Reviews

The Mars Gaming MSD-PRO is a control deck with 10 LCD keys, a touch display and four rotary dials. We tried it out for live streaming as well as video editing.

‹›1 / 6

It takes up just 137 × 124 mm of desk space, so it fits next to the keyboard or under the monitor. The tilting base holds the deck at a comfortable angle and the rubber underside keeps it from sliding.

‹›2 / 6

Ten LCD keys show your own icons, static or animated GIFs. One press launches an app, switches an OBS scene, mutes the microphone or plays a sound effect.

‹›3 / 6

The four dials turn a full 360° and can also be pressed to switch their function. The touch display above shows the current value, such as volume or microphone gain.

‹›4 / 6

It is not just for gamers. The Windows and macOS software lets you set up profiles for editing, graphics or office work, and smart scenes switch automatically to match the app you are using.

‹›5 / 6

The base houses a USB hub with 2× USB 3.0 and 1× USB-C for a microphone, camera or drive. The ports are for data only and cannot charge devices. The deck connects to the computer with a USB-C cable (1.5 m), and a USB-A adapter is included.

‹›6 / 6

Who is it for? Streamers, video creators and anyone who wants their most-used shortcuts at their fingertips. The deck weighs 387 g and is powered straight from USB.

Verdict

The MSD-PRO combines keys, rotary dials and a USB hub in one compact device.

• Pros: 10 LCD keys with custom icons, 4 push dials, hub in the base, Windows and macOS
• Cons: the hub ports do not charge

The MSD-PRO is available in black and white.

Recently, Panasonic introduced the new LUMIX S1R II full frame digital mirrorless camera, which features a 44.3 MPx BSI CMOS sensor. This hybrid camera allows you to capture impressive images and shoot high quality videos. We got to test this new camera for a few days, so let's take a closer look at it.

The body of the LUMIX S1R II is ergonomically designed with a comfortable grip and it feels very good in the hands, where it doesn't slip in any way. The dust and moisture seal ensures safe use even in challenging conditions. The layout of the controls is new and provides the possibility of customization. However, the menu can be a bit confusing for new Panasonic camera users.

A new feature is a display that can be tilted and rotated in all directions, an ideal combination that suits both photographers and videographers. In addition to the display, you can use the OLED viewfinder, which offers images in detail and beautiful colors thanks to its 5.76 million dot resolution. In addition to the SD card slot, the S1R II also features a CFexpress B card slot.

Photo

In addition to the standard 44 megapixel photos, the LUMIX S1R II can take up to 177 megapixel images in High Res mode. The big advantage is that you don't need a tripod to do this and can take a handheld photo. But expect that in High Res mode, a RAW photo will take up around 190MB (JPG around 90MB) of space and the camera will take around 10 seconds to shoot. The high amount of detail is complemented by a high dynamic range of up to 14 stops (even for video), which allows you to pull exposure from darker images without losing detail and colour. At the same time, high ISO (adjustable from 80 to 51,200) is then not such a problem.

A new feature is the hybrid autofocus, which, with the help of advanced AI, can recognize and focus on, for example, people's faces, eyes, animals or even cars. A minor drawback is that it takes a few clicks to change the focus subject. The LUMIX S1R II lets you shoot up to 40 frames per second, which will be appreciated by sports or animal photographers, for example, where every second can be crucial to capturing the right moment.

Video

The S1R II is the first LUMIX to support not only 4K 120 fps, but also 8K video at 30 fps. With 10-bit recording and the ability to record 5.8K Apple ProRes RAW HQ / ProRes RAW internally, this is a great option for more advanced filmmakers who want to record high quality video. Stabilization is traditionally top notch on the Lumix. The S1R II offers up to 8 feet of 5-axis stabilization to help make your footage beautifully smooth and fluid.

