Category Archives: Crowd Funding

Alice Camera and why the Future is Bright!

Alice Camera

The Alice Camera, launched to great success this month has to be the most hopeful product for the future of cameras that we have seen lately. It marries the Sony IMX294, a 10.7 megapixel 4/3 sensor with a custom chipset including the Edge TPU chip from Google for AI and an FPGA for calculations.  The result is a camera body with the same sensor as the GH5s which is a killer low light camera capable of excellent 4k footage and images with super low noise.

Then the camera back is attached to your Android or Apple smartphone to gain an interface and software to control it. The camera is capable of using the latest research for computational photography including HDR with multiple exposures merging, tracking, night mode, averaging of pixels, and as an open-source architecture, you can add features by other coders or your own to make the camera increase the feature set. → Continue Reading Full Post ←

SpaceX Rocket Launches Shot In Slow Motion!

Two brave filmmakers  Ryan Chylinski and MaryLiz Bender used autonomous remote high speed cameras powered by solar power, batteries & placed at SpaceX launchpads to show the stunning power and luminosity of these modern marvels or rocketry.  While you can see some vertical banding in the darkest shots “Probably lack of dark calibration before a long wait” there is no denying that the result is breathtaking. No word on which type cameras were used to shoot this material but we estimate it was at 1080p FHD and maybe a Chronos 1.4.

“We place autonomous ultra-high speed video cameras at the launchpads of SpaceX, NASA, and ULA. These are cameras we position well ahead of the liftoff, design to survive the elements and, since no humans can be anywhere near the rockets, trigger without any interaction. The results are stunning.” Project & Support Link Here!

The Kickstarter project which will deliver a film and an Augmented Reality AR Book if successful is already turning out to be stunning. You can support the project here and get yourself a copy in the process. They still have a ways to go to reach the 42K goal.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByHL4WQnc29/?utm_source=ig_embed

Chronos 1.4 First Day Test Footage !

Chronos 1.4

Today we received the Chronos 1.4 camera from krontec.ca and we had just about 2 hours of overcast sunlight to give it a test drive. We have big expectations for this affordable slow motion Kickstarter project camera and will be putting it through its paces soon enough.  We are sharing our first-day production camera test footage which you might find interesting.

We were able to adapt our Canon glass with the help of a C-Mount to EOS mount adapter and it really makes a difference in sharpness and glass quality compared to C-Mount lenses. Not to say that the kit lens is bad by any means but it is simply not to the standards of full frame legendary Canon glass.  It is a big plus to be able to adapt almost any lens to the Chronos which opens up a lot of experimentation possibilities.

Lenses we tried today are the following:

  • Canon EF 70-300 4-5.6 IS USM
  • Canon 400mm L 5.6 Prime Lens
  • Canon 100mm Macro USM
  • Computar 12.5-75mm F/1.2  C-Mount Kit – Lens

There are a lot of good things to say about the camera like the tough all metal case, an assortment of IO ports, flawless recording, touch screen operation and lens adaptability among others.  Our favorite feature so far is the ease of operation as recording on the field is simple and effective with in-out points to trim footage.  The Codec in MP4 is hefty and does well with mild color grading.

There are a few quirks that have to be ironed out in software which we will try to help solve, and we are essentially testing the first production units along with other Kickstarter Early Bird backers.  The camera can only improve from here and needless to say, it is quite good as first impressions go. See the footage below of our first day with the camera at 720p 1502fps.

Chronos 1.4 Production Footage Day 1:

You can get more information about the Chronos 1.4c camera at: http://www.krontech.ca/    – HSC

amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true";
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "hispeedcams-20";
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
amzn_assoc_region = "US";
amzn_assoc_title = "Must Haves For Chronos 1.4!";
amzn_assoc_linkid = "718c658c60b74e67b4bf170a738b5cd6";
amzn_assoc_asins = "B00AUKDUDE,B00VIVXL2E,B011AYCHSC,B000GBERAM";

WASP 100-C Kickstarter Light for Slowmo!

WASP 100-C Kickstarter Light

Hive lighting is just 8 days away from finishing their Kickstarter campaign for the WASP 100-C light. Their 35k USD goal was broken easily and now nearing $360k USD it seems they will have no trouble selling these lights like hotcakes.  However you can still get one of these lights which is ideal for slow motion recording because of their flicker free nature. High quality LED lights have no flicker due to their continuous power nature. Even at extreme frame rates of 20000+fps these lights should be able to stay flicker free for recording.

Hive does professional event and cinema lights and the WASP 100-C is no compromise on their quality. For $849 you can still get an early bird WASP 100-C single light kit which is effectively $200 USD off from the final retail price. That is if you back it before the campaign is due to close in 8 days.

WASP 100-C Kickstarter Light FEATURES:

  • 100-240 VAC input via power supply
  • 12 – 28 VDC  input via 4-Pin XLR
  • 98 CRI / 97 TLCI
  • Omni-Color LED (1650K – 8000K)
  • 360 degree Hue controls, 0-100% Saturation
  • 0 – 100% Dimming Control
  • Manual, DMX, Smartphone Control
  • 5 Lbs
  • 6″ Length x 4″ Diameter body
  • 5″ Reflector face

=&1=&

  • Wasp 100-C™ Head Unit with 22° Reflector
  • Wasp 100-C™ Power Supply 100-240 VAC
  • HDP Lenses: Spot, Medium, Wide, and Super Wide
  • 5 inch 4-Leaf Barn Doors

WASP 100-C Campaign Video:

Here is a list of the WASP 100-C options:

The lights can work with most systems of diffusers and attachments thanks to their modular and adaptable nature. So if you have a Bowens compatible diffuser you can still use it no problem.  Therefore you can attach virtually any Softbox, snoot, umbrella, Octobox, dish, reflector or grill.

