B&H Photo News Roundup: Week of March 17, 2024

0Share
B&H Photo News Roundup: Week of March 17, 2024

Videographers will get a kick out of this week’s announcements because we have an interesting variety of products. The biggest reveal is the Mevo Core from Logitech. It is an advanced streaming camera that takes a big leap over previous releases from the brand by joining the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem with an active mount and a larger Four Thirds sensor. Teradek has upgraded its encoder/decoders with the Prism Flex Mk II. And, Zhiyun has the new X60 series joining its compact MOLUS LED lineup.

Logitech Mevo Core brings the streaming system into the MFT world

Mevo, as a company, came about with the goal of making high-quality streaming simple, including multi-camera operations. Nearly anyone could pick up a few Mevo cameras and, with the help of an app, be up and running with a surprisingly powerful and easy-to-use platform. Now, with the Mevo Core, Logitech is taking that concept of simple streaming and blending it with a broadcast-quality imaging system.

The Mevo Core is, at its simplest, a 4K-capable Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera optimized for streaming. Once you consider Mevo’s ecosystem and app it becomes so much more. These “box” cameras aren’t unique today, but they often require a practiced hand to make the most of them. Mevo made the Core for users looking to make live production easy for everyone, while keeping the quality of professional camera systems.

Capable of up to 4K 30p recording or 1080p30 streaming, the Mevo Core is boasting serious image quality specs. The ability to select any MFT lens and create a distinct look for your setup is also a great benefit normally not afforded to compact streaming cameras. Via the app you can control many of these settings, including tapping to focus and setting the zoom of select lenses. There is also an advanced three-mic array that will automatically tweak the sound to get the best recording possible.

The Mevo app can make it incredibly easy to set up and control a multicam stream using the Core and other Mevo cameras.
The Mevo app can make it incredibly easy to set up and control a multicam stream using the Core and other Mevo cameras.

More advanced users can even benefit from the Mevo Core because it has an HDMI output, as well as built-in NDI and SRT integration. It can be used with other Mevo cameras via the app to create a Multicam environment without needing the knowledge or technology of a professional live production company. The built-in battery and Wi-Fi 6E allow the camera to operate completely wirelessly, if that’s what you need.

The Mevo Core is a very interesting new product. Broadcast-quality streaming for everyone is the pitch and, by the specs and our review, it certainly seems to deliver. There’s a whole lot more to this camera so I would highly recommend heading to our product page to learn all about it.

Teradek shows off updated Prism Flex Mk II encoder and decoder

Teradek aimed for great value with the Prism Flex. It is a low-latency, 4K HDR encoder or decoder that has a low-SWaP form factor, and it does the job very well. The brand gave the model a few new tricks with the Prism Flex Mk II. The main changes come to the design with new front panel controls and improved cooling.

Teradek Prism Flex Mk II HEVC/AVC Encoder

There are other changes, as well. An intercom option will work with Teradek’s Core Cloud and other Prism devices. An optional decode license will be made available to encode and decode concurrently. It can also record the live feed and then send it to a serious of camera-to-cloud systems.

Connect to the Prism app on your smartphone and you can unlock all the Prism Flex Mk II’s settings. There is even an option to use the phone’s network to boost your stream. This upgrade is a handy one for anyone looking for a pro-level encoder for their live productions.

Zhiyun’s MOLUS LED lighting line grows with compact X60 series

We have been surprised by Zhiyun’s MOLUS line and now we are getting one more addition, with the MOLUS X60 LED Lights. The series aims to be compact yet powerful, and to accomplish this, Zhiyun has created some distinct designs that show off the internals of the light—transparent tech is making a comeback.

The X60 will be available as either a bi-color or full RGB fixture. It weighs less than 1 lb and fits in the palm of your hand—fitting for its use either handheld or on a standard light mount. It can be controlled using on-camera dials or via the ZY Vega app. The light is designed to operate for extended periods and has a fan on the back. This active cooling ensures extended run times.

Having another small light option is nice and Zhiyun is building this system out with the ZY Mount. This supports a long list of small modifiers and there is an adapter for using full-size Bowens-mount accessories.

In other news…

A final note for this week is about the upcoming total solar eclipse, on April 8. B&H has partnered with Atlas Obscura for the Ecliptic Festival—located in Hot Springs, AR—and is inviting you to come have a good time. You’ll be able to see the eclipse in totality at this event and learn from experts on how to observe and photograph the eclipse. Plus, it is a killer festival with tons of great musical guests.

Hoping to see you there, and to see you back here next week!

0 Comments