Another great feature of this hybrid camera is the ability to record directly to the SSD and in Open Gate mode. There are also advanced video features such as waveform, false color, VLog, vectorscope and shutter angle. The body is equipped with active cooling, but under very high load (8K, CF B card charging) it may stop working after half an hour of continuous shooting. Another problem you may encounter with video (or silent shutter shooting) is the annoying rolling shutter, as the sensor is not stacked.

Conclusion

From our own experience, we can subscribe to the opinion that the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II is a great choice if you're looking for a hybrid body suitable for taking quality photos and video.

In particular, it excels in high quality, both still images and video, good dynamic range, great stabilization, excellent AI focusing, lots of advanced features for video recording. Last but not least, it fits well in the hand (even for people with small hands).

Weak spots include a visible rolling shutter on the silent shutter and a not very clear menu, including selecting the focus subject on the autofocus. In our opinion, however, this is a small tax to pay for the great outputs and options this new camera provides the user.

You can see an illustrative video of our testing on our Instagram.

Whether you're a beginner or advanced, these tripods under 450 €! will keep you happy for years!

Today we'll take a look at the TOP 5 Tripods under 450 €!

SmallRig CT180

We'll start right off with tripod from SmallRig, and specifically the CT180 model, which is precisely designed for shooting videos, live broadcasts, vlogging and other low-maintenance but also demanding events, especially outdoors.

So whether you're a beginner or a pro, this tripod will definitely suit you for several reasons.

The tripod has a compact and portable miniature liquid head that features solid damping to ensure smooth movement and beautiful shots, even though it is the cheapest tripod in our ranking.

You can tilt it from +90° to -55° and rotate it 360°.

This tripod has a removable non-slip lever and an Arca-type quick release plate for quick switching between handheld and tripod shooting, which can be useful for videographers at events where quick reactions are needed, for example.

What's both an advantage and a nice surprise with this tripod is that there's a built-in wrench attached to the head with a magnet, so you don't have to stress if you don't have your backpack with you at the time.

The tripod makes a strong impression on me, even though it's small. It's made of aluminum alloy, is compact, portable, and has great stability and load capacity. The head can hold up to 3 Kg and the whole tripod up to 15 Kg. You can attach any accessories you need to the top screw, including smartphones, mirrorless cameras and sports cameras, with three quarter-threaded holes in the leg joints allowing you to attach more devices and accessories, which will definitely come in handy. This tripod also has a weight holder underneath, so you don't have to worry about tipping over on unstable surfaces.

Another advantage over the other pieces we'll be featuring today is that a smartphone mount is also included, which is great for live streaming, vlogging, or shooting tick-tock. What's also great is that you can even turn this tripod into a monopod on one leg, which in turn can come in handy for things like weddings where you don't have time to fold up the tripod and carry it around with you.With the tripod you also get a black carry bag that is small, stylish, durable and even suitable for outdoor use. This bag is made from IPX4 waterproof fabric. So whether you're just starting out, or already working on bigger projects; this tripod will definitely not disappoint you and still give you some extra value unlike the other tripods we're about to show you.

You can buy it HERE.

SmallRig Heavy-Duty Fluid Head AD-01.

The next tripod is a bit more expensive; it is the SmallRig Heavy-Duty Fluid Head AD-01.

When you look at it, it's a classic tripod with rubberized feet and a fluid head. It is made of aluminium and has plastic elements. It has a new generation of head design and an updated quick release plate, also with a built-in wrench that allows for quick camera placement, which can come in handy for videographers at weddings, for example, who need to quickly switch from tripod to hand and move around in the field.

There are built-in screw holes in the head plate to mount lots of extra accessories.

You can rotate the tripod through 360° and vertical movement of +90° to -75°, and it has a weight capacity of up to 8 kg.

The three-eighths hole in the base of the head supports most tripods, arms, slides and other accessories with these screws.