The WASP 100-C is also battery friendly with a designed battery attachment for on the go functionality.

Where and how to get it:

You can go and back the campaign at their Kickstarter page here to still get an early bird unit. 8 days remaining!

Kits start at $849 for early bird units. Delivery should start in March 2017 for most units.

Thanks to David Kronstein at the Chronos 1.4 Camera Project for alerting us to this professional light project!

Chronos 1.4 Few Days Left and More Info!

The Chronos 1.4 high speed camera Kickstarter campaign has just a few days to go towards the final stretch.  The extreme success of the campaign now nearing $500k Canadian Dollars or $370k USD is due to several factors including a compelling product, price point and good social media promotion.

There are just over 5 days to go before you can back this campaign. The 180 backers of the project are eager to get the camera scheduled to be delivered early next year by March or May depending on the pledge time.  The early bird backer production is one week early according to David Kronstein the creator. PCB boards were sent for production last Sunday!

There was also a podcast from Woodshed Agency recorded with David Kronstein that we highly recommend you listen to below:

Chronos 1.4 Inverview Podcast with David Kronstein by Woodshed Agency:

https://www.woodshed.agency/successfully-funded/episode-52-chronos-14-high-speed-camera

Beta users of the camera have also been busy shooting cool footage with it see the new examples below “BTW-Don’t Try This At Home”:

ShockWave Explosion at 4000fps with the Chronos 1.4 by Experimentboy:

Crushing water marbles and thinking putty with hydraulic press by Hydraulic Press Channel:

Ring of Fire XL and some other gas torch stupidity by Beyond the press:

Will it Mow? VHS Tape by Will it Mow / David Kronstein?

Last Notes:

There you have it, the Chronos 1.4 is a fun and capable camera to use and one that will not break the bank. We expect to have one early in 2017 so a full review will follow.  Congratulations to David Kronstein and his team for the Kickstarter campaign success, leveraging connections, social media and good engineering has paid off.  We expect great things in the future from David including other cameras now that the genie has been left out of the bottle.

To back and get yourself a Chronos 1.4 High speed camera of your own visit the Kickstarter Project Site:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1714585446/chronos-14-high-speed-camera/description

Disclaimer: We do not promote the purchase or backing of any Kickstarter or similar campaign directly. We at HSC only analyze and present the information available on diverse high speed cameras. The decision to back a project or purchase a camera is entirely your own and not the direc or indirect responsibility of HSC!

Barnacle Action Camera 2.0 with Slowmo!

Barnacle Action Camera 2.0

The Barnacle Action Camera 2.0 is a Kickstarter project from Canberra Australia, that aims to democratize good quality action cameras for every one.  They have just 14 days left in their funding goal with just under 1/3rd of the required pledge total.  This is an unconventional camera that aims to go toe to toe with the best action cameras out there.

The shape and tiny size is different with everything controlled from Apple or Android devices besides a basic power and record buttons on the top of the camera.  It however aims at the professional market with features that are usually twice the cost on other brands. It is a decent camera for very little money in the end.

Barnacle Action Camera 2.0 Main Features:
  • 4K (Ultra High Definition): 3840×2160 30fps
  • 2.5K (Quad High Definition): 2560×1440 60/30 fps
  • Full HD: 1920*1080 120/60/30 fps
  • HD 720P: 1280*720 240 fps
  • Photo: 12 Mega Pixels
  • Modes: Video, Photo, Time Lapse
  • Battery: 1200mA/H – 2 Hours Recording HD
  • Lens: 166 FOV, F2.8
  • Storage: 64gb microSD card File tyoe: JPEG, MOV, MPEG4
  • Kickstarter Price $183 USD
  • Ships Worldwide!

As you can see the Barnacle 2.0 is no slouch when it comes to video recording specs. In fact it matches the GoPro Hero 5 Black and Sony’s Latest Action cams. Slow motion features are excellent for a camera this size with 60p 2.5k, 120p at Full HD 1080 and 240fps at 720p.  However there are no samples we could point to that show these modes in recording. 4k is however prominently displayed and offers similar quality to the GoPro Hero 5 including the distortion from the 166 degree field of view which is close to that camera’s 150 degrees. It is according to the campaign using nearly the same electronics as their competitors but without the high price tag.

Barnacle Action Camera 2.0 Campaign Video:

More Features:

  • Lightweight – 60 grams
  • Tough – strong enough it can be run over by a car
  • Waterproof – now to 5m without a housing
  • Tech Friendly – apps available for both Apple and Android
  • Low Profile – more discreet and won’t get in your way
  • Adaptable – using different mounts you can use it anywhere
  • Safety – Due to its small size and compact design, the Barnacle is much safer than current Action Cameras and less likely to hurt you when you’re using it, or if you fall on it or with it
  • Compact – smaller form factor than a credit card
  • Advanced Material – a durable outer coating on the case, we achieve a super strong and durable action camera
  • Pocket Friendly – perfect for everyday carry
  • Australian – designed + tested + assembled

The Kickstarter project says that it is aiming to be the most durable action camera ever and besides being waterproof to 5 meters or 16.4ft  without a housing and dust-proof it also has a cool magnetic mount included if you pledge in one  of their packages.

We cannot really tell or give our opinion about the slow motion quality but it will probably be close to what the GoPro Hero 5 is able to deliver since they are using similar components.

For more information and to help their project reach their goal visit their Kickstarter project site:
Barnacle Action Camera 2.0 Kickstarter Campaign Page!

 

Disclaimer: Kickstarter campaigns aim to reach funding from a large number of backers. Some campaigns are not able to deliver on their promises so make your own due diligence before pledging. HSC is not directly recommending the purchase of any camera; we only inform of the options out there to make your choice easier.