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This guy hacked his DJI Mini 2’s LEDs to add remote control payload delivery

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Making things work in a way they’re not supposed to (or at least, a way they’re not designed to) is always fascinating to me. And this one is particularly ingenious. Payload delivery systems are widely available for drones, although they typically require separate radio transmission systems. That’s a pain on a tiny drone like the DJI Mini 2.

You wouldn’t think the Mini 2 could handle carrying much extra weight, but it’s thrust to weight ratio makes it pretty strong. Everett Bradford, realised that with a little modification and tinkering, he could take advantage of the Mini 2’s remotely controlled multicoloured LEDs to tie a payload delivery system directly into DJI’s own software natively. Sort of.

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New Sony wind tunnel teaser video shows Airpeak drone holds steady even in 44mph winds

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Sony’s been teasing us with their new Airpeak drone system for almost six months now. Initially announced in November, Airpeak is designed specifically as an aerial platform for creators. These aren’t the hobby drones we might be used to, as Sony demonstrated in January of this year with the first full view of the drone with a Sony mirrorless camera mounted below.

Now, they’ve released a new teaser video showing some of the testing that they’re putting the drone through. In this case, that means flying it in a wind tunnel and ramping up the breeze to see how well it handles. And, well, it’s mighty impressive, showing some pretty stable holding power even in 43.62mph (19.5m/s) winds.

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Three ideas for creative self-portraits at home

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The corona pandemic is also an enormous challenge for photographers. According to Google trends, for example, search queries for photographers in Germany dropped by about 50% during lockdowns compared to pre-corona times. In order not to get completely rusty, portrait photographers need some creativity to stay active. The solution for me was to sharpen my skills with self-portraits. In the following, I would like to show you three different setups to start with.

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Leaked photos show DJI working on a pro video camera with built-in gimbal

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Normally I don’t pay much attention from leaks from OsitaLV because he seems to be wrong at least as much as he’s right. But this one is too interesting to ignore. In a recent tweet, OsitaLV showed off what he claims to be “The future of OSMO”, with a series of images that appear to be a more professional looking DJI video camera.

It’s a very interesting and definitely unique design that has a built-in gimbal. Which is a smart move, when you think about it. Why stabilise the whole system if you only really need to stabilise the lens and sensor? There are no specs or details about the system yet, and I suspect it might have issues with longer lenses, but it’s a very intriguing concept.

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Gitzo’s new Ball Head Series 4 can handle a payload of up to 30kg

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Sometimes, you need to stick a big heavy load on your tripod. Perhaps you’re out shooting sports or wildlife with that big 500mm f/4 lens, or maybe you just want to be really sure that it can handle pretty much anything you might ever want to throw on it. Well, Gitzo has responded to this need with their new Ball Head Series 4, capable of handling payloads up to a whopping 30kg.

Designed primarily to work with Gitzo’s Systematic Series 3, 4 and 5 tripods, and despite its hefty load capacity, Gitzo’s new heavy-duty ball head weighs in at just 0.9kg and takes a standard Arca Swiss compatible tripod plate. It offers friction control for precise movement and operates in extreme conditions as low as -30°C or as high as 70°C.

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Camera comparison: Can the overpriced Sony a1 beat the Canon R5?

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The Sony a1 checks about every single box I could possibly want in a camera. In this video, we compare the Sony a1 camera vs the Canon R5. Does Sony leave the Canon R5 in the dust? And what about price? Is the Sony a1 Worth It? Or would you choose the Canon R5? Who would pay this much and why? Let us know if you would choose one of these and why?

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Nikon to release firmware update for the entire Z line: Improved AF, Eye AF, face detection, and more

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Other than pretty neat deals, there is more news in Nikon’s mirrorless department. The company releases firmware updates for its entire line of mirrorless cameras. In other words, certain features will be improved in the Nikon Z50, Z 5, Z 6, Z 6 II, Z 7, and Z 7 II.

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Volcano For The People is a short film with stunning views of Iceland’s erupting Fagradalsfjall volcano

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Iceland’s Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted on March 19th following a flurry of earthquakes that split the ground open. But unlike most volcanoes, this one has provided something of a viewing platform due to the surrounding geography. Filmmaker Donal Boyd lives in Iceland and along with fellow filmmaker Frank Nieuwenhuis, he created the short film above – Volcano For the People.

It’s an absolutely fascinating look at a very unique volcano that allows people to get much closer to it (safely) than just any other eruption in living memory. It’s such a unique event that it’s attracted thousands of people per day since it first erupted who want to come and see it for themselves with their own eyes. And those people became the focus of Boyd’s film.

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Sony launches the ultra-wide 14mm f/1.8 G Master lens

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Sony has now officially announced its hotly anticipated ultra-wide, large aperture 14mm f/1.8 G Master lens. This compact little lump of plastic, glass and electronics weighs a mere 460g and measures only 83mm x 99.8mm. Sony says it “sets the standard for 14mm primes, by delivering extraordinary corner-to-corner resolution”.

They also boast its autofocus capabilities and a compact design “that has never before been realized in this focal length”. Sony does like to be dramatic, huh? Well, it seems they may have a right to in this case. On paper, the Sony 14mm f/1.8 GM is an impressive looking lens.

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Save up to $800 with these Nikon Z 5, Z 6 and Z 7 deals

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If you’ve been thinking about switching to mirrorless, switching to Nikon, or both – now may be the right time. There is a bunch of deals on Nikon Z models, including Z 5, Z 6, Z 7, and even the newer Z 7 II. You can have a discount on body only or a kit containing a lens, a bag, a memory card, and other accessories. And, you can save up to $800 depending on which camera and kit you choose.

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