It has a built-in bubble level and works with a 75mm bowl base for leveling. It has a three-piece extension to meet a variety of indoor and outdoor height requirements and a user-friendly quick-release lock. A beautiful and durable carrying case protects the tripod and makes it easy to carry to wherever you need to shoot. For me, this is the coolest tripod out there in the under 450 € category and I'd say the most durable, so if you're heading somewhere where height and durability play a part, I'd definitely recommend this tripod.

You can buy it HERE.

Manfrotto Befree Live

Even one of the highest quality brands on the market fits comfortably within the 450 € mark, and that's the Befree Live from Manfrotto, which is the most compact set of travel video tripods, designed for amateur videographers and vloggers who want maximum functionality even on the go.

Its compact size makes it easy to carry with you everywhere, while meeting the growing demand from content creators for a lightweight, ergonomic and travel-friendly tripod that is easy to carry. It will come in handy if you plan to record videos using DSLRs, compact system cameras or small camcorders.

When you notice it looks very similar to the first SmallRig CT180 tripod, and one of the biggest differences is that this one is much higher quality.

Why? Because Manfrotto has a factory in Northern Italy where they cold press and bend their tripods in a controlled manner. It's not pressing plastic on top of each other like in China, where they push the material through a mould when it's hot and this leads to scratches and micro bubbles with the result that after a year or two they start to warp. Especially with Manfrott you have service that will fix everything, but back to the tripod. It keeps the cameras perfectly stable on all types of terrain, including the most challenging, where these tripods from Manfrott are also tested, and always keeps the camera ready; this comes in handy for all videographers, whether you're a beginner or not.

This model features the new M-lock locking system, a new rotary lock developed by Manfrotto that will satisfy anyone looking for a quick, easy to use and compact solution.

What's more, the M-lock has no protruding parts and its mechanism closes perfectly around the head, so the Befree Live's center post slides effortlessly in and out of the storage pocket. Its ergonomic leg angle dial is designed to be used by both right and left-handed users, allowing anyone to intuitively change the angle and find the right tripod height.

The Befree Live tripod can be easily adjusted to three independent leg angle positions, ensuring complete versatility when shooting outdoors. the "spider" that this innovative model features also offers an Easy Link function, just like the Manfrotto 190 and 055 professional tripods, which allows videographers to increase their creativity by adding any accessory from lights to displays. But the small size of the Befree Live tripod doesn't mean compromising on strength or image quality. This solution guarantees very smooth movements thanks to the Befree Live Fluid Head, which features a smooth tension system when panning and tilting and keeps the camera in perfect balance thanks to a sliding video plate.

This lightweight travel video tripod is the optimal combination of portability, quality and ease of setup and operation. It weighs 1.6 Kg and can carry up to 4 Kg.

It feels like it is designed with one goal in mind - to allow individuals to express their naturalness through the camera with the confidence of having the support of a professional solution.

You can buy it HERE.

Libec TH-X.

Next we have the Libec TH-X tripod .

This is also Libec's new lightest tripod.

It's around 3.1 kg and has a load capacity of up to 4 kg with a height of 75.5 cm to 159 cm, which is suitable for videographers, shooting video with an SLR or for shooting and photographing documentaries, nature, social events, news sessions and other such events where you can take advantage of its light weight and simplicity. The tripod is fitted with a 65mm hemispherical head as well as a quick-release slide plate with a three-eighths thread. Also included is a padded carrying bag in which it won't get hurt.

It's the manufacturer's entry-level model and replaces the popular TH-650HD tripod; while offering sturdier legs that can be useful for heavier, more professional cameras. The quick-release slide plate is compatible with Sachtler and Manfrotto heads; but unfortunately not with LIBEC ALLEX, RS, or other Libec heads.

The head is fitted with a pair of rosettes for attaching handles or arms and other accessories, for example. Optionally, the tripod can also be equipped with the Libec DL-2RB wheeled base for movement on flat surfaces. I can recommend it if you are looking for a light and simple tripod for the set and for home use.

You can buy it HERE.

Manfrotto 500 Fluid Video Head Flat Base with 190X.

