can be used as a power bank for any device when mounted in the charging case, so you can even recharge your phone on the fly.

The X-tra is currently compatible with the following cameras by Canon, Sony, and Blackmagic with planned Nikon availability coming soon:

- Canon: eos R, eos R5, eos R6, 5D IV, 5D III, 5D II, 5Ds R, 5Ds, 6D, 6D II, 7D, 7D II, 90D, 80D, 70D, 60D

- Sony: α7 III, α7R III, α7R IV, α7S III, α6600

- Nikon: z6, z6 II, z7, z7II, Z50, D500, D600, D610, D750, D780, D7000, D7100, D7200, D7500, D800, D800E, D810, D810A, D850, P520, P530, V1

- Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K/6K

Review: Hollyland MARS 400S Pro HDMI/SDI Wireless Video Transmitter

Overview : Add up to 1080p60 wireless video transmission to your gimbal, mirrorless, or DSLR camera rig using the lightweight Mars 400S PRO SDI/HDMI Wireless Video Transmission System from Hollyland. The transmitter provides HDMI and SDI inputs and the receiver offers SDI and HDMI outputs. It features extremely low 0.08s latency with line-of-sight transmission up to 400' to the receiver and up to 300' to the Hollyview Wi-Fi app. For a strong line-of-sight signal, the system includes two external antennas on the transmitter and two on the receiver, and one is included as a spare.

The 400S PRO transmitter and receiver are compact in size, feature a bright OLED display for configuration, and an integrated shoe adapter with a 1/4"-20 mounting thread for different mounting options. Each unit can be powered using a USB Type-C source, the included locking DC power adapter, or by using a separately available L-series type battery using the integrated battery plate.

Features :

• Transmits up to 1080p60 SDI or HDMI video
• 400' line-of-sight transmission to receiver, 300' to App
• Bright OLED display
• Real-time app monitoring and live streaming via the HollyView app
• Simultaneously transmit to one receiver and two apps, or to four apps
• HDMI and SDI inputs on transmitter and HDMI and SDI outputs on receiver
• Two antennas on transmitter and two antennas on receiver
• Power via L-series battery, DC adapter, or USB Type-C input
• Integrated shoe adapter with 1/4"-20 mounting thread
• Install optional channel scan firmware via the HollyView app to find the strongest signal

>