The latest tripod I have here is the Manfrotto500 Fluid Video Head Flat Base with 190X.

Here we have a professional camera tripod that offers incredible stability and smooth camera movement. The easy and smooth adjustment of the camera position ensures that videos will always be smooth and free of any unwanted vibrations; just like all Manfrotto tripods.

The tripod is made of aluminum and we talked a little bit about how Manfrotto makes their tripods a little while ago. The camera head is equipped with a mechanism that makes it quick and easy to adjust the camera to the correct angle, both horizontally and vertically.

The Manfrotto 500 Fluid Video Head Flat Base with 190X has a solid and stable base that allows for smooth 360-degree camera movement and height adjustment up to 173 cm. The head has a preset counterweight of 2.4kg at 55mm, but can support up to 5kg.

This tripod also has a three-eighths Easy Link connector for connecting an external monitor or other accessories you may need at the time.

The one-piece, 3-section, aluminum 190X tripod features a leveling post for quick and easy setup, easily expandable, adjustable feet, and Quick Power Lock levers, QPL for short, that quickly lock or unlock each foot section whenever you want to change positions. One of the biggest advantages of this tripod is its compact size and easy portability. The tripod is easy to pack up and carry, making it ideal for filmmakers and videographers who move from location to location frequently.

The only thing is, there's nothing to pack it in, as you get it as one of these five without a bag. I see the Manfrotto 500 Fluid Video Head Flat Base with 190X as the best choice for professional filmmakers and videographers looking for a quality camera tripod with high stability and smoothness.

Its easy operation, fast and smooth setup and durability are the main factors that make this tripod ideal for demanding professionals who are looking for the best performance and quality for their videos but want to stick in the Low-Budget section.

You can buy it HERE.

REVIEW OF POLARPRO FILTERS QuartzLine FX BLUEMORPHIC, GOLDMORPHIC, MIST AND SIGNATURE VND 2/5 Peter McKinnon

Every videographer and photographer will know what we're talking about when we say we're going to look at four FX lens filters in this video.

If you're a beginner and don't know what these are, today we're going to make it all clear. Let's get the products right up front. We've got four PolarPro filters and three of them are from the QuartzLine collection, the fourth filter is from the Peter Mckinnon collection. Every lens is different, so you can choose filters with different sized threads to fit your lenses.

We're going to start with the entire QuartzLine collection and specifically the PolarPro Quartzline FX BLUEMORPHIC. When we look at the box, we are greeted by a nice design that is also sturdy and won't let anything happen to the filter. At the same time, we have written on it what kind of filter it is and what thread size it has. Out of the box, we see the Defender360 filter case, which provides complete protection from the weather, giving a pretty solid impression. Underneath the filter case we find instructions on how to handle the filter and a silk cloth for cleaning. The filter has a brass frame, which also indicates the type of filter and which lens it is for; as does the case. On the glass of this filter we can see the blue stripes that create the desired effect. The glass is also protected by 16 layers of anti-scratch and anti-grease coating and a hydrophobic coating. And what will you use this filter for? The QuartzLine FX BlueMorphic filter is a lens filter that can bring a professional anamorphic blue highlight to your scene. All without having to use special stylized film lenses. The filter features blue streaks on the glass that just mimic the anamorphic effects of streak lights. These effects allow you to create streaks on bright light sources or reflections in a scene. With this filter, you can easily achieve a professional look to your anamorphic images without expensive equipment.

We continue with the QuartzLine FX collection, but this time with GOLDMORHPIC. The box, case and contents are the same for all filters, except for the model or collection description. Out of the case, we have the same filter in our hands only with different stripes, and compared to the previous one with blue stripes, this one is with gold, so with this filter we achieve a golden anamorphic effect of the lights. These two filters can be useful, for example, for scenes in clubs or for shots where you want to achieve an interesting effect of lights.

QuartzLine FX MIST. In the box we find a filter case, instructions and a cleaning cloth. Out of the case we have the filter, but unlike the previous ones it doesn't have a rotating body. Therefore, when you mount it on the lens, you won't have anything to rotate it with because it's not needed. The PolarPro Mist Filter from the QuartzLine series is used to create a slight haze or blur effect on the image. This filter can help reduce light hardness and remove sharp edges, creating a soft and pleasing look to your images. It can be used for portraits, landscapes and other types of photos or videos where a certain aesthetic effect is sought. The PolarPro Mist Filter from the QuartzLine series features high quality optical glass and resistance to scratches and other external influences, allowing professional use in all types of production environments.

The last filter we'll introduce is the Peter Mckinnon variable ND with 2-5 stops of power. The box, case and contents remain the same, except in this collection and in Peter Mckinnon you get an extra card with a link to an app that tells you when and how is the best time to shoot. The PolarPro 77mm Signature Variable ND 2/5 - Edition II is a variable ND filter that is used to control the amount of light that hits your camera or camera sensor. This allows you to maintain proper exposure and depth of field even in high light situations such as beaches, snowscapes, skies or when shooting with a very open aperture. This filter is equipped with a mechanism that allows you to easily and infinitely control the amount of light that passes through the filter. As a result, it can be used for different scenes and situations with different light intensities. In addition, the PolarPro 77mm Signature VND 2/5 - Edition II filter provides excellent image quality with minimal distortion and lack of color correction. This filter is often used for landscapes, portraits, architecture and other types of photography or video where the amount of light needs to be controlled without changing the exposure parameters. In conclusion, perhaps the only thing we can evaluate is that we have tried more lens filters, but we have never seen one this well made in this price range.

You can buy the PolarPro Quartzline FX BlueMorphic HERE.

For the PolarPro Quartzline FX GoldMorphic, buy it HERE.

For the PolarPro Quartzline FX Mist Filter, buy it HERE.

For the PolarPro filter from the Peter Mckinnon collection and the Variable ND model with a range of 2-5 feet buy HERE.

Could you use an extra display for your phone, tablet or computer?

We've got one for you, and we have to say that it can handle a lot of music for how small it is.

Today we're taking a look at the Feelworld DH101 10.1-inch portable touchscreen.

What do we find in the package? When you unpack the box, you'll find plenty of protective materials to keep the display safe. The display is wrapped, with a manual underneath, USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to USB-C, and HDMI to mini-HDMI cables. You can use this touch and thin display for work, but also as a monitor for tablets and mobile phones. The portable display supports many laptop brands such as Apple, Huawei, Honor, Xiaomi, Asus, Dell, HP, as well as Microsoft. It can also connect to mobile phones and tablets from Huawei, Honor, Samsung, Razer, LG, Oppo, Asus, HTC and Smartisan. It also works on a plug and play basis, so it doesn't run on a charger, but takes power from the device it's connected to.

How does it work? After you unpack the display and set it up using the integrated 90-degree bracket; select the cable that matches your device and plug it into the display's input one or two. The display should turn on and transmit the screen within 10 seconds. And what do we find on the display?

The display features an IPS panel with a 1280x800 pixel resolution, 900:1 contrast ratio, 160° viewing angles and 280 candela per m2 brightness, as well as a Mini-HDMI input and a pair of USB-C ports. There's also a 3.5mm headphone jack and USB-C Type 3 for connecting video sources, power, mouse or keyboard. There's an off/on button, control arrows and a menu button.

To simplify things, you can also customize the display, meaning you can set the colors, brightness, contrast, sharpness, placement, and size yourself or leave it to the machine. Your user experience is then enhanced by the integrated adjustable stand and built-in speakers. And it all weighs in at just 650g. The DH101 also supports touch control via USB-C cable on compatible phones, tablets and laptops.

For us, it's a great product that we can use in both our work and personal lives. The fact that the price ranges from 3 800 CZK adds a plus to this product. You can buy it HERE.